This year, celebrate Chinese New Year abroad with a family getaway so you can enjoy quality time together. Instead of the usual festive hustle and bustle at home, pack your bags and jet off for a quick getaway to relax and bond with your loved ones. To help with the holiday planning, ONYX Hospitality Group has curated a list of destinations alongside some fun family-friendly activities for all ages.
Chinese New Year the Thai way
With Thailand being home to the largest Chinese population in this region, Chinese New Year or Wan Trut Jin has become an integral part of the country’s culture. Make sure to visit Yaowarat or Chinatown in Bangkok, the epicentre of the Lunar New Year festivities, which will be buzzing with vibrant décor and activities.
A quick 20-minute cab ride away from Amari Watergate Bangkok, is Wat Leng Noei Yi, the most important Chinese Buddhist temple in the city. Housing an impressive 60 Chinese god statues, the Buddhist temple is popular this time of year, as many flock to pray for blessings with Cai Sen Ye, the God of Prosperity.
Foodies in the family should check out some of Bangkok’s popular Chinese hawker stalls like Bamee Gua, just around the corner from the luxurious, Oriental Residence Bangkok. Slurp on their famed springy, Chinese-style egg noodles for luck and order some dumplings to share.
Relaxing Chinese New Year in Phuket
The island paradise of Phuket is always a winner, with its cerulean seas and warm Thai hospitality. Situated on Patong beach, Amari Phuket’s Ocean Wing Two-Bedroom Suite is the perfect room for those traveling with grandparents and kids. The children can participate in a range of fun and free activities at the Kids Club while adults can get some much-needed rest and relaxation by the pool or pampering at the Breeze spa.
To truly experience how the locals celebrate Chinese New Year, head over to Old Phuket Town in the evenings. Phuket’s Chinese community will put on performances like dragon dances and traditional Thai dances to usher in the
Year of The Dog. Families can also try their hand at preparing popular local traditional desserts at various demonstration booths.
Foodie experience with the family in Sri Lanka
Located on Sri Lanka’s southwestern coast, Galle offers a variety of historical and cultural experiences transporting visitors back to the colonial era. Situated close to the Galle Fort, a UNESCO world heritage site and the largest remaining European fortress in Asia, is the beautiful beachfront property, Amari Galle. An ideal destination for those looking to escape and unwind, enjoy the simple pleasure of cocktails and conversation at the hotel’s Bommu Rooftop Bar while the sun sets over the Laccadive sea.
Gastronomic pleasures needn’t break the bank in Sri Lanka, treat the family to an authentic Sri Lankan spread at Lucky Fort Restaurant. Renowned for their curries, the charming restaurant is tucked along a row of quaint houses and offers a variety of tasty dishes such as mango curry, beetroot curry and maa beans curry. Those who want to dine beachside can opt to visit Black and White Restaurant on Unawatuna Beach which serves freshly grilled seafood.
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