If you think the Gregorian Calendar New Year is busy, you clearly have not experienced the Chinese New Year.

Chinese New Year, or Lunar New Year, is one of the most vibrant celebrations across Asia. It blends centuries-old traditions with flair.

And Thailand is in on it with many activities, shopping, fireworks, and more. 

The country transforms into red and golden colors - shops and restaurants decorated and people dressed in similar color themes. 

In Thailand, cities get bustling with colorful parades and festivities. 

Here’s everything you need to know about Chinese New Year in Thailand In 2025. 

When is Chinese New Year?

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Chinese New Year 2025, also known as the Year of the Snake will be celebrated on 29th January 2025.

How Thailand Celebrates Chinese New Year

Much like other Asian countries, Thailand celebrates Chinese New Year by paying respects to elders and ancestors. They wear red clothing and visit relatives. Elders give youngsters money in red envelopes. Families sit at home for home-cooked meals or go to restaurants for a nice dinner.

Shops and restaurants are usually decorated. At night or during the day, Thai-Chinese people also like to go see the parades and fireworks in their neighborhoods.

There is a lot of merriment and festive vibes during this time.

Where to celebrate Chinese New Year in Thailand

Chinese New Year is celebrated across all of Thailand with Bangkok and Phuket being the most famous destinations. However, there are underrated cities as well.  

Here are the best places to experience Chinese New Year in Thailand:

Yaowarat, Bangkok - this is the ground zero for celebrating Chinese New Year. Yaowarat or Chinatown is where most of the action is. Parades, firecrackers, street food stalls, and markets line up the streets, making it one of the busiest times of the year. But if you want to avoid the crowd, head to one of many hidden speakeasy bars near Yaowarat that serves Chinese-inspired cocktails crafted especially for the holiday.

Shopping in Bangkok - Chinese New Year is the perfect time to go shopping with plenty of deals and discounts. Siam Paragon, Siam Center, and Siam Discovery officially announced to be the host a grand celebration for the Chinese New Year. Other places include Chinatown, IconSiam, EmSphere, and more.

Ayutthaya’s Historical Market Revival - Ayutthaya takes you back in time with its Chinese New Year celebrations. They’re recreating an old Chinese market this year, complete with vintage street games, lantern-making workshops, and snacks cooked up the way they were centuries ago. 

Phuket Old Town - Much like Bangkok, Phuket is also home to a large Thai Chinese community. Phuket’s Old Town is already super beautiful, but during Chinese New Year, it levels up. Expect already colorful buildings to be decked out further in red and gold. This year, they are also hosting a special festival with local artists showing off jewelry, paintings, and fashion. Of course, the streets will also be lined up with plenty of food stalls.

Chiang Mai - If you want the best in nature, culture, and festivities, there is no better place than Chiang Mai. Picture lantern-lit streets, dragon dances weaving through historic alleys, and Warorot Market buzzing with fusion flavors. On top of that, you have beautiful landscape views in the distance of temples and mountains. It’s a recipe for magical experiences.

Hat Yai - The Chinese New Year festival in Hat Yai attracts not only Thais but also visitors from Malaysia and Singapore, making it a melting pot of cultures. The city’s Dragon and Lion Dance Championships are legendary, and this year’s event includes a special “Snake Dance Troupe Exchange”, with performers from across Asia.

Nakhon Sawan - Known as the birthplace of Chinese New Year in Thailand, Nakhon Sawan hosts one of the country’s most elaborate parades. The “Dragon Meets Snake” performance, featuring giant dragon and snake puppets intertwining in harmony, is a must-see. The lively atmosphere, filled with music, food, and traditional costumes, is unforgettable. Make sure you wander along the Chao Phraya River to discover hidden food stalls serving unique treats.

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Chinese New Year in Thailand offers a unique opportunity to experience a fusion of Chinese and Thai cultures. If these destinations don’t interest you, you can go anywhere in the country and experience something unique.

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