Top 7 places to visit for Chinese New Year in Bangkok (2025)

[CharlieH]

 

The Chinese New Year is coming, and the Year of the Snake is upon us! For the Thai-Chinese community, this is one of the most significant celebrations on the calendar, made even more special this time as it marks the 50th anniversary of Thai-Chinese diplomatic relations.

With all that history, you know there’s going to be a series of exciting events around Bangkok to celebrate. Here’s our roundup of some of the best things to do to celebrate this Chinese New Year in Bangkok.

1. ICONSIAM

Image via ICONSIAM

Date & Time:

• Chinese New Year celebrations: Friday, January 24 to Sunday, February 2
• Lancang to Chao Phraya exhibition: Wednesday, January 15 to Friday, February 28

Location: ICONSIAM, 299 Charoen Nakhon Rd, Khlong Ton Sai, Khlong San, Bangkok 10600

 

 

No one does Chinese New Year celebrations quite like ICONSIAM, and to mark 50 years of Thai-Chinese diplomatic relations, the riverside destination has outdone themselves by combining culture, art, and food together.

For starters, the outdoor River Park becomes home to the ‘Lancang to Chao Phraya’ exhibition. The highlight is Chubby Woman with Dragon & Naga, a collaboration between Thailand’s National Artist, Dr Preecha ThaoThong, and Chinese sculptor Xu Hong Fei. It’s an impressive piece that celebrates the connection between the two countries.

In addition to this exhibition, there are plenty of other things to see and do. Prepare to be transfixed by performances like ‘Drums of Prosperity’ and the ‘Two Nations Dragon,’ as well as cultural shows from Changsha City. And if you’re there on opening night on January 24, Zee and Nunew are headlining the event at 5pm.

Make sure you grab a photo at River Park, too, where they’ve transformed the space with stunning Chinese lantern displays. There are three beautiful rooms symbolising prosperity, heritage, and fortune.

What’s really special, though, is the chance to pay respects to 60 Tai Sui deities from China. It’s the first time their enshrinement has been brought to Thailand, and it’s a great chance to seek blessings for the year ahead.

Finally, let’s talk food, because what’s a celebration without it? The ‘Little China’ street market is a dream come true, with over 35 stalls serving everything from Michelin-starred crab porridge to dim sum and Hokkien buns from Chinese associations across Thailand. Plus, SOOKSIAM has delicious dishes like Roast Pig for abundance, Longevity Noodles for long life, and Steamed Grouper with Lime.

Image via ICONSIAM

2. Siam Paragon

Image via Siam Paragon

Date & Time: Tuesday, January 28 to Sunday, February 2

Location: Siam Paragon, 991/1 Rama I Rd, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330

 

The famous shopping destination, Siam Paragon, is collaborating with KASIKORNBANK to bringing highlights inspired by Dunhuang, the ancient oasis of the historic Silk Road, home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Mogao Caves, to Bangkok this Chinese New Year at its iconic Parc Paragon on the M Floor.

You’ll get to enjoy a digital art journey of Buddha statues and Buddhist murals from different eras through the famous Mogao Caves, as well as a stunning replica of Crescent Lake, a famous Dunhuang landmark. Next up, the ‘Ancient Sound of Dunhuang’ performance by the Gansu Performing Arts Group from China will wow you with beautiful music and unique dance. Therefore, prepare to get a taste of Dunhuang’s rich traditions.

And there’s more to look forward to, including the ‘Pearl of the Moon’ show by the Mongkornyok Lion Dance Team of Sampran with over 80-year history, featuring a Cloud Dragon, Phoenix, and Celestial Lions. Plus, traditional “Eng Kor” martial arts, Chinese music, calligraphy demonstrations, and plenty of other performances to keep you entertained.

Oh, and have we mentioned that the grand opening on January 28 will feature Thailand’s top stars Krit ‘PP’ Amnuaydechkorn and Thanapob ‘Tor’ Leeratanakachorn? Yep, the two stars will bring more joy to the festival and showcase jewellery from Cartier.

Also, if you’re into history, Dr Wit Sitthivekin will be giving a special talk on Dunhuang’s legacy on January 19. Lastly, don’t miss the fortune-telling charity event ‘Siriwattana Fortune-Telling for the Disabled” from January 28 to February 3, where you can meet 38 fortune-tellers and support a good cause.

3. Siam Center and Siam Discovery

Image via Siam Center

Date & Time: Wednesday, January 15 to Sunday, February 2 (Siam Center) / Thursday, January 9 to Friday, February 28 (Siam Discovery)

Location: Siam Center, 979 Rama I Rd, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330 / Siam Discovery, 194 Phaya Thai Rd, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand

 

In case you haven’t heard, art toys are all the rage right now. So if you’re a collector, a fan, or just curious about these creative collectibles, you’ll want to swing by Siam Center.

With the theme ‘A Celebration of Luck & Love,’ this shopping centre in Bangkok is hosting Southeast Asia’s first-ever TOYZEROPLUS WORLD for Chinese New Year. You’ll get the chance to meet the brains behind some of the coolest designs, take part in workshops, and check out jaw-dropping installations. Additionally, there will be exclusive art toy drops, which include limited-edition Chinese New Year Collections.

