With Chinese New Year falling on 17th February this year, many of us are already drawing up plans to reunite with our families and meet up with old friend groups. Best known as the auspicious celebration marked with endless feasts and fireworks, the excitement to usher in the Year of the Horse is undeniably in the air.
However, between the seasonal hustle and the inevitable questions from extended relatives about your personal life, many also crave a moment to step away. Top this off with the possibility to turn the Chinese New Year public holidays into a long weekend deserving of an escape, and you may find yourself planning the ultimate Chinese New Year vacation instead.
So, whether you’re looking to spend the festivities differently or want to take advantage of the strong currency exchange trend of late, we’ve got you covered with 8 booming escapades to avoid the Chinese New Year buzz this year.
Cool down for the festivities at Da Lat, Vietnam
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While Chinese New Year festivities are often synonymous with sweltering temperatures and humid visits to your long-lost cousin’s home, the gorgeous city of Da Lat is here to change how you’ll celebrate the festivities this year. Also spelt “Dalat” or fondly called the “City of Eternal Spring”, this tourist destination set 1,500 meters above sea level on the Langbiang Plateau is a spot blessed with cool weather year-round.
Offering views that look straight out of a movie, this dreamy highland is famous for a variety of attractions for the entire family. From taking in the dramatic sights of the Datanla Waterfall to strolling through the colourful Dalat Flower Garden, visitors are never short of exciting things to see, try, and do here in Da Lat. Coffee connoisseurs will also get to bring home some of Vietnam’s best coffee beans grown and roasted locally, or opt to relax and unwind at any of the mountain-side cafes serving up an unforgettable cup of latte.
Of course, the celebratory vibes are not left out during your visit. In place of the Chinese New Year, however, you’ll find yourself marvelling at the Vietnamese Lunar New Year or “Tết”. During this period, you can expect fireworks being set off over the poetic Xuang Huong Lake and temple visits to the magnificent Linh Phuoc Pagoda to be a part of your Tết itinerary, or simply stick around the main town to enjoy the traditional family feasts and see the flower markets bring Da Lat to life.
Live out your K-drama dreams in Seoul, South Korea
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Ever wanted to visit Seoul, but you’re just not a fan of the crowds on the streets? Then the Chinese New Year period makes for the perfect escapade for you to live out your K-drama dreams across South Korea. This is because the locals will also be celebrating the Korean Lunar New Year or “Seollal”, resulting in a heavy emphasis on people travelling back to their hometowns for a string of family traditions. Coinciding with the Chinese New Year celebrations in 2026, the clashing of dates means you’ll find quieter streets that are easier to explore, making it one of the best times to visit Seoul.
But don’t you worry about shops closing, as many businesses often stay open even through the festive season, so you can still experience the authentic vibes of Seoul – just without the local crowds. If you’d like a taste of “Seollal” yourself, then we recommend making your way to Busan and staying for a night or two. You can then catch the sunrise from any of the city’s iconic beaches, such as Haeundae Beach or Gwangalli Beach, just as the locals do to commemorate this celebration. For travellers looking to spend Chinese New Year differently this year, this is an experience that will definitely satisfy.
That being said, what better way is there to start your Chinese New Year escapade than by flying with South Korea’s national flag carrier, Korean Air? And with discounted fares exclusively offered by Holiday Tours, your in-flight journey is set to just be as exciting as your on-ground adventures!
Explore a different side of Japan in Yokohama
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With favourable exchange rates that have set the Japanese Yen trading at a historically low level against the Malaysian Ringgit, it’s no surprise to see many Malaysians ticking Japan trips off their bucket lists recently. However, while most tourists often set off to large cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, there are a handful of other cities across the nation that get overlooked. One such example is Yokohama, Japan’s largest port city.
Set in the Kanto region, Yokohama is often regarded as Tokyo’s younger sibling and offers a less hectic holiday experience. Despite being Japan’s second-largest city, Yokohama presents its own charm, with iconic attractions like the Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum and the Iseyama Kotai Jingu being on the list of must-visit places. The city is also home to the largest Chinatown in Asia, with no less than 10 intricately decorated Chinese gates in the area. Adorned with traditional painted patterns and dragon carvings, each of these gates showcases the Chinese culture that is shared with Japan.
Unsurprisingly, Yokohama transforms into a lively hub of celebrations during the Chinese New Year, with elaborate lantern displays installed across the main streets of Chinatown and dragon dances being performed in areas such as Kanteibyo Street. Families visiting with little ones can also expect fun activities such as lantern painting workshops and fireworks in the theme of the “Yokohama Night Flowers” this year. This refreshing experience is a fantastic way to usher in the Year of the Horse and is definitely one way to remember 2026’s Chinese New Year.
Slow down in the quiet town of Sukhothai Thani, Thailand
Photo by Given that loud celebrations and busy days are the typical fare of Chinese New Year festivities, it’s no surprise that a quiet spot to spend the holidays is something many travellers look for. This is why Sukhothai Thani, a small yet exciting town nestled north of Bangkok, is gradually gaining popularity among travellers. Especially sought after by those who want a slower pace to their well-deserved break, the town that boasts a population of just under 40,000 locals is where you come for a taste of local life.
