PATTAYA
Get ready to immerse yourself in an unforgettable experience as Pattaya and Naklua proudly present “Wan Lai Pattaya – Naklua 2568,” a grand celebration of Thailand’s Songkran festival. Scheduled for April 18-19, 2025, this event promises a perfect blend of traditional Thai charm and fun festivities, welcoming both locals and international visitors.
This highly anticipated annual festival will feature many traditional and more modern “fun” activities, from water-pouring ceremonies honoring the elderly to elaborate parades, traditional Thai performances, playful folk games, and, of course, the famous water fights—all set against the backdrop of Pattaya City.
The festivities kick off in Naklua at Lan Pho Public Park on April 18. The day begins with a series of sacred and cultural rituals, including a 7:00 AM gathering of Pattaya residents, a 7:30 AM Buddhist chanting ceremony, and an 8:30 AM almsgiving to monks with dry food and rice. The official opening ceremony follows, featuring blessings for the Thai New Year.
At 8:45 AM, participants can join the water-pouring ceremony for Buddha statues and the elderly, accompanied by traditional Thai dance performances. By 9:30 AM, a stunning procession of flower-adorned vehicles and Buddha statues will wind through Naklua Market, allowing attendees to sprinkle water on the sacred figures for good fortune. The parade route starts at Lan Pho Park, heading right toward Namchai Intersection, then left along Sawang Fa Road, past Pizza Hut Pattaya-Naklua, before splitting into two paths: one via Sawang Foundation Road and the other via Pho Ngam Road, returning to the starting point.
From 2:30 PM to 9:30 PM, the water festivities take over Pattaya-Naklua Road, with traffic managed as a one-way system for safety. One lane from Namchai Intersection to Pho San Alley will be closed, though regular traffic resumes beyond this stretch. Note that PVC water guns, talcum powder, alcohol, and roadside vending along the beachfront are prohibited.
The celebration continues on April 19 at Wat Chaimongkol Royal Monastery near Walking Street, where the day starts at 7:30 AM with offerings of breakfast to monks. At 8:30 AM, attendees can participate in water-pouring rituals for Buddha statues, monks, and the elderly. The official opening at 9:00 AM will feature cultural performances, community showcases, and traditional sports.
A highlight of the day is the 12:00 PM procession of Buddha statues and floral floats, departing from Wat Chaimongkol along Pattaya Second Road, Central Pattaya Road, and Beach Road before returning to the temple. Traffic adjustments will be in place from 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM, with road closures from the Central Klang Intersection on Beach Road to Walking Street and parking restrictions from 6:00 AM to 1:00 AM to accommodate the parade and ensure safety.
The event will also welcome beauty queens from the Miss Universe 2024 pageant, including Miss Victoria Kjaer Theilvig (Miss Universe), Miss Chelsea Manalo (Miss Asia), Miss Chidimma Adetshina (Miss Africa and Oceania), Miss Tatiana Calmell (Miss Americas), and Miss Matilda Wirtavuori (Miss Europe and Middle East). They will be hosting the event in Pattaya and participating in the parade.
Of course, Beach Road will be lined with many concerts and events, especially at Central Mall.
To ensure a safe and respectful celebration, organizers encourage participants to play courteously, honor the elderly with water blessings, keep the area clean, dress modestly, and refrain from using clay powder or consuming alcohol.
Join the Fun!
Mark your calendars for April 18-19, 2025, and come dressed in Thai Songkran attire to join the water-splashing fun in Pattaya and Naklua.
Happy Songkran!
