Water Festival 2023 in Bangkok is a unique Songkran Festival celebration on the main landmarks along the Chao Phraya River that many people have been waiting for. Water Festival is held continuously for the 8th time and feature interesting activities in each area for tourists to experience the charm of Thai culture and traditions.
Water Festival 2023 in Bangkok
In Bangkok, Water Festival 2023 will be held at 11 historical waterfront spots during 13-15 April 2023. There will be a free Chao Phraya Express Boat service running between the venues of the festival from 8:30 to 17:00 between 13-16 April 2023. All 11 festival celebration spots and activities available there are listed below.
1. Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahaviharn (Wat Arun)
Paying respect to:
- Phraphutthathammisarat Lokkathatdilok
- Venerable Luang Phor Roong Arun
Water Festival 2023 activities at Wat Arun from 8:00 to 17:00:
- Buddha image bathing altar
- Community stalls
- Retro market
- Holy water tunnel
- Music and cultural performances from students
2. Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimolmangklaram Ratchawaramahaviharn (Wat Pho)
Paying respect to:
- Phra Buddha Deva Patimakorn
- Phra Phuttha Zaiyat (the Reclining Buddha)
Water Festival 2023 activities at Wat Pho from 8:00 to 17:00:
- Bathing altar for the Buddha images
- Community stalls
- Retro market
- Check-in Landmark
- Music and cultural performances from students
3. Wat Kalayanamitra Waramahaviharn
Paying respect to:
- Venerable Luang Phor Tho
Water Festival 2023 activities at Wat Kalayanamitra Waramahaviharn from 8:00 to 17:00:
- Treasure chest for fortune and prosperity
- Candlelight floating ceremony
- Buddha image bathing altar
- Community stalls
- Retro floating market
- Thai kite installation and demonstration
- Music and cultural performances from students
4. Wat Prayurawongsawas Waraviharn (Wat Prayoon)
Paying respect to:
- Phra Buddha Dhamma Wichet Masada
- Buddha’s Relics
- Naga Buddha statue and admire the mural paintings
Water Festival 2023 activities at Wat Prayoon from 8:00 to 17:00:
- Bathing altar for the Buddha images
- Community stalls
- Retro market
- Check-in Landmark
- Music and cultural performances from students
5. Wat Rakhang Kositaram Woramahawihan
Paying respect to:
- Wat Rakhang’s principal Bhudda Yim Rub Fah
- Luang Phor Toh
Water Festival 2023 activities at Wat Rakhang from 8:00 to 17:00:
- Bathing 3 Buddha images:
- Somdej Phra Phutthachan (Toh Phromrangsri),
- His Holiness Phra Phutthachan (Thad),
- Somdet Phra Phutta Kosachan (Mr. Charoen)
- Community stalls
- Retro train market
- Holy water tunnel
- Music and cultural performances from students
6. Guan Yu Shrine (Khlong San)
Paying respect to:
- Guan Yu Shrine (Klong San)
Water Festival 2023 activities at Guan Yu Shrine from 8:00 to 17:00:
- Check-in Landmark
7. Asiatique The Riverfront
Experience a contemporary take on the classic Thai temple fair with a host of rare fun Thai activities and big concerts every night at Asiatique the Riverfront.
Water Festival 2023 activities at Asiatique The Riverfront from 17:00 to 22:30:
- Contemporary Thai temple fair
- Concerts and cultural performances
- Buddha image bathing ceremony
- Community food stalls
- Music and cultural performances from students
- Contemporary music performances
- Local Thai performances
- Temple fair games
- Retro ‘Ram Wong’ (Local Thai Dancing)
8. Tha Maharaj
Rich in art and cultural heritage local communities can be found here. It’s time to shop and sample great food along the iconic Chao Phraya River.
Water Festival 2023 activities at Tha Maharaj from 10:00 to 21:00:
- Bathing Rite to Buddha Images
- Check-in Landmark
- Chill-out market
- Fortuneteller booth
9. Yodpiman River Walk
Take a stroll back into time at this beautiful Neo-Classic Colonial Architecture Thai Heritage Mall.
