The Best Travel Destinations to Celebrate the Lunar New Year
These major destinations offer unforgettable ways to experience the festivities
The world comes alive with vibrant, multi-day celebrations, making this the perfect time to witness the energy of the Lunar New Year. As we gallop into the Year of the Horse, these cities provide some of the most immersive experiences for joining the festivities.
From the thunderous booms echoing off Hong Kong’s skyscrapers to the shimmering cascades of gold over Marina Bay, these destinations blend ancient tradition with modern presentation.
Singapore
The streets of Singapore are always among the most organized and visually stunning. In Chinatown, thousands of horse-themed lanterns fill the streets, while the River Hongbao Festival features fireworks that paint the Supertrees in the Gardens by the Bay crimson.
Hong Kong
A Lunar New Year staple for its high-octane energy. The city marks the occasion with the International Chinese New Year Night Parade, followed by a massive 23-minute fireworks display over Victoria Harbour. For local flair, the Flower Markets at Victoria Park are the perfect place to pick up peach blossoms for romance or narcissus flowers for good luck.
Bangkok
Known for the “Long Ma” horse-and-dragon fusion performance accompanied by riverside pyrotechnics. The centralwOrld shopping mall also features Thailand’s largest “Tianma,” or celestial horse installation. Chinatown temples remain open all night for those seeking merit and blessings during the festivities.
Kuala Lumpur
In Kuala Lumpur, Petaling Street is draped in red and gold during the celebrations. Thrilling lion and dragon dances, along with fireworks in Chinatown, lead to lantern displays at Thean Hou Temple. The Malaysian rumah terbuka (open house) tradition is also widely observed during the Chinese New Year.
Hanoi
“Tết” brings a serene beauty to Hanoi and remains the most important celebration in Vietnamese culture. While much of the city slows down, the Hoan Kiem Lake area stays at the heart of the festivities, often hosting elegant fireworks displays reflected on the historic waters. Mega Grand World Hanoi offers additional attractions, combining traditional cuisine with immersive light shows.
Guangzhou
Celebrations center around the iconic Spring Festival Flower Markets, dazzling Pearl River light shows, and traditional temple festivities. The Bai’etan Fireworks Display features synchronized drone formations mimicking galloping horses. A must-see, the Yuexiu Park Lantern Show is a long-running spring festival event in Guangdong showcasing traditional craftsmanship and colorful lantern displays.
Shanghai
Shanghai presents a more futuristic take on the festival with digital light shows and pyrotechnics. The themed displays at Shanghai Disneyland and intimate incense-burning prayers at Longhua Temple are not to be missed. The Yuyuan Garden Lantern Festival now features a revolving lantern that combines traditional woodwork with digital art.
Manila
In Binondo, the world’s oldest Chinatown transforms into a sea of red and gold. Ongpin Street fills with lanterns, incense smokes, and nonstop firecrackers, while dragon and lion dances weave through crowds offering blessings to storefronts. Families visit temples before sharing traditional tikoy and festive meals across the district. The nearby Jones Bridge also glows in red illumination, creating one of the city’s most photographed Lunar New Year backdrops.
