A Complete Travel Guide to Celebrating Lunar New Year Around the World

Lunar New Year is one of the most important holidays in many East Asian and Southeast Asian societies, whereby it is characterized by colorful culture, family bonding, and colorful street performances. To tourists, this season presents a rare chance to visit places that change into vibrant cultural centers with fireworks, traditional dances, festive marketplaces, and tasty food. Whether you have always wondered what the Lunar New Year is or what the best countries are like to visit, this full guide will assist you in making a visit worth remembering in order to secure a great cultural holiday.

From China to Vietnam and South Korea to Singapore, the celebration is a beautiful thing, depending on where one is. It can be an authentic traditions trip, a culinary adventure trip, or a trip to the breathtaking festivals. A lunar new year trip will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Lunar New Year Around the World

1. What Is Lunar New Year?

It is necessary to know what the festival is all about before venturing into the travel destinations. Lunar New Year is based on the lunar calendar, which is normally around the end of January and mid-February. It is a sign of rebirth, prosperity, and spring in most Asian countries. In cultures influenced by the Chinese lunar calendar, each year corresponds to one of the twelve zodiac animals, which is said to affect personality and fate.

Although most individuals relate it to the Chinese Lunar New Year, the celebration goes way beyond China. Each of the countries, including Vietnam, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, and Mongolia, has its customs and cultural tastes. Despite the differences, the core purpose remains the same—welcoming a new year filled with luck, happiness, and prosperity.

It is also common to greet others with the phrase happy lunar new year, expressing best wishes for health and success.

2. Why Travel During Lunar New Year?

Travelers who embark on a lunar new year trip enjoy a range of enriching experiences:

Cultural immersion

You’ll witness centuries-old rituals, lantern festivals, traditional dances, and temple ceremonies.

Festive atmosphere

The atmosphere is quite different compared with any other time of the year, as there are fireworks illuminating large cities and people celebrating with their families.

Unique cuisine

Every nation has special lunar new year food, which is associated with certain meanings such as longevity, prosperity, and harmony.

Vibrant travel photography

Bright red decorations, lion dances, traditional clothing, and bustling streets create captivating photo opportunities.

Family-friendly celebrations

The outdoor markets, amusement park activities, and community performances are common during this holiday, which is ideal for families.

If you love culture, colors, and joyful celebrations, a lunar new year vacation is the perfect getaway.

3. Best Countries to Visit During Lunar New Year

Below are top destinations where the lunar new year celebration is both culturally meaningful and exciting for tourists.

3.1. China – The Heart of Lunar New Year Traditions

Many Lunar New Year traditions are rooted in ancient Chinese culture, while each country has developed its own unique customs over time, and it is therefore one of the most suitable destinations in which to enjoy the celebration. This season is the time of life in such cities as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Xi'an.

Highlights for Travelers

• Temple fairs with folk performances and handicrafts
• Dragon and lion dances in major streets and malls
• Fireworks displays and light shows in designated areas, depending on local regulations
• Red lantern decorations everywhere
• Family reunion feasts filled with symbolic dishes

Lunar New Year Food to Try in China

• Dumplings (good fortune)
• Fish dishes (prosperity)
• Glutinous rice cakes (growth and success)
• Sweet rice balls (family unity)

Cultural immersion in China during the Lunar New Year is truly a great tour to experience the culture of the Chinese, and it is ideal to visit China as a cultural tourist.

Lunar New Year Traditions in China

3.2. Vietnam – A Warm & Festive “Tet Holiday” Experience

Vietnam also has its lunar new year, which is referred to as Tet Nguyen Dan, a festival that is full of traditions, family reunions, and flowers.

Best Cities to Visit During Tet

• Hanoi – ancient temples, Tet markets, traditional music
• Ho Chi Minh City – flower streets, fireworks, street food festivals
• Hoi An – lantern-lit celebrations and cultural shows
• Hue – royal performances and traditional rituals

Special Tet Foods

• Bánh chưng / bánh tét (sticky rice cakes)
• Pickled onions and vegetables
• Dried fruits and candied seeds
• Boiled chicken with herbs

Vietnam is a friendly nation with a warm welcome, and tourists can experience Tet through public events, flower markets, and cultural activities, while also respecting private family traditions, which is one of the lunar new year experiences in Asia that is most pleasant and heartwarming.