Water Festival 2023 activities at Yodpiman River Walk from 08:00 to 18:00:
- Pay homage to H.M. King Buddha Yodfa The Great (Rama I)
- Buddha image bathing ceremony
- Flower market photo spot
- Check-in Landmarks
- Retro market
10. Lhong 1919
Get a Glimpse of Ancient Chinese Civilization at the 19th century Chinese mansion.
Water Festival 2023 activities at Lhong 1919 from 08:00 to 17:00:
- Bathing Rite to Buddha images
- Pay homage to Mazu Shrine
- Check-in Landmark
11. SOOK SIAM @ ICONSIAM
Immerse yourself into this latest city of wonder that brings together all aspects of unrivaled Thai wisdoms and presents the cultural heritage of the 4 main regions of Thailand. The festival venue will be located on Level G of ICONSIAM shopping mall.
Water Festival 2023 activities at ICONSIAM from 10:00 to 22:00:
- Tan Tung (Lanna Flags) Songkran Procession, Phra Buddha Sihing river procession 13 April, 15:00
- Phra Buddha Sihing Bathing ceremony, Tan Tung merit making
- Cultural performances from 4 regions 13-15 April, 13:00 and 16:00
- Muay Talay (sea boxing) at Boh Naam Paak Tai 13-15 April, 18:00
- Local delicacies, community products from 4 regions and Pracharath Rak Samakkee project
- Daily Thai craft workshops during 8-17 Apr 2023 from 11:00-17:00: making of exquisite Thai garland, Rare Thai dessert, Thai scented water
- Special ‘SOOK SUMMER 2023’ summer promotions with fantastic prizes
Free Shuttle Boat
There will be a free shuttle boat throughout the 11 contemporary piers from 08:30 to 17:00. You can get on the free shuttle boat at any of these piers, just choose the nearest to you.
Route 1: Departure every 20 minutes
Yodpiman River Walk Pier > Wat Pho Pier > Tha Maharaj Pier > Wat Rakhang Pier > Wat Arun Pier > Wat Kalaya Pier > Wat Prayoon Pier > End at Yodpiman River Walk Pier
Route 2: Departure every 30 minutes
Yodpiman River Walk Pier > Kuan Yu Shrine Pier, Klong San Pier > Lhong1919 Pier > SOOKSIAM @ ICONSIAM Pier > Asiatique The Riverfront Pier
Water Festival 2023 in other areas of Thailand
Water Festival 2023 will be held in 4 regions, 6 provinces. In addition to the central region, Bangkok, northern, northeast and southern regions will also offer Water Festival celebrations.
Water Festival 2023 in Northern Thailand
In the northern region, the festival will be held in Chiang Mai at Chiang Mai Ancient House and Lamphun at Wat Phra That Hariphunchai Woramahawihan. There will be many activities to enhance the prosperity of Lanna traditions.
Water Festival 2023 in Northeast Thailand
In the northeast region, Water Festival 2023 will be held in Udon Thani at Wat Sa Kaeo and the Ban Chiang World Heritage Cultural Courtyard. You will have a chance to participate in inheriting the culture and traditions of the Thai Puan community.
You can also join the festival in Khon Kaen Province at Chai Si Temple. There will be celebration in the traditional Isan Songkran merit way such as making merit, giving alms to the monks and sand pagoda formation.
Water Festival 2023 in Southern Thailand
In the southern region, Water Festival 2023 will be held in Phuket at Wat Mai Khao and Phuket Old Town. Tourists are welcome to join activities to enhance the prosperity of the Thai New Year such as giving food to monks, shop for community products at Charter intersection and take pictures with street art hidden in the old town between 15-16 April 2023.
Tips
Looking for other places where you could celebrate Songkran Festival 2023 in Bangkok? More options can be found here: Songkran 2023 in Bangkok.
Songkran Festival is celebrated in all areas of Thailand so you can join an event even when not staying in the capital city or other Water Festival destination. Find the most interesting events that are planned for Thai New Year celebration here: Songkran Festival in Thailand.
Make sure to book your hotel near one of the best Songkran celebration spots in the city. The best areas to stay in Bangkok during Songkran are listed here: Bangkok Hotels for Songkran Holiday. If you are particularly interested in joining Water Festival, then staying at the hotel on Bangkok Riverside would be your best choice.