Ireland 
Splash Smart: Health and Safety Tips for Thailand’s Songkran Festival
13th and 15th April 2026
For three days each year, the vibrant Songkran festival across Thailand brings together both locals and tourists for a lively, water-filled celebration. People of all ages join in to mark the Thai New Year with music, street food, and non-stop water splashing.
However, amid the fun and excitement, accidents and illnesses can occur. To help you make the most of this unforgettable experience, here are our top tips for staying safe and enjoying Songkran to the fullest.
Pre- travel health preparation
Before travelling to Songkran, it’s important to speak with a travel health specialist for personalised advice on travel vaccinations. Recommended vaccines include those for Hepatitis A and Tetanus, while others to consider depending on your plans and activities include Rabies and Hepatitis B.
It’s also important to discuss medical kits, including essential first aid supplies and medications to manage common issues such as travellers’ diarrhoea. Understanding the importance of these key items and being well prepared will help you stay healthy and enjoy your trip with confidence.
Comprehensive travel insurance
Travel insurance is essential. All travellers should ensure they have full travel medical insurance that covers pre-existing medical conditions, hospital treatment abroad and emergency repatriation.
Cultural respect and behaviour
Songkran is all about making a fresh start, with water symbolising the washing away of the previous year and purification. It is a very inclusive festival where everyone can enjoy water splashing, however it is also a very spiritual time for many, so it is important to understand and respect the cultural boundaries of locals and not throw water on monks or older people. People use water guns, buckets, and hoses to splash water. Whatever you choose to use, use safely. Do not aim at faces or throw water at moving vehicles as this can lead to serious accidents.
Road safety
Sadly, Songkran is known as Thailand’s most dangerous travel period due to the number of traffic accidents that happen during the festival. Drivers and passengers traveling by car, truck, or motorcycle are prime targets for being splashed with water. This can take drivers by surprise, causing them to lose control of their vehicle sometimes with serious consequences for both those inside the vehicle and pedestrians nearby. Extra caution is essential at all times. Tuk-tuks and motorcycles are particularly at risk, as wet and slippery roads make them harder to control.
- Avoid riding motorcycles If renting one, always wear a helmet.
- Don’t drink and drive
- Avoid busy traffic areas.
Protect Your Valuables
You will get completely soaked. So personal belongings will get damaged if they are not protected.
- Protect your phone with a waterproof phone pouch.
- Use a crossbody bag or hidden bum bag with zippers.
- Leave passports and important documents in your hotel safe.
Water infections
A lot of infections abroad come from contaminated water and there is high chance that the water being thrown is from untreated sources and therefore contaminated.
Possible risks include; gastrointestinal infections if water enters your mouth ( causing diarrhoea / vomiting), conjunctivitis if water gets into eyes and skin infections if you have any cuts or abrasions.
Prevention:
- Try and keep your mouth closed during splashes.
- Avoid rubbing your eyes and protect your eyes if you wear contacts ( wear sunglasses)
- Cover open wounds with waterproof bandages.
Skin Irritation & Fungal Infections
Constant wet clothing in high heat can also cause: Fungal infections (athlete’s foot) and Rashes. Dry off regularly, shower and change into dry clothes. Wear breathable footwear.
Mosquito born disease
Mosquitoes are present all over Thailand and still very much present during Songkran festival. Risks include Dengue fever and Chikungunya, which are spread by daytime-biting mosquitoes. Protect yourself by wearing insect repellent, covering skin, and staying aware of symptoms that include fever and severe joint pain.
Accidents – trips and falls.
Be ‘surface aware’ and watch out for puddles and roads and pavements covered in soapy water or discarded ice. Trips and falls are not uncommon. The streets will be wet, muddy and slippery. Wear sturdy, slip-resistant footwear like sandals with straps or water shoes to help navigate the hazardous water-soaked streets. Do not wear flip flops.
It is safer to avoid overcrowded areas where there is an increased risk of crushing and tripping.
Sun safety
Water and sweat increases exposure to the sun and reduces the protection of sunscreen as it is washed off the skin. The cooling effect of water also masks the sensations of the skin burning. Always use a water resistant suncream at least SPF 30. Cover up as much as possible. Take regular breaks from the sun and stay hydrated with bottled or purified water.
It’s important to carry a comprehensive medical kit so you’re prepared for common health issues during Songkran. The kit should include medications to manage travellers’ diarrhoea and fungal infections, as well as essential first aid supplies such as antiseptic and dressings to treat minor cuts, scrapes, and other skin injuries.
Having these items on hand allows you to respond quickly to small problems before they become more serious, helping you stay safe and enjoy the festival with peace of mind.
Alcohol awareness
It is important to drink sensibly and be mindful of where you are purchasing alcohol. In popular tourist hotspots, Methanol poisoning is a potential risk. Buy alcoholic beverages from licensed shops, licensed bars and reputable hotels only. Pace yourself and stay with friends. Be sensible and remember that binge drinking alcohol compromises safety and increases risk of illness, accidents and injury.
Songkran is an incredibly joyful and unique experience. With some travel health planning, preparation and the right safety precautions, you’re set to enjoy an unforgettable celebration.
https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/221/thailand#Vaccine_Recommendations
https://www.nationthailand.com/news/general/40048810
https://www.explore.co.uk/blog/visiting-thailand-during-the-songkran-new-year-festival
