Songkran, the Thai New Year, is celebrated from April 13th to 15th, marking the start of the new solar year. It's a time when Thailand officially enters its summer season, making it the perfect occasion for water fights and festive gatherings.
Things to Do
1. Join the Water Fight on Khao San Road
- Khao San Road is a bustling hub during Songkran, filled with revelers armed with water guns and cocktails, creating a lively street party atmosphere.
2. Make a Splash at Silom Road
- Silom Road transforms into a massive water fighting zone during Songkran, offering day-until-night parties, street food, and plenty of places to shop for water weapons.
3. Enjoy Siam Square
- Visit Siam Square for a more chilled and family-friendly experience with stages, cultural activities, and music in front of Central World.
4. Watch Traditional Performances at Sanam Luang
- Experience cultural Songkran festivities at Sanam Luang, where traditional performances, ceremonies, and the revered Buddha statue are showcased.
5. Visit Sacred Temples
- Explore the traditional side of Songkran by visiting sacred temples like Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Pho, Wat Saket, and Wat Suthat to witness cultural practices and make merit.
Places to Celebrate in Bangkok
- Silom Road: Known for its vibrant water fights and lively parties, Silom Road is a must-visit during Songkran.
- Khao San Road: A backpacker hotspot offering a wild and noisy water fight mixed with a party atmosphere.
- Phra Pradaeng: Experience traditional and cultural activities like sand pagoda building competitions and floral float parades.
Based on the detailed information provided in the search results, here are specific hotel recommendations and cafes/restaurants for you to consider during Songkran in Bangkok:
Hotel Recommendations:
1. Silom Road Area: Luxury Hotels:
- Crowne Plaza Bangkok Lumpini Park
- Banyan Tree Bangkok
- SO/ Bangkok
Mid-Range Hotels:
- ibis Styles Bangkok Silom
- Red Planet Bangkok Surawong
- The Quarter Silom by UHG
Budget Hostels/Guesthouses:
- Songwad Hostel & Cafe
- Baan Song Wat
2. Siam Area:
- Luxury Hotels:
- Centara Grand At Centralworld
- Renaissance Bangkok Ratchaprasong Hotel
- Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok
- Mid-Range Hotels:
- Holiday Inn Express Bangkok Siam
- Novotel Bangkok on Siam Square
- ibis Bangkok Siam
- Budget Hostels/Guesthouses:
- Siam Nitra Boutique Hotel
- Patumwan House
- Aphrodite Inn Bangkok
Restaurants:
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Palsaik at Siam Center:
- Known for delightful Korean BBQ, offering premium-quality pork with eight unique flavors. Location: Siam Center, 2nd floor.
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RAPL at Siam Center:
- Famous for hearty cream custard apple pies with 144 layers of puffs and heavenly cream stuffing. Location: M floor, Siam Center.
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Tonkotsu Kazan Ramen at OneSiam:
- Offers renowned pork-broth ramen from Osaka with al dente noodles and flavorful broth. Location: OneSiam.
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Fire Tiger by Seoulcial Club at Siam Center:
A popular bubble tea parlor serving bubble milk tea topped with burnt creamy foam. Location: M Floor, Siam Center. -
NEXT2 Café at Shangri-La Bangkok:
- Known for its 'Songkran Seafood Night Buffet' and 'Songkran Surf & Turf Night Buffet' during the festival. Location: Shangri-La Bangkok.
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Spice Market at Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel:
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Offers a special dining experience during Songkran with traditional Thai dishes.
Cafes:
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Baan ThaTien:
- A cozy cafe with a high rating and a variety of reviews.
- Location: 2 Tha Suphan Alley, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok.
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Home Cafe Tha Tian:
- A well-rated cafe offering a pleasant dining experience.
- Location: 10 Tha Tian Aly, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok.
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The Never Ending Summer:
- A popular cafe known for its ambiance and good reviews.
- Location: 41/5 Charoen Nakhon Rd, Khlong San, Bangkok.
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Kin & Koff Café:
- Highly rated cafe with a focus on quality and service.
- Location: 284, 286 Maharaj - Tha Tien, Pranakorn, Bangkok.
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The Bangkok Cafe Restaurant:
- A well-reviewed restaurant offering a diverse menu.
- Location: 1147 1149 Charoen Nakorn 15/1, Klong Ton Sai, Klongsan, Bangkok.
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Feung Nakorn Kitchen Restaurant:
- A restaurant with positive reviews and a cozy atmosphere.
- Location: Feung Nakorn Balcony hotel 1st floor, Wat Rajaborphit, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok.
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Baan ThaTien:
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Offers a special dining experience during Songkran with traditional Thai dishes.