Lunar New Year or Chinese New Year is arguably the most widely celebrated holiday in the world and begins with the new moon that occurs between the end of January and the end of February. People welcome spring and what comes along with it: planting and harvests, new beginnings and fresh starts.

Traditionally, Lunar New Year is the time to bring the whole family together to take part in ceremonial blessings to honor ancestors, exchange gifts of good fortune and toast to abundance. Opulent decorations, parades, lanterns, firecrackers, red envelopes and amazing feasts are some of the distinctive elements of this holiday.

This year, the beginning of the festival falls on the 12th of February and in multiple countries, it is a public holiday. In China, it will last for 7 days, starting from 11th to 17th of February, while in Thailand and Singapore it is just the 12th of February itself which is a national holiday. In Hong Kong, the holiday is from 12th to 15th.

The festival lasts about 15 days, until the full moon arrives, followed by one day of Lantern Festival with fireworks as well as festive displays of lion and dragon dances, which marks the end of the celebrations.

 

 

During Chinese New Year, families gather around the dining table to share dishes that have symbolic and auspicious meanings for the coming year. What families set on the table matters a great deal and each dish has a different symbolism behind it. In particular: Chinese dumplings are the symbol of wealth and abundance, fish represents prosperity, while sweet rice balls symbolize family togetherness.

 

 

People prepare to decorate their surroundings and deck their houses with all things red around 10 days before the festival starts. Everything is decorated with red lanterns, red paper cuttings, and red spring couplets (poetry scrolls) are hung up outside their houses, office buildings and streets. Why red? In China and even throughout other Asian countries, red is considered a lucky color and represents positive things such as joy and happiness.

 

 

Another common Lunar New Year tradition is giving “lucky money” in red envelopes, symbolizing good luck and protection from evil spirits. The envelopes were traditionally meant for children, but today they are given to friends, family, and even coworkers and are said to bring prosperity to those who receive them. This money is supposed to help transfer fortune from the elders to the kids. With the development of technology, digital red pockets have become a recent trend!

 

 

The Chinese calendar includes the Chinese zodiac, which consists of the cycle of twelve signs of the sun. Each new year is marked by the characteristics of one of the 12 zodiac animals: the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. 2021 is the year of the White Metal Ox, said to bring us positive changes in all aspects. Green, yellow and red are the colors of the ox and will be lucky colors in this new year. Zodiac signs play a big role in Chinese culture. Your animal can determine your career, health and relationship success. If you are into astrology, make sure you find out what zodiac animal you are!

 

 

 

With its powdery white sand and transparent blue waters, Koh Larn or Coral island is one of the most popular islands near Pattaya. Coral-spotting in glass-bottom boats, snorkeling, swimming, and surfing are some of the fun things to do on this island. Koh Larn also offers a range of exhilarating watersports like windsurfing, parasailing, and jet-skiing.

How to get there: Head down to Pattaya’s Bali Hai Pier, by car or local shuttle ‘songtaew’ transport.
Upon arriving at the pier, there are two choices of transport
1) Public boat which costs THB 30 per person and takes about 40-50 minutes to get to the port town (Nabaan Pier) in Koh Larn,
2) Speedboat: takes approximately 15 minutes from Bali Hai pier to Koh Larn. (for price enquiries, please contact the speedboat agency directly at the pier).

Our favorite activity to do there? Paragliding! Get your blood pumping and adrenaline rushing with a memorable paragliding session over Koh Larn. Just picture yourself soaring in the air, flying above all those breathtaking views of the crystal-clear turquoise waters of the Gulf of Thailand and the white sand stretching along the coastline. Top tip: high season (November to April) is the best time to visit since you won’t need to worry about rain!

Image Credit: Flykohlarn

 

Discover an intriguing fusion of art and religion at the Sanctuary of Truth. The Sanctuary of Truth is a wooden temple-like modern construction in Pattaya. About 105 metres high, this one-of-a-kind impressive structure is a must-see attraction. Blending creativity, culture, philosophy, and spirituality, the Sanctuary of Truth features intricate wooden carvings and although it is incomplete, it stands as a shining example of Thai craftsmanship.

How to get there: If it’s your first time visiting, we highly encourage to have your GPS on for this attraction. It’s approximately 2.5 km away from Pullman Pattaya Hotel G and can be accessed by car or on foot.

 

 

Dreaming of a beach vacation with the famous and adorable swimming pigs in the Bahamas or Samui? You don’t have to go that far as Koh Phai near Pattaya can also fulfill your travel wanderlust! With clear blue skies, turquoise waters, and a white sandy beach, Bamboo island is full of picturesque spots including the stunning Blue beach, where you can meet the cutest miniature pigs that are ready to swim with you!

How to get there: Take a speedboat from Pattaya city for around 40 minutes to Koh Phai island.

Image Credit: Kon Thai Traveller

 

 

Wander around this sprawling botanical garden full of blooming flowers and well-kept greenery to relax and get back to nature during your Pattaya trip. If you’re looking for something other than beach activities or nightlife, this is a great place to spend a leisurely afternoon and snap some colorful shots of the different floral species on display.

How to get there: Take the route no.3 by car, the garden is located at kilometer 163 on Sukhumvit Road. It is about 25.9 km away from the hotel or a 40-minute drive away.

