DESTINATIONS ASIA | LUNAR NEW YEAR
4 3 SINGAPORE
From pineapple tarts and nian gao (sweet rice cakes) to live performances and fireworks, Singapore’s celebrations are as spectacular as its skyline. At the core is the Chingay Parade (pictured), a carnival-style extravaganza that combines huge floats, elaborate costumes, performances and pyrotechnics. Elsewhere, glowing lanterns create an ethereal backdrop at the Chinatown Street Light-Up, while Gardens by the Bay holds its own lantern display in the form of the River Hongbao Festival, featuring
intricately crafted installations, music, games, rides and more. Book it: If Only offers six nights at The Clan Hotel Singapore from £3,295, including flights, transfers and daily breakfast, departing February 3, 2027.
ifonly.net
VIETNAM
It’s not only Chinese New Year that follows the lunar calendar. Vietnam’s Tét holiday is considered the country’s most important festival, with families gathering on Tét Eve and cities taking on a slower, quieter pace over the period. Residents head to flower markets to prepare for the lead-up – visit Quang Ba in Hanoi to seek out bouquets of peach blossom and chrysanthemums, the symbols of the festival. Then, fireworks light up Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City as midnight strikes. Expect lion dances, cultural performances and quintessential Tét
treats – don’t miss the banh chung (sticky rice cakes). Book it: Audley Travel can offer an 11-day tailor-made trip to Vietnam during Tét from £4,695, including flights, transfers, accommodation and excursions.
audleytravel.com
5
SOUTH KOREA
South Korea welcomes the Lunar New Year with Seollal, in which families honour their ancestors. Restaurants and shops often close, but there are many places to explore. In Seoul, direct clients to Gyeongbokgung Palace for New Year games and cultural performances, or suggest a visit to the Korean Folk Village an hour from the city for fortune-telling and other activities. If they’re here on the 15th day, they can witness the Jeongwol Daeboreum fire festival (pictured) and the daljip ritual, where wishes
are thrown into bonfires to bring good luck. Book it: Bamboo Travel can arrange its 12-night Adventure Korea tailor-made itinerary to coincide with the Lunar New Year, priced from £4,620, including flights, B&B accommodation, private guides and transfers.
bambootravel.co.uk
² 48 19 FEBRUARY 2026
travelweekly.co.uk
PICTURES: Shutterstock/Sing Studio, Huy Thoai, Johnathan21
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