Bangkok is a world in itself. With a myriad of cultures, customs and communities calling this modern day metropolis home, it is truly no wonder. Fascinating as it is overwhelming the principal city of Thailand has long been synonymous with good times, friendly people and a uniquely Asian identity.

A part of that Asian identity is never more visible than in the many vibrant cultural celebrations and festivals that occupy the Thai calendar. These include the Phra BuddhaBaht Fair, Songkhran, Flower Carnival, Pattaya Festival, Asalaha Bucha Day, Candle Festival, Loy Krathong and Visakha Bucha Day. But no one event is more looked forward to than the Chinese New Year celebrations in the capital. Considered the single most important event in the Chinese calendar, the lunar new year is celebrated in grand style within Chinese communities all over the globe and Bangkok is no different as the entire city comes to life in a fervent display of lights, decorations and traditions and of course sweetmeats and firecrackers to mark the passing of one year and the beginning of another.

Mainly concentrated in the country's largest Chinatown, down Bangkok's Yaowarat Road, also known as the Land of the Siamese Dragon or Golden Road, the sights and scents of the New Year are inescapable. The colour red is abundantly seen in its decorative representations along the streets and the quaint red envelopes locals use to exchange generous gifts in the form of money.

Beginning on the first day of what the Chinese call the first lunar month, the festivities usually take place in the month of February. Visitors will be greeted with the delectable aromas of the restaurants and food markets in the Samphanthawong district which are stocked full of regional goodies and treats this time of the year. Traditional Chinese cuisine and varied dishes from the different regions of China also take centre stage during the New Year season while the streets will also serve as the setting for many cultural shows organized locally.

An integral part of the New Year celebrations, the conventional dragon dances and lion dances are another highlight that should not be missed while in Bangkok. The local thoroughfares will see the colourful costumes and graceful movements of the Chinese dragon as it welcomes another year.



Several cultural exhibitions are also organized during this season when the Chinese community proudly displays its rich heritage and legacy. Guests should also pay tribute at the foot of the "Guan Yin" monument which was a gift from China and click away at the frenzied scenes of shopping, merrymaking and religious activities that are abundantly visible along the streets.

As the Chinese New Year doubles as a celebration for the oncoming spring season, fashion shows with traditional Chinese wear from different parts of China are also available for the style connoisseurs.

One should not forget to pick up a precious souvenir of the celebrations in the goldsmith stores which offer speciality items for the period. And last but not least, you will not be able to escape the celebratory sound of firecrackers and the sky piercing fireworks displays that enchants locals and tourists alike as the night sky is lit up with the hopes and dreams of Bangkok's inhabitants and visitors.








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