In 2025, Lunar New Year—Asia’s most significant and widely celebrated festival—will usher in the Year of the Snake on Wednesday, January 29. From the vibrant dragon dances in China and the dazzling lantern festivals in Taiwan to the family reunions and ancestral rituals in Vietnam’s Tết and Korea’s Seollal, the Lunar New Year unites millions across Asia in honoring centuries-old traditions. Each country adds its own rich cultural touch to the festivities, blending ancient customs with modern celebrations, making this annual holiday a vivid tapestry of heritage, renewal, and hope for the year ahead.

Here’s a selection of some of the most interesting celebrations at hotels and resorts across the continent.

Fire Show, Live Band, Instrumentalists, and Bartenders Flair Show

The Anam Group’s two beachfront resorts in Cam Ranh and Mui Ne will celebrate the most significant time in the Vietnamese calendar, Tet, with a broad spectrum of remarkable dining, entertainment, recreational, and spa experiences. In the lead-up to Tet on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025, The Anam Cam Ranh and The Anam Mui Ne will each stage a ceremony on Jan. 22, 2025 to plant “Cay Neu”, a towering Lunar New Year bamboo pole to ward off evil spirits, followed by dragon dancing. The Anam Cam Ranh’s restaurants Lang Viet and Indochine will host a ‘Vietnamese Traditional Buffet” on Jan 31. accompanied by live traditional instrumentalists and a bartenders flair show and a Seafood BBQ buffet on Feb 1 to a backdrop of live music by the Filipino band and a spectacular fire show.

Vietnamese Afternoon Tea for Two With a Pianist

Family resort Alma will ring in the biggest event on the Vietnamese calendar, the Lunar New Year, with a six-day program filled with traditional games and competitions, live entertainment, floating champagne breakfasts and more. From Lunar New Year’s Eve, Tuesday Jan. 28, until Sunday Feb. 2, 2025, Alma’s Tet program will feature chung cake, egg cake and ginger jam making classes, as well as kite flying, dragon dances, making lucky envelopes, Tet movies at Alma Cinema, and afternoon tea for two. An exquisite Vietnamese Afternoon Tea for two brimming with savoury and sweet treats, including Banh Chung and traditional candies, served at both Alma Food Court and Alma Lounge from 2-5pm. Live entertainment including Alma’s resident pianist Ben playing a grand piano from 2.30-3.15pm and 3.30-4.15pm at Alma Lounge.

Better Together Family Package

The Hari Hong Kong is marking the Lunar New Year with its “Better Together Family Package” replete with children-friendly in room amenities and a host of special touches. Featuring a Corner Room with a king bed with an adjoining Twin Room with twin beds, and daily breakfast for two adults and two children under the age of 12, package also features a “DIY Cookies Set” for children in the room, “The Hari Puzzle Set” with The Hari branded tram, Star Ferry or The Hari mascot to keep the kids entertained, as well as early check-in and late check-out subject to availability.

Fusion of Thai and Chinese Cuisine

Meliá Chiang Mai’s signature restaurant Mai Restaurant & Bar on the 21st floor will welcome the Lunar New Year with a family-style dining experience accompanied by a selection of Chinese teas and vistas of Chiang Mai. Served from Jan. 27-31, 2025, from 6-10pm and priced at THB 6000 net per table for minimum of four persons, “A Thai-Chinese Celebration” dinner includes a colorful salad with shredded vegetables, pickled ginger, pomelo and fresh salmon, double-boiled whole chicken with dried mushrooms and wolfberries, roasted whole chicken, and steamed whole seabass with warm lemon dressing. Other highlights include tender slow-cooked pork belly in soy sauce, Chinese wine, and spices, a choice of Lotus leaf-wrapped fried rice with Chinese sausage or steamed San Pa Tong Rice, assorted seasonal greens with oyster sauce, and sesame dumplings in ginger broth.

Festive Buffet Brunch and a Vibrant Lion Dance

Raffles Hotel Le Royal, the iconic 96-year-old luxury hotel in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, will help guests ring in the Lunar New Year with a sumptuous buffet brunch featuring an array of Chinese dishes, festive specialties and international favourites. The celebration will be capped by a vibrant lion dance performance to welcome prosperity and good fortune in the Year of the Snake. The buffet brunch is priced at $38++ inclusive of unlimited beers and will be served from 11:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Le Phnom 1929, the hotel’s French-style brasserie.

Popular Annual Tet Market Returns

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi is ready to welcome the Year of the Snake with exclusive Tet celebrations, including the hotel’s popular annual Tet market, along with a special culinary program. Spice Garden, Metropole Hanoi’s authentic Vietnamese restaurant, will usher in an auspicious Lunar New Year with a 5-course set menu featuring traditional delicacies such as spring rolls, chung cake, steamed prawns in coconut, bamboo shoot vermicelli soup and more. The menu will be served from Jan. 20 to Feb. 7 and priced at VND 1,600,000++ per person. Spice Garden has also unveiled festive cocktails highlighting local flavors.

