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If you are a travel enthusiast eager to learn about interesting and unique things from around the world, then plan your trip early. Travel to see how beautiful and fascinating the world outside is. Below are the top 10 overseas destinations that attracted tourists during Tet 2019, offering many exciting experiences.
Thailand
Thailand is a relatively affordable Lunar New Year travel destination compared to other countries, with many activities taking place during the New Year period. During the Lunar New Year, shopping becomes even more abundant and diverse than usual. If you enjoy exploring and strolling through the streets, you can visit the markets in the morning to experience the bustling atmosphere of the stalls and try traditional Thai dishes such as Thai curry, mango sticky rice, Pad Thai, etc. You can also visit famous shopping centers. For example, in Bangkok, tourists can visit some of the bustling commercial areas such as Siam, Ratchaprasong, or Chinatown, which offer a wide variety of goods. You can freely choose souvenirs or gifts for family and friends.
Depending on your needs, there are various destination options, such as shopping in Bangkok, having fun in vibrant Pattaya, or relaxing in Phuket... Especially when visiting Thailand during the Lunar New Year, you shouldn't miss the opportunity to visit palaces and unique architectural structures at temples and shrines to pray for good fortune and peace in the coming year. Some places you can visit during this time include: the Royal Palace, Nong Nooch Cultural Village, Coral Island, Khao Chi Chan Buddha...
Singapore
Singapore's weather during the Lunar New Year is similar to Vietnam's, making it feel very familiar to visitors. Known as the Lion City, Singapore is famous for its beautiful islands, civilized and modern lifestyle, and clean air. The country is also considered one of the cleanest and safest in the world.
This place is famous for its many attractive destinations such as Gardens By the Bay, Merlion Tower, Merlion Park, the Insect Kingdom, SEA Aquarium - the world's largest aquarium, Jurong Bird Park - with its spectacular bird shows... Among them, there is one destination you cannot miss: Merlion Park - home to two lion statues considered symbols of Singapore, representing the humble beginnings of this island nation, which was once a fishing village.
Besides sightseeing, this island nation is also a shopping paradise with bustling shopping malls and impressive stores on Orchard Road, Isetan area, Tanglin Mall night market, etc. Notably, Singapore has a tax refund system for tourists. If you want a tax refund, you can choose shopping locations displaying tax refund signs to receive a valid receipt, as required by tax officials when going through customs at the airport before returning home.
Japan
Japan, known as the "Land of Cherry Blossoms," attracts many tourists from all over the world. During the Vietnamese Lunar New Year in 2019, Japan was experiencing winter, with average temperatures quite low – ranging from 2 to 11 degrees Celsius, and often below 0 degrees Celsius in Sapporo.oTherefore, if you choose Sapporo as your destination, there's a very high chance you'll see snow. Tourists visiting Japan during this time should bring warm clothes to avoid catching a cold.
You can visit modern, bustling cities like Tokyo and Yokohama, or traditional, ancient regions like the former capitals of Kyoto and Nagoya. Alternatively, you can immerse yourself in the beautiful and majestic natural scenery of Mount Fuji – a cultural symbol of Japan – during the late winter months. You can try skiing at Fujiten, located at the foot of Mount Fuji, enjoying the view of the mountain's snow-capped peak, rising majestically and mysteriously from afar.
Besides enjoying the beautiful scenery, a trip to Japan also allows you to savor delicious and unique dishes such as takoyaki, udon noodles, Kobe beef, hot pot and grilled dishes, and participate in cultural festivals rich in national identity.
Korea
Similar to Japan, South Korea experiences winter during the Lunar New Year, with cold weather, especially in Seoul where temperatures can drop below freezing. However, Jeju Island is relatively cooler and not as cold. If you visit during this time, you can enjoy the snowfall and immerse yourself in a unique landscape covered in white snow, something you can't experience back home.
You can explore Seoul, the capital city renowned as one of the most livable cities in the world, and participate in many recreational activities and visit numerous attractions. Some notable places include Gyeongbok Palace – considered one of Seoul's most beautiful and unique architectural masterpieces, the Korean Folk Museum, and taking photos outside the Blue House. Especially during the Lunar New Year 2019, you can experience skiing at the famous One Mount ski resort or visit Jeju, famous for its majestic nature and vibrant flowers, which has served as the setting for many popular Korean dramas.
Furthermore, you can enjoy Korean specialties with a balanced flavor profile—not too salty, too bland, or too spicy. Besides familiar dishes like kimchi, bibimbap (mixed rice), and kimbap (rice rolls), there are also dishes that taste best when enjoyed in the cold weather, such as ginseng chicken soup and spicy braised tofu.
China
The Chinese celebrate Lunar New Year just like the Vietnamese, so you can easily feel the familiar atmosphere of the holiday, just like in your homeland. During these days, major cities like Shanghai and Beijing are teeming with tourists and locals alike. However, you should note that Shanghai has banned all flammable materials, so you can only visit villages and small towns to watch fireworks – traditionally believed to ward off evil spirits in the new year.
Visiting China during the Lunar New Year, you can stop by Zhangjiajie and Fenghuang Ancient Town to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. While Fenghuang Ancient Town is known for its ancient beauty, Zhangjiajie is a "paradise on earth." Fenghuang Ancient Town is one of the most beautiful ancient towns in China, where history and time seem to blend together on every moss-covered roof tile, every stone, every bridge, bearing witness to the country's millennia-old cultural values. Meanwhile, Zhangjiajie is a place blessed by nature with a breathtakingly majestic beauty.
