Chiang mai: The atmosphere in Chiang Mai's Chinatown remains vibrant during the Chinese New Year festival, despite a noticeable decrease in the number of offerings compared to the previous year. Tourists, particularly from China, have flocked to the area to partake in the celebrations.
According to Thai News Agency, throughout the morning, people of Chinese descent in Chiang Mai continued the tradition of bringing a variety of savory and sweet dishes, along with fruits, to the Pung Tao Kong Shrine and the Guan Yu Shrine. These offerings, carefully arranged on trays and decorated with paper money and gold paper, are part of the worship rituals for deities and ancestors. Despite the festive spirit, officials noted a slight decline in the number of offerings and the absence of firecrackers, which contributed to a quieter atmosphere than last year's celebrations.
Meanwhile, the tourist scene on Chang Moi Road is bustling with activity. The area, adorned with red Chinese lanterns, stretches from the Chinese archway to Warorot Market, creating a vibrant backdrop for visitors. Tourists from Japan, Korea, China, and Europe were seen exploring the streets, capturing photographs, sampling local dishes, and purchasing food. This lively scene is set to continue with the official opening of the Chiang Mai Chinatown event tomorrow.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Chiang Mai office anticipates a significant influx of tourists for the Chinese New Year celebrations, with hundreds of thousands expected to visit the city. The return of Chinese and Taiwanese tourists in large numbers is projected to generate billions of baht in revenue for the local economy.