Where the Day Begins: Merit-Making at Wat Prodket Chettharam
Arrive early at Wat Prodket Chettharam, where the bird and fish release ceremony sets the tone for Phra Pradaeng Songkran. Locals bring cages of small birds and bowls of fish to the temple grounds, releasing them as an act of merit-making — a gesture of compassion toward living creatures, held for good fortune. The temple fills with the sound of wings and the murmur of blessings. Come in respectful attire, and if you wish to participate, purchase your birds or fish from vendors near the temple entrance rather than bringing your own.
Watch the Nang Songkran Parade Wind Through the Streets
The Nang Songkran parade is the centrepiece of Phra Pradaeng's celebration. Decorated flower floats process through the district, with women in traditional Thai Mon attire — shawls draped over their shoulders — carrying fish and birds for release. The procession moves through the streets around Phra Pradaeng District Office and the surrounding municipality areas, drawing crowds who line the route to watch the floats pass. On the final day, 26 April 2026 — Phra Pradaeng's "flowing day" — Suksawat Road and the roads around Phra Pradaeng Market close from the afternoon to accommodate the parade. Position yourself along Suksawat Road early if you want a clear view.
Hear Mon Tha-ye Singing and Join the Sabaa Pond Games
Phra Pradaeng's Mon community — the Thai Ramanya — has preserved its cultural identity through music, courtship rituals, and food, a tradition dating back more than 180 years. The Mon Tha-ye performance, a style of folk singing and dancing unique to the Pak Lad Mon community, takes place at various points during the celebrations. Look for the Mon Sabaa Game, a courtship ritual performed by young Mon men and women at "Sabaa Pond" events held in different villages across the district. These are not staged performances for tourists; they are living traditions that visitors are welcome to observe. Check with the Phra Pradaeng District Office for the schedule of village events.
Eat Kalamae and Cold Rice Dishes at the Market
Phra Pradaeng is known for Kalamae, a renowned palm sugar sweet served to guests during merit-making. You will find it sold at stalls around the temple and market areas throughout the celebrations. Cold rice dishes — a Mon tradition — are also prepared during this period, offering a refreshing contrast to the heat. The market area around Phra Pradaeng Market becomes the hub for food stalls, particularly on the final day when roads close and the street fills with vendors and crowds. Bring small notes and arrive hungry.
Getting There and Timing Your Visit
Phra Pradaeng Songkran draws heavy crowds, and roads close around the district office and market on the final day, especially 26 April. Allow one to two hours of extra travel time. The ferry is the most reliable option: take the boat from Pu Chao Saming Phrai Pier on the Samut Prakan side to Petra Pier or Phra Pradaeng Pier, or catch a ferry from Bang Na Pier. By BTS, alight at Samrong Station and transfer to a songthaew or van to Phra Pradaeng Pier. Bus routes serving the area include 82 (Phra Pradaeng–Sanam Luang), 138 (Phra Pradaeng–Mo Chit 2), 506 (Pak Kret–Phra Pradaeng), and 6 (Phra Pradaeng–Bang Lamphu). If you drive, set your destination to Phra Pradaeng District Office; parking is limited, so use approved lots such as the Phra Pradaeng Arcade area or private lots on the outskirts, and be prepared to take a motorcycle taxi for the final stretch.
Phra Pradaeng's Songkran celebrations blend merit-making, Mon cultural performance, and street food in a district that feels a world away from central Bangkok. Plan your route, arrive early for the temple ceremony, and stay through the afternoon for the parade. The ferry ride alone — crossing the Chao Phraya as the light shifts — is worth the trip.