The upcoming Water Festival 2018 this April 13-15 might be Thailand’s biggest Songkran festival yet. Spread over four provinces, the event will blend the some of the best elements from both traditional Thai New Year celebrations and more laidback fun. Over the course of Songkran, you can catch the festivities at the Lanna Traditional House Museum (239 Huay Kaew Road, 053-943-625) in Chiang Mai, Dibuk road in Phuket, Ban Chiang museum (Nong Han District, 042-208-340) in Udon Thani and eight different locations in Bangkok, like Wat Pho, Wat Arun, Wat Kalayanamitr, Wat Prayurawongsawas, Asiatique Riverfront, the Tha Maharaj complex, Yodpiman River Walk and the recent Lhong 1919.

Part of the fun here is taking part in traditional Thai New Year’s celebrations that are becoming rarer every year, like bathing Buddha statues, making merit, building sand pagodas and rod nam dam hua (the national practice of paying respect to elders by pouring water over their hands). Each of the four provinces will have their own special activities as well. In Bangkok, spend an hour learning the classic art of making pha khao ma (Thai loincloths) and devouring delicious local dishes—served on plates made from banana leaves. There’s also specially designed tunnels made with unusual materials, such as a colorful hand-fan tunnel at Wat Arun, a Thai kite tunnel at Wat Kalayanamitr, a kao mo (a miniature Thai garden) at Wat Prayoonwongsawat, and a jasmine flower tunnel at Lhong 1919 (which makes for a pretty aromatic Instagram shoot).

If you find yourself up north, grab some local good luck amulets (like holy water pieces blessed by nine northern temples) and toong (zodiac flags) which are traditionally pinned on sand pagodas for more good luck, before wandering over to watch a traditional Northern Thai dance show. If you’re a keen photographer, Udon Thani will be your ideal destination as you can participate in the Photo Trip. Headed to Phuket? Spend your time devouring local dishes made by renowned Thai chefs and admiring 50-year-old historic photos at a nearby art gallery on Dibuk Road.

Water Festival 2018 takes place in Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai and Udon Thani from April 13-15.