HNY - Songkran Thai NewYear 2026

[DavidFL]

Sawatdee Pimai - Happy Songkran 2026

Getting in early because the water throwing has started on Paradise Road R1290 Chiang Saen - Chiang Khong today.
The old GTR fellah won't be riding far in the coming week - the bike will be parked up at home to stay safe & alive, in one piece.
Meanwhile all the best to everyone for a safe & happy Songkran - Thai New Year.

You are welcome to post your Songkran pics on GTR here.

 

[Heineken]

Happy Songkran everybody aswell, im taking David's advice and will hang around home next week..................................................................I remember about 3 or 4 years ago I was riding towards Chiang Rai city doing about 80kmh on my X-Max, next thing a full bucket of water hits me on the side, perfect shot, nearly made me come off as I wasnt ready for it, it had a pretty decent force aswell............................be careful

 

[DavidFL]

The Chiang Khong Songkran program

Monday 13 April 2026
Join us for the Chiang Khong Grand Songkran Festival 2026
Continuing the Lanna culture, celebrating the beautiful and warm New Year together.
Chiang Khong District, Chiang Rai Province
Morning:
Merit-making and alms-giving along the main road (Ban Hua Wiang – Ban Hat Khrai)
Ceremony of bathing the District Chief, Deputy District Chief, Sub-district Chiefs, and senior monks.
At Wat Sri Don Chai
Ceremony of pouring water on the elders in Chiang Khong District.
Afternoon:
Procession of offerings to sacred Buddha images in Lanna culture.
Procession of sacred Buddha images from 7 sub-districts and various organizations.
Procession starts at Ban Hua Wiang School (Kosalyawit).
Procession moves along the main road, Highway 1020, passing the Chiang Khong District Office. Arriving at Wat Hat Khrai
People are invited to pour water over the sacred Buddha image as they please.
Enjoy the traditional Lanna dance performance honoring the sacred deities, celebrating the Lanna New Year.
Presented by over 500 women from the Chiang Khong District Women's Development Group.

Important information for attendees:
Please pour water over the Buddha image respectfully using turmeric and lime water, or clean water.
Dress code: Lanna traditional attire or ethnic costumes.

Join us in preserving this beautiful tradition: pour water over the Buddha, receive blessings from elders, and welcome good fortune in the Thai New Year.
See you at the Chiang Khong District Songkran Festival 2026!

 

[DavidFL]

Chiang Saen Songkran 2026 - The Music Party Scene

 

[ADV]

Happy Songkran!
Likewise, staying clear of any water lobbing. I'll be heading into the mountains on the Myanmar border and swimming and relaxing at 'Lake Bueat'

 

[DavidFL]

A few pics when I ventured out for some minor frivolity & fun, stationed at the Chiang Roy Pub.

The Chiang Khong community leaders

More to come.

 

[DavidFL]

The parade day 1 Part 2 - Bathing Buddhas.

This guy impresserd me immensely - no aircon in his old pickup.

King Rama 9 still rocks with bus drivers and the bulk of the populatiion, dare I say.

 

[DavidFL]

Part 3. Day 1 the Water Fights.

The older I get it seems to me that the water fights get more serious, bigger and longer than ever, such that they extend into the night, by which time the old GTR fellah is home safe 'n dry.

However I do appreciate watching the youth get out there and have fun.

Well I guess in 40+ years of Songran, the novelty has worn off a bit.

It is perhaps the one time of the year they can rebel and let off serious steam in the heat, taking off the shackles of "thai culture & society?"

I watched carefully from the premises of the Chiang Roy Pub, 450 metres from my house.

More to come..

 

[DavidFL]

Part 4. Day 1 the Water Fights.

It never ceases to amaze me how many people, young and old, get out there all day, throwing water from the back of pick-ups. riding motorbikes or just walking up and down the road for kms,