Curating your vacation mood board for 2025? Asia offers a smorgasbord of travel options, including rice terrace trails in Ubud, caving in Ha Long Bay, retail therapy in Dubai, and snowmobiling in Niseko. Are you spoilt for choice? We present a Chinese zodiac-inspired travel guide with holiday destination recommendations that best match your personality traits.
Also, check out our guide to the most beautiful libraries in Asia.
How Chinese zodiac signs influence travel preferences
Unlike zodiac signs like Tauras and Leo, which are based on the position of celestial bodies at the time of a person’s birth, Chinese zodiac signs are represented by 12 animals – Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig – and their associated attributes, represented by the year a person is born in. Every Chinese zodiac follows a repeating 12-year cycle.
Chinese zodiac-inspired Asia travel guide for 2025
Rat (1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020)
Destination: Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ha Long Bay is an easy match for the inquisitive, charming, and jovial Rat — who is bound to relish this destination’s limestone karsts, secret lagoons, and rock formations. This fun-loving and often-thrifty zodiac will delight in the colourful floating markets, squid fishing, and barbecues by the shore.
- Places to visit: Dong Thien Cung (Heaven Cave), Cat Ba Island, Ti Top Beach, Vung Vieng (a floating fishing village), Monkey Island, Quang Ninh Museum, Dau Be Island, Bai Chay Market, and Ha-Long Queen-Seilbahn.
- What to eat: Horseshoe Crab, Austriella Corrugate, Tien Yen Hill Chicken, and Halong Squid Cake.
- Where to stay: Vinpearl Resort & Spa Hạ Long, Oakwood Ha Long, FLC Grand Hotel Hạ Long, and Muong Thanh Luxury Ha Long Centre Hotel.
- Best time to visit: October to December
Also read | Is Ha Long Bay Cruise Worth It? Here’s My Take On Vietnam’s Viral Experience
Ox (1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021)
Destination: Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia
Among the Chinese zodiac’s most dependable and hardworking signs, the Ox seeks travel experiences that balance luxury, leisure, and nightlife. Krong Siem Reap delivers with the largest religious monument in the world, Angkor Wat, Tonle Sap Lake (the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia), a buzzing club scene, and local Apsara and Khmer performances.
- Places to visit: Ta Prohm, Angkor Wat, Bayon Temple, Pub Street, Cambodian Cultural Village, Phnom Kulen National Park, Banteay Samre Temple, and Kampong Phluk Floating Village.
- What to eat: Bai Sach Chrouk, Fish amok, Num Banh-Chok, and prahok kh’tih.
- Where to stay: Amansara, Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort, Park Hyatt Siem Reap, Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, and Anantara Angkor Resort & Spa.
- Best time to visit: December to February
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Tiger (1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022)
Destination: Sentosa, Singapore
A symbol of power, passion, and unbridled adventure, the Tiger seeks a holiday brimming with cultural, culinary, and picturesque stimulus! Enter Sentosa — a destination rich in beaches, theme parks, adventures like indoor skydiving and ziplining, and nightlife.
- Places to visit: Universal Studios, S.E.A Aquarium, Fort Siloso, Butterfly Park And Insect Kingdom, and Adventure Cove Water Park.
- What to eat: Hainanese Chicken Rice, Chilli Crab, Laksa, Sambal Stingray, and Char Kway Teow.
- Where to stay: Capella Singapore, The Barracks Hotel Sentosa, Equarius Villas, and Crockfords Tower.
- Best time to visit: June to November
Rabbit (1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023)
Destination: Thimphu, Bhutan
The fourth zodiac, Rabbit, is soft-spoken, artistic, and an admirer of natural beauty. For you, dear Rabbit, our perfect match is Thimphu — where the majestic Himalayas, zen monasteries, and sumptuous local cuisine unite to delight.
- Places to visit: Trashi Chho Dzong, National Memorial Chorten, National Library of Bhutan, Tango Buddhist Institute, Changlimithang Archery Ground, and Bhutan Postal Museum. For a wholesome experience, skim our 10-day Bhutan itinerary.
- What to eat: Yaksha Shaka, Thukpa, Momos, Shamu Datshi, and Zow.
- Where to stay: Le Méridien Thimphu and Yarkay, Thimphu – IHCL SeleQtions.
- Best time to visit: March to May and September to November
Dragon (1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024)
Destination: Daejeon, South Korea
Beaming with positivity, eccentricity, and the urge to trod the road less taken, the Dragon should add Daejeon to their 2025 vacation bucket list! This city, also called the Silicon Valley of Korea, will capture the Dragon’s imagination with hot springs, science expos, museums, and amusement parks.
- Places to visit: Gyejoksan Fortress, Daejeon Skyroad, Hanwa Life Eagles Baseball Stadium, Cheongnamdae Mansion, Daecheong Lake, and Jungang Market.
- What to eat: Samgyetang, Kalguksu, Jjigae, Kimchi, and Tteokbokki.
- Where to stay: Hotel Onoma, Daejeon, Autograph Collection, and LOTTE City Hotel Daejeon.
- Best time to visit: March to June
Snake (1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025)
Destination: Ubud, Indonesia
2025 is the year of the Snake — a deep-thinking zodiac sign with an affinity for the finer things in life. Our holiday recommendation for the enigmatic Snake is Indonesia’s Ubud, where sprawling rice terraces, regal residences, temples, and seaside diners abound.
