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HAPPY YEAR OF THE DRAGON

Dragons play a central role in Asian mythology. In China, the giant lizards traditionally symbolize potent and auspicious powers over nature, particularly control over water, rainfall, hurricanes, and floods. They are signifiers of good luck, protection, intelligence, masculine traits, and yang energy. It’s not surprising, therefore, that the forthcoming Year of the Wood Dragon is viewed positively by communities around Asia. The combination of a dragon’s power and the wood element predict a year of creativity and growth. Here’s a selection of destinations in the region where visitors can get up close and personal — mostly figuratively, but also physically in the case of Komodo — with dragon legends.

The whole Remote Lands team would like to wish you a Happy Year of the Dragon, full of luck, happiness, growth and prosperity! 
 

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BHUTAN’S RESOUNDING THUNDER 

Mask dance at the Paro Tsechu festival

The remote kingdom of Bhutan, the so-called Land of the Thunder Dragon is imbued with folklore. Indeed, this fairytale Himalayan nation exudes an aura of mystery and myth, and zealously preserves its traditions including wearing their traditional dress - making a visit to Bhutan feel like you’ve travelled back in time. Bhutan is known locally as "Druk Yul", after the Tibetan and Bhutanese mythical dragon, Druk, whose terrible roar would manifest itself in dramatic thunderstorms rolling down from its mountain peaks, through its alpine valleys. Today, the kingdom's beautiful peaks and valleys make it a world-class hiking and outdoors destination. The nation also boasts outstanding accommodations in both the Amankora and Six Senses lodges elegantly strewn across its picturesque landscapes. Highlights are myriad and encompass events and festivals (tsechus), a rich Buddhist heritage that can be experienced at numerous monasteries and dzongs (fortresses), and plentiful scenic mountain splendor.

CHINATOWN IN YOUR HANDS IN BANGKOK

Dragon Lotus Temple or Wat Mangkon Kamalawat Elaborate and colorful serpentine dragons coil themselves around the roof of Wat Mangkon Kamalawat, in the heart of Bangkok’s vibrant Chinatown. Built in a classical Teochew architectural style, yet mimicking nearby Thai royal temples, Dragon Lotus Temple is the biggest and most revered Chinese Buddhist temple in the capital, and home to 58 gods. Bangkok has one of the most vibrant Chinatowns outside China. The patchwork of neighborhoods south of the Grand Palace along the Chao Phraya River thrums with energy the year round. Nevertheless, there is no better time to pass by than Lunar New Year. Be prepared for sensory overload as a soundtrack of exploding firecrackers provides the accompaniment for unabashed feasting. The heart of the action is Yaowarat Road – the area's main thoroughfare – which comes alive with crowds of worshippers, and dragon dancers. Other lively places to mark the occasion include cocktail bar and art gallery lined Soi Nana which comes alive at night.
 

WHERE DRAGONS ROAM

Komodo Dragon While depictions of giant lizards will be prominent over the coming few weeks, the only real dragons in Asia roam within the confines of Komodo National Park. Established in 1980 with the primary aim of safeguarding the Komodo Dragon, the world's largest lizard, the area is one of Indonesia's most invaluable protected regions. Spanning a 603 sq km archipelago within the Lesser Sunda Islands this park encapsulates the breathtaking habitat where the extraordinary dragons flourish on idyllic islands embraced by a glistening blue sea and world class scuba diving. Encountering this iconic lizard is just one facet of the park's diverse nature-based attractions, as visitors experience a profusion of marine life, captivating forest hiking trails, and the infamous pink sand beach.
 

HONG KONG'S DRAGON REGATTA

Dragon Boat Festival, Hong Kong With the weight of two millennia of history behind it, the Dragon Boat Festival, Tuen Ng in Cantonese, remains an exhilarating and vibrant tradition, which holds particular significance in the Year of the Dragon. Against the stunning backdrop of Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong is the best place in the world to observe the colorful dragon boats, each intricately adorned, slicing through the water with rhythmic precision, propelled by synchronized paddling to drumbeat. The festival not only pays homage to Qu Yuan, a Chinese folk hero and poet, but also fosters community spirit, as participants from all walks of life come together to honor the mythical creature. According to tradition, the festival takes place on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month – a day the ancient Chinese believed to be particularly unlucky – with the dragon motifs adorning each boat intended to symbolize strength and good fortune, and drive away bad luck. Hong Kong’s Dragon Boat Festival takes place on June 10th in 2024 and we recommend staying at the magnificent Peninsula hotel in a lovely harbour facing suite.
 

LIJIANG’S MIGHTY DRAGONS

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain China's reverence for dragons manifests in stunning fashion in Lijiang, courtesy of natural wonders like the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain range, which offers a mesmerizing backdrop for the ancient town. From certain angles the mountain range's 13 snow-capped peaks strikingly resemble a slumbering jade dragon, hence the name. The ethereal scenery includes the iconic Black Dragon Pool, a crystal-clear lake reflecting the majestic snow-capped peak, named after an ancient and heroic folktale of the indigenous Naxi people. The park surrounding the pool boasts traditional architecture, arched bridges, and vibrant flora, creating a harmonious tableau. Lijiang itself, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, enchants visitors with its well-preserved ancient architecture, cobblestone streets, and a network of canals. The town is a living testament to the rich Naxi culture, featuring traditional wooden houses, lively marketplaces, and the intricate design of the Mu’s Residence, a historic house museum in Lijiang’s old town. Stay at the lovely Amandayan resort which is designed in traditional Naxi style and boasts views down over the charming old town.
 

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