In addition, you can also experience unique culinary culture during Tet, with characteristic dishes such as: dumplings, steamed buns, roast duck, rice cake...
Malaysia
Most Malaysians are of Chinese descent, so they celebrate the Lunar New Year just like Vietnam. The Malaysian Lunar New Year is considered one of the biggest and longest-lasting festivals of the year, with many activities organized to welcome the new year with peace and good fortune. The Malaysian Lunar New Year usually takes place from the latter half of December to January, with the first three days being the most important.
You can visit many famous tourist attractions in Malaysia, the most notable of which are the lion and dragon dances in major city centers or visiting Chinatown to admire the streets decorated with dazzling red colors. In addition, Malaysian Lunar New Year also features fireworks displays; you can go up to the Petronas Twin Towers to enjoy this spectacular view.
You also have the opportunity to enjoy the standout dishes of this special occasion, such as Otak-Otak, Satay grilled meat, and Yu Sheng - the dish considered the luckiest during Tet.
Taiwan
Taiwan's Lunar New Year customs share many similarities with Vietnam's, so you'll find it both familiar and novel when you arrive. During the Lunar New Year, it's advisable to book hotels and guesthouses in advance. Some tourist destinations with beautiful scenery and convenient hotel booking options include Taipei, Tainan, Taichung, Shilin, Hualien, and Kenting.
Visiting Taiwan during this time, you can participate in many fun activities and celebrate the traditional Lunar New Year in unique ways, such as attending the "Kong Ming" sky lantern festival in Pingxi to pray for good fortune and happiness amidst the shimmering, magical night sky. You can also visit the firecracker festival in Yanshui – considered one of the most lively, bustling, yet somewhat adventurous activities.
Some Taiwanese specialties you should try during your Lunar New Year trip include: meatballs (ba-wan), sea bass, Kinmen peanut candy, oyster omelet, Shaoxing wine...
USA
The United States is a vast country, renowned for its delicious food, pleasant weather, picturesque natural landscapes, and fantastic shopping destinations. The Vietnamese Lunar New Year falls during winter in the US. At this time, the East Coast (New York, Washington DC, Boston, etc.) occasionally experiences snowstorms causing traffic jams and flight cancellations. Meanwhile, the West Coast (Los Angeles, Orange County, Little Saigon, San Francisco, Las Vegas, etc.) enjoys temperatures ranging from 5 to 15 degrees Celsius.oTemperatures remain acceptable for Vietnamese tourists, and there's no need to worry about snowstorms. Tourists should prepare warm clothing, especially those traveling with young children.
A favorite destination for many tourists during the Lunar New Year holiday in the US is California. During Tet, California is when the Vietnamese diaspora's cultural life is most vividly expressed. It evokes the spirit of home with its distinctive similarities, such as the abundance of traditional Tet flowers, strolling through Tet markets, and especially the sound of firecrackers exploding right in front of the Phuoc Loc Tho area in Little Saigon.
Furthermore, American cuisine is very diverse due to its multicultural nature, with dishes that suit Vietnamese tastes. For example, New York pizzas have a thin, crispy crust, are large in size, topped with ooey-gooey mozzarella and a layer of tomato sauce, and San Francisco sandwiches are both delicious and affordable...
Australia - the land of kangaroos
Australia, known as the "land of kangaroos," boasts a diverse ecosystem and spectacular landscapes, including long beaches, deserts, rainforests, and man-made wonders. The weather in Australia is also excellent, with fresh air, making it easy for tourists to enjoy the scenery. Around the Lunar New Year in Vietnam, it's summer in Australia, ideal for outdoor activities. However, the weather is hot and humid during this period, with occasional heavy rain, so tourists should remember to bring sunscreen and an umbrella.
Traveling to Australia this Lunar New Year, you can swim at the beaches of Sydney or Gold Coast, visit unique architectural landmarks such as St. Patrick's Cathedral, St. Mary's Cathedral, or hike the Overland Track in Tasmania... During the Lunar New Year in Australia, Chinatown near the city center is also bustling with all kinds of familiar activities for tourists to enjoy.
In addition, you can also enjoy delicious local specialties such as Lamington cake, Bush Tucker - a dish originating from the Aboriginal people, Tasmanian roast, kangaroo meat, and more.
France
Visiting France during the Lunar New Year, you'll be immersed in the atmosphere of the magnificent City of Lights as winter approaches. Although Paris no longer possesses its usual lively and bustling charm, but instead takes on a tranquil and peaceful appearance, France still exudes a unique romantic allure found only in this glamorous capital.
Visitors can admire the majestic Eiffel Tower – the symbol of France, the dazzling Champs-Élysées avenue, the Arc de Triomphe – marking a glorious historical milestone of over 150 years, Notre Dame Cathedral – the setting for Victor Hugo's famous work, or immerse themselves in the romantic scenery on the picturesque Seine River...
When visiting France, it's impossible to overlook its culinary scene. The "City of Lights" is home to many renowned chefs, where exquisite dishes are created, and where sophisticated dining styles have become a global standard. Some signature dishes you should try include: various types of cheese, foie gras, French wine, and grilled lamb chops.
