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If you’re stuck on where to spend Songkran this year, you might want to follow the crowd. Fresh travel data from Traveloka suggests Pattaya, Chiang Mai and Krabi are all topping the leaderboard for most searched travel destinations this April.
If the trends are to be believed, these three cities are shaping up to be Thailand’s most popular domestic destinations for the Thai New Year celebrations, held nationwide from April 13-15 (and, depending on the city, quite a bit beyond).
Unsurprisingly, Songkran continues to be Thailand’s biggest travel moment of the year. The festival generated more than 28.7 billion baht in tourism revenue in 2025 – a 17 percent increase year-on-year – and expectations for 2026 are equally splashy.
Pattaya takes the number one spot for search frequency, and it’s easy to see why. While most of the country throws water for three to five days before politely drying off, Pattaya is famous for keeping the hoses running longer. In part, due to the iconic Wan Lai Festival that follows hot on its heels, extending things all the way to April 19.
Chiang Mai comes a close second, and often tops online ‘best Songkran’ lists for those looking for something a little more cultural. Water fights across the city vary between high-energy roadside raves from Thapae Gate to Nimmanhaemin, and calmer corners where locals build sand pagodas, visit temples and celebrate in neighbourhood lanes that feel closer to a rural village than a provincial capital.
And for those who like their Songkran with a double helping of sea-breezes and super-soakers, Krabi remains one of the country’s most popular coastal escapes during the holiday. Songkran at the beach can often feel like cheating – with so much water around, what’s the difference to any other day? – but throw in beautiful limestone karsts, buzzing island alcoves and a unlimited boat rides and it’s easy to see why people like to head south.
For some, this news validates plans and confirms expectations. For others, it may serve as a stark warning of where to avoid the crowds. Either way, the data doesn’t stop there. Other destinations seeing strong Songkran interest include Phuket, Hua Hin, Koh Samui, Bangkok, Hat Yai, Khon Kaen and Koh Samet – all solid picks for the festival and, in some cases, much easier to navigate.
Booking tactics for Songkran 2026
Traveloka’s data also reveals how travellers tend to plan their Songkran trips in advance.
Flight bookings tend to peak around 25 days before departure, suggesting most people secure their transport early before prices surge.
Accommodation bookings, however, often come later once all solid plans are made. Most travellers tend to lock in their rooms within the final 10 days before the holiday, meaning popular destinations can fill up quickly as Songkran approaches – even though plenty of options remain available throughout March for those planning ahead.
Get ahead by booking your Songkran accommodation before it's too late