Celebrate the 2025 Chinese New Year in Phuket

A group of people wearing Chinese costume in front of MINT Bar & Restaurant acting cool during the evening time
Red Envelope hanging on the Red Tree at Paradox Resort Phuket
A walkway decorated with beautiful red lantern during the Chinese New Year or Lunar New Year

Chinese New Year in Thailand, also known as Chun Jie (ตรุษจีน), is one of the most vibrant and significant festivals, especially among Thai-Chinese communities. This grand celebration follows the lunar calendar, typically occurring between late January and mid-February. In 2025, Chinese New Year falls on Wednesday, January 29, marking the start of the Year of the Snake. Phuket is one of the top destinations in Thailand where this festival is celebrated in grand style every year.

The Significance of Chinese New Year in Thailand

Chinese New Year holds deep cultural significance, particularly for Thai-Chinese families and those with Chinese heritage. Over the years, Chinese traditions have blended with Thai culture, making Chinese New Year in Phuket a festival of gratitude, family bonding, and new beginnings. The celebrations revolve around family reunions, ancestral worship, and prayers for prosperity, wealth, and happiness.

Some key symbols of Chinese New Year include:

  • Red: A lucky color representing prosperity and happiness.
  • Oranges: A symbol of wealth. Oranges are often given in even numbers, with different pairings carrying unique meanings. For example, 4 oranges symbolize a year of abundance, 8 oranges represent endless success, and 12 oranges signify harmony among family members.
  • Sticky Rice Cake (Nian Gao): A sweet treat symbolizing growth and success in the coming year.
  • Lion and Dragon Dance: Traditional performances believed to bring good luck, drive away evil spirits, and usher in prosperity.

Chinese New Year 2025 in Phuket

Chinese New Year in Phuket is a lively celebration that blends traditional Chinese customs with the island’s energetic atmosphere. The festivities span multiple locations, creating a dazzling cultural experience for locals and tourists alike.

  • Phuket Old Town – The island’s cultural hub transforms with dazzling red lanterns, spectacular lion dances, dragon processions, and traditional folk performances. Iconic streets such as Thalang Road and Dibuk Road will be adorned with Chinese decorations, offering a picture-perfect festive atmosphere.
  • Paradox Resort Phuket, Karon Beach – The resort embraces the holiday spirit with stunning Chinese New Year decorations, including a Red Envelope tree, where guests can receive special vouchers as a holiday gift from the hotel, and stroll through the beautifully lit red lantern walkway, a must-visit photo spot. Guests can also indulge in special holiday offerings like a seafood platter and a signature Chinese New Year cocktail crafted with legendary Chinese spirits like Moutai at MINT Bar & Restaurant.


A walkway to Karon Beach, beautifully adorned with Chinese red lanterns.


A Special Gift for Our Guests: The Red Envelope Tree

5 Tips for Celebrating Chinese New Year in Phuket

  • Book accommodations and restaurants in advance – Chinese New Year in Phuket is a peak travel period, so early reservations are essential. Some venues may have limited availability for walk-in guests.
  • Visit Phuket’s famous Chinese shrines – Even if you don’t partake in religious ceremonies, exploring local shrines like Jui Tui Shrine and Phut Chao Shrine offers a deeper cultural experience. These shrines become focal points of the festival, where visitors can witness incense offerings and traditional prayers for prosperity.
  • Explore local markets for festive delicacies – Treat yourself to traditional Chinese New Year foods such as dumplings, steamed buns, roast duck, and sticky rice cakes (Nian Gao), all of which are believed to bring good luck.
  • Enjoy cultural performances – From lion dances and Chinese opera to thrilling acrobatic shows, the festival offers diverse entertainment reflecting Chinese heritage.
  • Wear red for good fortune – Red is the color of luck and prosperity, while black and white are considered inauspicious during this period. Dressing in red is a simple way to embrace the holiday spirit.

Celebrate Chinese New Year 2025 in Phuket with dazzling traditions, delicious cuisine, and lively festivities. Whether you're soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of Phuket Old Town or enjoying a festive retreat at Paradox Resort Phuket, this is the perfect time to welcome prosperity and happiness in the Year of the Snake!