Step beyond the typical and immerse yourself in authentic Lunar New Year celebrations across Southeast Asia—where tradition and luxury intertwine.
There’s something magical about being in Southeast Asia as the Lunar New Year approaches. Streets bloom with vibrant flowers, lanterns sway in the breeze, and the distant sound of drums and gongs signals that something is about to happen. And for a region that enjoys nothing more than a giant party, celebrating 3 new years suits the place down to the ground.
In Vietnam, the holiday is known as Tet, a time when families gather, spirits are honoured, and the old year is swept away to welcome the new. But Vietnam isn’t the only place preparing for grand celebrations. Across the region, Cambodia and Thailand are also embracing the Lunar New Year with their own unique blend of tradition and indulgence.
If you’re craving something more meaningful than crowded tourist spots—something that feels both exclusive and deeply connected to the culture—let me share a few handpicked experiences I’d recommend for an unforgettable Lunar New Year.
Vietnam: Where Tet Traditions and Luxury Meet
The Anam Cam Ranh: A Coastal Celebration with Heart
There’s something about standing on the beach, watching the waves roll in as a dragon dance comes to life before you. At The Anam Cam Ranh, that’s exactly how Tet begins. On January 22nd, guests will gather to witness the planting of the Cay Neu, a towering bamboo pole meant to ward off bad luck.
I love how The Anam blends tradition with luxury. One moment you’re savouring local dishes at their Vietnamese Traditional Buffet (January 31st), the next you’re mesmerised by a fire show lighting up the night sky during their Seafood BBQ on February 1st. It’s authentic, but with all the comforts of a five-star escape.
Alma Resort: Family Fun and Festive Energy
If you’re travelling with family, Alma Resort in Cam Ranh is the place to be. Their six-day Tet celebration (from January 28th to February 2nd) feels like a warm invitation into Vietnamese culture.
Imagine rolling sticky rice into chung cake beside local chefs or watching your kids laugh as colourful kites dance in the sky. The resort’s peaceful setting lets you slow down and truly savour the moment. And in the evenings, soft piano music during afternoon tea feels like the perfect pause between the day’s adventures.
Hanoi’s Sofitel Metropole: Tet with Timeless Elegance
In Hanoi, the streets come alive with Tet markets, and none is more charming than the one at the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi. Here, tradition feels timeless. You can browse stalls filled with handcrafted goods or sit down for a five-course feast at Spice Garden for $65 USD—think steamed prawns in coconut and rich bamboo shoot soup.
It’s a place where you can feel Hanoi’s old-world charm without sacrificing comfort.
The stunning infinity pool at the Anam Cam Ranh
Cambodia: A Celebration of Culture and Tranquility
Raffles Hotel Le Royal, Phnom Penh: Grand and Festive
Walking through the grand halls of Raffles Hotel Le Royal, it’s easy to imagine the city’s colonial past blending with the present. On January 28th, the hotel’s buffet brunch (at $38 USD) is more than just a meal—it’s a celebration. Tables overflow with Chinese and international dishes, and the rhythmic beat of the lion dance echoes through the space, a traditional symbol of luck for the year ahead.
It’s the kind of place where luxury doesn’t feel out of reach but rather invites you in to celebrate.
Song Saa Private Island: Secluded Serenity
For something more intimate, I can’t think of a better escape than Song Saa Private Island off Cambodia’s coast. Regular readers will know how much I enjoy this resort. Imagine this: you’re in a private villa (starting at $2,000 USD per night), the sea is calm, and the only sounds are the waves and the rustle of palm trees.
Here, the Lunar New Year is quiet and soulful—celebrated with bespoke dinners and moments of reflection. It’s perfect for those who want to disconnect and truly unwind, which is why I’m likely to be heading there.
The king sized bed in the Royal Villa at Song Saa Private Island Resort in Cambodia
Thailand: Bold, Beautiful, and Festive
Banyan Tree Samui: Joyful Island Festivities
Thailand knows how to celebrate, and Banyan Tree Samui does it with flair. Imagine waking up to the pulse of lion drums, welcoming good fortune with a vibrant lion dance. Later, you’re indulging in a lavish BBQ buffet by the beach for $85 USD, as live music and fire dancers light up the evening.
It’s lively and luxurious in the best way.
Melia Chiang Mai: Dining Above the City
For something more intimate, the Melia Chiang Mai offers a refined take on Lunar New Year dining. From January 27th to 31st, they’re serving a Thai-Chinese family-style feast with dishes like roasted chicken and steamed seabass, paired with fragrant Chinese teas.
From the 21st floor, the city sparkles beneath you. It’s a quiet, elegant way to welcome the new year.
The rooftop bar of Melia overlooking Chiang Mai city
Why Lunar New Year in Southeast Asia Feels So Special
The Lunar New Year is more than fireworks and feasts. It’s about renewal, family, and hope. Across Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand, these celebrations invite you not just to witness tradition but to be part of it.
Whether it’s standing under the glow of lanterns in Hanoi, sharing a meal on a private island in Cambodia, or dancing beneath the stars in Thailand, the spirit of the new year feels alive here.
Let’s Connect!
Are you thinking about celebrating the Lunar New Year in Southeast Asia? Or maybe you’ve already experienced these traditions and have stories to share? Contact me—I’d love to hear about your plans and help you uncover the best ways to celebrate.
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