Aren’t there some festivals which we often wish to come to twice a year? Well, if the New Year is one such occasion for you, you can celebrate it again pretty soon, as the Chinese New Year in Bangkok is just around the corner. The New Year is a reason to celebrate, to party all night, and to embrace positivity. Another ritual we see around the New Year is taking resolutions and hoping to stick by them. And if you haven’t taken any yet, the Chinese New Year in Bangkok is the right time to promise that you will travel more often, enriching yourself with different cultures and customs worldwide. The Chinese New Year in Bangkok is the most celebrated festival in the world, mainly due to mass human migration. Here is an exciting guide about the Chinese New Year in Bangkok, Thailand.
About Chinese New Year In Bangkok, Thailand
As the name suggests, this Chinese festival marks the beginning of the New Year according to the Chinese calendar. It is celebrated worldwide across nations with a significant Chinese population, such as Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Cambodia, the Philippines, and Mauritius. The festival is also celebrated in Bangkok during Chinese New Year and in some countries in Europe and North America with complete pomp and show.
Origin Of Chinese New Year
Legends say that the Bangkok Chinese New Year came with a mythical beast, the Nian, who used to eat villagers, especially the children. One night, an old man decided to take revenge, setting off firecrackers and putting up red-coloured papers in the village. The following day, the villagers saw that nothing had been destroyed and realized that Nian, the beast, feared the colour red and the noises. Since then, hanging red lanterns and scrolls on windows and doors has become a tradition.
The first day of the year is marked by the appearance of the new moon between 21 January and 20 February. Traditionally, the festival was a time to honour the deities. Still, today, it has become a reason for families to have an annual reunion Chinese New Year dinner in Bangkok, lighting firecrackers and having a gala time. Ensure you do not miss out on one of the best things to do in China.
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Highlights Of Chinese New Year Celebration In Bangkok
- Spring Festival Eve: The New Year is also known as the Spring Festival, and therefore, the Chinese New Year in Bangkok is commonly referred to as Spring Festival Eve. Exciting events and parades occur during the day and evening, and everyone is in a merry mood, looking forward to the New Year.
- Chinese New Year: Also known as the Spring Festival, Chinatown hosts many daily performances and activities. The Chinese New Year in Bangkok, Thailand will be on 29 January. Drummers and lion dancers will be on the streets. Be a part of the street party during the Chinese New Year in Bangkok as the long dragon makes its way to the temples. Various performances occur throughout the day, including acrobat dancers and dragon parades.
- New Year’s Day: This is the first day of the new lunar year. It marks the end of the 3-day celebrations of the Chinese New Year. Chinatown is beautifully lit, and music and dance events are held today. Other than this area of Bangkok, other Chinese settlements, like restaurants and shopping in China, celebrate by giving huge discounts to the people. Lunar New Year in Bangkok is one of the most vibrant and colourful festivals to be celebrated.
Other Festivals And Events In Thailand
Don’t be disheartened if a Chinese New Year holiday in Bangkok doesn’t seem likely. Here are a few other equally thrilling festivals in Thailand that you can participate in. The Lunar New Year in Bangkok is not the only vibrant festival celebrated in Thailand. From the bright lantern festival to the partying ghosts, plenty of other celebrations occur in Bangkok!
1. The Lantern Festival – Festival Of Fancy Lanterns And Streets
This marks the end of the Spring festival, the 15th day of the New Year, and the first full moon day. The streets are full of colourful lanterns, and it is one of the most pretty sights in Thailand. People decorate their houses and workplaces with fancy lanterns, and the streets are full of them. Have a fantastic time enjoying this festival in Thailand.
Date: February 12th, 2025
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2. The Water Festival – Festival Of Purification
Songkran, or the Water Festival, marks the Thai New Year. It is a national holiday in the country. Interestingly, ‘Songkran’ comes from the Sanskrit word ‘saṃkrānti’ and was borrowed from ‘Makar Sankranti’, a famous Hindu harvest festival. Water is poured on Buddha statues as a ritual on this day. It symbolizes washing away one’s sins, purification, and driving away bad luck. Participate in the water fights and have a great time splashing water at one another on this day.
Date: April 13th – 15th, 2025
3. Transmission Bangkok – Festival Of Trance
This is an Asian celebration of the famous trance festival. This dazzling music fest has been doing the rounds across cities in the world. The night sees some amazing performances and lineups. The glittering light shows and the perfect sound systems add to the glory of this music festival.
