When and where
Next edition: 30 January – 10 February 2027 (expected)
When: Around Chinese New Year (January/February), about 12 days
Rule: Lunar calendar. Lunar (Chinese) calendar. 2026 was 10-21 February; 2027 expected late January-10 February (not confirmed).
Dates can change. Check the current date shortly before your trip with the local organisers or the tourist office.
About Nakhon Sawan Chinese New Year (Pak Nam Pho)
Nakhon Sawan, where the Ping and Nan rivers meet, holds one of Thailand's biggest Chinese New Year festivals. During the Pak Nam Pho festival an enormous dragon and a procession with lion dances, offerings and deities pass through the streets. The tradition goes back over a century. The whole city is full of red and lanterns and you find street food and performances. It is less touristy than Bangkok but authentic and large.
Getting there
Nakhon Sawan is about 240 km north of Bangkok; train or bus (3-4 hours).
Highlights
- Giant dragon One of the country’s longest dragon parades.
- Deity procession Carriers bring shrines and images through the city.
- Street food Chinese snacks, dim sum and local specialities.
Tips for Nakhon Sawan Chinese New Year (Pak Nam Pho)
- Book early; it gets busy.
- Roads are closed during the procession.
- Come at dusk for the atmosphere.
Nakhon Sawan Chinese New Year (Pak Nam Pho) on the map
Pinch to zoom; tap a point for more info. Open circles: approximate location.
The location on the map is approximate.
The map shows Pak Nam Pho (central Nakhon Sawan) where the dragon procession passes.
Frequently asked questions about Nakhon Sawan Chinese New Year (Pak Nam Pho)
When is Nakhon Sawan Chinese New Year (Pak Nam Pho) in 2026?
Nakhon Sawan Chinese New Year falls in 2026 on 10–21 February, at Pak Nam Pho, Nakhon Sawan. Rule: Around Chinese New Year (January/February), about 12 days. An official or clearly documented source confirms this date.
Where is the best place to see Nakhon Sawan Chinese New Year (Pak Nam Pho)?
Watch it best at Pak Nam Pho, Nakhon Sawan. One of the country’s longest dragon parades. Nakhon Sawan is about 240 km north of Bangkok; train or bus (3-4 hours). Carriers bring shrines and images through the city. Highlight: Street food – Chinese snacks, dim sum and local specialities.
Is Nakhon Sawan Chinese New Year (Pak Nam Pho) free to attend?
Yes, watching is free. The venue is Pak Nam Pho, Nakhon Sawan. Book early; it gets busy. Roads are closed during the procession. Highlight: Giant dragon – One of the country’s longest dragon parades. Highlight: Deity procession – Carriers bring shrines and images through the city.
Festivals near Pak Nam Pho, Nakhon Sawan
- Phichit Long Boat Races 85 km as the crow flies
- King Narai Reign Fair (Lopburi) 110 km as the crow flies
- Lopburi Monkey Buffet Festival 110 km as the crow flies
- Don Chedi Memorial Fair (Suphan Buri) 120 km as the crow flies
- Tak Bat Dok Mai (Flower Alms, Saraburi) 130 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
- Chinese New Year Yaowarat (Bangkok)
- Teachers' Day (Wai Khru)