Joanna James
The Chinese New Year or the Lunar New Year, as it's sometimes called, attracts hordes of tourists from around the globe to Thailand. With exquisite local food, vibrant parades, daring performances and the high spirited vibes, why would you want to miss out on going to Thailand during these times? Here are some of the must visit places during the Chinese New Year in Thailand.
The Yaowarat Chinatown, referred to as the Bangkok Chinatown, is actually the largest Chinese community residing overseas in the world. You can experience 'all things Chinese' in this neighbourhood. You can start your New Year by first heading to Wat Leng Noei, the biggest Buddhist temple of the Chinese, to pray and receive blessings. Afterwards, you can pay a visit to the shrines. The colours and the atmosphere is magnificent. The streets are decorated with lanterns that are red coloured. Besides, you will also witness some dragon dances and lion dances. If you're looking for luxury city hotels in Bangkok for accommodation whilst enjoying the Chinese New Year, properties the likes of Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel offer a good experience.
The Talad Noi is a prominent Thai-Chinese society in the country. You can visit the Chow Sue Kong Shrine which is actually one of the oldest shrines. Another revered shrine you can visit is the Hon Wong Kung Shrine. Remember, you aren't going to be overwhelmed with festivities and activities here, as this neighbourhood is a quiet one. Having said that, they celebrate the New Year in a different style that has character. Street art is showcased which displays the Chinese heritage of the community. You can also enter the magnificent Sol Heng Tai, a Chinese mansion, during these times too.
We have all witnessed the giant dragon that emerges well above the crowds on the internet before. This dragon is the largest in the world which actually hails from the Dragon Descendants Museum. This museum is a section of the Heavenly Dragon Park. So, heading towards this area in the west side of Bangkok will give you an embellished experience via exciting multimedia projections. However, you can't explore the museum alone and have to go in groups with a well-trained guide.
If you're heading to Phuket during the Chinese New Year, you should know that there are plenty of fun things to do besides the beaches. As Phuket is home to a large Thai-Chinese community, you can have some exquisite local food which includes the famous dim sum and Hokkien noodle dishes. You can visit some museums and mansions too. You ought to know that the festivities here are as elaborate as the ones held in Bangkok. So, rest assured, you will be thoroughly entertained.
The Kudi Jeen and Khlong San communities don't make the festival an elaborate affair. That doesn't mean you shouldn't go here during these times. They showcase many important shrines. If you are tired of the crowd and want to relax, then this place boasting of hosting many different cultures and religions should be the perfect place to relax and enjoy the festival at a quieter place.
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