Hey, travelers, teachers, and culture chasers! Chinese New Year—aka the Spring Festival—is a global bash, and in Thailand, it’s a dazzling collision of Chinese heritage and Thai flair. Picture this: February 2025, the Chinese lunar calendar kicks off the Year of the Snake (Chinese zodiac alert!), and Thailand erupts with lion dances, red envelopes, and steaming dumplings. Whether you’re backpacking through Bangkok’s neon-lit Chinatown, teaching in Chiang Mai, or soaking up Phuket’s beach vibes, this guide is your passport to celebrate Chinese New Year in Thailand. I’ve lived here 20+ years—trust me, it’s a wild, wonderful ride!

Thailand is still a developing country, so when moving to Thailand, there are a few things to consider, and finding safe drinking water is one of those. In general, tap water in Thailand isn’t safe to drink because of potential bacteria and pollutants.