AirAsia MOVE announced this week that a new explorer pass to chime in the Chinese New Year, allowing tourists to snake around six Chinatowns across Southeast Asia, celebrating the regional variety of cuisine and culture along the area.
Ahead of January 29’s celebration of the new Year of the Snake, Air Asia released an update on their ASEAN Explorer Pass, which takes users on a tour and samples an itinerary among the Chinatowns of six countries that blend their own culture with the Chinese diaspora and community.
The ASEAN Explorer Pass guides tourists on cultural landmarks and food hotspots, and the Chinese New Year Special Promo starts in the Philippines.
Binondo, Manila, is the oldest Chinatown in the world and starts the ASEAN hop, where tourists can go along Ongpin Street and discover everything from traditional Chinese medicines to golden charms said to bring luck. Try the famous xiao long bao from Chuan Kee or savor a Shanghai fried siopai (a Filipino twist on two classics, somewhere between a large siomai and a mini siopao), paired with authentic mami from Ma Mon Luk and a sweet treat of Lord Stow’s egg tart.
AirAsia has a direct flight to Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, bringing tourists to Petaling Street and its vibrant night market. Start the night with a warm cup of Kim Soya Bean, then enjoy a dinner of savory hokkien mee from the legendary Kim Lian Kee, and treat yourself to some chewy rice balls from Madam Tang Muah Chee as the red lanterns illuminate the bustling crowd.
Glodok in Jakarta, the third stop on the list, offers the best of Indochine cuisine along its narrow lanes lined with traditional shops. Enjoy local delights like bakmi (noodles) and crispy kue ape. Stop by Kopi Es Tak Kie for a cup of rich, aromatic coffee, and visit the peaceful Jin De Yuan Temple for a serene escape from the city’s hustle.
Foodies can gladly hop on to Vietnam to Ho Chi Minh city, named after a pastry chef who also became the first President of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. Cholon, the city’s Chinatown, offers unique finds. Head onto Binh Tay Market to sample local specialties like banh bot chien (fried rice flour cakes) and che (sweet Chinese-inspired soup), then head on to Thien Hau Temple, dedicated to the sea goddess who protected merchants and sailors during the early days of Chinese immigration.
The fifth stop takes tourists to Singapore’s Chinatown, where the blend of modern skyscrapers and heritage shophouses create a twenty-four hour experience. As the country with the most number of Michelin-rated hawker stalls, Singapore boasts dishes like chili crab, sweet bak kwa, and Hainanese chicken rice—each bite reflecting the country’s rich culinary traditions. The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple is a highlight, especially when it glows red at night. Stroll through the vibrant festive markets, filled with souvenirs and snacks that capture the essence of this dynamic neighborhood.
Finish Air Asia’s Chinatown journey in Bangkok’s Yaowarat, a paradise for street food enthusiasts. Indulge in a variety of mouthwatering dishes, from pad thai to sizzling grilled seafood and mango sticky rice—celebrating Thai-Chinese fusion. During Chinese New Year, the streets come alive with lion dances, firecrackers, and festive temple ceremonies. For a moment of calm, visit Wat Mangkon Kamalawat and Wat Traimit, home to the Golden Buddha, offering a peaceful retreat in the heart of the celebration.
