Who says the fun of Songkran ends on April 15, 2026? For party lovers who still crave the refreshing excitement, get ready. The eastern region is about to launch legendary fun with the "Wan Lai" tradition, doubling the enjoyment and extending it all the way until April 20, 2026.
Did you know that "Wan Lai" is more than just splashing water? Before diving into the water festivities, let's learn a bit about its origins. Historically, this tradition was called the "Sand Pagoda Building Festival," a New Year merit-making event where villagers helped carry sand washed away by rivers or the sea back to temples to build sand pagodas as a Buddhist offering. Over time, with transportation shifting from boats to cars, the lengthy name was shortened to "Wan Lai." Although the name is shorter, the joyful spirit, merit-making, and water splashing that attract hundreds of thousands to celebrate remain as vibrant as ever.
Get your water guns ready and check out the Songkran 2026 travel calendar along with the highlights of the Wan Lai tradition.
5 Apr 2026: Warm up the fun before the main event at Wan Lai Bo Win.
10 - 19 Apr 2026: Music lovers, don’t miss the Songkran Festival at Terminal 21 Pattaya featuring concerts by Phai Phongsathon, Buddha Bless, Polycat, plus the thrilling Slider Splash water activity.
13 - 15 Apr 2026: Join traditional water splashing celebrations at Songkran in Chonburi City, Phanat Nikhom, Phan Thong, and Koh Pho.
16 Apr 2026: Kick off the excitement on the first day of Wan Lai at Bangsaen, Don Hua Lo, and Bo Thong.
17 Apr 2026: Experience the peak thrill of Wan Lai Bangsaen (main day) with a full road closure for water fights along Bangsaen Beach.
18 Apr 2026: Continue the splash fun at Wan Lai Naklua and Bang Phra.
19 Apr 2026: The ultimate highlight everyone awaits: Wan Lai Pattaya and Huaton. Pattaya’s beach road transforms into a giant foam party and water tunnel.
20 Apr 2026: Wrap up the annual Wan Lai festivities with final celebrations at Wan Lai Bang Sare and Ban Bueng.
This Songkran, if you still have energy and don’t want the fun to end quickly, pack your bags and head to the eastern region’s Wan Lai celebrations.