Celebrate Chinese New Year 2026 in Chiang Mai
Written by Pim Meijboom, Co-Founder of PM Tours. *Thailand is one of the few places in the world where we celebrate three New Years: Western (Jan 1), Thai (Songkran), and Chinese (Lunar New Year).
While Bangkok’s Chinatown is famous for its chaos, Chiang Mai’s celebration is more intimate but equally vibrant. The energy centers entirely around Warorot Market. If you love the sound of firecrackers and the smell of roasting duck, this is the best time to be in the city. Here is how to join the festivities for the Year of the Horse.
This year's Chinese New Year celebrations are coming up! The Year of the Horse will officially begin on the 17th of February, 2026. Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is known for its dragon dances and is about getting good luck in the new year. Read on for some more information and tips about Chinese New Year celebrations in Chiang Mai.
Did you know Thailand has three (!) different New Year celebrations? Songkran, of course, you know, is the super fun water festival of the Thai New Year. Thais also celebrate the 'regular' New Year on December 31st. But as with Asian countries hosting a large Chinese minority, Thailand also has a Chinese New Year celebration tradition. Chiang Mai has a large Chinese-Thai minority and attracts many Chinese tourists during the cool season, so you can expect a lively festival.
Chinese New Year 2026 Quick Guide
Official Date: February 17th, 2026 (Year of the Horse).
Main Event Location: Warorot Market (Kad Luang) & Guan Yu Shrine.
Parade Start: 8:30 AM at Tha Pae Gate (marching to Warorot).
Traffic Warning: Avoid driving near the Ping River/Warorot area—it is gridlock.
Is everything closed? No. Unlike the Western New Year, most shops and tours remain open, but hotels are fully booked.
The Place to Be: Chiang Mai's Chinatown
Like many Asian countries, big cities in Thailand have Chinatowns, and Chiang Mai is no exception. Marked by its traditional Chinese decorative gate on Chang Moi Rd., it is the area known as Kad Luang, also known as Warorot and Ton Lam Yai markets. Usually, people say 'Warorot market' to refer to this bustling bazaar of edible goods, clothes, flowers, and more. Warorot market is located right behind the Night Bazaar area, so between the two areas, you can shop and eat 'till you drop. Don't hesitate to get lost inside the shopping centers themselves; the real bargains are towards the top floors! You will notice it’s not just Chinese shops here; the whole area is a melting pot of cultures and tribes!
Located right beside the Ping River, the markets have operated for over a century. They flourished during the rise of the Chiang Mai-Bangkok river trade and are a favorite with locals. On the riverside street, there is a daily flower market. At night during the two-day Chinese New Year celebrations, you can enjoy wandering here because the street is closed off to traffic. The locals decorate their homes and shops with the typical Chinese red lanterns, creating a unique vibe. You can also find two well-known Chinese shrines here: Guan Yu and Pung Tao Gong. Guan Yu is located right behind Warorot, and Pung Tao Gong is across from the riverside park, next to the flower shops.
Dragons and Lions Dancing: The Parade
We expect the traditional Chinese New Year Parade to take place on the morning of the 17th of February. The participants include dragon and lion dancers with their beautifully decorated puppets, other artists, and a number of decorated floats. They gather at Tha Pae Gate around 8:30 am and arrive at Guan Yu Shrine around 10 am. City officials kick off the 'official' part of the celebration on a stage down the road, alongside cultural exhibitions and musical performances. During the evening, both here and at Tha Pae Gate, you can enjoy Chinese cultural events such as dancing and beauty pageants.
When more information about this year's schedule becomes available, we will post it here!
How to get to Chiang Mai for Chinese New Year
Chiang Mai is very busy during Chinese New Year, so we recommend booking your train, bus, or flight tickets to Chiang Mai ahead of time with the help of our trusted partner, 12GO, or conveniently using the search engine below.
Happy Chinese New Year!