Key findings:
Skyscanner's data reveals a 48% year-on-year (YOY) increase in overall searches for Thailand, with cities such as Bangkok, Phuket, Koh Samui, Chiang Mai and Krabi claiming the spotlight as the most popular cities to visit.



Top 5 popular destinations in Thailand |
YOY Increase in searches |
Bangkok |
46% |
Phuket |
63% |
Koh Samui |
47% |
Chiang Mai |
32% |
Krabi |
55% |
Top 5 countries travelling to Thailand |
YOY Increase in searches |
Singapore |
89% |
Australia |
36% |
Russia |
26% |
United Kingdom |
22% |
Germany |
22% |
Top 5 cities Thais travel to domestically |
YOY Increase in searches |
Bangkok |
68% |
Phuket |
2% |
Krabi |
10% |
Ubon Ratchathani |
43% |
Chiang Rai |
31% |
Skyscanner recommends the following highlights for celebrating Songkran in Thailand's top five most popular cities:
Bangkok: There are countless events and activities on offer in Bangkok during Songkran. Apart from joining the internationally famous water fights – which will be held in various spots such as Silom, Khao San Road and Banglampoo – visitors interested in more a spiritual Songkran tradition can visit temples such as Wat Pho, Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of Emerald Buddha) and Wat Arun to ask for a blessing from the monks and join in the tradition of bathing Buddha images with flower-scented water.
Phuket: If you visit Phuket during the Songkran festival, do not miss your chance to get soaked at Patong beach. Or join a communal merit-making ceremony, witness a procession of Buddha images along Patong beach or pay respect to the elders by washing their hands with scented water – an ancient and respected Songkran custom.
Koh Samui: One of the largest islands in Surat Thani province, Koh Samui is one of the best places to celebrate your Songkran holiday. Enjoy water-splashing events under sunny skies in Chaweng, Taling Ngam and Lamai beaches, and then relax at the seaside. You can top off each day's fun with a bountiful seafood dinner beside the gently lapping ocean waves.
Chiang Mai: This northern city is renowned for hosting the biggest Songkran celebrations in Thailand. Visitors can witness a wonderful parade around the city, enjoy Lanna-style cultural performances, delicious northern street food, fireworks and – of course – the biggest water fights in the world, held at several spots such as Thapae Gate or Kard Suan Kaew.
Krabi: Visitors can participate in a religious ceremony in the morning with making merit and asking for a blessing from the elders. Visitors can enjoy the water-splashing festival in various spots, the most popular of which is Chao Fah pier, one of the most prominent spots in the city, where cultural performances are also on offer.