Chinese New Year in Bangkok

Posted by Sukhumwit Steve on December 3rd, 2010 filed in Dining and wining, Sightseeing

Chinese New Year in Bangkok is quite a spectacular sight. Head on down to Yaowarat – Bangkok’s China Town, and take in all the sights, sounds and smells of this amazing event. Chinese New Year isn’t an official holiday in Thailand, but celebrations are still done on a grand scale. Yaowarat Road is filled to the max with street vendors selling all kinds of New Years specialties including chestnuts and long egg noodles. The streets are jammed packed with people all wearing the traditional New Year’s colour of red.

Festivities take place throughout the day. During the day there is a parade featuring the traditional Chinese dragon dance which is a crowd pleaser each year. However, it is the evening when the celebrations really come alive. People come from everywhere to enjoy the festivities, and there are a number of great performances ranging from traditional Chinese singing, music and dance, to pop music performed by some of the hottest Thai artists.

The temples in and around Yaowarat are also open, and look spectacular as they are all lit up at night. The temples become full of people going to pray for good health and fortune in the New Year. The temples in Yaowarat are particularly beautiful, and visiting during Chinese New Year is a great chance to enjoy them at their best.

Coming to China Town during the New Year’s festivals is one of the best experiences for any visitor, particularly those who don’t otherwise celebrate the Chinese New Year.