When and where
When: Chinese lunar new year (Jan/Feb), usually 3 days
Rule: Lunar calendar. Lunar (Chinese) calendar. New Year day: 17 February 2026 and 6 February 2027; the Yaowarat celebration usually lasts a few days.
Dates can change. Check the current date shortly before your trip with the local organisers or the tourist office.
About Chinese New Year Yaowarat (Bangkok)
A large part of Thailand's population has Chinese roots, so Chinese New Year is celebrated lavishly. In Yaowarat, Bangkok's Chinatown, the street is hung with red lanterns and dragon and lion dances pass the gold shops. Families make offerings to ancestors, eat dim sum and share red envelopes. In the evening the road is closed to traffic, so you can stroll past the street stalls undisturbed.
Getting there
MRT Wat Mangkon (Blue line) is in the middle of Yaowarat; the river boat stops at Ratchawong.
Highlights
- Dragon and lion dances Parades through Yaowarat with drums, gongs and firecrackers.
- Red lanterns The whole district is decked out in red and gold for luck.
- Street food Try dim sum, roast duck, Chinese sweets and nian gao.
Tips for Chinese New Year Yaowarat (Bangkok)
- Arrive late afternoon and eat as you stroll.
- It is very busy; take the MRT to Wat Mangkon or Hua Lamphong.
- Wear light clothing and watch for pickpockets.
Chinese New Year Yaowarat (Bangkok) on the map
Pinch to zoom; tap a point for more info. Open circles: approximate location.
The location on the map is approximate.
The festival is celebrated across Thailand; Bangkok Yaowarat is the best-known spot. Another big celebration is Nakhon Sawan (separate entry).
Frequently asked questions about Chinese New Year Yaowarat (Bangkok)
When is Chinese New Year Yaowarat (Bangkok) in 2026?
For 2026 we have no verified date; it is not fixed yet, so we do not guess. The rule is: Chinese lunar new year (Jan/Feb), usually 3 days. Lunar (Chinese) calendar. New Year day: 17 February 2026 and 6 February 2027; the Yaowarat celebration usually lasts a few days. Check shortly beforehand with the organiser or the province.
Where is the best place to see Chinese New Year Yaowarat (Bangkok)?
Watch it best at Yaowarat Road (Chinatown), Bangkok. Parades through Yaowarat with drums, gongs and firecrackers. MRT Wat Mangkon (Blue line) is in the middle of Yaowarat; the river boat stops at Ratchawong. The whole district is decked out in red and gold for luck. Highlight: Street food – Try dim sum, roast duck, Chinese sweets and nian gao.
Is Chinese New Year Yaowarat (Bangkok) free to attend?
Yes, watching is free. The venue is Yaowarat Road (Chinatown), Bangkok. Arrive late afternoon and eat as you stroll. It is very busy; take the MRT to Wat Mangkon or Hua Lamphong. Highlight: Dragon and lion dances – Parades through Yaowarat with drums, gongs and firecrackers.
Festivals near Yaowarat Road (Chinatown), Bangkok
- Yaowarat Vegetarian Festival (Bangkok) 0 km as the crow flies
- Chakri Memorial Day 1 km as the crow flies
- Wat Saket Golden Mount Fair 1 km as the crow flies
- Qingming (Tomb-Sweeping Day) 2 km as the crow flies
- Constitution Day 2 km as the crow flies
Also in January / February
- Chiang Mai Flower Festival
- Chiang Rai Flower Festival
- Bo Sang Umbrella Festival
- Koh Samui Buffalo Fighting
- Nakhon Sawan Chinese New Year (Pak Nam Pho)
- Teachers' Day (Wai Khru)