Residents and the expected influx of visitors from China will mark the advent of the Year of the Rooster at specially designated zones at Lumphini. Yaowarat Road in Chinatown Bangkok is normally the hub of a colourful cultural extravaganza of lanterns, dragon dances, firecrackers, live shows and merit-making.
The Chinese New Year festivities are loud and attract up to one million tourists every year. The popularity of the festival was the main reason for the 2017 relocation. The country is still in mourning for the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Samphanthawong District authorities decided the parades and other activities would be too raucous.
On New Year’s Day on Saturday, an early morning alms-giving ceremony will kick off outside Chinatown’s Grand China Hotel at 05:30. This is the only happening scheduled for Chinatown this year.
Transport options in and out of Bangkok as well as to Chiang Mai and other cities in Thailand with Chinatown areas will be busy this week. 12GO ASIA advises pre-booking to ensure you get a seat.
Bangkok Chinese New Year festivities moved to Lumphini Park
News in Asia
The Tourism Authority of Thailand has announced the temporary relocation of Bangkok’s Chinese New Year Festival. The national tourist agency says all events typically staged in Chinatown will instead be held in the city’s Lumphini Park this year.