The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has announced the return of the “Bangkok Water Festival 2026”, to be held from April 11–15 under the theme “Sanook Sanan Songkran Ban Chan”, with a pre-festival launch scheduled for April 4 in Bangkok.

TAT governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool on Monday announced the 11th edition of the festival, to be held in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the Ministry of Culture, the Royal Thai Navy, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, local communities and Thai Beverage Plc.

The festival will take place in cultural communities along the Chao Phraya River, promoting traditional Songkran customs and riverside heritage through a range of cultural, educational and recreational activities. Organisers said the event aims to highlight the Thai way of life and encourage sustainable tourism while preserving local traditions.

This year’s programme continues the “Bike, Walk, Talk, Boat” concept, offering visitors guided experiences through historic areas, including communities along Bangkok Noi canal. Activities include cultural storytelling, food tastings and visits to heritage sites reflecting the coexistence of different religious and cultural traditions. Special programmes include the “Boat & Walk Tour”, organised in collaboration with Baan Lae Suan Explorers Club and the Royal Photographic Society of Thailand, as well as cycling routes through old Bangkok arranged by Bike Tours Bangkok.

Cultural learning activities will also be held in partnership with Museum Siam, focusing on the meaning of sanan, which refers to traditional water-based cleansing rituals associated with Songkran. Visitors can take part in merit-making activities such as bathing Buddha images, paying respect to elders and community clean-ups.

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/3228390/bangkok-water-festival-returns