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4. Ghost Festival – Festival Of Living And Dead
Taking place in the small, quaint town of Dan Sai, the Ghost Festival, or Phi Ta Khon, is a festival that embraces the macabre. With beautiful masks being an essential part, this festival takes place for around three days. The vibrant, flashy colours with the large phallic noses of the masks make the festival seem more colourful. Usually taking place in June or July, it is said that the Phi Ta Khon is a party attended by both the living and the dead. The legend says that the loud noises of parades, beauty pageants, and music performances on the first two days will awaken the guardian spirits of the Mun River. The third day is devoted to a sombre day of Buddhist ceremonies.
Date: September 6, 2025
Places To Stay For Chinese New Year In Bangkok
Bangkok sees many tourists yearly, so there is no shortage of accommodation options. When planning to celebrate Chinese New Year in Thailand, you can choose from hostels to hotels according to your budget and preferences. All of these places to stay ensure that guests experience the utmost comfort. Providing all the facilities and services, these accommodation options are some of the most convenient.
1. Grey Sheep Hostel – For Solo Backpackers
Grey Sheep is one of the best hotels in Bangkok. It is highly recommended for solo backpackers and is couple-friendly, too. The rooms have private bathrooms with showers,, and some have fantastic city views. The place also offers Wifi and has a shared lounge. The best feature of this hostel is that it is less than a kilometre away from Chinatown, making it a great stay option if one is keen on being a part of the Chinese New Year in Bangkok.
Location: 275/5 Th.Carumeuxng Rxngmeuxng | Rong Muang, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
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2. Fun Cafe and Hostel – For A Laid-Back Vacay
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Established within walking distance of Chinatown, Fun Cafe and Hostel is a cool place to hang out in Bangkok. If one chooses this hostel as their vacation, it would be pretty convenient to witness, enjoy, and participate in the celebrations. An in-house restaurant serves Thai, Italian, and European cuisine and a 24-hour help desk, too. Bangkok’s areas are nearby, as the hostel is centrally located.
Location: 413/6-7, Mahaphruttharam Road, Bangkok 10500, Thailand
3. La Locanda – For Homely Vibes
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If you are looking for a mid-budget stay, this 3-star hotel in Chinatown is one place you can consider. Public transport is readily available for the hotel as the railway station and MRT station are nearby. The place is cosy and quite homely. It also provides Wi-Fi to its guests. The staff is welcoming, and the location would be the best point to choose this place if one is visiting to enjoy the Chinese New Year in Bangkok.
Location: Soi Phantha Chit 2 40/42, Bangkok 10100, Thailand
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4. Shanghai Mansion Bangkok – For Luxury Stay
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This 4-star property is an authentic boutique hotel experience. It is perfect if you are visiting with your family or spouse. They have both deluxe rooms and suites. The hotel also provides tours, including the Chinatown tour to experience the city’s heritage. The mansion also has a relaxing spa, a classic ballroom, and an idyllic courtyard to unwind with your partner. The prices are worth the experience!
Location: 479-481 Yaowaraj Road | Samphantawong, Bangkok 10100, Thailand
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Are you excited to celebrate and witness the Chinese New Year in Bangkok? What are you waiting for then? Pack your bags to witness the vibrant dragon parades and the city covered in flaming lanterns. Plan your trip to Hong Kong and have a fantastic time being a part of the Chinese traditions in the dazzling city of Bangkok.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Chinese New Year In Bangkok
Does Bangkok celebrate Chinese New Year?
Yes, Bangkok does commemorate the Chinese New Year that usually falls in the month of February and attracts a lot of travelers from all around the world.
Is Chinese New Year a public holiday in Bangkok?
Yes, Chinese New Year a public holiday in Bangkok.
Where is New Year’s Eve celebrated in Bangkok?
New Year’s Eve in Bangkok is celebrated in some of the most famous places like that of Central World Plaza in Siam, Khao San Road, Sanam Luang, etc.
Is Chinatown Bangkok Open on Chinese New Year?
Yes, Chinatown Bangkok Open on Chinese New Year.
Where should I stay in Bangkok?
The Siam Hotel, Siamotif Boutique Hotel, Nouvo City Hotel, Baiyoke Boutique Hotel, Amari Watergate Bangkok, Courtyard by Marriott Bangkok, etc. are some of the best hotels in Bangkok where one can stay.
What are some festivals celebrated in Bangkok?
Some other festivals celebrated in Bangkok are the Lantern Festival, the Water Festival, the Ghost Festival, Music Festival, and many more.
Why is Phi Ta Khon celebrated?
Phi Ta Khon is celebrated to awaken the guardian spirits of the Mun River. The colourful masks with long phallic noses are an important element of this festival.
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A writer by choice, a photographer by passion, a seasonal sailor preferably monsoons and a pilot when the wind is just right! When not in the city, I’m often found chasing sunrises in the mountains or sunsets at the beaches!
