Bangkok (VNA) – As the Lunar New Year (Tet) approaches, Thailand’s capital Bangkok is preparing to host a series of vibrant celebrations at major shopping centres and temples, including CentralWorld, IconSiam, Banthat Thong and the Poh Teck Tung Foundation.
According to a Vietnam News Agency correspondent in Bangkok, the well-known Yaowarat district (Chinatown) will not host a major event this year. However, festive activities will still take place across the city, from leading department stores and major shopping centres to temples in various districts.
As reported by the local newspaper The Nation, The Great Chinese New Year 2026 is set to take place at CentralWorld, Pathum Wan, from February 12-17. During which, Thailand’s largest “Tianma” (celestial horse) promises a grand experience with powerful vocal performances by leading Thai artists, accompanied by an orchestra of more than 50 musicians.
During the same period, a programme titled “A Prosperous Chinese New Year 2026” will run at IconSiam, Khlong San, featuring a new-style dragon performance. The performance features a troupe from Sam Phran Yoke Dragon & Lion Dance Group, with a spectacular 32-metre-long figure.
The Lunar New Year is not an official public holiday in Thailand. However, with relatively large Chinese-Thai and Vietnamese communities, Bangkok and several other cities across the country are filled each year with festive celebrations welcoming spring in line with the traditional Lunar New Year customs of Chinese and Vietnamese culture./.
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The 2026 programme is being held in two rounds. The first covers the central, northern, and eastern regions from February 4 to 6, followed by a second round for the northeastern and southern regions from February 18 to 20. More than 168 participants are expected, including youth network members, teacher and lecturer advisers, and officials from provincial cultural offices nationwide.
