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Songkran is Thailand's largest, most popular celebration and is similar to Loy Kratong with water being the focus. The use of water originally began as a demonstration of respect, by gently pouring a small amount of water over another person's hands. Symbolic cleansing still plays a big part in this culturally significant ceremony, however the festival has now evolved from the traditional and taken on a life of its own, escalating into the world's biggest water fight. Splashing and showering others in water now symbolizes washing away bad luck.

Each year, tourists from all over the world take part in Thailand's soaking wet fun in the sun. The festival is held in mid-April when the weather is warmest and the celebrations are a sweet relief from the oppressive Thai summer heat. Thailand's countrywide water fight festival generally lasts for three days, from the 13th to the 15th of April.

Songkran is traditionally a time to celebrate with family, pay respect to elders and express optimism for the year ahead. Bangkok becomes seemingly tranquil with far fewer cars on the usually congested roads as locals return to their hometowns for the celebrations. The exception however is Khao San Road, the backpacker and tourist haven, which becomes jam-packed with both foreign and local water fighters, drenching each other with water guns, buckets, cups, and anything with the capability of containing and throwing water.

While Songkran in Thailand is very popular, nearby Laos also celebrates the New Year at the same time, called "Boun Pi Mai". Luang Prabang and Vientiane are recommended for tourists who prefer the much more subdued Laotian celebrations. During the Laos festivals, people tend to ease up on the water fights and focus more on the religious aspects, like bathing images of Buddha in temples. The first train from Nongkai province traveling into Laos recently opened, making it easier to experience the New Year celebrations of both countries.