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Christmas at the Thai Cultural Center - Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is known as the "Mecca for digital nomads"—a haven for digital nomads who combine independent travel with remote work via the internet.
In Asia, where not many countries have reopened to international tourism, Chiang Mai is considered a top destination for Christmas 2021, attracting tourists from Europe and America, especially after Thailand officially reopened to international tourism on November 1st.
After a long flight, travelers seeking to escape the crowds in Bangkok often continue their journey to Chiang Mai – a vibrant city dubbed a "Mecca for digital nomads" (a haven for those who combine independent travel with remote work). Thanks to this, Chiang Mai offers a few touches of Western influence, making first-time Christmas 2021 travelers feel as if they are still close to home.
Founded in 1296, Chiang Mai was once the capital of the ancient Lanna Kingdom, which existed from the late 13th to the late 18th centuries in the mountainous northern region of present-day Thailand.
Simply hailing a tuk-tuk will give visitors a unique Christmas experience steeped in Chiang Mai's cultural heritage, through a journey to visit beautiful temples in the ancient Lanna style; experience hiking trails with breathtaking scenery; explore fascinating night markets; and watch a Ladyboy performance by Kathoey (or Katoey) – transgender people considered among the most beautiful in the world…
Christmas from the top - Tibet, the "Roof of the World".
Many travelers are probably eager to make one of their dream trips a reality this holiday season. For example, treating themselves to a once-in-a-lifetime vacation by experiencing Christmas on the "roof of the world" - the famous spiritual destination of Tibet.
Celebrating Christmas on the "roof of the world"—Tibet, a renowned spiritual destination—is a dream trip for many travelers worldwide.
The winter sun in the Tibet Autonomous Region of southwestern China is spectacular, whether visitors are staying in the capital Lhasa, known as the "city of sunshine," or trekking and climbing mountains to admire the pristine beauty of the "sacred lakes," glaciers, and picturesque snow-capped peaks.
Namtso is one of the three famous and sacred "Sacred Lakes" in Tibet (along with Lake Yamdrok and Lake Manasarovar).
A Christmas Eve dinner at a hotel or homestay in a remote village, watching vibrant traditional dances by a warm campfire… would be an unforgettable experience. And if you also receive New Year's greetings from a Lama at a monastery at the foot of Mount Everest – that would be a truly special moment.
Visiting Tibet at the end of the year, tourists will experience the dazzling performances of Losar – the Tibetan New Year festival, which is as important as Christmas in the West.
According to Xinhua on October 1st, the Tibet Autonomous Region welcomed 33.27 million domestic and international tourists in the first eight months of this year – a 20.8% increase compared to the same period in 2020. Tourism revenue in the region also increased by 35.7% to 41.49 billion yuan (approximately US$6.4 billion) compared to a year earlier. Tibet is nearing its goal of welcoming 42 million tourists and generating 44 billion yuan (approximately US$6.9 billion) in revenue for the whole of 2021.
Christmas in the desert: Unique and unforgettable experiences.
Among the Christmas getaway options for many travelers this year are several desert destinations, with the Atacama Desert in Chile being the most popular.
When Chile reopened to international tourism on November 1st, the opportunity to experience a unique Christmas in the desert also opened up for travelers who enjoy adventurous journeys to the most challenging locations. Despite being the driest region on Earth, the Atacama Desert attracts approximately 1 million people residing in coastal cities, fishing villages, and oasis towns.
The Atacama Desert, often referred to as "Mars on Earth," is one of the five most famous natural wonders of the South American nation of Chile.
Celebrating Christmas away from home in the Atacama Desert will be incredibly unique, offering visitors one-of-a-kind experiences, including: admiring landscapes that look like they're on Mars; relaxing in one of eight hot springs with uniquely blue water and an average temperature of 33 degrees Celsius, managed by the Explora Atacama resort (the period from October to June is the most convenient time to experience these unusual hot springs in the Atacama Desert)...
The Tatio Geyser is one of the most famous landmarks of the Atacama Desert, located about 80 km from the San Pedro Valley.
The Atacama Desert boasts some of the clearest skies and is home to the world's largest astronomical observatory, the Very Large Telescope, making it a favorite spot for stargazers. Particularly noteworthy is the Nayara Alto Atacama – the first Nayara hotel outside of Costa Rica, and the only one in the San Pedro River Valley tourist area.
The giant hand sculpture rising from the Atacama Desert resembles a relic of an ancient civilization, making it a popular spot for tourists to take photos during their adventures exploring the Atacama Desert.
Staying at the Nayara Alto Atacama Hotel, guests have the opportunity to interact with their new "neighbors," the shepherds, and visit their family's orchard. From here, guests can also participate in exciting desert exploration tours such as: trekking through the forest, mountain climbing, observing archaeological sites, sandboarding, and more.
