Chinese New Year in Bangkok and Thailand
Where to see Chinese New Year celebrations in Thailand, from Bangkok's Yaowarat to Nakhon Sawan, and tips for visiting.
Thailand has one of the world’s largest communities of Chinese descent, and Chinese New Year (Trut Chin in Thai) is widely celebrated, especially in cities with historic Chinese neighbourhoods. The date follows the lunar calendar and falls in late January or February.
Where to celebrate
- Bangkok’s Chinatown (Yaowarat) is the centre of the festivities, with red lanterns, lion and dragon dances, stage shows and crowded food stalls along Yaowarat Road. Members of the Thai royal family often preside over the opening ceremony.
- Phuket Town decorates its Old Town with lanterns and hosts cultural events and parades.
- Nakhon Sawan, in central Thailand, is known for its large dragon and lion parades.
Tips
- Yaowarat Road is closed to traffic and packed with people during the main celebration; take the MRT to Wat Mangkon station.
- Some Chinese-Thai businesses close for a few days around the holiday.
- Red is the lucky colour; wearing something red fits the mood.