No plans for Lunar New Year? Go ahead and take full advantage of the long weekend by planning a quick getaway! We’ve shortlisted eight destinations in the region that remain open over the festivities. Read on for travel inspiration 👇
Whether you celebrate the Lunar New Year or not, it’s always a treat — who could say no to the long weekends? This year, we’re expecting four long days off from work (or up to a week if you’ve chalked up enough annual leave), making it the opportune time to embark on a quick getaway.
While several popular destinations like South Korea, Malaysia, and Vietnam take the Lunar New Year celebration very seriously, it’s still business as usual in a fair share of neighbouring countries — making them perfect holiday destinations. So to help you out, we’ve shortlisted eight travel spots to suit all travel styles, from the adventurous to the foodies, the beach lovers, and the culture trippers.
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1. Yogyakarta, Indonesia
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If you’re looking for a good mix of nature and culture during your short getaway, then Yogyakarta is your best bet. Pay a visit to UNESCO World Heritage Site Borobudur and catch the sunrise there! Or hike up the beautiful Mount Merapi and take a stroll along the bustling Malioboro Street at night for its delicious street food, markets, and street performers.
Lunar New Year Travel Destinations: What’s Still Open? — Check out our guide on the Best Things To Eat & Do In Yogyakarta
2. Bangkok, Thailand
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This destination needs no introduction. After all, it’s almost every Singaporean’s favourite weekend getaway spot! Pay a visit to Pratunam weekend market’s curious array of shops, eat your heart out anywhere and everywhere (if you have the patience and stamina, go ahead and queue for the famous Jay Fai Crab Omelette), and hit up the infinite number of bars and clubs.
Lunar New Year Travel Destinations: What’s Still Open? — Check out the Best Hidden Bars To Hit Up In Bangkok
3. Luang Prabang, Laos
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For many, Laos may not be at the top of the list in terms of weekend travel destinations, but let us tell you that it’s well worth the visit. While many travellers may choose Vientiane over Luang Prabang, we think the latter is a clear winner simply because of its wider variety of experiences. It’s all about slow living in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. After all, you’ll be surrounded by nature and wildlife. Must-visits include the huge variety of tranquil Buddhist temples and monasteries, the majestic Kwang Si Falls, and the sacred Mount Phousi. If you want a more local experience, visit their morning market.
Lunar New Year Travel Destinations: What’s Still Open? — Check out the best things to do in Laos
4. Mumbai, India
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A melting pot of cultures, Mumbai is a must-visit for those looking for a curious mix of old-world charm and contemporary living. Visit the Mumbai Film City to learn more about the best of Bollywood, visit the Oshiwara Antique Market to look for your next best find, admire the architectural marvel that is the Gateway of India, and of course, chow down on the best Indian food ever. With so much to do in this bustling commercial capital, it’s no wonder why it has earned the nickname ‘City of Dreams’.
Lunar New Year Travel Destinations: What’s Still Open? — Check out the best places to visit in Mumbai
5. Bali, Indonesia
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Tranquil beaches, balmy weather, and the loveliest of people — oh, to enjoy the sun, sand, and sea in Bali! With its huge tourist population, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that this island paradise is open all year round. Instead of the usual haunts, we’d recommend hitting up Canggu instead, the island’s next big hipster thing. The best part? You get a bit of Seminyak, Ubud, and Kuta in this corner of the island paradise!
Lunar New Year Travel Destinations: What’s Still Open? — Check out our guide to Balinese Cuisine
6. Tokyo, Japan
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A common misconception is that Japan, like South Korea and China, is big on the Lunar New Year celebration, but they aren’t! While you can still expect some festivities in certain parts of the city, it’s business as usual in Tokyo. So go on and chow down on your favourite konbini grub, visit Tsukiji Market for the freshest seafood, and perhaps pay the magnificent Shinto shrines around the city a visit.
Lunar New Year Travel Destinations: What’s Still Open? — Check out our guide to the Best Late Night Tokyo Diners
7. Siem Reap, Cambodia
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If you fancy learning more about Asian history, Siem Reap is a great place to start. It is, after all, steeped in culture and history. A must-visit for first-time travellers to the storied city is, of course, the ruins — collectively known as the Angkor Archaeological Park. For the adventurers, don’t forget to add Tonle Sap floating village to your list; it’s a UNESCO biosphere reserve that has become home to many Cambodians. So you can expect to find homes, shops, restaurants, and even schools and hospitals along the freshwater lake.
Lunar New Year Travel Destinations: What’s Still Open? — Check out the best places to visit in Cambodia
8. Melbourne, Australia
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Who could say no to some of the world’s best coffee shops and drool-worthy brunch spots? Melbourne is the perfect escape for foodies and coffee aficionados alike. Amble along the charming cobblestoned laneways, visit the weekend farmer’s markets and cap off your evenings with a tipple or two at their amazing bars. And if you’re feeling adventurous, maybe a visit to the famed Blue Mountains or a drive along Great Ocean Road is in order.
Lunar New Year Travel Destinations: What’s Still Open? — Check out our guide to Melbourne
The First Of Many Trips In 2023 — Are You Ready?
New year, renewed spirits, and new places to add to your travel bucket list! We hope that this list will help you find your next favourite city in the region, and kickstart an amazing year of adventure. As always, remember to make use of your YouTrip card to cash in on our sweet wholesale exchange rates! And even if you need to pay in cash at these locations, don’t fret — ATM withdrawals will only cost you S$5 with no added fees.
As Singapore’s favourite multi-currency wallet, we aim to get those pesky fees out of the way and help you save on your travels. With the best foreign exchange rates, no longer will you have to deal with those long queues at money changers! So if you’re looking for a go-to travel card, sign up for your complimentary YouTrip card today with <YTBLOG5> and get FREE S$5 in your account! Be sure to check out our YouTrip Perks page for exclusive offers and promotions too! For more great tips and articles like this, join our Telegram(@YouTripSG) and subscribe to our free weekly newsletter here or down below!
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Hope you have a great year ahead and happy travels!
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