One of the most outstanding festivals of Thailand is undeniably the Songkran Festival, celebrated mid summer. This Thai traditional New Year Festival showcases beautiful Thai culture and enjoyable activities to beat the summer's heat.

The word "Songkran" derives from Sanskrit language, meaning to pass or to move. The 13th of April or "Maha Songkran Day" is the time when the Sun moves past twelve zodiacs, which takes one year. The Songkran Festival emphasizes on beautiful Thai culture and family value. People usually celebrate the festival by making merit, giving food to monks in the morning, releasing birds or turtles, laying sand stupas in the temples, bathing Buddha images, attending a sermon in a temple, and blessing ashes of deceased family members with perfume. Songkran is also the time for family reunion. Family members have a chance to stay together and show their gratitude towards the elders. The young calls upon the elders and pour water over their hands asking for blessing in a tradition so-called 'Rod Nam Dam Hau '. The highlight of the festival is the fun-filled water splashing activities for everyone to enjoy. If you visit Thailand during the Songkran Festival, be prepared to get soaked.

Songkran Festival is celebrated nationwide and varies slightly in each region. The Songkran festival in the North takes about 1 week, starting from around April 12 to 17. The most famous is the festival in Chiang Mai. In the Northeast, one of the highlights is the bathing of Luang Phor Pra Sai, the sacred Buddha image, in Nong Khai. In the East, the festival is locally called 'Wan Lai Festival', and is celebrated a little bit later than in other regions (around April 15 to 17.) Songkran Festival in the South, meanwhile, starts from April 6 - 15. The most famous are the one held at Hat Yai, Songkhla, and the other in Nakhon Si Thammarat, where the local bath Phra Buddha Si-Hing Buddha Image.

In the Central Region, the festival is widely celebrated in many areas, including Sanam Luang, where people gathered to bath the revered Phra Buddha Sihing image; Wisutkasat area, where a Miss Songkran beauty contest is held, accompanied by merit-making and entertainment. Another focal point is on Khao San Road, where foreigners and Thais join the fun-filled water throwing activity. Samut Prakarn, the capital's vicinity, celebrates the unique Phra Pra Daeng Songkran Festival, following the Thai - Mon tradition. Activities include bird and fish parade, the Songkran Beauty Queen, and Saba game - the traditional game of the Thai-Mon. At this time of the year, you can be sure that every corner of the country will be sprinkled with smile and happiness.