With the festive season right around the corner, many Singaporeans are taking this opportunity to travel and experience the different celebrations (or to escape) around the world. You might even be slightly envious of that friend jetting off to Tokyo for a kawaii Christmas.
After all, KAYAK.sg found out that Japan is the most popular destination for the 2016 December holiday.
While prices for air tickets generally spike during the holidays, the travel search engine KAYAK.sg has got your back. We’ve uncovered 5 destinations that are within reach for a budget of under SGD700 for those travellers longing to get a last-minute trip without breaking the bank.
Yangon, Myanmar
Return Flight prices start from $304
EAT: Mohinga – this rice noodle and fish soup delicacy is an essential part of the Burmese culture
SEE: Shwedagon Pagoda – the golden chedi of the pagoda, is visible throughout the city, and shimmers in the sun with its incredibly golden surface
DO: Setting doves free – in accordance with the Buddhist practice, setting caged doves free helps to earn good karma
9000 Lights of Candle Festival – every New Year’s Eve, Buddhists will light up 9000 candles to welcome the New Year and offer them to Buddha, celebrating as they dance all night
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Return Flight prices start from $501
EAT: Kai Yang – a grilled chicken staple of the Laos People
SEE: Doi Suthep – the biggest and most popular temple in Chiang Mai
DO: Hike Mae Sa Valley – hike and bike through beautiful jungles and bamboo forests
Riverside Music Madness – ring in the New Year by celebrating along the Ping River, the eastern bank will host solo gigs and bands whilst brilliant restaurants and bars keep your belly filled
Harbin, China
Return Flight prices start from $502
EAT: Harbin Sausage – this uniquely Harbin food is partially inspired by Russian roots and is sold by street vendors
SEE: Saint Sophia Cathedral – formerly a Russian Orthodox church, it is now a cathedral that documents Harbin’s multi-cultural architectural developments
DO: Visit Harbin Ice and Snow World – apart from the ice buildings, treat yourself at the ice bar, get lost in an ice maze and visit the sculptures at night to see them decked out in colorful neon lights
Visit the annual Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival – this annual festival is only held in December and January, stand back in awe when coming face-to-face with larger than life building sculptures
Colombo, Sri Lanka
Return Flight prices start from $629
EAT: Kottu – Sri Lanka’s version of a hamburger, it’s a mix of salty, lightly spiced pieces of fried dough and served with a spicy curry sauce
SEE: Old Colombo Dutch Hospital – this colonial-era building dates back to the early 1600s and has been restored into Colombo’s centrepiece
DO: Visit Elephant Freedom Project – mingle with the gentle giants and find out how to contribute to the rehabilitation of previously abused elephants
See their gorgeous beaches – This coastal city has many gorgeous beaches that provide the ideal spot to celebrate the New Year. But if you are looking for something more fancy, hit up The Kingsbury Hotel for their annual champagne and oyster soiree
Dubai, UAE
Return Flight prices start from $589
EAT: Knafeh – a sticky pastry made with sweet cheese is a traditional crowd-pleaser in the world of Dubai desserts
SEE: The Dubai Mall – with the Dubai Dino, Fountain and ‘At The Top, Burj Khalifa’, it’ll be a visual feast for everyone
DO: Coffee Museum – this boutique museum brings you back in time to learn about the origins of coffee and how to appreciate a good cup of Joe
Attend the Fireworks Ceremony – witness a magnificent firework show coming out of the Burj Khalifa by booking a room downtown
Visit Kayak.sg and book your trips today!
