NEW YORK, NY – 2009 is the Year of the Ox on the Chinese lunar calendar, and that could be good for the global economy, since the Ox is the sign of prosperity through fortitude and hard work. But for any new year, Hong Kong is the place to be.
The centerpiece of this year’s celebrations is the Cathay Pacific International Chinese New Year Night Parade on Jan. 26, followed by the fireworks display that lights up iconic Victoria Harbor on Jan. 27, one of the world’s biggest pyrotechnic events. The parade is a colossal cavalcade of floats carrying both international and local performing artists, that was elected by Lonely Planet Bluelist in 2007 as one of the world’s most fascinating attractions. This year’s parade follows a route that snakes around Tsim Sha Tsui East, where, in the evening, the harbor front will morph into a giant street party. On the third day of the New Year it’s off to the races at Sha Tin in search of a winning ticket.
Asian Adventure offers terrific value with a five-night air/land package with a broad choice of hotels. Departing on January 21, 2009 and with rates starting at just $1,399, this package includes roundtrip airfare to Hong Kong on Asiana Airlines and Cathay Pacific Airways (including flight insurance, taxes and fuel surcharges), daily breakfast, half-day Hong Kong Island tour, Chinese New Year Parade with reserved seating, Chinese New Year fire work show at Victoria Harbour, New Years Eve flower market visit, Hong Kong museum pass, and airport transfers.
www.asianadventureusa.com
Gala Tour is another attractive option, with an air-inclusive Chinese New Year package starting at $1,334. With departure dates valid January 1 – February 15, this package includes roundtrip airfare on China Airlines (fuel surcharge included), five nights at Rambler Oasis Hotel, half-day Hong Kong Island tours, Chinese New Year parade ticket, pass to History Museum of Hong Kong, Tai Chi Kung Fu class and fortune teller class.
www.galatour.com
Pleasant Holiday’ Chinese New Year package starts at $485 (land only) or $1459 with roundtrip airfare to Hong Kong from Los Angeles or San Francisco, including fuel surcharge. Departing January 22, 23 and 24, this five-night package includes, a daily breakfast buffet, Hong Kong Island tour, VIP seating at International Chinese New Year parade and round-trip airport transfers.
www.pleasantholidays.com