FESTIVALS & EVENTS

A Trip to Thailand For The Chinese New Year

Devika Khosla

Last updated: Apr 3, 2017

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This is the only time you will find the tropical serenity and verdant beaches of Thailand adorn a scarlet hue, a colour not without its political leanings in this country. The Chinese New Year, this time falling on February 10, is a time of celebrations, thanksgiving and family gatherings. Despite there being no official bank holidays or closures during this two-four-day affair, there is no mistaking the festivities in the air. From the aromatic incense sticks and paper money in the many Chinese temples in Thailand, to the frisky lion and dragon dancers on the streets, it’s a period of joy and good tidings not just for the Chinese community but for every Thai and tourist.

Chinatown, Bangkok

chinese new year

The Yaowarat district or Chinatown area in Bangkok is altered beyond belief. You’ll find men, women and children adorning the auspicious red in some form of clothing as they offer prayers at the popular Leng Noeiyi Temple on Charoen Krung Street, burning incense sticks and paper money that they believe will help their ancestors in the afterlife. As the evening draws to a close the streets are filled with enthusiastic spectators who come especially to experience the magnificence of the dragon parades and lion dancers who often fly in all the way from Beijing or even Mongolia. It’s not just the streets, but the many uber chic malls of Bangkok are also part of this party and offer everything from festive discounts to free feng shui advice. The New Year celebrations are also a time for indulgences of the culinary variety, with every discerning gourmet headed for sumptuous dim sum banquets and Peking duck.

Phuket

phuket

Among the most popular holiday destinations of Thailand, the island of Phuket is on a permanent high. Add to it the festivities of the Chinese New Year and the frenzy can be well imagined. From fiery crackers that light up the night sky to traditional food spreads on the family table, the inhabitants of Phuket leave no stone unturned. As in Bangkok, red is the preferred colour for clothes and adornments alike and people like to exchange gifts of oranges and tangerines. Considering the amazing festive discounts on offer by hotels and airlines alike, this can be the perfect time for a noisy yet entertaining getaway.

Hat Yai

Another popular destination in Southern Thailand, this tourist haven is a crowded place during the New Year celebrations. With every hotel and inn fully booked for the duration, those planning a break during this time had best prepare in advance. The celebrations here are similar to those in other parts of the country with spectacular fireworks, musical performances by local artists and even a Miss Hat Yai contest.

Nakhon Sawan As part of the Chinese New Year celebrations, the Nakhon Sawan province in Thailand organises the Chao Pho Chao Mae Pak Nam Pho Fair and Procession, the main highlight of the 12-day celebrations here. This parade – one during the day and the other at night – is an exciting carnival of floats, dancers and costumes attended by locals and tourists alike. The dragon parade, lion parade and one dedicated to the goddess Guan Yin are particularly impressive and a great tourist draw.

Devika Khosla

Devika’s always going ‘somewhere’. Obsessive foodie, spa junkie, animal lover, mountain goat and global citizen. That’s her story.

Comments

Shubham | on 02 October 2018

Hi Devika,I am planning to visit phuket,krabi and phi-phi island for my honeymoon in feb 2019, which falls around Chinese new year, Is it advisable to visit that time or it will be too crowdy,Your feedback will be really appreciated