Thailand, a land rich in cultural diversity, celebrates Thai New Year, or Songkran, as one of its major festivals. Honoring age-old traditions while joining in the festivities, here are must-have items you can find in stores and markets nationwide to help you blend in with the locals.
Kor Krachao
Thai women traditionally wear this sleeveless, round-neck top, known as “kor krachao”, to stay cool in Thailand’s tropical climate. While it’s no longer common in everyday wardrobes, some still embrace this traditional attire.
Dinsor Pong
Nothing signifies Songkran more than “dinsor pong”—white clay mixed with fragrant water, smeared playfully on faces and clothes. This practice reflects the Thai spirit of friendliness and fun.
Sua Gui Heng
Conservative festival-goers often wear a “sua gui heng”, a round-neck linen shirt, both to honor tradition and to avoid drawing attention from the inevitable water-throwers!
Sua Lai Dok
In the lead-up to Songkran, many men embrace vibrant Hawaiian-style floral shirts, or “sua lai dok”, setting a festive tone that screams fun.
Floral-Scented Water
One of the festival’s most cherished customs is “Rod Naam Dum Hua”, where children pour jasmine-scented water over elders’ hands, seeking forgiveness and wishing them good health. Elders, in turn, offer blessings in a heartfelt exchange.
