Sacred Meets Splashy: This Is Songkran Like You’ve Never Seen
While the world celebrates Thailand’s Songkran Festival in mid-April with water fights and vibrant street fun, there's a lesser-known, deeply spiritual celebration that takes place a little later—the Mon Songkran Festival in Sangkhlaburi, held during the last weekend of April.
Wooden Mon Bridge (Uttamanusorn Bridge): This iconic wooden bridge connects the Mon and Thai communities across the Songkalia River, where it merges with the Rantee and Bikhli Rivers to form the picturesque Three Pagodas Lake.
Floating Houses on the Lake: Charming floating homes dot the peaceful surface of the Three Pagodas Lake, creating a dreamlike waterscape that mirrors Sangkhlaburi's tranquil lifestyle.
Located in the western province of Kanchanaburi, Sangkhlaburi is a charming town that beautifully blends cultures—Thai, Mon, Karen, and Burmese. But it's the Mon community that truly shines this time of year, preserving a one-of-a-kind Songkran tradition unlike anywhere else in Thailand—or perhaps the world.
A Celebration Rooted in Spirituality and Symbolism
The Mon Songkran begins with age-old rituals:
Mon-Style Sand Pagoda at Wat Wang Wiwekaram: A centerpiece of the Mon Songkran celebration, this sand pagoda reflects centuries-old tradition and community devotion.
- Building towering sand pagodas
Placing the Sacred Umbrella on the Sand Pagoda: A symbolic ritual during the festival, this act represents respect and merit-making at the heart of Songkran traditions.
- Placing sacred umbrellas atop the pagodas
Watering the Bodhi Tree: Mon villagers pour water through bamboo channels, letting it gently flow to the roots of the sacred Bodhi tree—a ritual that symbolizes blessings and renewal.
- Watering Bodhi trees as a sign of respect
The Colorful Pa Pha Procession: Locals carry colorful robes and offerings from the town market to Wat Wang Wiwekaram, filling the streets with music, movement, and meaning.
- And offering robes in forest-style Buddhist ceremonies
Mon Woman Offering Food to Monks: A graceful Mon tradition—women balance offerings on their heads as they walk to the temple. This quiet elegance can still be seen daily in Sangkhlaburi.
Elders stay overnight at the temple to listen to sermons, while the younger generation joins the next morning to wash their feet and offer new clothes as a gesture of gratitude and care.
Entering the Temple in Full Faith: The Mon community arrives at the temple dressed in traditional attire—white blouses, patterned sarongs, and hair neatly tied—creating a serene and powerful scene of devotion.
A Sacred Water Ritual Like No Other
At Wat Wang Wiwekaram, the heart of the Mon community, a powerful ritual takes place. Locals set up long bamboo water channels raised from the ground, and everyone gathers—carrying silver bowls filled with clean water.
A Unique Mon Ritual at Wat Wang Wiwekaram: Monks walk on the backs of strong men lying flat in a line. Locals pour water onto bamboo channels, allowing it to gently trickle down as a symbolic act of cleansing and respect.
Cave Chambers of Batu Pato Hill : Layers of natural beauty hidden within—each chamber more intriguing than the last.
At the appointed time, Mon men lay flat on the ground, shoulder to shoulder, forming a human walkway. As monks walk across their backs in solemn procession, the community gently pours water through the bamboo channels. The water trickles down onto the monks in a symbolic act of purification.
A beautifully decorated floral curtain separates the monks from the crowd, ensuring modesty and reverence throughout the ritual.
Joy After Devotion
After the sacred ceremony, the festive spirit kicks in—locals playfully splash each other with leftover water, laughter echoing throughout the village. It’s a beautiful blend of blessing, bonding, and celebration, leaving everyone with full hearts and radiant smiles.
Gentle Water Play After the Ceremony: After the sacred rituals, the remaining water in silver bowls becomes a source of joy—gently splashed among friends and family with smiles and laughter.
Plan Your Visit
If you missed this year’s main Songkran events, don’t worry—Sangkhlaburi still awaits. Beyond the festival, the town offers:
- Authentic Mon cuisine
Floating Houses on the Lake: Charming floating homes dot the peaceful surface of the Three Pagodas Lake, creating a dreamlike waterscape that mirrors Sangkhlaburi's tranquil lifestyle.
- A walk across the iconic Mon Wooden Bridge
The Sunken Temple Revealed: During the dry season in April, water levels drop and reveal the mysterious remains of an old submerged temple—a haunting and unforgettable sight.
- A scenic boat ride to the sunken temple beneath the waters of the Three Pagodas Lake.
Replica of the Mahabodhi Stupa: A stunning replica of India’s Bodh Gaya stupa stands at Wat Wang Wiwekaram, seen here from across the peaceful lake.
Let your next journey take you to a place where tradition lives on, and culture embraces you with warmth.
Come experience the soulful side of Songkran—Sangkhlaburi is calling.
From Bangkok to the Mon traditions of Sangkhlaburi—travel smart, travel with Pacific Leisure.
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Editor in Chief : Nampetch Siramanon
Editor: Pacific Leisure (Thailand)
Content Creator : Mr. Saroj Na Ayutthaya