Chinese New Year in Chinatown of Bangkok. That was a kind of new years celebration we did not experience before. It wasn't just a mark of a new date, it really felt like a shift in energy. The Streets in Chinatown glow in red and gold, lanterns sway above the very crowded streets, and the air was full of incense, fireworks, and food. It was so busy, loud, and intense (in a amazing way).
We entered China town through the beautiful gate at Yaowarat Road – built in 1999 to celebrate King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s 72nd birthday.
Streets, shops and restaurants were beautifully decorated.
Chinese New Years gadgets everywhere to buy, and all is supposed to give you luck.
This gentleman was preparing coconut pancakes, of course we had to try them.
Fancy street food stalls even had DJs.
Sticky rice on fire, we just can’t resist, it’s too good.
The main Road in Chinatown got real busy super fast.
We really had to squeeze through people and cars.
THE DRAGON DANCE
The first proper Dragon Dance show we could see, such a highlight!
A synchronised performance with 6 people moving at the same time.
After a quick pause they were ready for the next dance.
Another New Years Tradition
It’s fascinating how differently countries, cultures, and religions celebrate the start of a new year. Different calendars, different symbols, different rituals but for all a new beginning.
On this journey, it’s already the third time we’ve celebrated a “new year” in just two years. Three fresh starts. Three moments where the world around us shifted into celebration mode, fireworks in one place, quiet prayers in another, red lanterns and dragon dances somewhere else.
Each time felt different, but the meaning underneath was always similar: closing one chapter, stepping into the next with intention. It makes you realize that time isn’t as fixed as we think. The idea of a new beginning can arrive more than once, and maybe that’s the beauty of it.
Another year. Another reset. Another reminder that we’re constantly moving forward.
The year of the Fire Horse
The Year of the Fire Horse comes from the Chinese zodiac, which follows a 12-year cycle of animals combined with five elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water). When the Horse aligns with the Fire element, it creates one of the most intense and dynamic combinations in the cycle. The last one was in 1966 and now this year again.
The Horse symbolizes freedom, movement, independence, and strong life force. It’s energetic, adventurous, and doesn’t like to be restricted. Add Fire to that, and the traits become amplified, more passion, more courage, more impulsiveness, more drive. That sound pretty good to us, we need more fire 😉
Fireworks and crackers were really close to the people.
Little scared with all the fireworks so close.
The moves, the drums, the fire works, intense and so good.
This city felt like a storm of color, sound, and nonstop movement and yet you’ll find calming energy.
strolling home, discovering cool bars and shops.
ツ