Ready to get soaked? The biggest water fight of the year is about to splash down in Singapore! The famous Thai New Year, known as Songkran, is back for 2026. It's a huge celebration full of water fights, fantastic music, and a special look into Thai culture, all happening at Downtown East. This festival is the perfect way to cool off from the heat and have a great time with family and friends.

The Songkran Festival is Thailand's traditional New Year. It is one of the country's most important and widely celebrated festivals. The name itself comes from a word meaning "astrological passage."

The festival is deeply rooted in Buddhist customs. It starts with a series of traditions, such as spring cleaning and a ceremonial pouring of water over sacred Buddha statues. This act is about asking for blessings and purifying for the year ahead.

Along with that, younger people show respect to their elders by gently pouring scented water over their hands. This is a special custom that shows goodwill and thanks. The water is a symbol of cleansing, blessings, and washing away any bad luck from the previous year. While the famous water fights are a more modern part of the festival, they still hold this deeper meaning of renewal and good wishes. They are a fun, public version of the traditional water pouring.

And the good news is, you do not have to go all the way to Thailand to experience it. Singapore has its own version of the Songkran Festival, bringing a taste of this amazing tradition right here to the city.

The main Songkran celebrations in Thailand will take place from 13 to 15 April 2026. While those are the official dates for the festival, the exact times for events can vary by location. For example, in places like Bangkok, events might run from morning until late at night.

If you want to take part in the celebrations, you should head to Downtown East, which is the main location for all the events. Here is a breakdown of the areas and what you can find there:

1. Wild Wild Wet: This is the centre for all the water fights. You can expect splash-filled games, inflatable mazes, and dunk tanks here.

2. D’Resort: Refers to D'Resort @ Downtown East, a resort located in Pasir Ris within the Loyang Avenue area, which offers accommodations and activities such as water sports. Along with that, it hosts some of the festival's activities, making it a good place to explore and a convenient option if you want to be right near the main water fights.

In Singapore, you don't have to worry about avoiding entire major roads or public transport. Instead, the celebrations are usually contained in a specific venue.

While there are no official events to avoid in Singapore, it is a good idea to be aware of a few things:

Yes, it really is! Songkran in Singapore is a great way to experience this Thai tradition without having to travel abroad. It has the same energy and cultural feel in a safe and family-friendly place. The mix of modern fun and traditional activities means there is something for everyone. It is also a fantastic opportunity for the Thai community to share their culture with locals and visitors.

Wild Wild Wet turns into a big water fight with special Water Fight Zones. From 15 March to 14 April, visitors can enjoy games with a large inflatable maze and dunk tanks. You can also try out a special water blaster, adding a modern twist to the traditional water play. The dunk tank experience lets you drench your friends with accurate shots, so expect lots of laughs.

On some evenings, Wild Wild Wet holds a Thai-themed music night with live performances and energetic beats from Thai DJs.

Beyond water activities, Downtown East introduces you to the richness of Thai culture. The Event Square at E! Avenue will be a centre of tradition with Muay Thai trial classes for children. These classes are complemented by professional Muay Thai fighters showing off their skills. There will also be traditional Thai dance performances. You can see elegant movements and colourful costumes that tell stories of Thai heritage.

On some evenings, the Neptune Cove area hosts outdoor movie screenings. Guests can enjoy animated classics while relaxing on beanbags under the stars. Free candy floss and popcorn are also given out, making for a cosy, family-friendly atmosphere.

Here are some helpful tips for your first time at the Songkran Festival in Singapore.

Water play is a big part of the fun, so you should come prepared. Wear lightweight clothes and sandals or waterproof shoes. Avoid anything that might get damaged by water. It is also a good idea to pack a change of clothes and a towel. A waterproof bag for your phone and other valuable things is also very useful.

Staying near the main event area can make your Songkran experience even better. Downtown East is the centre of the celebration, so choosing a hotel nearby means you are just a short trip away from all the action.

You can look for options in the Pasir Ris area, as it is the closest to the venue. There are also a few hotels at Changi that are a short taxi or bus ride away. Here’s nearby hotels:

1. D'Resort @ Downtown East: This resort is located right inside Downtown East. It is the most convenient option, as you will be just steps away from all the water fights and cultural events.

2. Village Hotel Changi: A short bus or taxi ride from Downtown East, this hotel offers a pleasant stay with a great view and easy access to the event.

3. Changi Cove: A quieter option that is still very close to the festival grounds. It is a good choice if you prefer a peaceful place to return to after a day of fun.

4. Yotelair Singapore Changi Airport: Located inside Jewel Changi Airport, this is a great choice for travellers. It is just a quick taxi ride to Downtown East, making it very convenient.

5. Seaside Glamping @ Heritage Chalet: If you are looking for a unique place to stay, this glamping spot offers a different kind of experience. It is located near the sea and is a short trip away from the festival.

1. Is everything closed during Songkran?

In Singapore, no. The main festivities are located at Downtown East, so all other businesses and shops in the city will stay open as usual.

2. What should you not do during Songkran?

The main thing is to be respectful of others. Do not splash people who are not taking part in the water fights, such as the elderly, babies, or people who are working. Also, avoid throwing dirty or cold water.

3. Can you drink alcohol on Songkran?

While you can drink alcohol at the festival, it is best to do so responsibly. The event is family-friendly, so keeping a friendly and respectful attitude is important.

Singapore’s version of Songkran offers a unique way to enjoy this Thai tradition without having to travel abroad. It brings the same energy and cultural authenticity in a safe and family-friendly environment. It’s also a great opportunity for the Thai community in Singapore to share their traditions with locals and international tourists.

Ready to celebrate? Booking tickets (flights, hotels, and car rental) through Traveloka makes planning your trip even easier. With Traveloka, planning all your travel needs is easy with just a few clicks!