What is Chinese New Year?
Chinese New Year is celebrated in many parts of Thailand where there are Chinese communities. This festival always takes place on the first day of the first lunar month so it changes every year according to the Western Calendar.
It marks the start of the lunar year and is usually spent with family. Streets and temples in Chinese neighbourhoods are decorated in red and gold, and celebrations often continue over several days rather than a single evening.
Dates and location
- Date: 10 February
- Location: All Locations
Because the festival follows the lunar calendar, the date shifts each year. Check the current year's date before you fix your travel plans.
What to expect
Celebrations vary from town to town. In places with long-established Chinese communities you can expect temple visits, offerings, lion and dragon dances, street food stalls and evening fireworks. Many Chinese-run shops close for part of the holiday.
How to get there for Chinese New Year
Travel to the festival depends on where you are heading. Mainland towns are usually reached by bus, minivan or private transfer, while island destinations are served by ferry and speedboat, sometimes with a combined bus-and-boat ticket.
Operators, departure times, journey durations and fares are shown live on each route page when you search your dates.
Booking tips
Chinese New Year is a busy domestic travel period. Seats and cabins sell out early, so book ahead and allow extra time for traffic and queues at piers and bus terminals.
Ready to plan your trip? Read destination information for the town or island you want to visit, or compare ferry, bus and minivan routes in Thailand to book your tickets.