A Song of Dragons and Fire on Koh Samui

Guests at the luxury resort of Banyan Tree Samui might gasp on their morning coffee as the almighty sight and sound of a Lion Dance procession takes over the breakfast buffet from 9am – 9:30. Later, the evening’s entertainment includes live music, a Chinese dance performance and a fire show, starting at 7pm at beachfront restaurant Sands. Diners will also be treated to a Chinese New Year BBQ Buffet (2,988 THB nett per person) at Sands where they can watch the performances under the moonlight. For more information and reservations, go to [email protected] or tel: +66 077 915 333.

Go Out with a Bang in Danang

The central Vietnamese beachfront resort of Fusion Resort & Villas Da Nang celebrates Lunar New Year with a series of activities and performances between January 27th and February 1st. Guests can participate in a traditional Chung Cake cooking class, lion & dragon performances, and explore the cultural significance of calligraphy. The resort will also host a Fusion Night Market, offering unique shopping options and unique dining experiences. For a special culinary treat, guests can indulge in the Tết Set Menu or enjoy a refined Tet Afternoon Tea. Alternatively, the Maia Spa offers soothing treatments and relaxing massages. For more information or reservations, go to: https://fusionresorts.com/danang/

The Snake Meets the Naga in Krabi

Renowned for its Naga staircase and serpentine sculptures, Banyan Tree Krabi rings in the Year of the Snake with an exquisite buffet dinner at The Naga Kitchen restaurant on 28 January when diners can immerse themselves in a culinary showcase featuring an array of authentic Chinese specialties, such as Chinese-Style Steamed Seabass, Chinese Wok-Fried Beef with Baby Bok Choy in Oyster Sauce, and Crispy Fried Soft-Shell Crab with Garlic Chili Salt. The buffet also features Seafood on Ice (oysters, mussels, shrimps and clams), a salad bar, and a Hainanese BBQ station. There’s sure to be music and laughter at this beachfront resort which boasts spectacular sea views. The evening event starts at 6:30 pm and goes through to 10pm with tickets at 2,900 THB per head, inclusive of welcome drink, and half price for children. For reservations and more information, contact +66 075 811 888 or email [email protected]

Invite Good Luck and Growth with Wellness Activities in Da Nang

As we slide into the year of the snake, TIA Wellness Resort is inviting guests to consider the traits associated with this animal of the Chinese Zodiac through a number of wellbeing activities. The snake year is defined by seeking balance and harmony, while also embracing opportunities for growth and evolution. On Thursday January 28th the TIA team will host a “Reflection of the Year of the Dragon” creative workshop where guests can reflect on the past year, express gratitude and move forward afresh. That night they have an “Evening Wishing Lantern Ceremony” to welcome the new year in a mindful way. It’s an early start on January 29th with a “Sunrise Beach Gratitude Meditation.” Later in the day guests will be treated to a traditional dragon dance performance to drive away evil spirits and bring good luck. Visitors are also invited to a local pagoda. On the 30th of January the activities continue with a calligraphy wish session and the opportunity to try Tet (lunar new year) sweets and learn more about the local customs. There’s also a special Tet afternoon tea with classic & modern treats.

Vibrant Traditions Meet Luxury Experiences in Lang Co

Celebrate the Year of the Wood Snake in style at Laguna Lang Co, where vibrant traditions meet luxurious experiences. This Lunar New Year, guests can be immersed in a rich tapestry of cultural festivities and family-friendly activities. Highlights include a colourful lion dance performance and the lighting of lanterns to symbolise prosperity and good fortune. Savour a feast of exquisite Tet delicacies at both Banyan Tree and Angsana, featuring traditional dishes crafted by master chefs. Guests can also participate in hands-on workshops, including calligraphy and lantern-making, while kids enjoy themed games and crafts at the Angsana Kids Club. For wellness enthusiasts, rejuvenate with Tet-inspired spa treatments that blend ancient healing techniques with modern comforts.

Beach Action, Stay Packages and More

Dragon dances, family-fun activities and more help guests celebrate the arrival of the Year of the Snake at Azerai Resorts in Vietnam. Azerai Ke Ga Bay, an oceanside property set among verdant gardens located a comfortable 2.5-hour drive from Ho Chi Minh City, offers a host of beachfront action during Tet, along with kids’ cooking classes, lion dance lessons, calligraphy, a special BBQ dinner and more. In central Vietnam, Azerai La Residence, Hue’s Tet package includes a two-night stay in a Superior River View room, daily breakfast for two adults and one child under 12 years old, an exclusive Tet dinner for two people, a special Tet afternoon tea for two, and one-way airport pick-up or drop-off service.

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