- Places to visit: Ubud Monkey Forest, Tegallalang Rice Terraces, Komaneka Fine Art Gallery, Tanah Lot Temple, Tegenungan Waterfall, and Tirta Empul Temple.
- What to eat: Nasi goreng, Nasi campur, Babi guling, Pepes ikan, and Jajanan pasar.
- Where to stay: Anantara Ubud Bali Resort and Kaamala Luxury Resort & Spa Ubud by iNi Vie Hospitality.
- Best time to visit: April to October
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Horse (1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026)
Destination: Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India
The Horse — with its freedom-seeking soul and chutzpah — loves the outdoors and uncharted trails. The no-brainer holiday spot for them is at India’s Andaman and Nicobar Islands, where abundant adventures await at ground level (read: treks, rock formations, and glass-bottom boat rides) and underwater in the form of snorkelling and scuba-diving.
- Places to visit: Radhanagar Beach, Baratang Islands, Cellular Jail, Baratang Islands, and Jolly Buoy Island.
- What to eat: Grilled lobster, Crab Curry, Andaman biryani, Banana Flower Salad, and Octopus fry.
- Where to stay: Welcomhotel By ITC Hotels, Port Blair, Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Andamans.
- Best time to visit: October to May
Goat (1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027)
Destination: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Equal parts shy and compassionate, the Goat seeks a well-chalked-out holiday with designated tourist spots, highly recommended diners, and luxury stays. We say you turn to Colombo, Sri Lanka’s shining capital city, which offers street food trails, glamorous hotels, serene beaches, museums, and retail haunts.
- Places to visit: Gangaramaya Temple, Viharamahadevi Park, Pettah Floating Market, Independence Square, National Museum of Colombo, Beira Lake, and the Colombo Lotus Tower.
- What to eat: Isso vadai, Dhal curry, Kiribath, and Watalappam.
- Where to stay: Shangri-La Colombo, Taj Samudra Colombo, and Hilton Colombo Residences.
- Best time to visit: December to March
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Monkey (1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028)
Destination: Selangor, Malaysia
Confident, social, and extremely practical, this Chinese zodiac continually seeks new travel experiences. Selangor rises to the occasion with glorious architecture, luxe malls, and nature parks.
- Places to visit: Petaling Jaya, Batu Caves, Subang Jay, Kampung Kuantan Firefly Park, Tanjung Keramat Fort, Kuala Selangor, and Shah Alam.
- What to eat: Nasi Ambeng, Satay, Pau, Ikan Bakar, and Kerang Bakar.
- Where to stay: Sheraton Petaling Jaya Hotel, Sunway Resort Hotel.
- Best time to visit: December to February
Rooster (1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029)
Destination: Niseko, Japan
The Rooster is dauntless, organised, and highly decisive about what they seek. Japan’s charming ski town of Niseko matches their level of dexterity. It promises to titillate their senses with world-class ski resorts, marshlands, gondola rides, and adventures like dog-sledging, snowmobiling, and snow tubing.
- Places to visit: Mt. Yotei, Mt. Niseko Annupuri (which is home to four of the largest ski resorts in the region, namely Annupuri, Niseko Village, Grand Hirafu and Hanazono), Shiribetsu River, Kagami-Numa, and Lan Lan Park.
- What to eat: Soba Noodles, Hokkaido Cheese Tart, Potato Ramen, Niseko sushi, and Sea Urchin. Also, explore our guide to the best restaurants in Niseko.
- Where to stay: Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono and Higashiyama Niseko Village, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve.
- Best time to visit: For adventure sports and dreamy snowfall, consider visiting from November to May. Summer, from June to September, is a good time to bask in the warm sunshine, cycle through Niseko’s gorgeous alleys, and hike!
Dog (1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030)
Destinations: Boracay, Philippines
Perpetually pursuing larger-than-life locales that’ll make them gasp, this attractive and energetic Chinese zodiac will have a gala travel experience at the Philippines’ Boracay Island, best known for its crystal clear waters and white sand beaches.
- Places to visit: White Beach, Crystal Cove Island, Puka Shell Beach, Willy’s Rock, Ariel’s Point, Motag Living Museum, and Mount Luho.
- What to eat: Sinigang, Sisig, Pancit, Paella, and Crab Rice.
- Where to stay: Shangri-La Boracay, Mövenpick Resort & Spa Boracay, and The Lind Boracay.
- Best time to visit: November to April
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Pig (1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031)
Destination: Dubai, UAE
A reliable destination for one of the lunar calendar’s most reliable and kind-hearted zodiacs is Dubai! The popular and pleasure-seeking Pig will meld seamlessly in Dubai’s glamorous cityscape. From gold souks, man-made islands, malls dripping in luxury, and beaches — this Emirati city packs it all.
- Places to visit: “At the Top” Burj Khalifa, Dubai Fountain, Dubai Miracle Garden, The Museum of the Future, Aquaventure Waterpark, Dubai Frame, Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, Burj Al Arab, Al Fahidi, and Palm Jumeirah.
- What to eat: Al Harees, Shawarma, Majboos, Falafel, Luqaimat, and Shirin Polo.
- Where to stay: Atlantis The Palm, Burj Al Arab, Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai, and Raffles The Palm Dubai.
- Best time to visit: November to March
(Feature image credit: Bernard Hermant/Unsplash)
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The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
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Written By
Yashita Vashishth
Senior Digital Writer - Growth, TravelWriter by day, reader by night, Yashita has a flair for all things travel, wellness and food. She has ..Read More
