Embrace the festivities of Thailand's famed Songkran Festival, a celebration of the Lunar New Year with parties and parades from Phuket to Bangkok. Unlike other lunar-solar festivals around the world, Thailand's national New Year's holiday is fixed from the 13th to the 15th of April every year. It's the perfect time to soak in Thailand's jovial atmosphere alongside a literal soaking thanks to Songkran's epic water fights. With spectacular street food, temple visits and raucous aquatics, the Songkran Festival in Phuket is among the nation's highlights. You can stay in the heart of the action along Patong Beach, where the M Social Phuket offers an exceptional base for Thai New Year 2024.
What is Songkran?
While the modern Songkran Festival is renowned for its water-fuelled fun, the national holiday has its roots in Buddhist traditions. The name is taken from Sanskrit to mean "astrological passage" and was the country's principal New Year's celebration until 1888. While the Gregorian calendar has since taken over as Thailand's official new year on January 1st, Songkran remains an important cultural celebration with Buddhist rites of purity.
The morning begins with merit-making (essential acts of goodness). There are then special events to follow each day. On day one, the young will pour water into the hands of their elders in a ritual called Rod Nam Dam Hua. On day two, families visit their local temple to offer food to monks for Wan Nao, and on day three they pour water over Buddha statues to wash away sins for Wan Payawan. While each of these rituals is important for Buddhists in Thailand, they also influence the wider water-splashing festivals that sprawl out into the streets.
Experience Songkran in Phuket
Phuket's rich Buddhist temples and bustling beaches provide the perfect base to experience Songkran's modern and traditional celebrations. From the towering Ming Mongkol Buddha to the Reclining Buddha of Sri Sunthorn Temple, Phuket's vibrant temples are home to some astonishing architecture to host Songkran activities.
Prep for a soaking with water splashing across Phuket. Both Bangla Road and Patong Beach are a stone's throw from M Social Phuket, and both provide some of the most exciting settings for water fights and a post-soak drink. With beaches lined with festival-friendly bars and plenty of stalls to grab a bite and a water gun, there's little wonder these two spots are among the most popular areas to celebrate. Things are more traditional along Phuket's Old Town, where the Phuket Water Festival starts small before spreading west towards Patong to become a larger, splash-tastic event.
Survival tips for Songkran
Songkran comes with a golden rule that you should expect to be splashed. While the vibe is convivial, with even police officers getting joyfully sprayed, it pays to prepare with waterproof wear. You may be able to remain dry by avoiding the bustling hot spots, but surprise splashings can occur at any time. Wear inexpensive clothes that you don't mind getting wet, like simple shorts and T-shirts. While it's tempting to dress like you're lounging by the pool, you should remain covered in respect of local Thai customs. If you’re visiting a temple, in particular, swimwear and skin is a no-go.
As this is a national holiday, don't plan any great road trips as traffic can get jammed across major towns. It's best to just go with the flow and enjoy the festival in all its watery glory. However, with temperatures hovering above 30°C (86°F), you should also prepare for the weather with waterproof sun cream and breezy clothes. You should also keep a waterproof money necklace or bag to ensure your valuables remain secure throughout the day. As carrying a passport with you is a legal requirement, you may consider taking a photocopy to keep the original safe and dry at your hotel.
Culinary delights at Songkran
Any visit to this country comes with the tasty benefit of traditional Thai cuisine. During Songkran, gastronomic treats are made all the more special at buffets, restaurants and sizzling street food stalls. In Phuket, it's all about the seafood. From crab-fried rice to red curry with king prawns, this is the perfect time to dine on fresh catch. Other classics like Pad Thai, satays and rich kaeng tai pla curries can be found at restaurants across Phuket. For something sweeter, mango sticky rice is an absolute treat as this is the peak of the ripe mango harvest season.
For M Social bookings, guests benefit from two delightful restaurants and a special inclusive breakfast. The area is further surrounded by trendy bars and homely restaurants, so you're never far from a good meal and friendly company.
Book a thrilling stay at M Social Phuket
Home to chic interiors and close to bustling Bangla Street, M Social Phuket is perfect for Songkran stays. With several pool bars and restaurants serving up delightful tiki cocktails and meals, its vibrant design complements the genial traditions of Songkran. The M Social Phuket has a forward-thinking, functional style, home to in-room voice-controlled tech for a comfortable stay in paradise.
Book the early-bird special this April for a sizzling Songkran stay complete with breakfast and a discount of up to 25% off. Secure your room at least 7 days in advance to enjoy these bonus perks, or discover other offers at M Social Phuket. Book now to ensure a front-row stay in the heart of Phuket's beach-bound Patong.
