PATTAYA, Thailand – Some foreign tourists and expats prefer to stay away from Pattaya during Songkran, the Thai New Year water festival, due to the chaotic and intense celebrations. While many revel in the high-energy water fights and street parties, others find the constant soaking, overcrowded streets, and general mayhem overwhelming.
One major reason for avoidance is the sheer scale of the festival in Pattaya, which extends beyond the official April 13-15 dates and lasts up to a full week. Roads become impassable due to water battles, and even those who simply want to walk or commute risk getting drenched at any moment. For expats who live and work in the city, this can be a significant inconvenience.
Safety concerns also play a role, as excessive drinking and reckless behavior sometimes lead to accidents. Reports of road incidents spike during the “seven dangerous days” from April 11 to 17, with Songkran being one of the most dangerous times for traffic in Thailand. Some expats and long-term visitors choose to travel out of Pattaya or remain indoors until the celebrations subside.
Songkran, the Thai New Year celebrated annually in mid-April, is renowned for its exuberant water festivities and cultural events. Pattaya, in particular, extends these celebrations, attracting both locals and international tourists. For 2025, the city has scheduled an extended festival from April 12th to 19th, promising a week-long extravaganza of events and activities.
Accommodation challenges also arise during Songkran, as Pattaya experiences a surge in both domestic and international tourists, leading to high demand for accommodations. Hotels, resorts, and guesthouses often reach full capacity well in advance, particularly in prime areas like Beach Road, Walking Street, and Central Pattaya. Prices for rooms tend to spike due to increased demand, and last-minute bookings can be difficult.
As one observer put it: “Not much to weigh really, I will not be going anywhere inside the city, giving it a wide birth through the madness.” This sentiment reflects the feelings of many who prefer to avoid the festival’s chaos and seek a quieter escape until normalcy returns.
