Event· Koh Samui· Thailand
Songkran (Thai New Year) on Samui
9° 34.2′ N · 99° 59.8′ E · approximate
Thai New Year, celebrated nationwide on 13-15 April with street-wide water fights, blessings for elders and bathing of Buddha images; on Samui, temples such as Wat Phu Khao Thong in Maenam build sand pagodas.
Practical
Wikipedia: the official holiday runs 13-15 April (the cabinet has occasionally extended it, e.g. 9-16 April in 2018 and 2019); major streets close to traffic for water fights, and powdered marl clay is daubed on passers-by. Expect to be soaked anywhere ashore, so bag phones and documents before the dinghy ride. It is a national holiday, so plan customs and immigration visits around it and verify office hours locally. Position is approximate, the Maenam beach marker near Wat Phu Khao Thong (Ban Maenam), which Wikipedia pictures with Songkran sand pagodas; the temple itself is not located here. Samui buffalo fights are also staged at Songkran (Wikivoyage).
Best for
Joining the island's biggest street party
Season
13-15 April