Songkran is a great time to be in Thailand. We actually prefer to stay in the country during this holiday, which is the Thai New Year and a time when locals and foreigners partake in water fights under the hot sun. One of the days, we decided to go to a music festival with the Songkran and Thai culture theme called Siam Songkran.

It was the first of its kind but we are sure they will be back next year. So if you’re curious, read on and find out how our experience was and maybe you would want to try it next time.

The Ambiance & Setup

Siam Songkran was organized and set up quite interestingly. Immediately as we entered, we got the festival vibe. But it wasn’t in your face. Everything came in phases. First, the main entrance followed by the ticketing gates.

Once through you experience the true uniqueness of the festival with the SOUL stage, food stalls, cultural shows and themed props all around such as the boxing ring.

One really cool thing we found was that under the soul stage, there were all these hammocks to lounge in.  Well, we’re not sure how anyone could sleep in them with music all around but a cool concept nonetheless.

Finally, further in you reach the Siam stage where all the Songkran fun and main music performances were being held.

Food & Drinks

Siam Songkran really did well with keeping to the theme. Even the food and beverages focused on what Siam is all about. They served all types of Thai staple and popular Thai food items. You could order from any of the dozen stalls and eat them at the tables in front. Just Another great example of the entire setup of the music festival. It all really went with the theme.

The highlight was the Kapao (basil) chicken or beef stall. This is our absolute favorite dish and were so glad that they had it there. Top it off with a fried egg and some rice and the dish is heaven.

As for drinks, the main sponsors were Chang beer and Bacardi Rum – very much popular brands in Thailand. The main setup for each was outside the Siam stage but smaller stalls could be found inside as well. The outside setup felt more lounge-like for those who want to relax and take a break from all the dance-music-Songkran action inside.

The Music Highlights

The lineup for April 14 consisted of Afrojack and Seven Lions as the headliners with 6 supporting DJs on the main stage. The first set was by  Spixzy at 5 pm. We got there around 6 at the time at which DJ Junior was playing. However, since we were walking around the music festival grounds, eating food and checking out the SOUL stage.

By 7 we made our way to the main SIAM stage and immediately got soaked by the water cannons splashing in all directions. It was a hot day so we did not mind getting wet. In fact, that is the point of Songkran. Isn’t it?

At this time, Ephwurd was just coming on. He played a decent mixed set of Trap, Hardstyle, hip hop, and EDM. He leaned towards the former 2 styles, however.

As soon as he finished, we made our way back to the soul stage to listen to some less commercial music. It was a mix of hip hop, house, and techno. Quite different from the Siam stage. We didn’t keep track of what artists were playing here though.

Next up, back at the main stage, Ekali was starting his set. It seems he was an underrated artist as his mixed were pretty dope. It had us dancing and having a great time. The same went for Mija who was excellent! She had some great skills and talent. There was never a time that we got bored. Definitely would want to hear more from these two artists.

Finally, Afrojack was next. Most people had come for him I am guessing as we quickly noticed that the space between us was getting tighter. It got crowded fast and continuously got pushed back and forth. However, to be honest, Afrojack did not deliver in my opinion. Perhaps we were getting tired by now or his music sounded too commercial compared to the previous DJs. We didn’t even finish the set and decided to go home early so also missed out on Seven Lions.

Overall, it was a great music festival. If I wasn’t sick I would have stayed the entire night and maybe even gone a second day. It was a four-day event!

If you’re interested for the next one (which we think there will be) keep an eye on their Facebook page