Lunar Chinese New Year in Hanoi

3.3. South Korea – “Seollal” and Family Traditions

Seollal is a very family-oriented form of the lunar new year celebrated in South Korea, which has its share of traditions and ancestral practices.

What to Experience in Korea

• Wear hanbok, the traditional Korean outfit
• Play traditional games like yutnori
• See cultural performances at palaces and heritage parks
• Join special holiday programs at theme parks (Lotte World, Everland)

Seollal Foods to Try

• Tteokguk (rice cake soup representing new beginnings)
• Jeon (Korean savory pancakes)
• Japchae (stir-fried noodles)

The beautiful and peaceful celebrations in Korea are a well-balanced and beautiful experience of the lunar new year travel.

3.4. Singapore – A Modern and Festive Celebration

Singapore has one of the liveliest and most tourist-friendly versions of the festival. Key districts such as Chinatown and Marina Bay come alive with decorations, events, and fireworks.

Must-See Experiences

• Chinatown Street Light-Up
• River Hongbao Festival with lanterns & performances
• Marina Bay fireworks
• Orchard Road shopping promotions

The mix of Chinese, Malay, and Indian cultures adds depth to Singapore’s modern lunar new year celebrations.

Lunar Chinese New Year in Singapore

3.5. Malaysia – A Multicultural Lunar New Year Celebration

The Chinese in Malaysia observe the Lunar New Year by visiting the temple, lion dancing, and holding open houses.

Where to Visit

• Kuala Lumpur
• Penang
• Malacca

This is often one of the friendliest cultural experiences of Southeast Asia, as the locals open their houses to tourists to share food, traditions, and blessings with them.

3.6. Mongolia – Tsagaan Sar, the White Moon Festival

Mongolia’s version of lunar new year, called Tsagaan Sar, celebrates purity and renewal.

Experiences in Mongolia

• Traditional Mongolian wrestling
• Family feasts in ger homes
• Folk games and music
• Snowy landscapes perfect for photography

Mongolia’s holiday is quieter but incredibly cultural and unique.

4. Top Lunar New Year Foods to Try Across Asia

Every country offers special symbolic dishes:

China

Dumplings, whole fish, longevity noodles

Vietnam

Sticky rice cakes, spring rolls, boiled chicken

Korea

Rice cake soup, pancakes

Singapore & Malaysia

Yusheng (prosperity salad), pineapple tarts

Mongolia
Boortsog (fried dough), steamed meat dumplings

Exploring lunar new year food is one of the most delicious ways to understand cultural meaning and tradition.

A calligraphy shop seen near Binh Dong Tet Market, Ho Chi Minh City

5. Travel Tips for Enjoying Lunar New Year Around the World

1. Book Early
Holiday flights and hotels get fully booked quickly.

2. Expect Crowds
This is a peak travel season, especially in China and Vietnam.

3. Respect Local Customs
Be mindful when visiting temples or local homes.

4. Try Traditional Foods
They are meaningful and part of the holiday spirit.

5. Protect Your Trip With Travelner Insurance
Travel during festival seasons can be unpredictable due to:

• Flight delays
• Lost baggage
• Crowded airports
• Weather changes
• Medical emergencies

Having comprehensive travel insurance, such as coverage for medical emergencies and trip disruptions, can help travelers enjoy the Lunar New Year with greater peace of mind.

6. Final Thoughts

The lunar new year is a wonderful time to visit exotic cultures, performances, and the cuisine and warm hospitality of Asia. Whether you join massive street festivals in China, lantern-lit evenings in Vietnam, ancestral rituals in Korea, or a multicultural event in Singapore and Malaysia, you will find that the destination is unique and has a different significance.

A cultural holiday like this invites you to see the world through a festive lens—full of revelation, renewal, and anticipation of the year to come. Whichever place you may be going to, remember to cover your trip with Travelner Insurance to ensure you celebrate and have an enjoyable time.