Hua Hin Songkran crowds swell as tourists flock to water festival
Hua Hin Songkran crowds filled the city over the weekend as tourists and residents gathered in large numbers to take part in water celebrations, with many foreign visitors joining in the lively atmosphere.
This year’s Songkran festival has drawn particularly strong participation, driven in part by hot weather and a desire among both locals and visitors to relax during the holiday period. Water play activities and cultural events have taken place across multiple locations, creating a festive mood throughout the city.
On April 12, Prachuap Khiri Khan Governor Sitthichai Sawat Saen presided over the opening of “Hua Hin Songkran Fest 2026” on Damnoen Kasem Road, in front of Phon King Phet Park. The event was attended by government officials, private sector representatives, and large numbers of Thai and international tourists.
Ahead of the official opening, the Hua Hin Cultural Learning Centre organised demonstrations of traditional Thai games, drawing interest from visitors and offering a glimpse into local customs. Activities included a range of folk games, which were well received and added a cultural dimension to the celebrations.
The main event area has seen particularly strong attendance, with the water play zone proving a key attraction. A large water tunnel covering more than 1,000 square metres has been a focal point for visitors, while children have taken part in foam parties and enjoyed inflatable water attractions. Officials have maintained a visible presence to oversee safety throughout the event.
Hua Hin City Mayor Nopporn Wutthikul said the festival was organised under the theme “Hologram,” combining modern lighting, colour and sound with traditional elements. The event runs from April 12 to 13, from midday until midnight, and is intended to support tourism while maintaining aspects of Thai cultural heritage.
Traditional ceremonies and city-wide celebrations
Events on April 13 include the bathing ceremony of the Phra Phuttha Sihing Buddha image and other Buddha figures representing each day of the week, alongside traditional water-pouring rituals to pay respect to elders. A procession of Luang Pho Nak from Wat Hua Hin is also scheduled, with monks expected to sprinkle holy water as part of blessing ceremonies.
A large Songkran parade featuring more than seven processions is set to take place, with organisers expecting it to draw significant attention along the route.
Beyond the main event area, Songkran celebrations have spread throughout Hua Hin. Popular locations including Soi Bintabaht, the Mahachanak intersection, Hua Hin Soi 51 and Naeb Kehardt Road have seen continuous water play. In the evenings, crowds have gathered in large numbers, with many venues setting up water stations, playing music, and hosting small-scale performances.
The overall atmosphere has been lively but orderly, with officials continuing to monitor safety and traffic conditions during the festival period.
Local businesses have reported increased activity, with hotels, restaurants and entertainment venues benefiting from the influx of visitors. The festival is expected to provide a short-term boost to the local economy, as Hua Hin continues to attract both domestic and international tourists during the holiday.
