Where To Go During 2026 CNY: Best Weekend Getaways From SG

Chinese New Year 2026 is one of the busiest travel periods of the year in Singapore. With family reunions, limited leave days, and peak flight prices, many travellers are rethinking long-haul holidays and opting instead for short regional escapes. If you have been wondering where to go during CNY without spending days in transit, weekend getaways from Singapore offer the perfect balance of rest, celebration, and flexibility.

For Chinese New Year 2026, Southeast Asia remains the most practical option. Short flight times, familiar food, cultural celebrations, and affordable travel costs make nearby destinations ideal for those planning to travel during the lunar new year. This guide focuses on where to travel during Chinese New Year, highlighting destinations that fit neatly into a 2–5 day itinerary while still letting you enjoy meaningful CNY celebrations with loved ones.

When Is Chinese New Year 2026 & How Long Is the Holiday?

If you are planning early, the first thing to know is when is Chinese New Year 2026.

Chinese New Year 2026 falls on 17 February 2026 (Tuesday). In Singapore, CNY typically comes with two public holiday days, which many travellers extend by adding a weekend before or after.

Key things to know:

• CNY 2026 public holidays in Singapore span two days

• Most people plan 3 to 5-day trips by combining weekends

• Travel demand is highest from mid-February onward

• Many destinations across Asia celebrate lunar new year with decorations, performances, and festive dining

If you are unsure about leave planning, check the full breakdown of Singapore public holidays 2026 and February 2026 travel windows on Circles.Life’s guides:

• Singapore public holidays 2026

• February 2026 holiday planning guide

A common question travellers ask is how long is Chinese New Year. Traditionally, celebrations last 15 days, ending with the Lantern Festival. So if you are wondering when does CNY end, it typically concludes in early March depending on the lunar calendar.

Best Weekend Getaways from Singapore for CNY 2026 Holidays

When deciding where to go during CNY, short-haul destinations offer the most value. Below are some of the best weekend getaways from Singapore that work well during Chinese New Year 2026.

Johor Bahru, Malaysia (2–3 Days)

Why go here for CNY:
Johor Bahru is one of the easiest and most flexible CNY getaways from Singapore. The city comes alive during CNY celebrations, with shopping malls decorated in red and gold, festive pop-up markets, and reunion dining options across Chinese restaurants and hotels.

Best for:
Families, last-minute travellers, and those planning a short 2–3 day break.

How to reach:

• Drive or bus via the Causeway

• KTM train from Woodlands

• Travel time can range from 1 to 3 hours depending on border traffic during CNY 2026

Places to explore:
Shopping districts, Legoland Malaysia, local cafes, and night markets. For a deeper guide, check out places to visit in Johor Bahru.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (3–4 Days)

Why go here for CNY:
Kuala Lumpur hosts some of the most vibrant Chinese New Year celebrations in Malaysia, particularly around Petaling Street and major malls. Fireworks, lion dances, and festive menus are widely available.

Best for: Food lovers, city explorers, and couples.

How to reach:

• 1-hour flight from Singapore

• Multiple daily flights during CNY season

Places to explore:
Petronas Towers, Chinatown, Batu Caves. Read the full Kuala Lumpur travel guide for itinerary ideas.

Penang, Malaysia (3–4 Days)

Why go here for CNY:
Penang blends heritage, food, and culture beautifully during the lunar new year. Kek Lok Si Temple becomes a major highlight during CNY, with elaborate lantern displays.

Best for: Culture lovers, foodies, and history buffs.

How to reach:

• 1.5-hour flight from Singapore

Places to explore:
George Town heritage streets, temples, and hawker centres. Plan your route with the Penang attractions guide.

Bangkok, Thailand (4–5 Days)

Why go here for CNY:
Bangkok’s Chinatown (Yaowarat) hosts one of Southeast Asia’s largest CNY celebrations, featuring street performances, dragon dances, and festive street food.

Best for: Friends, first-time visitors, and travellers wanting a lively festive atmosphere.

How to reach:

• 2.5-hour flight from Singapore

Places to explore:
Yaowarat, Grand Palace, floating markets. Use the Bangkok travel guide for planning.

Bali, Indonesia (4–5 Days)

Why go here for CNY:
While Bali is not traditionally associated with CNY celebrations, it offers something many travellers want during Chinese New Year: peace, beaches, and wellness escapes away from crowds.

Best for: Couples and solo travellers.

How to reach:

• 2.5-hour direct flight

Places to explore:
Ubud, beach clubs, temples. See the full Bali attractions guide.

Why Short-Haul Trips Work Best for Chinese New Year 2026

Planning a long holiday during CNY 2026 can be stressful and expensive. Short-haul trips offer several advantages:

• Limited leave days make weekend travel more realistic

• Flights to nearby countries are shorter and more affordable

• Easier coordination for family groups

• Flexible itineraries around reunion meals and home visits

This is why many travellers searching where to travel during Chinese New Year end up choosing destinations within Southeast Asia.

Chinese New Year Mobile Plans and Lifestyle Benefits

Travel during Chinese New Year 2026 often means higher roaming usage, especially when navigating maps, ride-hailing apps, and messaging family.

Circles.Life offers mobile plans designed for festive travel, combining generous data with lifestyle perks that suit CNY celebrations.

Overview of Circles.Life Plans

Last updated: 26 January 2026

Explore the latest Circles.Life mobile plans for updated roaming benefits before travelling.

Travel Tips for CNY 2026

Before locking in your getaway, keep these tips in mind:

• Book flights and hotels early due to peak CNY 2026 demand

• Expect partial business closures during the first few days of CNY

• Plan reunion meals before or after your trip

• Check roaming coverage and data needs in advance

Do You Know?

The Spring Festival travel rush (Chunyun) is the largest annual human migration in the world.
During the 2025 Chinese New Year period, China recorded an estimated 9.03 billion inter-regional passenger trips across road, rail, air, and waterways. Road travel alone accounted for over 8.39 billion trips, while air travel exceeded 90 million passengers.

These numbers explain why Chinese New Year is such a peak travel period across Asia and why planning shorter, regional trips during CNY 2026 is often the smarter choice.

Conclusion

Chinese New Year does not have to mean staying home or enduring long, expensive flights. With thoughtful planning, weekend getaways from Singapore allow you to enjoy meaningful CNY celebrations while still exploring nearby destinations.

If you are deciding where to go during CNY, short-haul trips across Southeast Asia provide culture, food, beaches, and city experiences without the stress of long travel days. Plan early, stay flexible, and make the most of Chinese New Year 2026.