 

An ideal spot for some family fun, Pattaya’s only 3D museum is filled with incredible 3D artwork that makes it without a doubt one of the best places to take interesting photos in Pattaya. It provides plenty of opportunities for adults and kids to capture some quirky and playful snapshots of optical illusions.

How to get there: Take our shuttle bus and get off at the Dolphin roundabout, which is just a few minutes’ walk away from Second road (‘Thanon Second’) and look for Sohotown Pattaya. From there, turn left and you’ll arrive at Art in Paradise in 20 meters.

 

Immerse yourself in the beauty of natural landscapes at this hidden gem near Pattaya. If you love scenic road trips, this one’s for you. The 1-kilometer road along the side of Bang Phra Reservoir is known to be one of the most romantic countryside drives in Thailand. The flowery route features pastel pink Tabaek blossoms (from the Lagerstroemia species, specifically Lagerstroemia floribunda), which decorate the road with their cotton-candy color petals. The flowers usually start to bloom in January and last until March, creating a charming scenery on Thailand’s provincial roads.

How to get there: rent a motorcycle and embark on a picturesque road trip 40km north of Pullman Pattaya Hotel G, in the direction of Si Racha.

Image Credit: kitvatcha

 

An unmissable lifestyle destination while in Pattaya is The Beach Club, located at Pullman Pattaya Hotel G. Whether you just want to relax by the pool or take part in watersports activities, The Beach Club Pattaya has it all. Not just a seafront eating joint, The Beach Club also boasts comfy day beds and lively vibes, making it the perfect spot to watch the sun go down after a big day of exploring. Take a dip in the seaside pools, lounge around in the shaded cabanas or swing chairs and admire the incredible sunsets or squeeze in some fitness fun with a session of stand-up paddleboarding. If you get hungry, The Beach Club serves mouthwatering local and international delicacies.

To enjoy special rates and benefits, book directly with us.

 

Get your camera ready to explore and capture the beauty of lesser-known instagrammable gems in Bangkok’s Silom district. Taking the skytrain is your best bet to beat the crazy Bangkok traffic! Luckily, Pullman Bangkok Hotel G is located just a 5-minute walk away from the Chong Nonsi BTS station. Along the way, you’ll notice some cool buildings that make for the perfect insta-ready backdrop. Don’t miss out on a chance to take a few street photographs.

 

A not-to-be missed highlight in Silom is the Sri Mariamman Hindu Temple, also referred to by locals as ‘Wat Khaek’. The colourful and incredibly detailed temple with over 100 years of history is inspired by the ancient arts of Southern India.

 

 

Not known to many but definitely a spot worth checking out is the Kathmandu Photo Gallery, located in a restored pre-war shophouse. The bright-coloured structure is so beautiful that one cannot help but snap away. Don’t forget to bring home some noteworthy works from the numerous local artists…who knows, they may be worth millions one day!

 

Mural paintings or street art can be found at many spots throughout Bangkok city. One of the more famous mural art masterpieces is located on Decho Road, just near Pullman Bangkok Hotel G. It was created by Japanese artist Motomichi Nakamura. Pull out your camera, get the angle right and snap away!

 

Just a short 7-minute walk away from Pullman Bangkok Hotel G, discover another hidden gem and unmissable landmark with over 140 years of history: the Neilson Hays Library. With its gorgeous neoclassical architecture, it is without a doubt one of the best places to have a pleasant afternoon stroll and take interesting photos in Bangkok.

 

A not-to-be missed highlight in Silom is Lumphini Park, located just 20 minutes walk from Pullman Bangkok Hotel G. This green oasis offers a quiet respite when you want to escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. As one of the city’s largest green spaces, it boasts a few lakes and walking tracks, perfect for a relaxing stroll or a jog. You can also opt for cycling around the park, or even paddle boating!

 

Lalai Sap Market is a hidden shopping landmark, well-known to locals but off the beaten path. This bazaar is tucked in Silom’s little back alleys, forming an eclectic maze of shophouses and boutiques as well as street stalls, mini-malls and food courts brimming with tasty Thai food. Here you won’t find any touristic souvenirs or trinkets, but you will gain a unique insight into Bangkokians’ daily lives. Pro tip: to see this market when it’s most alive, go on a weekday around lunchtime or early afternoon, this is when it gets very busy as it fills up with local office workers. Important to know: it’s only open on weekdays. To get there, head to Silom Road Soi 5 – next to Bangkok Bank Head Office. It’s a short 10-minute walk away from Pullman Bangkok Hotel G!

 

Tired of all that walking? Well there’s still one more pitstop you should take. After all, your day would not be complete without catching a skyline sunset right here in Silom. Head to the 37th floor of Pullman Bangkok Hotel G to be amazed by the sky-high glistening backdrop. Scarlett Wine Bar and Restaurant’s rooftop terrace is not just super ’gram-worthy, but also one of the best spots in town to relax, mingle, and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views.

Once you’re done exploring, it’s time to get some rest! Pullman Bangkok Hotel G is located in the heart of Silom, making it a great home base to visit this neighbourhood. Boasting a contemporary minimal decor, the rooms are as comfy as they are stylish. Enjoy better rates when you book directly with us and end your day with a restful night’s sleep.