The Chinese community in Thailand is the largest, oldest and most integrated in the world! It's no wonder then that Chinese New Year is widely celebrated throughout the country. For 3 days, several neighbourhoods and cities in the country are adorned in red to honour Chinese deities. To discover this facet of the country, we present the best places to celebrate Chinese New Year in Thailand. All that's left is for us to wish you a happy new year, or rather Xin Nian Hao…

1. Chinese New Year in Bangkok

Yaowarat Road: this is Bangkok's Chinatown. Naturally, it's here that one of the most impressive gatherings and most spectacular Chinese New Year celebrations in Thailand takes place. For the occasion, all the roads in the neighbourhood are closed for the 3 days of festivities. On the agenda: dragon parades and lion dances, street stalls and Chinese culinary specialties, red Chinese lanterns in abundance, exhibitions and activities around Chinese culture... One thing is certain, the Yaowarat Road neighbourhood transforms into a massive sea of people, but you'll enjoy a joyful atmosphere that's nothing short of invigorating!

If you prefer to experience the Chinese New Year atmosphere in quieter settings, head to Charoen Krung Street and its Chinese temples (Langnoy Temple and Mang Nguan Ha Temple) or visit Chow Sue Kong Temple, the oldest Hokkien Chinese temple in the city.

2. Chinese New Year in Phuket

To celebrate Chinese New Year in a paradisiacal setting, the island of Phuket has many surprises in store for you. The streets of Talanq Road, Dibuk Road and Phang Nga Road are the most lively. You'll see some cultural performances such as the traditional Thai circle dance Ramwong and other parades. On the beaches, numerous festivities take place. As Phuket is a tourist island, all travellers are invited to participate in Chinese traditions and customs alongside locals.

3. Chinese New Year in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai also has its own little Chinatown quarter. Everything is centred around the Warorot Market near the Chinese temple, the Gu Sanctuary next to the Ping River. Once again, you'll be able to attend traditional Chinese performances. It's the ideal place if you wish to discover the traditions of Chinese New Year in Thailand in a more intimate and peaceful setting than that of the larger cities.

4. Chinese New Year in Phetchaburi

As every year in Phetchaburi, Chinese New Year is celebrated through spectacular processions at the pantheon. Everyone gathers to pay homage to the 22 Chinese deities of the province. In addition to parades and stalls dedicated to the festival, many Thai schools organise activities and a fair in Mueang Phetburi. It's also an opportunity to see unique contests such as Miss China Mueang Phet and Mr. and Miss Chinatown. Amusing, isn't it?

5. Chinese New Year in Nakhon Sawan

If you wish to immerse yourself in Chinese traditions, we can only recommend celebrating Chinese New Year in Nakhon Sawan. With its annual festival, the Nakhon Sawan Chinese New Year and Chao Pho-Chao Mae Paknam Pho Tradition, the event honours the guardian spirits of the province. Beyond the usual performances, the procession is accompanied by incredible acrobatic performances, muay Thai, music, dance and even theatre!