Asia In Full Bloom

With January 29th marking the 2025 Lunar New Year, a brilliant, cyclical display of nature and culture awaits in Asia. From Japan’s famous cherry blossom festival to fireworks over the Tokyo skyline, plus Thailand’s traditional ghost festival and China’s unique celebration of autumn, the seasons dictate both serene escapes and boisterous revelry. Here’s where to go, and when, for the ultimate immersion of culture, cuisine, and unexpected experiences.  

Celebrate the Lunar New Year

January 29 – February 1, 2025

Where To: Hong Kong, China

Celebrate: From late January to early February, the streets and stadiums of Hong Kong usher in the Year of the Snake. Choose your speed and celebration:

• Jan 29 — The Cathay International Chinese New Year Night Parade is themed "Unfold a Year of Good Fortune,” and features international performers and elaborate floats. 
• Jan 30 — Catch a spectacular fireworks display over Victoria Harbour, followed by the Chinese New Year’s Race Day (Jan 31), an annual horse racing event with thrilling races, lion dance performances, and live music.
• Feb 1 — And if that weren’t enough, football fans flock to the Chinese New Year’s Cup, where football legends will face off against local stars in an exciting and friendly match — welcoming prosperity in the new year.

Fun Fact: During the Lunar New Year, Hong Kong's flower markets, particularly the Victoria Park Flower Market, becomes a bustling hub. The markets aren’t simply for purchasing flowers; rather, they are vibrant festivals in their own right, featuring traditional games and entertainment. Flowers like peach blossoms, kumquat trees, and narcissus are especially popular as they symbolize prosperity and good luck.  

The Stay: The Club's Kowloon Peak View Suites at Rosewood Hong Kong frame incredible city views. Residential luxury is revealed in the eclectic objets’ d'art and curated details including a marble bathroom and freeform bath, twin sinks and twin showers, and a spacious walk-in closet. Begin your day with a few vigorous laps or enjoy the morning sunrise at Asaya Pool, a 25-metre-long outdoor infinity pool. Set on the sixth floor, the spacious, landscaped deck promises glittering, serene views of Victoria Harbour, providing a tranquil oasis to unwind, soak in the beauty, and make resolutions for the new year to come.

Sapporo Snow Festival 

February 4 – 11, 2025

Where to: Sapporo, Japan 

Celebrate: Held annually in early February, the Sapporo Snow Festival is one of Japan's most iconic winter events. The festival is famous for its massive and intricately carved snow and ice sculptures that line the streets. Festival goers warm up with hot sake, mulled wine, and milk from Hokkaido’s famous dairy farms, adding a cozy touch to chilly festivities. 

Fun Fact: Indulge in Hokkaido's renowned seafood, including fresh crabs, scallops, and sea urchins, especially prized during the winter months. The festival features numerous food stalls serving hot bowls of ramen, grilled seafood, and regional specialties like jingisukan (grilled lamb). 

The Stay: After getting your nature fix in Hokkaido, it’s time for your city fix in Tokyo. Located opposite the Imperial Palace and Hibiya Park in the Marunouchi district and within a minute's walk of the shopping capital of Ginza, The Peninsula Tokyo frames the capital skyline.  

Japan’s Famous Cherry Blossom Season 

March – May, 2025

Where To: With 2025 full bloom dates predicted for Tokyo (March 29) and Kyoto (March 31), spring in Japan is arguably as wondrous as spring in Paris. Known as  hanami, this cherished tradition celebrates the fleeting beauty of sakura (cherry blossoms). In 2025, the blooming period varies by region due to Japan's diverse climate. 

Celebrate: Most cherry blossom festivals are held between March and May. Mother nature dictates exactly when they are staged, but when they do take place, take note: Festivities include picnics, live music, food and craft stalls, and tea ceremonies beneath the trees. 

Fun Fact: Yozakura means viewing cherry blossoms by night. Many parks and temples illuminate the cherry trees with glowing lights, creating an ethereal atmosphere. It adds a mystical dimension to the experience as the blossoms take on a different beauty under the moonlight and lanterns. Evening viewing is particularly beautiful in Kyoto’s Maruyama Park. 

The Stay: The Club's stand-alone apartment at Banyan Tree Kyoto seamlessly blends today’s comforts with traditional Kyoto design, providing an authentic Japanese residence plus all the comforts and conveniences of home. 

Thailand’s Phi Ta Khon Ghost Festival 

June 28 – 30, 2025

Where To: Bangkok, Thailand

Celebrate: The unique and lively Phi Ta Khon, a.k.a. The Ghost Festival, takes place in the Dan Sai district of Loei Province, Thailand. Held in late June, it honors the spirit of revered monk Phra Upakut. Combining religious traditions with local folklore, the festival is part of a joyful Buddhist holiday. You’ll catch participants in elaborate costumes and colorful painted ghost masks made from carved coconut tree trunks and featuring long, pointed noses, creating an eye-catching and slightly eerie appearance. The festival includes a grand procession, music, dancing, and the playful throwing of rice powder on spectators. 

Fun Fact: According to local legend, the festival began when Prince Vessantara, a former incarnation of the Buddha, was thought to have died. When he unexpectedly returned, his people celebrated so joyfully that the noise was said to wake the dead. Thus, the festival features ghostly costumes and blends fun with spiritual significance. 

The Stay: After spending time at The Ghost Festival, Banyan Tree Bangkok is a day trip away. Banyan Suites are finished with neutral colors, dark rich woods, and frame the amazing cityscape. Spacious baths feature deep, free-standing soaking tubs with Instagram-worthy vistas.

Vietnam's Mid-Autumn Festival 

October 6, 2025

Where To: Lang Co, Vietnam 

Celebrate: Known as the Tết Trung Thu, the Mid-Autumn Festival is one of Vietnam's most beloved traditional holidays, cherished as a time for family, gratitude, and joy. Celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month (typically in September or early October), the festival coincides with the full moon at its brightest and most radiant. In 2025, it will be observed on October 6th. Festivities include private moon-viewing gatherings, curated dining featuring traditional treats like mooncakes and sticky rice cakes, lantern-making workshops, and vibrant cultural performances that bring the traditions of Vietnam to life.

Fun Fact: In Lang Co, Vietnam, celebrations include a unique local twist with lion dance performances and traditional boat races. Known for its exotic coastal scenery, Lang Co combines the festival's traditional elements like mooncakes and lanterns with maritime culture. Colorful boats adorned with lanterns sail across the water in friendly competitions, symbolizing good fortune and prosperity.  

The Stay: Nestled between the azure waters of the East Sea and the Truong Son mountain range, The Club’s two-bedroom villa at Banyan Tree Lang Co opens to views of the sea and is just a short walk from the private garden to the beach. Explore the nearby UNESCO sites of Hoi An Ancient Town, the Imperial Citadel of Hue, and My Son Sanctuary. 

Whichever area of Asia you choose to stay in, and no matter which celebration calls to you, Asia’s festivals transcend the typical event (by far!). Rather, they are windows into the culture, soul, and sophistication found in its most enticing destinations. Happy celebrating!

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