April 4 – 7/ 16.00 – 17.30
Songkran Procession
Route: Khao San Road-Banglumpoo Road-Phra Arthit Road-Santichai Prakarn Park
The Songkran procession will offer insight into ancient Thai customs and traditions related to Thai New Year celebrations and festivities.
April 7/ 09.00 – 16.00
Songkran Thai New Year Merit-making
According to Thai folk belief, the number ‘nine’ is considered to be an auspicious number. ‘Kao’ – the Thai word for ‘nine’ sounds very much like the Thai word which means to make progress or to take steps forward. Hence Thais consider making merit at the nine royal temples around Rattanakosin Island to be an auspicious gesture, the right way to start the new year.
These nine auspicious royal temples are:
- Wat Phra Kaeow — Temple of the Emerald Buddha, formally known as Wat Phra Sri Rattanasasadaram
Motto: Endless Wealth and Prosperity
Visit Wat Phra Kaeo and pay homage to the Emerald Buddha.
- Wat Pho
Motto: Calmness is Happiness
Enjoy Songkran festivities and cultural performances from the four regions of the kingdom and live demonstrations of Thai culinary art. Savour delicious Thai food and local desserts. Take part in the Buddha image bathing ritual by pouring scented water on a Buddha image.
- Wat Bowonniwet
Motto: Receive the Good Things in Life
Featuring Songkran Festival in Central Region. Pour scented water on Buddha imagea and monks. Indulge in some water-splashing with elephants, and experience a traditonal Thai temple fair.
- Wat Saket
Motto: Create Auspicious Vision
Pour scented water on stupas, Buddha image and monks. Build a sand stupa and indulge in some water-splashing to keep cool.
- Wat Suthat
Motto: Enlarge Your Visions and Charm the People
Experience Southern-style Songkran festivities and rituals. Pour scented water on a Buddha image and monks as well as enjoy cultural performances.
- Wat Chanasongkhram
Motto: Conquer All Obstacles
Activities at the temple reflect Raman style Songkran customs and traditions. Pour scented water on a Buddha image, and monks as well.
- Wat Kanlayanamitr
Motto: Bon Voyage and Have Good Company
Enjoy river-side Songkran celebrations. Pour scented water on a Buddha image and monks, and enjoy cultural performances.
- Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)
Motto: Have a Prosperous Life
Pour scented water on a Buddha image and monks, and enjoy various forms of entertainment.
- Wat Rakang
Motto: To Be Admired and Loved
Offering alms to monks. Pour scented water on a Buddha image and monks and enjoy various cultural performances.
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Ask for a ‘passport’ to the nine temples at the information desk at any of the nine temples. Have the passport stamped at each temple. Visitors who complete the merit-making pilgrimage at all nine temples receive a coupon for a lucky draw. Trying one’s luck of the draw is very much a part of the fun-loving Thai spirit and a love for all things, ‘sanuk’ (fun).
April 7/ 19.00 – 20.00
The Grand Songkran Legend light-and-sound presentation
Southern section of Sanam Luang near the Temple of the Emerald Buddha
(Wat Phra Kaeo).
Cultural shows and various forms of entertainment will also be presented as added highlights of the evening.
April 8 / 18.00 – 22.00
Grand Songkran opening ceremony
Southern section of Sanam Luang near the Temple of the Emerald Buddha
(Wat Phra Kaeo)
April 9 – 15/ 11.00 - 23.00
Songkran Celebration of the 4 Regions
Southern section of Sanam Luang near the Temple of the Emerald Buddha
(Wat Phra Kaeow)
This cultural showcase features colourful presentations and traditional Thai performances offer insight into Thai customs, traditions and way of life in the four regions of Thailand. These include local food and dessert making demonstrations.
April 9 - 15/ 19.00 – 20.00
The Grand Songkran Legend light-and-sound presentation
Southern section of Sanam Luang near the Temple of the Emerald Buddha
(Wat Phra Kaeo).
The light-and-sound presentation depicts Songkran traditions observed in the ancient courts during the reign of past Siamese kings in the Sukhothai, Ayutthaya and Rattanakosin era; Songkran traditions and customs in the four regions of the kingdom as well as a tribute to His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) on the auspicious occasion of His Majesty's 80th birthday anniversary. Cultural shows and various forms of entertainment will also be presented as added highlights of the evening.
