Explore the "Intrigue and Scheming" Scenes from 'Empresses in the Palace' & Enjoy 50% Off at "Forbidden City" Hotels

Reported by You T-Ru / Taipei

With Lunar New Year approaching and this year’s holiday stretching up to 9 days, where should you plan to go during this break? Travel agencies have seized on the popularity of hit TV dramas and movies such as 'Empresses in the Palace', 'Gangnam Style', 'In Time with You', and 'The Hangover', launching hotel promotions that make traveling abroad during the Spring Festival no longer a luxury.

According to statistics from the Tourism Bureau, the top 10 international travel destinations for Taiwanese over the past five years are China (Hong Kong & Macau), Japan, South Korea, the United States, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines. These destinations are familiar to most Taiwanese travelers and are suitable for family trips, group tours with friends, or romantic getaways. Travel arrangements are very convenient, especially with the increasing presence of low-cost airlines, offering more and more options.

Agoda, a leading online travel booking site, has launched hotel promotions in five popular destinations among Taiwanese travelers—Beijing, Seoul, Singapore, Bangkok, and Palawan—making it easy for Taiwanese to enjoy a relaxing holiday during the New Year period.


▲ Lebua at State Tower Hotel in Bangkok offering 50% off during the Spring Festival. (Photo / from the Lebua at State Tower Hotel website)

【Beijing – Explore the Deep Palace Secrets of the Qing Dynasty through 'Empresses in the Palace'】
With 'Empresses in the Palace' currently all the rage, many are surely fascinated by the extravagance of the Qing imperial court and the grandeur of the Forbidden City. Beijing, a cornerstone of Chinese history, is where the essence of Chinese culture converges. The 2008 Beijing Olympics also left behind stunning architecture. Discover the palaces where concubines engaged in intrigue, stroll through Beijing’s historic hutongs, and enjoy up to 50% off during the Spring Festival, plus an extra night free when you stay for two nights.

【Seoul – Experience Globally Popular Korean Fashion & 'Gangnam Style'】
Psy, the dynamic Korean uncle who shot to fame worldwide with 'Gangnam Style', has truly propelled Korean pop culture to new heights, drawing more and more travelers to experience the charm of Seoul, the capital of K-style. As a result, Gangnam has become a household name—akin to Taipei’s East District, where luxury brands and fashion trends abound. Enjoy up to 50% off at five-star hotels in Gangnam this Spring Festival.

【Singapore – Following the Footsteps of Li Da Ren】
The drama 'In Time with You' became an instant hit with audiences, especially the bittersweet romance between Da Ren and Cheng You Qing, which tugged at viewers’ heartstrings. The show helped cement Singapore as one of the favorite travel destinations for Taiwanese, and with the rise of low-cost airlines, even more travelers are flocking there. Taiwanese and Chinese visitors enjoy exclusive discounts of up to 50% this Spring Festival.

【Bangkok – Re-experience Thai Romance, Creativity & Boutique Design Hotels】
Thai culture is vibrant and distinctive, and everything is affordable. Many Hollywood films choose Thailand as a filming location, such as 'The Hangover', parts of which were shot at the sky bar in the "Lebua at State Tower Hotel" (Bangkok Lotus Hotel). As a major Asian tourist hub, Bangkok is home to globally renowned hotel brands and an increasing number of boutique design hotels offering excellent value. Why not spend your holiday in Bangkok this New Year? Special promotions include 50% off stays at the hotel featured in 'The Hangover', free room upgrades, and check-out extended to 4 PM.

【Palawan – Escape the Cold and Enjoy Warmth in Southern Islands】
Taiwanese love island getaways, from Phuket and Samui to the more recent craze over Boracay. This year, why not try something new and avoid the crowds by visiting Palawan, known as the last virgin paradise. With its beautiful beaches and excellent snorkeling opportunities to view colorful coral reefs, it’s a favorite spot among global divers. Recent additions of low-cost flights to Manila, along with easy domestic connections, make travel a breeze. Enjoy up to 30% off hotel stays this Spring Festival.