Image Name: The Lunar New Year celebration
The Lunar New Year is a celebration, tradition, and cultural vibrancy that transcends borders. From the vibrant lantern festivals of China to the mesmerizing performances in New Zealand, and even the picturesque incense villages of Vietnam, this festive season offers unique ways to immerse yourself in rich traditions across the globe. Whether you’re marveling at the breathtaking beauty of Xi’an’s historic city wall, enjoying a Māori fusion feast in Rotorua, or cruising through the emerald waters of Halong Bay, these experiences promise to make your Lunar New Year unforgettable. Let’s dive into five incredible destinations that redefine how to ring in the Lunar New Year.
Lunar New Year Celebration: Chinese Lantern Festival on Xi’an City Wall
From $122.57
Experience Chinese New Year with a lantern festival at Xi’an’s historic city wall. Following a handy hotel pickup, drive by private car with your guide and savor this significant holiday in a unique environment. Marvel at the lanterns’ magnificent colors, take in stunning city views and enjoy a relaxing stroll along the 600-year-old wall in China’s ancient capital. This tour, available through Viator, allows you to celebrate Chinese New Year at Xi’an’s spectacular lantern festival and explore the historic city wall of China’s ancient capital city with a guide. You’ll capture amazing photos and make the most of limited time with convenient hotel pickup and drop-off.
What’s Included:
- Private transportation
- English-speaking guide
- Hotel pickup & drop-off
Cultural Experience & Seasonal Māori Cuisine at Te Pā Tū
From $154.47
While in Rotorua, see a cultural performance and participate in a three-course seasonal fusion feast at Te Pā Tū, featuring lesser-known delicacies. From a welcoming ceremony by New Zealand’s indigenous people, a local guide accompanies you by coach to the Māori village for an evening of immersion. Discover local customs based on the Māori lunar calendar and then see a striking performance of dance and song. This Viator tour provides an immersive cultural experience in a heartland of Māori culture, including a three-course fusion dinner and return transfers from Rotorua. It’s ideal for travelers interested in local culture.
What’s Included:
- Māori Cultural Performance
- Māori fusion feast
- Air-conditioned vehicle
Image Name: The Picturesque Incense of Vietnam
Full-Day Tour of Etna and Alcantara
From $110.97
See two of Sicily’s natural wonders in one day with this combined tour of Mount Etna and the Alcantara Gorges. Spend the morning exploring the volcanic slopes of Etna, with its lava flows and caves, dramatic lunar landscape, and sweeping views over the surrounding countryside. Following a high-altitude lunch, head down to the valley level to climb the magnificent Alcantara Gorges, created by an old lava flow into the river. This Viator tour ensures you visit the Mount Etna volcano and Alcantara Gorges safely with a guide, with off-road vehicle transportation for the mountain and valley terrain. Helmets and flashlights are provided to venture into the lava tubes and caves.
What’s Included:
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Private transportation
- Helmets and torches supplied
Private Tour: Incense Village, Hat Village & Train Street Coffee
From $58.00
A visit to Vietnam’s unique incense village is an absolute must! Hundreds of locals are seen painting and drying bamboo to create incense sticks. Millions of aromatic incense sticks are dried outside, particularly on the days preceding Lunar New Year (also known as “Tet”), giving it a vibrant red and pink tint. The village is a great choice for those looking for a genuine and distinctive experience. Visitors to the incense village will get the chance to learn about the traditional technique of creating incense sticks and snap a ton of original check-in photographs. The incense in this village is particularly lovely and exceptional because it is red and yellow, the auspicious colors of the East. Around “Tet,” millions of fragrant incense sticks are being dried on the streets, making Quang Phu Cau a breathtaking scene for tourists to capture stunning photos. This Viator tour provides a private car transfer during your tour with an English-speaking tour guide and one bottled water.
What’s Included:
- Private car transfer
- English-speaking tour guide
- One bottled water
6 Hours Halong Bay Cruise on Titop Island & Swimming
From $65.00
A cruise around the UNESCO World Heritage site of Halong Bay is a popular choice for a day trip from Hanoi. On this tour, benefit from a more personalized experience as you set sail on a small junk boat with a maximum of 18 passengers. Explore the Bay’s many islands, caves, and grottos; enjoy optional activities such as sea kayaking, and learn about local life with a visit to a traditional fishing village. This Viator tour offers incredible views and photo opportunities in Halong Bay. Enjoy a delicious seafood lunch served onboard, making it an ideal tour for first-time visitors or those short on time. The tour includes hassle-free hotel pickup and transfers from Hanoi.
What’s Included:
- Hotel pickup and transfers
- Seafood lunch served on-board
- Optional sea kayaking
Conclusion
Exploring the world during the Lunar New Year offers a unique glimpse into diverse cultures and traditions. Whether you’re drawn to the vibrant lantern festivals in China, the immersive cultural performances in New Zealand, or the serene landscapes of Vietnam and Sicily, these Viator tours provide unforgettable experiences. Embrace the opportunity to celebrate the Lunar New Year in style and add these destinations to your travel bucket list.
