It’s never too early to start planning a year-end vacation. From the peaks of Hong Kong to the depths of the Southern Ocean in Australia, take advantage of the mild weather across Asia Pacific as you celebrate the year’s end.
There’s magic to be found everywhere during the holidays in Asia and Australia, whether a sunset hike to watch some fireworks, a holiday feast in the park, or just a lazy day at the beach. As always, check for travel guidelines and closures before planning your trip.
Hong Kong
A stone’s throw from Hong Kong SkyCity Marriott Hotel on Lantau Island, Hong Kong Disneyland shines with red and green lights as Mickey and Minnie spread holiday cheer along Main Street.
Venture farther from the festive theme park and discover that Lantau has some natural magic. Lantau Trail, a whopping 70-kilometer (43-mile) round-island hike, passes through fishing villages, beaches, and waterfalls. Don’t worry — the trail consists of 12 sections, so it’s possible to turn back at any time. Section 1 is a 45-minute walk from Mui Wo Ferry Pier to Nam Shan Campsite. Section 2 is more difficult, but the nearly three-hour ascent to the wildflower covered Sunset Peak is worth it.
Conversely, go on a city hike to Victoria Peak and enjoy bird’s-eye views of Victoria Harbour from Peak Galleria‘s rooftop deck. Linger here until the nightly 8 p.m. Symphony of Lights show, which lights up dozens of skyscrapers and the city’s waterfront, accompanied by music from the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra.
Melbourne
Every year for more than 60 years, the Myer Christmas Windows in Melbourne have displayed miniature holiday scenes — from the “Nutcracker” ballet to poolside barbecues. Window displays change every year at the iconic department store, but they are guaranteed to be filled with whimsy.
It’s not an Aussie Christmas without a beach outing, so pack a picnic and head to the shore. Enjoy a picnic in the sand with a view of adorable, technicolor bathing boxes at Melbourne’s Brighton Beach. Or pack a blanket to drive an hour to Mornington Peninsula along a dramatic coastline.
Singapore
A colorful display of snowflakes and mistletoe stretches across the main shopping belt of Orchard Road, signifying the start of the holiday season in Singapore. Beyond Orchard Road, holiday cheer is found everywhere in the Garden City. Singapore Botanic Gardens, for instance, is lit aglow at night, and Song Lang Garden, in the Katong neighborhood, sells live fir trees in its large outdoor nursery.
Hungry for holiday treats? Eateries like Morganfield’s offer an entire feast with dishes like glazed ham and pork roast. Alternatively, take a relaxing holiday picnic on the sprawling greens of the Dairy Farm Nature Park, surrounded by cliffs, or bike to East Coast Park and find a spot on the white sand.
Hanoi
December in Hanoi is cool and crisp, yet perpetually overcast, making for an atmospheric holiday experience. Watch New Year’s Eve fireworks from the tree-fringed Hoan Kiem Lake, where the multiarched Thap Rua, or Turtle Tower, rises from an islet on the lake. For a less crowded evening, watch the fireworks from the shores of Van Quan Lake.
Set out on a day trip to the three peaks of Ba Vì National Park, an hour and a half drive from downtown Hanoi, where mist shrouds the jungles this season. Follow the moss-covered footpaths to several attractions, such as an old church overgrown with moss and ornate temples throughout the mountains.
Phuket
Forget crowded Christmas markets and rooftop bars — secluded islands and long snorkel sessions make for a more relaxed year-end holiday in Asia. Go for a snorkel at Koh Bon a quick boat ride from Phuket‘s popular Rawai Beach. The tiny island teems with crabs, lizards, and marine life such as manta rays. Alternatively, cycle and kayak on Coconut Island, also a few minutes’ boat ride from Phuket.
It’s all about calm turquoise waters and white sand with views of Phang Nga Bay on Naka Yai Island, home to eco-friendly resort, The Naka Island, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Phuket. Next to it is the smaller Naka Noi Island, known for a pearl farm that cultivates South Sea pearls, which make for precious holiday presents.
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