If you’re a fan of Memori Studio, this event is also your shot to design your very own 3D model. All you need is to meet the minimum spend, and you’ve got yourself a one-of-a-kind keepsake to start the year right.

You can keep an eye out for the Atong and Friends Chinese New Year Pop-Up as well. Here, you’ll find a range of art toys, fashion collections, and special promotions celebrating the Lunar New Year.

Meanwhile, over at Siam Discovery, the Exploratorium is bringing the ‘A Prosperous Chinese New Year 2025 – Celebrating the Love of Discovery’ campaign. Expect cool finds from Discovery Selection, unique gifts at Loft and ODS, and eco-friendly decor at ECOTOPIA. Additionally, make sure to grab the Future Lab Volume 4 with custom Year of the Snake T-shirt screen printing.

4. Yaowarat Road

Image by whitebalance.oatt via iStock

Date & Time: Sunday, January 19 to Sunday, February 9

Location: Yaowarat Road, Bangkok

 

Where else can you celebrate Chinese New Year in Bangkok if not Yaowarat Road? During the festivities, the streets are decked out in glowing red lanterns and twinkling lights to welcome good luck and prosperity for the year ahead. Performances are always the norm, and with hundreds of people, both locals and tourists, flocking to the area, it’s basically one massive street party.

This year, The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is taking things up a notch with a festival from Odean Circle to Chaloem Buri intersection, themed ‘Ignite Your Senses, Embrace Our Two Cultures.’

From January 19 to February 9, Yaowarat Road will be decorated with stunning lights, with the Royal Jubilee Gate as the main attraction. It’s going to be a sight to see.

On January 29 to 30, special booths will celebrate the 50 years of Thailand and China’s diplomatic relationship. Here, you can get a glimpse into the cultural and historical ties between the two nations.

Be sure to clear your calendar for the main event, which will take place on January 29 with a spectacular show from a Chinese performance troupe. Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn will lead the grand opening ceremony, and you can catch the whole procession live on Channel 9 MCOT.

5. China Cultural Center Bangkok

Image via China Cultural Center Bangkok

Date & Time: Saturday, January 18, from 2pm to 4.30pm

Location: China Cultural Center Bangkok, 18 Thiam Ruam Mit Rd, Huai Khwang, Bangkok 10310

 

If you’re looking for something fun for the whole family this Chinese New Year, you should check out the ‘Happy Chinese New Year! Student Exhibition and Performance Activities’ at the China Cultural Center in Bangkok on January 18.

There will be a range of activities to get involved in, such as Chinese calligraphy and painting, where you can write New Year wishes and draw lucky characters with help from the teachers.

You can also explore a student exhibition featuring over 40 works that bring the spirit of the Chinese New Year to life through beautiful calligraphy and vibrant paintings.

And like any good celebration, there will be performances. You’ll get to see Tai Chi dancing, Guzheng music, and students singing Chinese songs. They’ll even have a prize draw during the event, so you might get lucky!

6. Wat Mangkon Kamalawat

Image by Chainwit via Wikimedia Commons

Date & Time: Wednesday, January 29

Location: Wat Mangkon Kamalawat, 423 Charoen Krung Rd. Pom Prap, Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Bangkok 10100

 

Add Wat Mangkon Kamalawat to your list if you want to experience an authentic Chinese New Year in Bangkok and celebrate in a meaningful way. As the largest and most significant Chinese Buddhist temple in the city, it becomes a hub of activity during the festival.

Locals and visitors gather to take part in traditional rituals, including prayers, offering incense, and making symbolic offerings for good luck. The temple’s stunning architecture, with its intricate dragons, lotus designs, and vibrant colours truly makes it a spectacular place to celebrate.

Even if you’re not there to pray or participate in the rituals, it’s worth visiting to witness the cultural and spiritual atmosphere. Just remember to be respectful while observing the ceremonies, as the space is sacred to many.

7. Nakhon Sawan

Image via Pak Nam Pho Chinese New Year Festival 2025

Date & Time: Friday, January 31 and Saturday, February 1

Location: Nakhon Sawan, Mueang Nakhon Sawan

 

 

Yes, this one is outside of Bangkok, but if you do have the time, consider travelling to Nakhon Sawan for the Chinese New Year celebrations. Nakhon Sawan is known for its large Thai Chinese community, and during this time, the whole place comes alive with tradition and festivity. The Pak Nam Pho Chinese New Year Festival 2025 is definitely one of the best.

The theme this year is ‘12 Days of Happiness and Fun – Nakhon Sawan Wonderland,’ and it’s all about celebrating over 109 years of faith and tradition. One of the major highlights is the Night Parade (Chiew Sa) on January 31, followed by the Day Parade (Chiew Si) on February 1. Both parades are a must-see, with vibrant displays that have earned global recognition.

There will be five zones: Wonder Food, where you can indulge in delicious Chinese treats; Wonder Faith, where devotion and spirituality come to life; Wonder Five, which pays tribute to the unity of five Chinese ethnic groups; Wonder Fun, a zone of thrilling entertainment for everyone; and Wonder Festival, the showstopper, featuring the grand parade.

So, where will you be this Chinese New Year in Bangkok? No matter what you choose, we hope you take the time to immerse yourself in the energy of the celebrations. Here’s to a prosperous and joyful start to the Year of the Snake!

 

 

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