Aren’t there some festivals which we often wish came twice in a year? Well, if the New Year is one such occasion for you then you have the chance to 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 which we see around the New Year is taking resolutions and hoping to stick by them. And if you didn’t take any yet, the Chinese New Year in Bangkok is the right time to promise yourself to travel more often, enriching yourself with different cultures and customs from around the world.
The Chinese New Year in Bangkok 2020 is the most celebrated festival in the world and mainly due to the mass human migration. Here is an interesting guide about the Chinese New Year in Bangkok, Thailand.
About Chinese New Year In Bangkok, Thailand
As the name suggests, this is a Chinese festival which marks the beginning of the New Year according to the Chinese calendar. It is celebrated worldwide across nations with a significant Chinese population like Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Cambodia, the Philippines, and Mauritius. The festival is also celebrated in Bangkok during Chinese New Year and also 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 and set off firecrackers and put up red-colored papers in the village. The next morning, the villagers saw that nothing was destroyed and realized that Nian, the beast, was afraid of the color red and noises. Since then it has become a tradition to hang red lanterns and scrolls on windows and doors.
The first day of the year is marked by the appearance of the new moon between 21 January to 20 February. Traditionally the festival was a time to honor the deities, but today it has become a reason for families for an annual reunion Chinese new year dinner in Bangkok, lighting firecrackers and having a gala time. Make sure you do not miss out on one of the best things to do in China.
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When & Where To Celebrate Chinese New Year Eve, Bangkok
It is one of the best Chinese festivals that the travelers from all around the world look forward to. And for those who have been planning a trip to this country for way too long, here are some China travel tips to make your journey a bit more hassle-free. Find the dates and location below as to where to celebrate Chinese New Year 2020 in Bangkok:
Date: February 5th (Tuesday), 2020
Location: Chinatown (Yaowarat)
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Highlights Of Chinese New Year Celebration In Bangkok, 2020
- 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 the Spring Festival Eve. Exciting events and parades take place during the day and the evening, and everyone is in a merry mood, looking forward to the New Year.
Date: February 4th, 2020 - Chinese New Year: Also known as the Spring Festival, the day sees a lot of performances and activity throughout Chinatown. The Chinese New Year in Bangkok, Thailand in 2020 will be on the 5th of February. There are drummers and lion dancers 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 in Bangkok. Various performances take place throughout the day including acrobat dancers and dragon parades.
Date: February 5th, 2020 - New Year’s Day: This is the first day of the new lunar year. It marks the end of the 3 days celebrations of the Chinese New Year. Chinatown is beautifully lit up and music and dance events take place on this day. 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 colorful festivals to be celebrated.
Date: February 6th, 2020
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Other Festivals And Events In Thailand
If a Chinese New Year holiday in Bangkok doesn’t seem likely, don’t be disheartened. Here are a few other equally thrilling festivals in Thailand that you can be a part of. The Lunar new year in Bangkok is not the only vibrant festival celebrated in Thailand. From the festival of bright lanterns to the festival of partying ghosts, there are plenty of other celebrations that take place in Bangkok!
- The Lantern Festival – Festival Of Fancy Lanterns And Streets
- The Water Festival – Festival Of Purification
- Transmission Bangkok – Festival Of Trance
- Ghost Festival – Festival Of Living And Dead
1. The Lantern Festival – Festival Of Fancy Lanterns And Streets
This marks the end to the Spring festival and is the 15th day of the New Year, and also the 1st full moon day. The streets are full of colorful lanterns and it is one of the most pretty sights in Thailand. People decorate their houses and workplaces alike with fancy lanterns and the streets are full of them too. Have an amazing time enjoying this festival in Thailand.
Date: February 19th, 2020
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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 the word ‘Songkran’ comes from the Sanskrit word ‘saṃkrānti’ and was borrowed from ‘Makar Sankranti’, which is 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, 2020
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3. Transmission Bangkok – Festival Of Trance
This is an Asian celebration of the famous trance festival. This is a dazzling music fest which 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. The dates for 2020 and the lineup will be soon announced, stay tuned!
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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, gaudy colors with large phallic noses of the masks makes the festival seem more colorful. Usually taking place in the months of June or July, it is said that the Phi Ta Khon is a party that is attended by both the living and the dead. The legend says that the loud noises of parades, beauty pageants, and music performances that take place on the first two days will awaken the guardian spirits of the Mun River. The third day is devoted to sombre day of Buddhist ceremonies.
Date: June 26th – 28th, 2020
Places To Stay For Chinese New Year In Bangkok
Bangkok sees quite a number of tourists each year due to which there is no dearth of stay options in the city. When planning to go and 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 make sure that guests get to experience the utmost comfort. Providing all the facilities and services, these stay options are some of the most convenient.
- Grey Sheep Hotel – For Solo Backpackers
- Fun Cafe And Hotel – For A Laid-Back Vacay
- La Locanda – For Homely Vibes
- Shanghai Mansion Bangkok – For Luxury Stay
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 a private bathroom with a shower and some of them have amazing 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 kilometer 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
Google Rating: 4.5/5 | TripAdvisor Rating: 4/5
Website | TripAdvisor Reviews
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2. Fun Cafe and Hostel – For A Laid-Back Vacay
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Established at a walking distance from the Chinatown, Fun Cafe and Hostel is a cool place to hang out at, in Bangkok. It would be pretty convenient to witness, enjoy, and be a part of the celebrations if one chooses this hostel as their sojourn. There is an in house restaurant which serves Thai, Italian, and European cuisine and a 24-hour help desk too. All the happening areas of Bangkok are closeby as the hostel is centrally located.
Location: 413/6-7, Mahaphruttharam Road, Bangkok 10500, Thailand
Google Rating: 4.7/5 | TripAdvisor Rating: 5/5
Facebook Page | TripAdvisor Reviews
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3. La Locanda – For Homely Vibes
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If you are looking for a mid-budget stay, then this 3-star hotel in Chinatown is one place that you can consider. Public transport is easily available for the hotel as both the railway station and the MRT station are close by. The place is cozy and quite homely. It provides wifi too 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 2020.
Location: Soi Phantha Chit 2 40/42, Bangkok 10100, Thailand
Google Rating: 4.5/5 | TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5/5
TripAdvisor Reviews
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4. Shanghai Mansion Bangkok – For Luxury Stay
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This 4-star property is a true experience of a boutique hotel. The place 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 heritage of the city. The mansion also has a relaxing spa, a classic ballroom, and an idyllic courtyard to unwind with your partner. The prices are totally worth the experience!
Location: 479-481 Yaowaraj Road | Samphantawong, Bangkok 10100, Thailand
Google Rating: 4.4/5 | TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5/5
Website | TripAdvisor Reviews
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Excited to celebrate and witness the Chinese New Year in Bangkok 2020? 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 Thailand with TravelTriangle and have an amazing 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 celebrate 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 colorful masks with a long phallic nose is 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!