The Chinese New Year is one of the most anticipated celebrations in Thailand. Although it is not a public holiday, it is just as important as Songkran for a significant proportion of the Thai population. About 14% are of Chinese descent, thus representing the largest minority group in Thailand. Today’s Sino-Thais are well integrated in the Thai society. Nonetheless, Chinese specific traditions still play a vital role in their lives. In the days leading up to Chinese New Year, you will likely encounter many Chinese owned shops decorated in red – the Chinese color for luck and happiness.
The festival takes place on the first day of the Chinese lunar calendar, usually around January and February. The next date for Chinese New Year in Thailand is February 12, 2021.
Beliefs and traditions
According to Chinese folklore, an evil serpent called “Nian” comes out of its hiding place on the night of New Year’s Eve to ravage the homes of people. To protect oneself, one has to wear red clothes, put up red things at home and set off firecrackers. The loud noise and the strong color are believed to scare away the beast and other evil spirits.
Worshippers at Kuan Yin Shrine, Yaowarat
Similar to Songkran, Chinese New Year marks a new beginning and is therefore an opportunity to get rid of bad luck and start afresh. An essential part of the tradition is to pay respect to the gods and one’s ancestors. This will bring good fortune in the upcoming year. Furthermore, it is a special occasion for family members to gather and enjoy a meal or travel together. In fact, the number of air travels in Thailand is highest in the period of Chinese New Year!
Before New Year’s Day, one must clean their home to allow good fortune to enter in the new year. On New Year’s Day, however, one must absolutely refrain from doing any kind of work. Sounds easy, no? In the old days, people would take a day off and rest. But things are a little bit different nowadays. For shop owners and restaurants in Bangkok’s Chinatown, Chinese New Year is one of the busiest days in the year!
Chinese New Year in Bangkok: Where to celebrate
Yaowarat Road during Chinese New Year
To enjoy the full vibe of Chinese New Year in Bangkok, head to the city’s very old and authentic Chinatown, also known as Yaowarat. The main street (Yaowarat Road) literally turns red and becomes the center stage of this highly animated festival. Street parades and dragon dances will provide visitors with thrilling sights and sounds. While air pollution is a frequent problem around this time of the year, it’s hard to imagine Chinese New Year in Yaowarat without the smell of firecrackers and burnt incense from nearby temples.
The opening ceremony of Chinese New Year in Yaowarat is typically presided by Her Royal Highness Princess Sirindhorn. The main part of the celebration, which includes the dragon dance performance, usually starts around 8 pm near the Gate of Chinatown and lasts until the late evening. As with almost any festival in Thailand, there will be plenty of street food everywhere.
Kuan Yin Shrine, Yaowarat
If you decide to go to Chinatown, it is worth visiting Wat Mangkon Kamalawat (or Wat Leng Noei Yi) and the Kuan Yin Shrine near the Golden Temple.
Chinese New Year in Yaowarat: How to get there
Taxis are always an option, but you may run into rush hour. As Yaowarat Road will be closed to traffic during Chinese New Year, the driver will drop you off somewhere nearby. Finding a taxi to leave Chinatown once it’s packed will be quite a challenge and easier the farther you walk from the main street.
Alternatively, you can take the Chao Phraya Express Boat from Saphan Taksin (BTS: Saphan Taksin on the dark green line) and get off at Rajchawongse (pier station number 5). After you get off from the pier, walk up the street until you reach Yaowarat Road and turn right. Keep in mind, however, that the boat service only runs until 7 or 8 pm.
Third option: Take the MRT to Hua Lamphong station and walk towards the Gate of Chinatown (east side of Yaowarat Road) or get off at MRT Wat Mangkon directly in Chinatown. If you opt for the MRT, I highly recommend getting a stored value card (with sufficient topping) for the return in advance. Most people will use the MRT after visiting Yaowarat and the queues at the ticket machines will be very long.
Chinese New Year celebration – Dos and don’ts
To get into the spirit of Chinese New Year, dress in red. Also, you should avoid doing any kind of work including house chores, talking badly, killing and breaking things. For those who are serious about celebrating Chinese New Year, even washing your hair is off limits. If you are superstitious, the rest of the year will be determined by how you act on New Year’s Day. If you work hard on the first day, expect an equally busy year ahead!
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