How Thai People Play Water Fights During Songkran Festival
How Thai People Play Water Fights During Songkran
Thailands Songkran Festival, the Thai New Year, is world-famous for its epic water fights, turning the country into a massive splash zone every April. But if you want to celebrate Songkran like a local, theres one key thing you need: a pickup truck!
Unlike the typical tourist experience of battling it out with a water gun on foot, Thai locals take their Songkran game to the next level by turning pickup trucks into mobile water attack stations. Heres how it works:
Load Up with Water Barrels - Families and friends gather on the back of pickup trucks, filling huge plastic barrels with water. Some even add ice to make their splash extra refreshing!
Arm Yourself - Water guns, buckets, and hoses become weapons of choice for drenching everyone in sight.
Cruise the Streets - The trucks drive slowly through cities and villages, with passengers throwing water at pedestrians, motorbikes, and other trucks.
Return Fire! - Anyone standing by the roadside will likely have a water gun or a hose ready to splash back.
Why Do Thai People Love Playing Songkran on Pickup Trucks?
- It's a Moving Battlefield
Unlike stationary water fights, a pickup truck lets players move around and engage in water battles across different neighborhoods. - It's Perfect for Family & Friends
Songkran is about togetherness, and what better way to celebrate than riding in a truck with your whole crew? - It Helps Beat the Heat
April is Thailands hottest month, and getting drenched while riding through the streets is the best way to stay cool. - It Keeps the Tradition Alive
Before the era of water guns, locals played Songkran with buckets of water and traditional clay bowls. Pickup trucks allow them to continue this tradition on a larger scale!
Where to Experience Pickup Truck Water Fights in Thailand?
If you want to witness this fun-filled Thai tradition, these are the best places to be during Songkran:
Bangkok Khao San Road & Silom Road: The biggest and wildest Songkran street parties.
Chiang Mai Tha Pae Gate & Old City Moat: Home to legendary water battles with pickup trucks circling the moat.
Pattaya Beach Road & Walking Street: Songkran celebrations here last longer than in most places!
Ayutthaya Elephant Water Fight: Elephants join in the fun, splashing water on people alongside the trucks.
Tips for Enjoying a Pickup Truck Water Fight
Be Ready to Get Soaked! - Wear quick-dry clothes and waterproof everything (including your phone!).
Stay Safe - Avoid throwing water at moving motorbikes to prevent accidents.
Use Environmentally Friendly Water Guns - Avoid plastic waste and keep Songkran eco-friendly.
Respect the Culture - Some locals still celebrate Songkran traditionally by visiting temples and making merit.
Rules for Pickup Truck Water Fight
- No more than 6 people are allowed to sit in the back of the pickup truck.
- Drive on the left lane at a maximum speed of 60 km/h for safety.
- Standing and sitting on the edge of the truck bed are prohibited.
- The consumption of alcohol or intoxicating substances is not allowed.
- Driver must always wear seat belt.
