Celebrating the Chinese New Year

Posted by beach climber on January 20th, 2012 filed in festivals, travel tips

Monday (the 23rd) marks the start of the Chinese New Year, which is celebrated by many families in Thailand that are of Chinese backgrounds. Although Krabi is not considered a Chinese province those wishing to celebrate this day can do so in nearby Trang.

This year is particularly special as it is the ‘Year of the Dragon’, which is the most celebrated of all the 12 Chinese zodiacs, so I have no doubt that it will truly be a special day. Trang Town will host a parade as well as a festival that is sure to last through the night. Here there will be plenty of food stalls, booths selling clothing and souvenirs at rock bottom prices, and plenty of fireworks. There will also be night entertainment that will include live music and Thai dancing.

In Trang they do things a bit different than other provinces, as they make this day a pure vegetarian day. All of your favourite Thai food will be available but none of it will contain any animal products, although surprisingly it will look as if there is meat inside. This is especially great for those that are meat-free all year as they get to try some amazing food that otherwise they are unable to eat. There will also be plenty of delicious Thai sweets to be tasted.

It is very easy to get to Trang from Krabi by both bus and car. To arrive by bus go to the bus station in Krabi town and take a bus bound for Hat Yai or Trang. By car just drive along Highway 4 and it will take you straight there.