Just 12 km west of the town sits the ancient city of Old Sukhothai, a must-visit attraction when you’re in the area. Not to be confused with the New Sukhothai town, where most of the action lies, the Old Sukhothai is a historical destination that was founded in 1238. It held significance as the Thai Kingdom’s first capital between the 13th and 14th centuries and stood for nearly 140 years. Today, the area houses ruins of temples and monuments that showcase early Thai architecture and art, and was even inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991.
Unlike large cities where grand Chinese New Year parades can be expected, ushering in the Year of the Horse here at Sukhothai Thani offers a highly localised experience. From strolling down local markets like the Sukhothai Night Market to checking out the small-scale lion and dragon dances along the streets, Sukhothai Thani is a fantastic spot to celebrate the Chinese New Year more traditionally.
Dip into a tranquil Chinese New Year in Taitung City, Taiwan
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If you were to ask a fellow traveller where to visit during Chinese New Year, Taitung City typically doesn’t make the cut. However, its lesser-known charm is exactly what makes Taitung City the perfect escapade this Chinese New Year, as you wouldn’t have to battle tourist crowds to enjoy your well-deserved break. Nestled on the southeast coast of Taiwan, Taitung City is a unique county-administered city that faces the Pacific Ocean.
For most locals and tourists, Taitung City is typically used as a gateway for travellers making their way to popular tourist destinations such as Green Island and Orchid Island. Taitung City’s laidback vibes and small-town charm are what make this place a tranquil hideaway, while visitors who come with an intention are often here to take in the stunning coastline views while dipping in the natural hot springs across town.
Chinese New Year is, of course, not forgotten in Taitung City. Instead, the celebrations here are often marked quietly over memorable times. To help make your trip even more eventful, we recommend checking out the gorgeous flower sea that the locals have set up or embarking on a panoramic hot air balloon ride. Following your descent, be sure to pop by any of the iconic street food markets to sample the best flavours of Taitung City, marking the perfect end to a calm and captivating Chinese New Year holiday.
Discover the overlooked city of Kathmandu, Nepal
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Although Kathmandu isn’t a traditional holiday destination that comes to mind when you’re planning a Chinese New Year break, this capital city of Nepal hosts unbeatable sights and experiences that will set your festive vibes going. Unfortunately, it’s often overlooked as most people treat the city as a stepping stone to their Mount Everest voyage, but a trip into the bustling areas such as Kathmandu Durbar Square and Thamel will leave you wanting more.
Chinese New Year celebrations are replaced with a local festivity known as “Losar” in Kathmandu, and the month-long festival brings forth familiar sights such as lantern shows, dragon dance parades, and market fairs. This means that Chinese New Year isn’t treated as a public holiday in Kathmandu, but this also opens up a lot more opportunities for you to take in all that Kathmandu has to offer.
Another great thing about celebrating the Chinese New Year in Kathmandu is that you’re likely to enjoy good weather throughout the season. Many travellers have also praised the breathtaking Himalayan scenery, with most noting that it’s especially memorable on days when the skies are clear and the air is dry. Do note, however, that temperatures can drop after sunset and packing appropriately for the cold is recommended.
Escape reality while vacationing on the dreamy islands of Mauritius
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Instead of loud firecrackers and listening to the demands of a younger generation wanting to seize your electronics, wouldn’t it be nice to spend Chinese New Year simply lounging on a beach and relaxing to the lapping waves over sunset? Well, it’s time to make that dream a reality with a Chinese New Year escapade to Mauritius.
Set on the east coast of Africa, this holiday island features a stunning landscape of endless beach spots and sparkling lagoons surrounded by coral reefs. In short, Mauritius is one of those destinations that you have to visit at least once in your life and see to believe. Travellers who crave more than just a beach vacation for Chinese New Year will also fall in love with the island’s unique blend of multicultural traditions, including watching a lively lion and dragon dance procession making its way across Chinatown in Port Louis.
Ideal for travellers who want to turn their long weekend of Chinese New Year into a full-on holiday, making your way to Mauritius can be as easy as hopping on a direct flight from Kuala Lumpur via Air Mauritius. What’s more, guests who book soon can enjoy promotional fares offered by Air Mauritius, exclusively with Holiday Tours. Just be sure to reach out to our holiday advisors quickly, as these promotional rates won’t last forever.
Stay close to home but far from the noise at Pulau Langkawi, Malaysia
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Although it’s absolutely possible to turn your Chinese New Year holiday weekend into a longer vacation, we understand that not everyone may want to travel too far. So, if you’re still hungry for a beach escapade without having to travel too far, then why not escape the noise with a trip to Pulau Langkawi?
Popular for acres of pristine beaches, tranquil waters, and exciting activities across the board, Pulau Langkawi has become a hot favourite for those looking to escape those nosy relatives who repeat the same questions each time a Chinese New Year visit comes around. Known to the locals as the Jewel of Kedah, Pulau Langkawi’s reputation for being a short and sweet escapade destination is unmatched, and the luxury resorts that line the island are proof of this.
Our recommendation for an unforgettable Chinese New Year holiday this year is to book yourself into The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa, a 5-star luxury resort that sits just by the Jetty Point. Offering private beachfront stays in its private pool villas, guests are welcome to while away their break with a dip in the infinity pool or join any of the exciting excursions that take them deeper into Pulau Langkawi’s rich culture, as well as the flora and fauna. Either way, you’ll be spoiled for this Chinese New Year, and we won’t be surprised to see you doing this again for the next festivities to come.