Songkran in Pattaya: What a Local Business Owner Wants You to Know

If you've never seen Songkran in Pattaya, the best way I can describe it is absolute chaos. Here's what to expect.

Why does it last so long in Pattaya?

Songkran, Thai New Year, is celebrated on different days in different parts of Thailand. Nationally it starts on 13 April, and a lot of the people who live and work in Pattaya come from Isan, so they start celebrating from then, just as they would back home. Pattaya's own big day, Wan Lai, comes later, on 19 April.

So here it builds for about a week, from the 13th right up to the 19th. Traditionally Songkran is a gentle splash of water over the head. In Pattaya, it's water pistols.

Is it still as wild as it used to be?

It has calmed down a bit. A few years ago it was almost impossible to get to work without getting soaked, even in a suit. Now the police and authorities ask people not to soak anyone who isn't joining in, meaning anyone not dressed for it and without a water pistol of their own. If you go out early, you can usually get where you need to go.

How does it affect my businesses?

We close the restaurants on the 19th. It's New Year for the staff, and they want to go out and enjoy it.

Pattaya Rent a Car closes on the 19th too, for the same reason, and because the city is gridlocked. Thais come in from all the neighbouring provinces to celebrate, and so many cars, motorbikes and people pour in that you can't get around by car. On a motorbike you can, but not in a car.

The days before, though, we're very busy. A lot of expats, me included, use Songkran as a chance to get away. So many businesses close, and if you're not into it, it's the perfect time for a golf trip or a visit to somewhere in Thailand where Songkran has already come and gone.

How do you stay safe on the roads?

First, don't drink and drive. Beyond that, be extra cautious all week.

On the evening of the 19th, I'd go further: just stay in. The water fights die down around sunset, about 6pm, so after a day indoors you might think a leisurely drive is fine. It isn't. The roads that evening are full of people who've been drinking all day. We got through a pandemic stuck indoors for months, so one evening in is nothing.

The next morning, everything's back to normal. It's quite surreal: one day the city is jam-packed, and the next you'd never know.

Should you join in?

Yes. I think everyone should experience it at least once, depending on your age, and some people love it enough to come back three or four times. If you're in the right mood and like a drink, it can be a really fun day. The whole week can get a bit tedious, because it goes on so long, but the 19th itself is great fun.

In the past I've driven round in the pickup with my sons in the back, just to see the water fights going on all over the city.

As for what to wear: swimming shorts and a top to protect you from the sun. There's no point wearing anything you don't want soaked.

If you want to escape the chaos instead, Pattaya Rent a Car can help, but book early. For more, read the best time to visit Pattaya, driving in Pattaya and the best day trips from Pattaya.