Join the festivities worldwide as we explore the best places to usher in the Year of the Dragon, from Beijings ancient traditions to Seouls dynamic flair.
As the Lunar New Year approaches, millions around the globe gear up for a spectacular celebration, marking the beginning of the Year of the Dragon. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or just fancy a festive getaway, here's a guide to some vibrant destinations where you can immerse yourself in the joyous Lunar New Year festivities.
1. Beijing, China
If you're looking for a Lunar New Year celebration that seamlessly blends ancient traditions with a modern twist, look no further than Beijing. The capital city of China comes alive with vibrant parades, mesmerizing dragon dances, and dazzling fireworks that paint the night sky. Join the locals as they exchange red envelopes (hongbao) for good luck, and don't miss the chance to savor delicious dumplings, a Lunar New Year staple.
Beijing, China
2. Hanoi, Vietnam
Hop over to Hanoi for a Tet Nguyen Dan celebration like no other. The Vietnamese Lunar New Year, known as Tet, is a sensory feast of colors, lights, and sounds. Stroll through the bustling markets filled with blossoming flowers, indulge in traditional banh chung (sticky rice cake), and witness the breathtaking fireworks over Hoan Kiem Lake. Tet in Hanoi is a celebration of family, community, and the promise of a prosperous year ahead.
Hanoi, Vietnam
3. Seoul, South Korea
Seoul, the bustling heart of South Korea, hosts a Lunar New Year celebration that seamlessly merges ancient customs with contemporary flair. Join the locals in donning traditional hanbok attire, indulge in a feast of tteokguk (rice cake soup), and marvel at the mesmerizing Bosingak bell-ringing ceremony. For a modern twist, explore the city's vibrant neighborhoods, each adorned with colorful lanterns and festive decorations.
Seoul, South Korea
4. Bangkok, Thailand
Thailand's capital, Bangkok, transforms into a Lunar wonderland during the New Year festivities. Explore the vibrant Chinatown, where the streets come alive with dragon dances, traditional performances, and an array of street food delicacies. As the cityscape lights up with colorful lanterns, join the locals in offering prayers at the temples for good fortune and prosperity in the coming year.
Bangkok, Thailand
5. San Francisco, USA
For those on the lookout for Lunar New Year celebrations outside Asia, San Francisco is the place to go. The city's renowned Chinatown hosts one of the largest and most extravagant parades in North America. Expect to be dazzled by traditional lion dances, martial arts demonstrations, and a procession of ornate floats. Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere and sample delectable dim sum along the bustling streets.
San Francisco, USA
As the Lunar New Year unfolds, these destinations promise a tapestry of cultural experiences, blending ancient traditions with contemporary celebrations. Whether you're drawn to the grandeur of Beijing, the warmth of Hanoi, the dynamism of Seoul, the exuberance of Bangkok, or the cultural fusion in San Francisco, each location offers a unique and memorable way to usher in the Year of the Dragon. Pack your bags, embrace the festivities, and get ready for a global celebration like no other!
Baldwin Ho discovers a softer side to Palma de Mallorca during the off-season. Below, discover his guide to the capital of the Balearic Islands, covering everything from where to eat and stay to immersive cultural experiences.
Sarah Rodrigues travels to North Yorkshire, to explore the moors that shaped Emily Brontë’s classic novel, and the setting for the new film, starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi.
In Budapest, where history hums and beauty lingers, Kristýna Jandová discovers a hotel composed like a symphony. Below, read her review of the Aria Hotel.
This is the kind of under-the-radar family resort you almost want to keep to yourself - the sort that quietly ticks every box and then goes a little further, without the crowds or the noise. What we love most about POST Family Resort is that it still feels like a discovery.
In the vibrant heart of George Town, Penang, where colonial heritage meets contemporary creativity, stands The George, one of the island’s most elegant additions to its growing portfolio of luxury lifestyle hotels.
In the wake of the glittering Golden Globes and Grammys, join The Sybarite as we take a closer look at future red carpet events in the calendar for the remainder of 2026.
With spring around the corner, a quiet corner of London is set to transform into a paradise of creativity and colourful blooms. Keep scrolling for The Sybarite's ultimate guide...
It’s hard to believe that it’s already been a decade since the world lost David Bowie, a performer known as much for his musical talent as for his flamboyant dress sense, chameleon-like approach to identity and queer-forward ways of thinking and living. Bowie captured the imaginations of a generation - and continues to do so, ten years after his death.