This month usually ushers in the Lunar New Year, also known as Tết in Vietnam and is enthusiastically observed all over East Asia. Globe at One’s Andrew spent this time on Java at Semarang in central Java where dragons, the colour red and drinking stroked the senses. No other long haul tourists seen and great fun.
Vietnam
Yes, the Tết offensive of 1968 commenced during this time, nowadays huge crowds pre-Covid gathered in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi to commemorate this time of year and as you can imagine is colourful and the best time of year to visit Vietnam. Be sure to book a table at a local eatery to sample the special cuisine that’s produced around this time. Yes, imagine Gerrard Street on steroids!
Brunei
The rains hold off in February so that you’re able to venture into the heavily wooded interior of this small country. Natural conservation is encouraged with various campaigns aimed at preserving the local flora and fauna.
Laos is reasonably cool at this time of year even in the lowlands, the hills are chilly at night and this all makes for perfect trekking weather. Also allow for time, perhaps lingering at Van Viang where the nearby caves and trails are within easy reach from town.
Thailand is rain free for the most part in February with The usual suspects of Koh Samui and Phuket receiving many visitors but there are other gems to be found such as the Phu Chi Fa mountains in the north of the country near to Chiang Rai or the Khao Sok National Park in the south of Thailand not far from Phuket but with less of the crowds.
Bangkok is always this scribe’s draw, even if the Khao San Road is looking its age there are so many other sights and sounds to appreciate in the capital, talk to us and we’ll tell you which nook and cranny to peer into!
The Carnivals of Latin America are the main draw at this time of year. These are the biggest of the bunch:
The one in Rio is the most celebrated with samba schools as popular as the local football clubs, you’ll discover Mangueira and Salguiero and whether they win the main samba school prize is eagerly awaited on televisions across the country the next day.
Salvador and Recife consider themselves the authentic custodians of carnival with large processions and home based music peppering their parades.
The one in Montevideo goes on for 30 days with the main event a raucous parade through central Montevideo lasting the whole night with crowds to match.
Barranquilla is the largest Spanish speaking carnival in Latin America with very colourful parades and a rich fusion similar to Salvador of African and European culture buying into a bacchanal lasting 3 days.
February being the middle of southern hemisphere summer suggests a trip to Easter Island and with the warm weather exploring the Rapa Nui culture via the Tapati festival that is held during the first 2 weeks of Feb. This would be a handy excursion during a trip to Chile.
In Bolivia the Virgen de la Candelaria (Our Lady of Candle) is the patroness of Lake Titicaca and her day of veneration is the 2nd of February where you’ll see local people indulging her presence with parades and street festivals.
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