Skip to main content

Necessary Songkran Preparations Checklist Before Dive-In 🤿💦🔫

Songkran is a celebration loaded with energy, fun and ancient traditions. While playful water battles, music festivals and street parties dominate the festival’s international reputation, it’s important to be respectful of Thai customs and mindful of safety.

In this guide we list out everything you need to prepare for enjoyable Songkran festival. We also cover some of the customs and etiquette you should be aware of.

Essential items to pack​

  1. Water gun: the first layer of self-defense in the Land of Smiles during New Year
  2. Hawaiian / Songkran shirt: if you wear anything else but a colourful floral shirt, you will just stand out and make yourself an easy target!
  1. Light clothing: Thin shortpants or swim shorts would be the best choice for bottom half. Songkran shirt (with bikini top for the ladies) is definitely the best choice for the top half, as it covers shoulders (and sunburn) and is culturally appropriate even outside of the main tourist hotspots.
  2. Sunglasses with UV lenses or clear goggles: Plenty of water will targeted towards your eyes, either mistakenly or intentionally. If you wear sunglasses, make sure they have UV protection! Cheap clear plastic goggles are available in many streetshops selling Songkran gear, and these are another highly recommended option!
  1. Sunscreen: It's easy to lose time when you're having fun! Apply and re-apply sunscreen in frequent intervals, that is the way to go!
  2. Flip flops: Wear water proof footwear! Anything else will get utterly spoiled!
  3. Waterproof bag: Keep your phone, cash, spare debit card, keycards and other very carefully selected valuables in a safe plastic pouch. These are also available at most streetshops during Songkran for a very affordable price.
Children on their way to water battles

What not to pack​

  1. Shoes: As pointed out in the previous point, just don't wear shoes
  2. Expensive clothes or accessories: You will get wet, you will get soaked, you may have powder all over your clothes, and you will feel a bit dirty
  3. Wallet or valuable items: Other than the very essentials listed in previous section, do not bring anything that you cannot afford to lose! Water battle zones can get utterly crowded and there are a million ways to lose your belongings in conditions like these

What is the best type of water gun?​

This is a very serious question that deserves a careful consideration! Let's break down the common types of water weapons you can encounter during Songkran.

Fire hose​

If you are a firefighter, you may consider bringing your fire truck. This will give you a huge strategic leverage over less heavily armed water soldiers roaming the streets during the festival.

Firetruck spraying water on crowds during Songkran

Water blaster​

Heavyweight water fighters carry very sophisticated water blasters. These weapons are large in size, can hold a ton of water and sends fiery spray into the most distant crowds!

Image of modern water blaster water gun

Super soaker​

The Kalashnikov of water weapons, these are the most common types of water guns sold across the country! They are nimble and agile, holds a good amount of water and are very well suited for mid to close-range combat!

Image of super soaker water gun

Water pistol​

The most suitable water gun type for all the secret service agents out there. Very nimble and quick to operate, but only suitable for very short distance combat, and needs constant refilling.

Image of water pistol water gun

Water balloon​

The granade of water wars. Water balloons leave a big mess when targeted appropriately begind enemy lines. Not suitable for targeted attacks.

Image of water balloons

Water sprayer​

Quite common tactical water weapon. Very good for confusing the enemy with thick water mist. In the event of confusion, can be quickly calibrated to an accurate targeted spray to take out an enemy!

Survival tips​

Especially the water fights can get very intense! Here's a few tips to help you not only survive, but to thrive in these wet and wild conditions!

  1. Protect your eyes: Wear sunglasses or clear goggles to protect your eyes from the water
  2. Close your mouth: Don't drink the water shot from water guns, at best it's not appropriately filtered, at worst it's from a canal
  3. Don't shoot water on moving vehicles: Let's not risk it, roads in Thailand are dangerous enough as it is
  4. Ziplock valuable belongings: Keep your valuables in a ziplock bag and close to your body
  5. Be mindful of cultural boundaries: Just remember common sense and you'll be fine!
Lady getting soaked at the back of a truck in Songkran water festival

Songkran etiquette & the do's and don'ts​

Dress code​

  • ✅ DO: Wear comfortable & appropriate clothing: Lightweight shirts and shorts are great and keep modesty in mind.
  • ✅ DO: Respect temple dress codes: If you plan to visit temples during Songkran, remember to cover your shoulders and knees.
  • ❌ DONT: Wear revealing outfits in public: Although it's hot in April, overly revealing clothing can be considered disrespectful, especially near temples and family-oriented events.

Water gun etiquette​

  • ✅ DO: Splash responsibly: Aim water at people’s bodies (not directly at faces), and ask for permission or at least gauge if someone is willing to participate.
  • ✅ DO: Use clean water: Traditionally, people use clean water or gently scented water in the rituals to symbolize purification.
  • ❌ DONT: Use dirty
  • ❌ DONT: Throw water at the unwilling

Safety considerations​

  • ✅ DO: Protect electronics: Keep phones, cameras, and other devices in waterproof pouches or dry bags. If you’re out in major splash zones, be prepared to get soaked.
  • ✅ DO: Drive carefully: Roads can get congested, and water-splashing can happen spontaneously, posing additional risks. If you plan to ride a motorbike, wear a helmet and move slowly.
  • ✅ DO: Stay hydrated and use sunscreen: April is one of Thailand’s hottest months, so take breaks, drink water, and apply sunscreen regularly to avoid heat exhaustion.
  • ❌ DONT: Ignore designated zones: In some areas, water-throwing is more controlled. Keep to these zones whenever possible to reduce accidents and misunderstandings.
  • ❌ DONT: Bring no worries!

Stay safe, seriously!​

Thailand does have a bad reputation when it comes to road safety, and Songkran is the most dangerous time of the year to be on the road in Thailand!

There are many who drive under the influence of alcohol, and many more who drive recklessly. What you can do is to prefer using public transportation and be always cautious on the road, especially on crossings. We advise not to use motorbike taxis during Songkran.