Even though Chinese New Year is not an official holiday in Thailand, it is celebrated on a large scale. Yaowaraj, the Chinatown of Bangkok, comes to life with lanterns, banners, and colorful processions annually on the eve of the Lunar New Year. The whole area turns red with decorations. Dragons dancers, acrobats, and crowds of worshipers gather to enjoy the street party and feast in local Chinese food joints.
The opening ceremony of the Chinese New Year in Bangkok Chinatown is the most important event in the city. It is usually attended by members of the Thai Royal Family and attracts crowds of spectators.
Lumpini Park is another site of New Year celebrations in Bangkok. On New Year’s Day, you can also stop by Lengnoeiyi Temple on Charoen Krung Street to see how worshippers are using ‘siem-see’ or Chinese fortune sticks to help them resolve personal issues.
Talad Noi District in Bangkok also boasts a festive atmosphere during Chinese New Year. The local Chow Sue Kong temple is the oldest Hokkien Chinese shrine in the city, where the Chinese diaspora often gathers during the festivities.
