Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2025 Ignites with Grand Parade in Bangkok - Get updated on what's happening in tourism!

Thailand officially opened the Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2025 last night with a spectacular celebration in the heart of Bangkok. Hosted at Sanam Luang from 11–15 April, the festival is the centrepiece of the Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism & Sports Year 2025, with the Thailand Summer Festival campaign spotlighting Thai heritage, creativity, and cultural unity.

The day’s festivities began with the Maha Songkran Parade, held in the presence of the Prime Minister, Cabinet members, ambassadors, and members of the National Soft Power Strategy Committee. The parade marked the opening of UNESCO-listed Songkran, the traditional Thai New Year, followed by the official proceedings at Sanam Luang.

Prime Minister, H.E. Ms. Paetongtarn Shinawatra, officially opened the event, stating, “The Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2025 brings together soft power, technology, and creativity to deliver a memorable experience that boosts tourism, drives the economy, and showcases Thailand’s ability to host world-class events.”

Minister of Tourism and Sports, Mr. Sorawong Thienthong, added, “This festival reflects Thailand’s unique cultural identity and readiness to host large-scale events. It reinforces our global image and supports the government’s goal of positioning Thailand among the world’s top 10 festival destinations.”

The vibrant procession of eight elaborately themed floats, beginning at 17.30 Hrs., travelled from Democracy Monument along Ratchadamnoen Avenue to Sanam Luang, capturing the spirit and symbolism of Songkran through uniquely Thai storytelling.

Highlights included The River of Blessings, featuring the majestic Naga, a mythical serpent believed to bring prosperity through water, and Colours of the Seasons, which celebrated Thailand’s tropical fruits—most notably durian, the “king of fruit”—alongside floating markets as symbols of abundance. The Flavour of Siam paid tribute to UNESCO-listed Tomyum Kung, not only a national dish but also a reflection of Thai wisdom and harmony with nature. The Noble Elephant honoured Thailand’s revered elephants for their cultural and historical significance, while Betta Brilliance showcased the vibrant Thai fighting fish as a symbol of national pride and creativity.

The procession also featured Spirit of the Fairground, evoking the playful atmosphere of traditional temple fairs; Tuk-Tuk Beats, blending Thai pop culture with festive charm through the iconic tuk-tuk; and Songkran Through Young Eyes, presenting the festival from the perspective of children as both custodians and future creators of Thai cultural expression.

A second parade will circle Sanam Luang on 13 April, and all floats will remain on public display at the venue through 15 April.

From 15.00 to 23.00 Hrs. daily, Sanam Luang offers a fully immersive cultural experience featuring live entertainment, regional showcases, traditional rituals, and interactive zones that reflect Thailand’s diverse identity.

The Main Stage, active from 16.00 to 23.00 Hrs., hosts a nightly lineup of some of Thailand’s top artists, including Bodyslam, Carabao, Jeff Satur, Polycat, The Toys, 4EVE, Joey Boy, Zeal, Tilly Birds, Paper Planes, Ink Waruntorn, Musketeers, Lazyloxy, Paradox, Slapkiss, YourMood, Ja Nongpanee, Lamyai Haithongkham, and many more. Alongside contemporary concerts, audiences will enjoy classical and cultural performances such as full-scale khon masked drama, orchestral presentations, and vintage ballroom dancing inspired by the Suntharaporn band. Each evening concludes with a synchronised drone light show featuring 1,200 drones lighting up the Bangkok sky.

Complementing the large stage, A Smaller Performance area features traditional Thai cultural acts such as shadow puppetry, Nora dance, Hun Krabok puppetry, Pong Lang music, victory drums, and long drums, as well as contemporary performances.

The Regional Identity Zone, open daily from 15.00 to 22.00 Hrs., brings Thailand’s five regions to life through architecture, crafts, and immersive experiences. The North showcases Lanna-style architecture inspired by Wat Lok Moli, with glowing lanterns, traditional coffee brewing, and flag crafting. The Northeast features the grandeur of Phimai Historical Park and colourful Phi Ta Khon masks, alongside pottery and bead-stringing workshops. Central Thailand presents Ayutthaya-inspired prang towers from Wat Phutthaisawan, paired with bamboo weaving and kite-making under creative lighting. The East evokes a modern beach atmosphere with glowing LED jellyfish, coral reef decor, and upcycled crafts using ocean waste. The South celebrates coastal life with vibrant Nora beads, batik painting, traditional boats, and kite displays — all set within an illuminated seaside setting.

The “Thai Charms” Zone invites visitors to experience the “5 Must Do in Thailand”: Must Taste traditional Thai desserts, Must Try Muay Thai or Thai massage, Must Buy local favourites like elephant pants and herbal inhalers, Must See ancient boxing performances, and Must Seek traditional dress-up for souvenir photos.

Festivalgoers can step into a classic Thai Temple Fair, featuring a haunted house, open-air cinema, Ferris wheel, and sand pagoda building. Traditional New Year rituals include bathing Buddha images and water-pouring ceremonies to honour elders.

The Water Play Zone offers giant spill buckets, a water station for Songkran water play, musical fountain shows, and EDM sets by DJs such as JJetrin, Bubble Paint, Lazyprince, Leonie, Tong Apollo, B-Bass, and more.

Over 100 vendor booths offer regional dishes, crafts, and local products across Thailand. The event’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in the GCYOU-TURN initiative, which recycles plastic water bottles into reusable items on-site.

A Festival Web App provides real-time updates, maps, and Songkran event listings nationwide to support visitor convenience. Free shuttle services operate daily from Central Pinklao, and MRT Sanam Chai Station, running between 15.00–23.00 Hrs.

The Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2025 not only honours the UNESCO-listed Thai New Year but also reaffirms Thailand’s place as a leading cultural destination — where tradition, innovation, and festive joy come together — and invites the world to experience Thailand at its most joyful.

TAT projects that Songkran 2025 will generate over 26.5 billion Baht in tourism revenue during 12–16 April, marking an 8% increase year-on-year. This includes 476,000 international arrivals contributing over 7.32 billion Baht and more than 4.4 million domestic visits generating 19.24 billion Baht.

Image Credit: © TAT