Songkran at Sanam Luang, Santichaiprakarn Park (Phra Sumeru fortress)
Bang Lumphu Square and Khaosan Road
11-15 April, 2009
Featuring the Light and Sound Presentation at Sanam Luang, the Miss Songkran Beauty Pageant, Miss Songkran Wisut Krasat and Miss Songkran International on Khao San Road
| 11 April, 2009 |
| 8.30 hrs. |
Procession of the Buddha image procession from Wisut Krasat intersection to Santichaiprakarn Park (Phra Sumeru Fortress) |
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| 12 April, 2009 |
| 7.00 hrs. |
Procession of the Phra Phuttha Sihing Buddha image from the National Museum to Sanam Luang |
| 10.00 hrs. |
Featuring the Buddha image procession from Wat Bowonniwet to Santichaiprakarn Park (Phra Sueru Fortress)
Pour scented water on a Buddha image. |
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| 13 April, 2009 |
| 7.00 hrs. |
Procession of the Buddha image and beautiful floats in Bang Lamphu Square |
April 12/ 08.00 – 16.00
Procession of Phra Puttha Sihing Buddha Image
The highly revered Phra Puttha Sihing Buddha image is believed to be the spiritual guardian protecting the local community from harm. This Buddhist land-borne procession through the streets of Bangkok presents an opportunity for local residents and visitors of Buddhist faith to make merit. Scented lustral water is poured over the image as a gesture of respect.
April 12/ 17.00
Wat Pho Temple Songkran Festival opening ceremony
Phra Viharn Phra Buddha Saiyaat ordination hall, Wat Pho temple
On the evening of 12 April, a congregation of 199 monks will chant prayers to dedicate merit-making blessing to His Majesty the King on the auspicious occasion of His Majesty the King’s 80th birthday anniversary.
April 12 – 16/ 08.00 – 18.00
Wat Pho Temple Songkran Festival
Merit-making activities include the ritual bathing of Buddha images. Scented lustral water is poured over Buddha images, the worship of sacred Buddha images, sand-stupa building as well as merit-making to seek blessing for ancestors.
A visit to Wat Pho temple also presents an opportunity to see a range of other cultural activities and experience Thai ways.
- Thai food, desserts and herbal drinks, Thai art and handicraft items will be on sale.
- Live demonstrations of fruit and vegetable carving, painting and Bai Sri banana-leaf floral art
- An exhibition on the history of Wat Pho temple and Songkran traditions
- Thai massage, the traditional art of healing
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April 12
Wisutkasat Road Songkran Celebrations and Songkran Procession
08.00 Wisutkasat Road Chak Phra Songkran Procession
19.00 Young Miss Songkran contest (age 6-9 years)
April 12/ 20.00
Khao San Road Songkran Festival opening ceremony
International Miss Songkran beauty contest
Along Khao San Road
April 13/ 06.00
Songkran Thai New Year Buddhist Merit-making
The Wisutkasat Road Songkran beauty contest
The Wisutkasat Road Songkran beauty contest commences right after the merit-making rituals have been completed. Unlike all other Songkran beauty contests,
Wisutkasat Road Songkran beauty contest is designed to preserve traditional Thai textiles and highlights the beauty of traditional Thai costumes and is the only Songkran beauty contest that is held in the morning.
April 13/ 07.00
Songkran Thai New Year Buddhist Merit-making
The Royal Ground (Sanam Luang)
April 13/ 08.00 – 09.00
Songkran Thai New Year Buddhist Merit-making
Along Wisutkasat and Phra Athit Road
April 13/ 08.00 – 11.00
Songkran Thai New Year Buddhist Merit-making and Songkran Procession
Along Khao San Road
April 15/ 08.00 – 12.00
Songkran Thai New Year Buddhist Merit-making
At the Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun)
The presentation of ritual cloths to the temple as merit-making offerings.
April 15/ 17.00
Wat Pho Temple Songkran ritual bathing of Buddha images
Phra Viharn Phra Buddha Saiyaat ordination hall, Wat Pho temple
April 16/ 18.00
Songkran Thai New Year Lucky Draw
At Wat Bowonniwet temple
Tourist Assistance/Visitor Information
April 8-15 / 11.00-23.00 hrs
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Information Counter will be situated at the southern section of Sanam Luang
Contact information:
TAT Call Center 1672
Web Site:
www.songkran.net
Tourism Authority of Thailand
Tel: +66 (0) 2250 5500 ext 3489
Bangkok Tourism Division
Tel: +66 (0) 2225 7612-5
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