Start your Songkran on Patong Beach

Laugh if you find yourself in the crossfire of water blasters! This is the official start to the annual, three-day water festival that marks the Thai New Year. As can be expected, Phuket’s chaotic water fights start ahead of time, bringing out the buckets and hosepipes as early as Saturday (April 11). Take to the messy Bangla Square on April 12 – foam vibes prevail here, covering what little clothing they’re likely wearing. More into the cultural side? Head to the Charter Walking Street for the Mon Rak Songkran tradition, also on April 12 from 4-9pm, where locals spruce themselves up in flashy luk thung outfits complete with sparkling sequins and all. Other key splash zones include the Songkran No Alcohol Festival on April 13 at Limelight Phuket, so named because boozy matters are virtually everywhere on the island. Of if you’re more of a nighttime splasher, head to Koh Sirey’s Dark Soul of Paradise EDM Festival, or Sad Roi Lhaow concerts at the NAKA Market. No matter the venue, this is Phuket’s Songkran and it’s so ready.

April 11-15. Free and paid events. Songkran in Phuket. 10am-late