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Songkran in Ayutthaya 2027: the elephant festival
In Ayutthaya, the old royal capital, painted elephants splash the crowd among the temple ruins. It is close enough to Bangkok for a day trip. Here is what ran in 2026, how to get there and where to stay for 2027. Checked 24 Oct 2026.
At a glance
Songkran 2027
Public holidays Tue 13 to Thu 15 April 2027. Days off and bridge-day watch
Elephant Splashing festival (2026)
13 to 15 April on Sri Sanphet Road
Elephant parade (2026)
13 April, about 2 km, with ten painted elephants (being checked)
Wat Chaiwatthanaram (2026)
Songkran at the temple, 9 to 13 April
2027
Not announced The dates, the parade route and times
Where to splash
Ayutthaya’s Songkran happens on the old city island, among the ruins. Details are from 2026; each card will switch to 2027 when the programme is announced.
City island · free
Elephant Splashing on Sri Sanphet Road
The festival Ayutthaya is known for: elephants dressed and painted for the new year spray water over the crowd, with the temple ruins behind them.
2026: 13–15 April, Sri Sanphet Road.
Getting there: Sri Sanphet Road runs through the historical park on the city island.
2027 not announced
Sources: official events calendar, Tourism Authority of Thailand
City island · free
The elephant parade
Ten elephants from the Ayutthaya Elephant Palace and Royal Kraal, painted in floral patterns, led a parade of about 2 km, with long-drum processions and tuk-tuks touring the city (being checked).
2026: 13 April. Water play with the elephants at the Elephant Palace, near the City Pillar Shrine, and a foam party after dark, 13–15 April (being checked).
Getting there: The Elephant Palace is by the City Pillar Shrine on the island.
2027 not announced
Sources: Pattaya Mail, from TNA
Temple · free
Wat Chaiwatthanaram
Songkran at the riverside temple, one of Ayutthaya’s best-known ruins, before the main festival days.
2026: 9–13 April 2026.
Getting there: Wat Chaiwatthanaram is on the west bank of the river, off the city island.
2027 not announced
Sources: official events calendar
From Bangkok · tours
As a day trip from Bangkok
Ayutthaya is north of Bangkok, close enough for a day out and back for the evening in Bangkok. Klook lists day and half-day tours from Bangkok, some with a sunset boat ride: Ayutthaya tours on Klook.
2026: 13–15 April were the elephant days, the best ones for a day trip.
Getting there: By tour, by car or by train from Bangkok.
Tours run all year
Sources: Klook (checked 24 Oct 2026)
The 2026 programme
Elephants, ruins and water
Songkran in Ayutthaya started at Wat Chaiwatthanaram on 9 April 2026 and peaked over the three public holidays, when the city island opened up for water play and the elephants came out.
The city island is a UNESCO World Heritage site, so this is also a chance to see the temples in their most festive week (being checked). For what the temple customs mean, see what Songkran means.
The 2027 programme has not been announced. Sign up below and we will email you when it is.
9–13 Apr Free
Songkran at Wat Chaiwatthanaram
West bank of the river
13 Apr Free
Elephant parade, about 2 km (being checked)
City island
13–15 Apr Free
Elephant Splashing Songkran Festival
Sri Sanphet Road
13–15 Apr Free
Water play, long-drum processions, night foam party (being checked)
City island and the Elephant Palace
Sources: official events calendar, Pattaya Mail, from TNA.
Ayutthaya’s Songkran in numbers
From the 2026 festival.
10
painted elephants in the 13 April parade (being checked)
About 2 km
of parade route on the city island (being checked)
3 days
of the Elephant Splashing festival, 13 to 15 April
37.5 °C
the normal April daily high in central Thailand
Sources: Pattaya Mail, from TNA, official events calendar, Thai Meteorological Department (1991–2020 normals). With highs like that, start early and save the ruins for the morning.
Rules and safety
Playing safely in Ayutthaya
Treat the elephants with care: keep a respectful distance, follow the handlers and don’t feed them anything you haven’t been given. At the temples, cover shoulders and knees. National rules and fines are in our water fight guide.
Don’t drive back wet and tired
Songkran 2026’s seven danger days saw 242 road deaths across Thailand (Road Safety Command Center via Thai PBS). If you came by car, have a sober driver or take a tour.
Protect your camera
Seal your phone and keep cameras in a dry bag between shots.
Plan for the heat
The normal April high in central Thailand is 37.5 °C. Start early and rest in the shade at midday.
Medical emergency
Call 1669.
Where to stay for Songkran in Ayutthaya
Most people come for the day, but staying the night lets you see the ruins early and the foam party late.
On or near the city island
Walk to Sri Sanphet Road, the Elephant Palace and the ruins.
Or stay in Bangkok
Base yourself in Bangkok and come up for the day. Day tours to Ayutthaya on Klook
The links open Klook’s full Ayutthaya hotel list; search by area or use the map to narrow it. We may earn a commission if you book; it costs you nothing extra and never decides what we list. We have not found a reliable source on Ayutthaya hotel occupancy or prices at Songkran, so we do not quote a figure.
Questions people ask
When is Songkran 2027 in Ayutthaya?
The public holidays are Tuesday 13 to Thursday 15 April 2027. In 2026 the Elephant Splashing festival ran on Sri Sanphet Road from 13 to 15 April. The 2027 programme has not been announced yet.
Where can I see the Songkran elephants in Ayutthaya?
On Sri Sanphet Road during the Elephant Splashing festival, and in the parade on 13 April. In 2026 there was also water play with the elephants at the Elephant Palace near the City Pillar Shrine, according to Pattaya Mail.
Can I do Ayutthaya as a day trip from Bangkok at Songkran?
Yes. Ayutthaya is north of Bangkok, and day tours run from Bangkok; you can be back for the evening.
Is it free?
The street festival and the parade are free to watch and join. Entry to the historical park’s temples is a separate matter.
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