Hotels across Asia invite you to welcome the Year of the Snake with special celebrations and unforgettable experiences. From mouthwatering feasts that blend tradition with modern flair to vibrant lion dances and soothing wellness activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re celebrating with family, embracing cultural traditions, or seeking a moment of calm, these events are all about starting the year with joy, luck, and a sense of togetherness.
Fusion of Thai and Chinese Cuisine
Meliá Chiang Mai’s signature restaurant Mai Restaurant & Bar on the 21st floor will welcome the Lunar New Year with a family-style dining experience accompanied by a selection of Chinese teas and vistas of Chiang Mai. Served from Jan. 27-31, 2025, from 6-10pm, “A Thai-Chinese Celebration” dinner includes a colorful salad with shredded vegetables, pickled ginger, pomelo and fresh salmon, double-boiled whole chicken with dried mushrooms and wolfberries, roasted whole chicken, and steamed whole seabass with warm lemon dressing. Other highlights include tender slow-cooked pork belly in soy sauce, Chinese wine, and spices, a choice of Lotus leaf-wrapped fried rice with Chinese sausage or steamed San Pa Tong Rice, assorted seasonal greens with oyster sauce, and sesame dumplings in ginger broth.
Festive Buffet Brunch and a Vibrant Lion Dance
Raffles Hotel Le Royal, the iconic 96-year-old luxury hotel in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, will help guests ring in the Lunar New Year with a sumptuous buffet brunch featuring an array of Chinese dishes, festive specialties and international favourites. The celebration will be capped by a vibrant lion dance performance to welcome prosperity and good fortune in the Year of the Snake. The buffet brunch is inclusive of unlimited beers and will be served from 11:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Le Phnom 1929, the hotel’s French-style brasserie.
A Song of Dragons and Fire on Koh Samui
Guests at the luxury resort of Banyan Tree Samui might gasp on their morning coffee as the almighty sight and sound of a Lion Dance procession takes over the breakfast buffet from 9am – 9:30. Later, the evening’s entertainment includes live music, a Chinese dance performance and a fire show, starting at 7pm at beachfront restaurant Sands. Diners will also be treated to a Chinese New Year BBQ Buffet at Sands where they can watch the performances under the moonlight. For more information and reservations, go to samui@banyantree.com or tel: +66 077 915 333.
Wellness Activities and Afternoon Tea in Da Nang
As we slide into the year of the snake, TIA Wellness Resort is inviting guests to consider the traits associated with this animal of the Chinese Zodiac through a number of wellbeing activities. The snake year is defined by seeking balance and harmony, while also embracing opportunities for growth and evolution. On Thursday January 28th the TIA team will host a “Reflection of the Year of the Dragon” creative workshop where guests can reflect on the past year, express gratitude and move forward afresh. That night they have an “Evening Wishing Lantern Ceremony” to welcome the new year in a mindful way. It’s an early start on January 29th with a “Sunrise Beach Gratitude Meditation.” Later in the day guests will be treated to a traditional dragon dance performance to drive away evil spirits and bring good luck. Visitors are also invited to a local pagoda. On the 30th of January the activities continue with a calligraphy wish session and the opportunity to try Tet (lunar new year) sweets and learn more about the local customs. There’s also a special Tet afternoon tea featuring a blend of classic and modern flavors.
Better Together Family Package
The Hari Hong Kong is marking the Lunar New Year with its “Better Together Family Package” replete with children-friendly in room amenities and a host of special touches. Featuring a Corner Room with a king bed with an adjoining Twin Room with twin beds, and daily breakfast for two adults and two children under the age of 12, package also features a “DIY Cookies Set” for children in the room, “The Hari Puzzle Set” with The Hari branded tram, Star Ferry or The Hari mascot to keep the kids entertained, as well as early check-in and late check-out subject to availability.