Chinese New Year (CNY) begins on the 7th of February this year and is traditionally celebrated over 5 days, each involving specific rituals to cleanse and prepare for a prosperous year. Being the first animal in the Chinese Zodiac, the rat represents wealth, ambition, order and charm. According to the Chinese, 2008 is a time for activity, renewal and hard work.
While not always an official holiday, CNY is widely celebrated among Chinese communities and particularly across Asian countries with dense Chinese populations. Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand are buzzing with activity during this time and visitors can enjoy the many lion dances, street parades, firecracker explosions and – or course – abundance of food available in each country’s respective Chinatown.
In Kuala Lumpur, tourists can stroll down Petaling Street, where red lanterns and street vendors pepper the streets. Thailand celebrations occur in Bangkok’s vibrant Yawaraj district and at the Jui Tui shrine in Phuket. Meanwhile, fireworks and activities are organized throughout Singapore during the CNY period.
To join in on the CNY festivities, Agoda has organized special rates with hotels in the hotspots mentioned. As Agoda’s Vice President of Business Development, Mr Wilfred Fan says “While the metropolises of Mainland China are quiet during the CNY period, as people spend the time at home with their families, the Southeast Asian cities of Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Phuket and Singapore are brimming with activity. This makes CNY a perfect time for travelers to visit and experience some of the important cultural features of these destinations”
Hotels with hot deals from Agoda over CNY include:
Bangkok:
Adelphi Suites Hotel with rates from US $70
Prince Palace Hotel with rates from US $52
Grand Diamond Pratunam Hotel with rates from US $
Heritage Baan Silom Hotel with rates from US $78
Phuket:
Royal Paradise with rates from US $71
Duangjitt Resort with rates from US $ 52
Manathai Hotel & Resort with rates from US $74
The Racha Hotel with rates from US$187
Kuala Lumpur:
Swiss Garden with rates from US $63
Zon All Suites Residences with rates from US $66
Singapore:
Park Hotel Orchard with rates from US $130
Meritus Mandarin with rates from US $185
Please note that the above rates were available during the CNY period of February 7-11 at the time of publishing and are subject to change. To make your reservations over this festive time, book now at http://www.agoda.com.
