Songkran in Bangkok – An LGBTQ+ guide to Thailand’s wettest festival

It’s almost that time of year again – when your Instagram feed floods with back-to-back scenes of hunks and bombshells in wet shirts, packed like sardines into busy streets and armed with Super Soakers. You’ve watched it from afar, double-tapped, and sworn, “Next year, I’m doing it!” Well… guess what? That time has come. Will this be the year you finally experience Songkran in Bangkok?

If your answer to that question is ‘yes,’ then you’re in for a treat. Thailand’s New Year celebration is easily one of the most exciting times for LGBTQ+ travellers to be in the capital. But before you start fishing out your quick-dry shorts, there are a few things worth knowing – so you can make the most of it and join the fun respectfully.

Songkran explained

Despite what I might look like at first glance, Songkran isn’t just one giant water fight, which is something every visitor should take the time to understand. At its core, the festival marks the Thai New Year – a time for renewal, reflection, and spiritual resetting.

Traditionally held from April 13–15, Songkran has deep roots in Buddhist and Thai cultural practices. Water plays a symbolic role: pouring it gently over the hands of elders and Buddha statues is meant to wash away bad luck and welcome good fortune in the year ahead. Over time, this ritual has evolved into the high-energy street celebrations we see today — but the spirit of cleansing and connection remains at its heart.

In cities like Bangkok, the festival is a mix of reverence and revelry. Temples fill with offerings and quiet ceremonies in the morning, while afternoons turn into playful battlegrounds of water pistols, foam cannons, and full-blown street parties. It’s a national holiday, a cultural ritual, and one of the most joyful times to experience Thailand.

For a deeper look at Songkran’s spiritual origins, check out our other guide.

Why LGBTQ+ travellers love Songkran in Bangkok

Thailand is already known for being one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly destinations in the world (something solidified by the recent legalisation of same-sex marriage) and Songkran only amplifies that welcoming spirit. The energy is high, the dress code is relaxed (hello, sheer tank tops), and everybody is focused on having a good time.

For LGBTQ+ travellers, it’s the perfect collision of meaning and mayhem — a celebration that honours tradition while leaving plenty of room for unapologetic self-expression. It also just so happens to align with one of Asia’s biggest gay circuit parties… but we’ll get to that later.

Bangkok’s top water fight zones

If you’re in Bangkok for Songkran, you’ll want to know where to go when the water starts flying. Here are the top spots for getting gloriously soaked:

Silom: Bangkok’s unofficial queer capital transforms into one of the largest and most energetic water fight arenas during Songkran.

Khao San Road: Wild, chaotic, and packed with tourists. Great for backpackers or first-timers who want a full-on water war.

CentralWorld: Think more structured fun. Less chaotic, but still be prepared to get wet.

gCircuit Songkran

And now for the main event: Asia’s largest gay circuit event, gCircuit Songkran, has been a mainstay on Bangkok’s event calendar since 2007. The world-renowned festival promises an incredible lineup of parties from April 11th to 14th, 2025, with highlights that include:

Illuminate (Opening Party): Kick off the festivities on April 11th with luminous cyber body suits and glowing face paints, meant to symbolise a future where technology and nature coexist harmoniously.

Big Oasis (Bear Pool Party): On April 12th, join Asia’s first and largest Bear Pool Party, celebrating the bear community in a futuristic beachwear setting.

Cyber Punk (Main Party Vol One): Also on April 12th, immerse yourself in a dystopian future with edgy, futuristic punk attire.

Oasis (Boy Pool Party): On April 13th, flaunt your metallic swimwear and mingle with gays from around the world.

Mercury Rising (Main Party Vol Two): Conclude the main events on April 13th by dressing in futuristic silver attire, embodying the shimmering cityscapes of tomorrow.

Automata (Closing Party): On April 14th, dance the night away ay a cybernetic-inspired celebration of humanity and technology.

Most events are set to take place at EMSPHERE, with pool parties at the Tribe Sky Beach Club and main parties at the UOB Live Hall. For detailed information and ticket bookings, visit the official gCircuit website.

Other parties

If circuit parties aren’t your scene, there are plenty of other LGBTQ+ venues around Bangkok to celebrate Songkran in your own way. Check out House of Heals in Silom if nightly drag performances and DJ sets sound like your kind of vibe. Or, for something more sapphic, check out LesHi Bar in Din Daeng — a laid-back hangout with live music and a fun, welcoming vibe that centres around queer women.

Packing essentials and top tips

A few smart choices before you set out can define your entire festival experience. If you want to end the week on a high note, here’s what to bring:

Fast-drying clothes: Save your stylish garms for later on and wear something thin, light, and fast-drying.

Waterproof pouch: Trust us. You don’t want to get back to your accommodation and realise your phone is no longer working and your cash is soaked.

Flip-flops or waterproof sandals: Nobody wants to walk around with wet feet all day.

Sunscreen: You’ll be out in the sun for hours, so protect your skin. Try to get your hands on water-resistant sunscreen if you can so that it doesn’t run into your eyes… ouch!

Eye protection: Just in case some 14-year-old with an Aqua Annihilator 3000 aims for your face. Some Songkran die-hards wear those cool-looking safety goggles, but most sunglasses will do the trick.

Water bottle (for hydration): April is Bangkok’s hottest month, so you’ll lose almost as much water as you spray. Keep sipping!

Plan your transportation: It will be impossible for taxis to reach certain zones, so think strategically about where you want to be dropped off and picked up.

Choose a hotel that is both comfortable and convenient: Take a look at our collection of hotels that are perfect for LGBTQ+ travellers spending Songkran in Bangkok.

Songkran etiquette

For Thai people, Songkran is more than just three days of splashy-happy chaos; it’s a cultural holiday with deep spiritual roots, so be mindful while you celebrate:

Don’t splash monks, the elderly, or people in work clothes. Use common sense — not everyone’s playing.

Be mindful near temples. Songkran rituals still take place here, so dial it down in sacred spaces.

Don’t use ice water or high-pressure hoses. It’s considered aggressive, and no one likes a festival bully.

Don’t take yourself too seriously. Songkran is playful at heart. The more you let go, the more fun you’ll have!