Nouvel An Chinois or the Chinese New Year is celebrated across the world including in the capital of France, Paris. An ideal way to soak up the atmosphere of this festival and the city’s many attractions is by staying at a luxury hotel Paris such as Le Royal Monceau Paris. Located near the iconic Champs-Elysées, this 5 star hotel Paris lets you enjoy the very best the city has to offer, from luxury accommodation to fine dining. Those visiting during the time of the annual Chinese New Year should make their way to the Chinatown area which can be found in the 13th arrondissement. During the festival period you will find the shops, restaurants and houses in the area adorned in a variety of decorations including red lanterns and …

Celebrated around the world on January 1st, New Year’s Day is an event that attracts much revelry and partying the world over. It is a time of year when people band together regardless of country, class or creed and join hands to face the new dawn and the endless possibilities it will bring. The event is generally marked by lighting fireworks at the magical stroke of midnight as the night sky is lit up with a dazzling array of lights. Each country however, has special ways to celebrate this occasion. In America, one of the most popular places for festivities is Times Square in New York City where you can countdown the famous ball drop. In China such major cities as Beijing and Shanghai give …

Renowned as one of the most popular tourist destinations in South India, Pondicherry has a great historical background as a French colony. Pondicherry is one of the francophone locations in the world and you can still witness the colonial past etched into the great city and lives of the locals. This coastal town in South India still has remnants of colonial statues, churches and buildings. This popular tourist destination in India boasts of several architecturally significant churches influenced by the unique fusion of cultural heritage. The Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Eglise de Notre Dame des Anges, the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception and Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine are some of the significant churches you can visit during …

Separated by a strip of peninsular, Had Rin Nok and Had Rin Nai are two entirely different beaches on two sides of the island peninsular of Ko PhaNgan in South Thailand. Had Rin Nai also known as Sunset Beach is the quieter and peaceful of the two, boasting of resorts and more family friendly accommodation options. This stretch of coast is considerably narrower than its twin and the sand slightly rough to the touch, while the sea is considerably shallower during the off season time. In contrast, Had Rin Nok, known as Sunrise Beach, is a thriving, bustle of activity, home to the famous Full Moon Party that is held every month around the time of the full moon. Clubs and backpacker accommodation line the …

A harvest festival that has its origins in South India, Thai Pongal is a thanksgiving festival held in honour of the Sun God Surya. Occurring every year from January 13th to the 15th, the timing of Thai Pongal is calculated according to astronomic events. The festival coincides with the movement of the Sun to Makaram or Capricorn. During this auspicious celebration, houses are decorated with banana and mango leaves while intricate and coulourful patterns called ‘Kolams’ decorate the floor. Boiling of milk and its spilling over is a significant tradition during the Tamil Thai Pongal. It represents abundance and prosperity that will be plentiful in the household. While the milk spills over people shout ‘Pongalo Pongal’ and watching the milk spill over is thought to …

The popular Chingay Parade is one of the most popular events that are held on the day of the customary Chinese New Year. At present it has developed into a major street event which boasts the presence of the procession of myriad colors. The origin of this parade comes from China even though it is an annual street pageant that is taken place in both Singapore and Malaysia to commemorate the date of birth of the Chinese gods. The term Chingay was created by the Chinese people living in South East Asia. Chingay means True Art according to Penang, and a mini adorned stage according to Singaporeans. You will witness a glamorous show off jugglers, dragon dancers, clowns, lion dancers, acrobats and percussionists bringing to …