Make a Splash at Thailand's Hottest Beaches: Your Guide to Songkran Fun!

As the hottest time of the Thai year is approaching, Thailand's locals and tourists alike are planning how they can get the heck out of Bangkok and hunker down for one of the most exciting and refreshing events of the year - Songkran. What may seem to any visitor as a country-wide no-holds-barred water splashing festival, for locals, it’s a time to cleanse themselves of bad luck and negative energy with marathon bouts of aquatic mayhem.

The word ‘Songkran’ comes from Sanskrit and is a term signifying the 'shift of the sun' into the new season or 'New Year'. In ancient times, the Thai (and greater Tai people in general along with many other people in the region) would use water to cleanse themselves and their families as they pass into the new year. This tradition evolved over time to become the festival that we know and love today, a time of joy, celebration, and of course, plenty of water. As the festival approaches, beach destinations around Thailand come alive with excitement and energy. There are so many amazing coastal areas in Thailand with some amazing beaches, and each beach destination has its own unique character, but they all share one thing in common - a love of water and celebration, especially during Songkran. Here's our rundown of the 7 Hottest Beach Destinations in Thailand this Songkran.

1. Pattaya

Pattaya is perhaps the most well-known of these destinations, and for good reason. The beach here is stunning, with crystal-clear water and soft, white sand. During Songkran, Pattaya is a hive of activity, with locals and visitors alike taking to the streets to splash water and dance to the beat of the music. Take a boat out for a day-trip to the surrounding islands - once you get only a few hundred metres away from Pattaya's coastline, the water changes colour again and you'll feel like you're in another world.

2. Sriracha

Sriracha is another great destination for Songkran. Located just a short distance from Pattaya, Sriracha has a much quieter and more laid back vibe. It's perfect for those looking to escape the crowds. Here, you'll find some of the most beautiful beaches in Thailand, as well as a range of fantastic restaurants and bars, and to many visitors' surprise, you'll be able to enjoy a distinct Japanese flavour to many of the restaurants, supermarkets and facilities around town thanks to the substantial Japanese community of expats who work in Sriracha and its surrounding areas.

3. Hua Hin

Hua Hin is another destination that's perfect for Songkran. This beach town is a favorite among locals, with its long, wide beaches and bustling night markets. During Songkran, Hua Hin comes alive with colour and energy, as locals and visitors alike take to the streets to celebrate. While you're down there, make sure you spend some time at the Centara Grand Resort 'Railway Hotel', which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. There's even a train museum there where you can see how the Railway played a key role in putting Hua Hin on the map.

4. Rayong

Rayong is a quieter destination that's perfect for those looking to get away from it all. Here, you'll find some of the most beautiful beaches in Thailand, as well as a range of fantastic restaurants and bars. During Songkran, Rayong comes alive with excitement, with locals and visitors alike splashing water and celebrating the festival.

5. Krabi

Krabi is a destination that's famous for its stunning natural beauty. Here, you'll find towering limestone cliffs, crystal-clear water, and some of the most beautiful beaches in Thailand. During Songkran, Krabi is a hive of activity, where everyone takes to the streets to splash water and dance to the beat of the music.

6. Phuket

For many visitors, when they think of Thailand beaches, Phuket is probably one of the first places that springs to mind. Since the pandemic, the whole region has undergone a cleansing by nature, and this Songkran is the perfect time to see Phuket in one of the best states that it's been in in decades. This island paradise is famous for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear water, and bustling nightlife. During Songkran, the fun gets pushed into overdrive with celebrations starting in the morning and keep going on far into the night.

7. Samui

Finally, Samui is a destination that's perfect for anyone looking to relax on a pristine island that isn't too built up, but still has all the modern amenities you may need during your holiday. Samui is known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear water, and laid-back atmosphere - you'll probably want to leave your watch at home while you're on the island as time ebbs and flows just like the waves crashing on its beaches. During Songkran, the locals around Samui still celebrate, though the atmosphere is a lot more laid back than other places in Thailand.

The joy, mayhem and water of Thailand's Songkran festival is something that everybody needs to experience at least once in a lifetime.

Whether you're looking to escape the crowds or dive headfirst into the festival, the beach destinations of Thailand have something for everyone. From the crystal-clear waters of Pattaya and Sriracha to the stunning natural beauty of Krabi and Samui, there's no shortage of amazing destinations to choose from.

Experience Songkran with Centara Hotels and Resorts

Centara Hotels and Resorts offer the perfect accommodations for your Songkran adventure in each of these key locations. Experience the festivities and retreat to the comfort of their luxurious properties after a day of water-soaked fun.

1. Pattaya: Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya
2. Sriracha: Centara Sonrisa Residences & Suites Sriracha
3. Hua Hin: Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin
4. Rayong: Centara Q Resort Rayong
5. Krabi: Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Krabi
6. Phuket: Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket
7. Samui: Centara Reserve Samui

Choose the perfect Centara property for your Songkran getaway and enjoy the ultimate combination of excitement, relaxation, and exceptional hospitality. No matter which beach destination you choose, you're guaranteed a memorable experience that will make you want to come back for more Songkran celebrations in the future.