7 Last-Minute Getaways from Singapore for Chinese New Year

1. Maldives

Image credit: Thousand Wonders | Official Website

Up till a few years ago, the Maldives was always that exotic, beautiful place that only celebrities went to to get married. But these days, it’s getting easier and cheaper to make a trip to the Maldives, with a number of direct flights from Singapore to Malé taking off each week. Don’t expect to be doing any celebrity-spotting though; these days, we hear they’re buying their own islands.

2. Kochi, Kerala

Image credit: Indian Wonders | Official Website

India has been getting a lot of bad press in the last few years, but that’s no reason to stay away. Especially when Kochi looks this amazing. Kochi has a rich history influenced by a surprisingly wide range of cultures, such as Chinese fishermen and missionaries. This makes it a perfect destination for the history buffs, or for those who want a quiet retreat from the usual bustle of CNY.

3. Vientiane, Laos

Image Credit: Letoile Vietnam | Official Website

Vientiane is home to a large number of temples and Buddhist monuments, including a Buddha Park that houses hundreds of Buddhist and Hindu statues. It’s ideal for those seeking a spiritual retreat. Daily flights to Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage city, are also available.

4. Mount Bromo, Indonesia

Image credit: Chcharice via Instagram

This one’s for the mountain climbers. Mount Bromo is a volcano that houses a crater within its depths, and remains one of the most active volcanoes in the world today. To catch the sunrise, hike up to the first vantage point (it takes 1-2 hours); to get to the summit, expect at least half a day’s worth of work. At least you know you’ll be rewarded with a great view for your efforts. Can the same be said for CNY visiting, I wonder?

5. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Image credit: Expat Living Singapore | Official Website

Ho Chi Minh City is becoming quite the tourist hot spot in recent years, and with views like that, it’s hardly surprising. To get around the city, bike or motorcycle tours are popular options, as they’ll let you get to places that have to otherwise be explored by foot.

6. Khao Lak, Thailand

Image credit: wotif | Official Website

Forget Bangkok: Khao Lak is the place to be for nature lovers. To get there, fly direct to Phuket, and take a taxi or bus to Khao Lak (about 1 hour away). The numerous resorts in the area are family-friendly, and are close to a number of waterfalls as well as diving spots. Try your hand at glamping (luxury camping) at Elephant Hills, and snuggle with baby elephants for a complete experience.

7. Siem Reap, Cambodia

Image credit: Visit Mekong | Official Website

Here’s a part of Cambodia we rarely hear about. Tonlé Sap, which translates literally to ‘large fresh water river’, is, as its name suggests, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. It runs between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, and can be accessed via passenger ferries. But that’s not all: the lake is unique for its twice-yearly change in the direction of its flow, as well as its pronounced change in size due to the dry/monsoon seasons. If you’re looking to fully immerse yourself into the Cambodian river culture, do a home stay in one of the floating houses and get an unobstructed view of the sun setting over the sea.

Your Chinese New Year Getaway Starts Here

From the over-water bungalows of the Maldives to the floating villages of Tonlé Sap, each of these spots offers a unique way to ring in the Year of the Snake. Embrace new cultures in Kochi’s spice-scented lanes, chase dawn over Mount Bromo’s crater, or find calm among Vientiane’s golden stupas. Whatever your mood, trade family fuss for far-flung fun and return home with stories worth far more than any ang bao. Safe travels and 新年快乐!

Also read: AirAsia Expands Flight Options for Chinese New Year 2025

Contributed by Vulcan Post