Chinese New Year 2023 – Year of the Rabbit Celebrations in Thailand
Are you yearning for a new travel experience to a destination that you’ve never been to before? Interested in learning more about local culture and experiencing an interesting festival up close? We suggest you head to Thailand in January and experience Chinese New Year 2023. Welcome the Year of the Rabbit in style.
Thailand has a large Chinese community, and the holidays associated with Chinese New Year are widely celebrated. The celebrations are unique and well worth witnessing in person. So, why not travel to Thailand and experience Chinese New Year for yourself?
What exactly is Chinese New Year?
Perhaps you have heard of Chinese New Year, but are still wondering what it is all about. It is the most important holiday for Chinese people around the world.
Chinese New Year not only marks the start of a new year. It is also a time to celebrate with family and friends. Festivities include parties, ceremonies, elaborate meals and gift-giving. It is a time of togetherness, feasting and loud fireworks. All this is wrapped up in the colour red which symbolises good fortune and hope while deterring evil spirits.
Year of the Rabbit
The date of the Chinese New Year depends on the Chinese lunar calendar. In 2023, it will fall on Sunday 22 January, commencing the Year of the Rabbit. More specifically, 2023 is the Year of the Water Rabbit. People born in the year of the Rabbit are referred to as ‘rabbits’. They are seen as vigilant, quick-minded, witty and ingenious.
In Chinese culture, the rabbit is known to be the luckiest of all of the twelve animals in the Chinese zodiac. It represents elegance, beauty and mercy. The Year of the Rabbit is considered a lucky year. It brings a sense of calm and is seen as a good year for negotiations.
Ring in Chinese New Year in Phuket
Discover how Phuket rings in the Year of the Rabbit. Chinese New Year 2023 coincides with the Old Town Festival in the heart of the beautiful Sino-Portuguese old town district. The festival features many colourful processions. One that you must see is the Dragon Procession. The colourful procession weaves through the streets and usually takes place on the 2nd day of the festival.
Throughout the festivities, there’s a chance to watch cultural shows. You can also shop and sample the vibrant street food that Phuket is so famous for, in addition to traditional Chinese desserts. Phuket’s numerous Chinese shrines will host small celebrations during the Chinese New Year. These are worth visiting for an authentic, local experience.
Chinese New Year in Samui
Chinese New Year in Koh Samui centres around the festivities at the Chinese temple in Maenam. Expect to see colourful lion and dragon processions as well as a variety of beach parties. Maenam is family-friendly, and the festivities here cater to families visiting during this special time of the year.
Witness small-scale, authentically Chinese-Thai celebrations at the Hainan temple on Samui’s west coast in Nathon. A word of caution – celebrations here aren’t for the faint of heart. They are similar to Phuket’s Vegetarian Festival and feature face piercings and self-mutilation. Hua Thanon also has Chinese New Year celebrations at the Guan Yu Shrine.
Thailand is open and welcoming tourists
With the success of the Sandbox program launched in July 2021, Thailand is now fully re-open with all Covid restrictions lifted. Travellers to the Kingdom with certain passports can now receive a 45-days exempt visa. This allows you a longer period to explore the natural beauty of the country.
Additionally, the Thai Chana Covid-19 tracing mobile application for tourists has been scrapped. There are no vaccination entry restrictions. However, the Ministry of Health encourages travellers to continue protective measures such as social distancing and wearing a mask in congested areas.
Marry the ease of travel restrictions with perfect weather in January. There’s no better time to pack your bag and escape to the sunshine. Experience Chinese New Year 2023 in Thailand.
Discover an elite haven in Thailand
Whether you are travelling to Phuket or Koh Samui, we have the perfect luxury villa for you. Spacious accommodations with private swimming pools and stunning vistas, you will love our stunning villas, ideal for couples, groups of friends and families.
Ask the Elite Concierge for whatever you need and they will take care of it all. They can also offer superb local advice regarding Chinese New Year festivities at your selected destination. And don’t forget the luxury of your private chef preparing scrumptious meals for you in the comfort of your villa!
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