Chinese New Year 2025 in Thailand

Chinese New Year is not a national holiday in Thailand, but it's still celebrated on a large scale. After all, the country has a large Chinese diaspora of almost ten million people, which makes up approximately 11-14% of the entire population of Thailand. The country's capital, Bangkok, celebrates the holiday with vibrant celebrations throughout Chinatown, while Chiang Mai and Phuket host their own festivities with dragon dances and traditional food.

Chinese New Year in Bangkok

Yaowarat, Bangkok Chinatown, is one of the best places to celebrate the Lunar New Year in the capital. The opening ceremony of the celebration is usually attended by members of the Thai Royal Family. The main festivities usually take place on Lunar New Year's Day and span from 10 am until 11 pm.

Devotees and worshippers flock to sacred sites throughout the area, including the Temple of the Golden Buddha, Wat Mangkon Kamalawat, and Kuan Yim Shrine. There, you can immerse yourself in Chinese culture by participating in prayers, incense burning, and other activities.

Other festive locations include Lumpini Park, which hosts an annual Lunar Festival, as well as Charoen Krung Street, home to Lengnoeiyi Temple. Talad Noi District in Bangkok is another great destination during Chinese New Year. Chow Sue Kong temple is the oldest Hokkien Chinese shrine in the city.

Chinese New Year in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai boasts a large Chinese diaspora, and it's a popular destination for tourists to celebrate Lunar New Year. Chiang Mai Chinatown, Kad Luang, and Warorot Market usually host a stage with performances, dragon dances, fashion shows, and traditional Chinese cooking demonstrations. The festivities usually span over several days, from Lunar New Year's Eve up until the day after the New Year. On Lunar New Year's Eve, you have a chance to witness a beauty contest and performances.

On the day of the Lunar New Year, the opening ceremony normally kicks off in the early morning, at around 7:30-9 am, followed by lion and dragon dances at around 9:30 am. The evening promises traditional performances from 7 to 10 pm. The following day is filled with entertainment as well, from cooking shows and competitions to stage shows.

Chinese New Year in Phuket

Phuket Town is beautifully adorned with red lanterns during Chinese New Year festival activities, which span around ten days. Local Chinese shrines are very popular with Chinese tourists, especially the Jui Tui Shrine. Dibuk Road, Thalang, Phang Nga Road, Soi Romanee, and other streets have food stalls and host dragon and lion dance performances. Queen Sirikit Park also hosts cultural shows and exhibitions during the festivities, as well as academic lectures and educational workshops to mark the Lunar New Year celebration.

Many restaurants, businesses, and venues in Thailand celebrate Chinese heritage as vividly as in China. Therefore, even though the holiday is not public in Thailand, people are happy to greet each other and welcome the New Year!