---

We love celebrating Songkran in Thailand, and this trip marked our 4th or 5th time heading to Bangkok for the water festival. This time, it was just my wife, our older kid, and me—a perfect trio for some splashy family fun!

Checklists for Songkran

• ✅ Swimgears for kids (swimsuits, water shoes, and quick-dry clothes)
• ✅ Hats, sunglasses and sunblock
• ✅ Waterproof pocket for your phone
• ✅ Small cash for water (refill for splashes) and snacks

Tips for Songkran with Kids

1. Food Courts at malls:Those are hidden gems! They offer a fantastic variety of food at great prices.
2. Expect to Get Wet: If you’re dressed for Songkran and carrying a water gun, prepare for splashes! People are generally respectful and gentle with kids.
3. Stay Dry Indoors: Always dry off before entering malls or air-conditioned spaces to avoid getting sick.
4. Travel Light: Don't carry too much—just the essentials. You can always buy water and snacks along the way.
5. Airport Choice: Arrive at Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) if possible—it’s a closer drive to the city than Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK).

Where We Stayed

Our go-to choice for accommodation in Bangkok is the Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel. Its central location, spacious rooms, excellent gym, swimming pool, and incredible breakfast buffet make it an unbeatable option for families.

• Nearby highlights: Central World Mall, Siam Paragon, and easy access to the MRT.
• Perfect for Songkran: You’re right in the heart of the action!

Top Songkran Spots

Songkran celebrations start in the morning and stretch into the night, but the sweet spot for family fun is between 3-5 PM. It’s warm enough to keep everyone comfortable while wet, and you still have time to clean up before dinner.

Best Areas:

1. In front of Central World – Family-friendly, lively, and centrally located.
2. Si Lom MRT – Great for a fun crowd and easy to reach.

Avoid:

• Khaosan Road – While popular, it’s better suited for a younger, party-centric crowd.

Day 1: Erawan Shrine, Central World, and Splash Time

We started our day at Erawan Shrine, offering flowers as part of the traditional Songkran blessings. From there, we walked to Big C to stock up on trip essentials like drinks and snacks.

For lunch, we grabbed delicious Thai food at Kub Kao' Kub at Central World and treated ourselves to mango shaved ice at After You Café—a family favorite!

After a quick nap back at the hotel, we joined the Songkran festivities near Central World. The energy was electric, with vibrant flower shirts, water guns everywhere, and music blasting from a nearby concert. After an hour and a half of splashing fun, we returned to the hotel, dried off, and headed to Somboon Seafood for dinner. If you love curry and crab, this chain is a must-try!

Day 2: Thai Outfits, Wat Arun, and More Songkran

We started the day with a visit to Wat Arun, where we rented traditional Thai outfits for our kid (200 baht) and took some beautiful photos. It was a sunny day, so hats and umbrellas were lifesavers.

After a bite in the area, we returned to the hotel for a nap before gearing up for more Songkran fun. Although we planned to visit Si Lom, we ended up staying near the hotel as our little one was having a blast splashing people right on the main street.

Later, we treated ourselves to a Thai massage at City of Massage—they even accommodated our daughter, who loved the experience! Dinner was at Jodd Fairs, where we indulged in volcano ribs and explored the vibrant food stalls.

Day 3: Hotel Activities and Departure

For our final day, we took it easy. While my wife enjoyed some shopping at Central World, the kid and I stayed at the hotel for a hat-painting activity. After packing up, we were ready to head to the airport for our flight home.

Plan an additional hour for Songkran traffic, as it can get quite congested. We arrived at the airport with plenty of time to spare, allowing us to grab a quick meal before boarding.

Bangkok during Songkran never disappoints! From cultural experiences at Wat Arun to the excitement of the water festival and delicious meals, it was another unforgettable trip for our family. Until next Songkran, Bangkok! 🌊✨