Must-Have Songkran Gear & Thai Phrases You’ll Actually Use

If you're planning to be in Thailand in April, you're in for a splash!

Songkran (สงกรานต์) is Thailand’s most famous festival – a traditional Thai New Year celebration that has evolved into a nationwide water fight.

But Songkran is more than just fun on the streets. It's also a time for family, tradition, and of course... learning new Thai vocabulary!

💦 What is Songkran?

Songkran comes from a Sanskrit word meaning “transformation” or “change.” It marks the end of the dry season and the beginning of a new solar year. Traditionally, Thais celebrate by cleaning their homes, visiting temples, and pouring water over the hands of elders as a sign of respect and blessing.

Nowadays? It also means… water guns and fun everywhere!

Thai Words You Should Know for Songkran

Here are some essential Thai words and phrases you’ll definitely hear (and use!) during Songkran

Thai Word/Phrase	Pronunciation	Meaning
สวัสดีปีใหม่	sa-wat-dee bpee mai	Happy New Year
สงกรานต์	song-graan	Songkran (Thai New Year)
สุขสันต์วันสงกรานต์	sùk-săn wan sŏng-graan	Happy Songkran Day!
ปืนฉีดน้ำ	bpeun chèed náam	Water gun
ดินสอพอง	din-sŏr-pawng	Traditional Thai white powder
ปะแป้ง	bpà-bpâeng	To apply powder on someone’s face
ขอปะแป้งหน่อยนะคะ/ครับ	kŏr bpà bpâeng nòi ná ká · kráb	Can I put powder on your face, please?
สาดน้ำ	sàad náam	Splash water
เล่นน้ำ	lên náam	Play with water
เล่นน้ำด้วยคนได้ไหมคะ/ครับ	lên náam dûuay kon dâai măi ká / kráb	Can I join in the water play?
หนาว	năao	Cold
ไม่เอาน้ำเย็น	mâi ao náam yen	Please don’t splash cold water

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💡 Why Do People Use ดินสอพอง (Thai Powder)?

You might be wondering, why do Thai people put white powder on each other’s faces during Songkran? This comes from an old tradition where monks would mark devotees’ foreheads with powder as a blessing. It became a fun part of the modern festival so don’t be surprised if someone gently pats your cheeks with cool powder while smiling and saying "สุขสันต์วันสงกรานต์!" (Happy Songkran Day!)😄

💦 Must-Have Gear for Songkran

• Water gun (ปืนฉีดน้ำ) – Essential for street battles.

• Waterproof bag (ซองกันน้ำ) – Protect your phone and wallet.

• Floral shirts (เสื้อลายดอก) – floral or Hawaiian-style shirts are the Songkran uniform!

• Flip-flops (รองเท้าแตะ) – Easy to dry and walk through wet streets.

• Thai clay powder (ดินสอพอง) – If you want to join in the full experience. It's use for gently patting on someone's cheeks.

• Waterproof Goggles (แว่นกันน้ำ)  – To protect your eyes from water attacks.

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📍 Where to Celebrate Songkran in Bangkok?

If you want to see Songkran at its wildest, Bangkok is the place to be. Here are some of the most popular spots

🎉 Khao San Road (ถนนข้าวสาร)

Backpacker’s battlefield. Packed with tourists and locals, this is the most international spot to party. Loud music, nonstop dancing, and water fights with strangers from all over the world. Expect chaos—in the best way possible!

(Picture from GOLFX / Shutterstock.com )

🏳️‍🌈 Silom Road (ถนนสีลม)

Inclusive & wild! This long stretch turns into a massive water tunnel. The crowd? A mix of families, office workers, and the LGBTQ+ community. There are even firetrucks spraying water overhead! Plus, you can find great street food along the sidewalks.

Songkran on Silom Rd.

🎧 RCA (Royal City Avenue)

Club-goers' paradise. If you're into DJ sets, foam parties, and dancing all night (and day), RCA is the place. Some events are ticketed, but the atmosphere is pure festival energy—music, water, and flashing lights.

🧒 Siam Square (สยามสแควร์)

Trendy & teen-friendly. Popular among Thai university students and younger crowds, Siam is more about cute selfies, live shows, and organized water games. Great if you want a lighter, cheerful Songkran experience.

(Picture from faak / Shutterstock.com )

🕯️ Sanam Luang & nearby temples (สนามหลวงและวัดใกล้เคียง)

Peaceful and spiritual. Not a fan of getting soaked? You can still celebrate Songkran the traditional way. Pour scented water over Buddha statues, give alms to monks, and join in merit-making ceremonies with the locals. It’s calm, meaningful, and perfect for cultural immersion.

( Picture from The Standard )

Want to Join the Fun and Speak Thai with Locals?

Songkran is an amazing time to experience Thai culture firsthand – but imagine how much better it would be if you could understand what people are saying, ask for water guns in Thai, or even flirt a little while getting splashed 😉!

Our Thai course for beginners will teach you exactly that – real Thai for real situations.

📚 Thai Language Course for Beginners

• 1 hour/week (perfect for busy schedules)

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Ready to speak Thai and have fun like a local?

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