I had no idea what Songkran was when I arrived in Thailand. Not a clue. So when I stepped outside and was instantly hit by two kids with giant water guns, my first reaction was complete utter outrage. Who does that?!
Looking back, the signs were everywhere—Songkran flags strung across Bangkok (which I admired sleepily after my night train), people stuffing their phones into waterproof bags (which I definitely should have questioned), and vague mentions of a “water festival” while planning my trip (which I completely brushed off). Rookie mistakes, all of them.
Before long, I was drenched, armed with my own water gun, and chasing down strangers through the streets. And just like that, I had unknowingly joined Songkran—Thailand’s biggest, craziest, and most joyful festival.
Here is what I learned, what I wish I had done differently, and my tips on surviving the world’s biggest water fight:
1.RESISTANCE IS FUTILE
You can try to stay dry, but unless you lock yourself indoors for three days, you will get wet. Within minutes, some grinning kid (or grandma, backpacker, or guy in a tuk-tuk) will absolutely drench you. I started out dodging water, aiming to stay dry, but quickly realized it was useless. The second I stopped resisting; I had way more fun.
If you can’t beat ‘em, drench ‘em.
2. CHOOSE YOUR WEAPON OF CHOICE CAREFULY
Some people roll up to Songkran prepared—armed with gigantic, high-pressure water blasters that could probably power-wash a car. I, on the other hand, bought the cheapest one and had to keep refilling my puny water gun every five minutes, ducking behind people like I was in some low-budget action movie. Rookie mistake. If I could do it again, I wouldn’t necessarily go and buy the biggest one, but I definitely would aim for something slightly bigger.
3. CHOOSE YOUR FRIENDS (AND ENEMIES) WISELY
Songkran is great for making new friends. It’s also incredible for making enemies — and trust me, both happen at lightning speed.
Case in point: I was just minding my own business, dodging water shots left and right, when someone took it upon themselves to spray this massive, muscly, tatted-up guy. I stood, watching to see how this would unfold when the person who’d made the initial attack immediately pointed at me. Before I could protest, he was already glaring at me. At that point, I figured if I was going to get blamed, I might as well commit—so I fired a quick shot at him and sprinted away before revenge could strike.
The next thing I knew, my friend had somehow befriended him, and suddenly, this former enemy had become our greatest water-warrior ally—chasing down anyone who dared point a water gun in our direction. Moral of the story? Choose your alliances wisely.
4. PROTECT YOUR STUFF (OR WATCH IT DIE)
Waterproof everything. Your phone, your wallet, your dignity—whatever you don’t want destroyed.
Plastic zip-lock bags work, but a proper waterproof pouch is better. There are stores everywhere selling anything you could need but I suggest buying them ahead of time to save money.
5. DON’T JUST STICK TO ONE SPOT – EXPLORE!
Bangkok is wild during Songkran, but different areas have different vibes. Khao San Road? Absolute chaos. Silom? Just as crazy, but with more locals. Wherever you go, expect loud music, buckets of water, and dancing in the streets. It’s part festival, part war zone.
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Songkran is pure, unfiltered joy. Once you let go of any resistance and let yourself have fun, you’ll feel like a kid again. And honestly? There’s nothing better. So, if you find yourself in Thailand during Songkran, don’t fight it. Grab a water gun, make some questionable alliances, and dive headfirst into the most fun, chaotic, and ridiculous three days of your life.
