Chinese new year is HUGE in Asia. Whether you are in Viet Nam, China, Thailand, or else, there will be a lot of celebrations and one of the busiest times to travel in Asia. As we write this, we are in Bangkok and actually so bummed to miss the opportunity to spend it here as the celebrations will be very vibrant. Although, if you landed here, is because YOU might be in Bangkok during the 2019 Chinese New Year. Here is what you need to know about the Chinese New Year Celebrations in Bangkok.
2019 Chinese New Year In Bangkok
When is the Chinese New Year: Tuesday, February 5th 2019.
What is the 2019 Event Schedule: There are three main days of celebrations. Most places will have from one to two weeks of celebrations or break. This can stretch until the Lantern Festival on the 1st full moon of the Lunar New Year. Celebrations and decorations actually are already visible at this time all over Bangkok and Thailand.
Where are the Chinese New Year celebrations: The main celebrations in Bangkok are held in Chinatown, also called Yaowarat.
About the Lunar New Year
The Chinese New Year is actually officially called the Lunar New Year. In Viet Nam, for example, it is known as Têt. It is also commonly known as the Spring Festival. This celebration is based on the ancient Chinese Lunar Calendar which started in the year of 2 698 BC. You also must know that since it follows the movement of the moon, the exact date of the new year changes every year but usually would fall on a day mid-January and mid-February.
One-sixth of the world’s people actually celebrates this holiday and not just in Mainland China but also most Asian countries and Chinatowns around the world! The Lunar New Year actually has become one of the world’s most celebrated festivals.
Chinese New Year celebrations in Bangkok
Yaowarat is the ultimate place to be during the festivities. For photographers, this place will be the spot you want to be to capture incredible happiness and rich cultural shots. With a high number of Chinese population living in Bangkok and the huge influx of Chinese travellers coming from the mainland, Bangkok is probably the next place outside China to have major celebrations for the happening. Major temples around Bangkok will also have a lot going on so plan an influx in a number of visitors during that period. If you are planning to be in Bangkok during Chinese New Year, do not miss out on a short trip to Chinatown as it will be quite a memorable experience.
What to expect during Chinese New Year In Bangkok
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the People’s Republic of China and the Chinese Embassy, is planning its most festive Chinese New Year celebration ever with HRH Princess Sirindhorn presiding over the opening on Bangkok’s Yaowarat Road. This is HUGE!
“Events are planned in Bangkok at Siam Square (from 4 to 6 February and Yaowarat Road on 5 February); Chiang Mai at the Maya Lifestyle Shopping Centre (on 5 to 6 February); and Phuket at Central Phuket Floresta (on 5 to 6 February). All three locations will feature cultural performances from China and Thailand. ” says the Tourism Board.
Official festivities planned are listed on TAT’s website as below:
Bangkok’s Yaowarat Road | 5-6 February I Chalerm Phrakiat Gate
Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn will preside over the Bangkok Chinatown Festival 2019 in celebration of Chinese New Year. The two-day celebration presents cultural shows from China, dragon parades and lion dances, street stalls selling Chinese food, lantern decorations, an exhibition telling the story of Yaowarat’s Thai-Chinese community, and performances from well-known artists and pop stars.
Bangkok’s Siam Square | 4-6 February I Siam Square 5-7
Representatives from the governments of China and Thailand will extend greetings in celebration of the auspicious Year of the Pig. Here, the two-day event features an array of cultural shows from China and Thailand, demonstrations of various Chinese art forms including paper cutting (Jianzhi) and calligraphy, a fair selling goods and auspicious food, and performances from well-known artists and pop stars.
Nakhon Sawan: 103rd Pak Nam Pho Chinese New Year | 29 January to 9 February
At Riverside beach at the beginning of the Chao Phraya River (Paknam Pho).
Enjoy spectacular processions, including the procession of Chao Pho-Chao Mae Paknam Pho and Chao Mae Kuan-im (Guan Yin), and take part in a range of good luck superstitious rituals plus lucky draws. Other highlights not to miss are acrobatic performances, dragon parades, lion dances, angel parades and cultural performances from China. New Year festive lighting and decoration plus a light-and-sound show add to performances by well-known artists and pop stars.
Do Expect to see Chinese lanterns and decorations all over Bangkok for at least another 2-3 weeks which is beautiful for photography. During the main day of the Lunar New Year, traffic will be 100% shut down on all of Yaowarat Road. If you plan to come over by taxi, you will be dropped off a bit further away. There will a whole lot of lion dancers, drummers with a lot of drumming going on all day long and vendors to sell you lucky memorabilia. At night, there will be Chinese hanging lanterns lit up which is absolutely wonderful.
Wat Arun, Kuan Yim Shrine and Dragon Flower Temple are other beautiful places to go during the Chinese New Year in Bangkok. can be magical during New Year. If you are not in Bangkok but in other parts of Thailand during the Lunar New Year, you can click here to consult where are the other festivities.
- Have you ever visited Bangkok? Have you ever celebrated Chinese New Year? If yes, how was your experience and where did you celebrate?
- Don’t forget to book your travel insurance before travelling.
- If you don’t have your flights, check out ways to book the cheapest fares here.
If you like this article, follow our Adventures on Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram @adventurefaktory, but most importantly sign up to our E-mail list to keep up with updates and travel trends + deals!
