Super Dragon Experiences Around The World
Image: Vielle Miettinen, Flickr
It’s not every day you get to Honor A Dragon, but then, January 16th only comes around once a year. Say what? Oh, yes; today is Honor A Dragon Day, so - via this monstrously fiery article - we’re here to channel our inner Raya and do just that!
- Wales
Well, it would be pretty disappointing for a country whose flag is made up of a big red dragon to not follow through with anything else, wouldn’t it? As such, you’ll find these mythical creatures everywhere - in souvenir shops, outside ancient castles and - thanks to a pretty fab app - digitally hiding within the castle walls across Wales, too, for the ultimate kid-friendly quest.
2. Vietnam
Vietnam is another dragon lover’s nirvana - you’ll soon see why.
The beautiful Ha Long Bay - literally meaning ‘descending dragon’, thanks to legend which says it was formed by these mythical creatures to protect Vietnam from invaders - is considered one of the most beautiful spots in the country.
Meanwhile, there are dragons to be found around every corner in the Imperial Citadel in Hue - on roofs, next to doors and within temples and - what’s more - they all seem to be different!
Finally, you’ll be spellbound by the Dragon Bridge in Da Nang - a unique masterpiece that literally breathes fire every Saturday and Sunday!
3. Indonesia
After some real dragons? Head to Komodo Island in Indonesia - a designated UNESCO National Park that invites you to get up-close-and-personal with the world’s largest lizard - the Komodo Dragon.
4. East Asia
Dragons are a big deal across East Asia - most notably in China, Hong Kong and Japan. Featuring heavily in legend, myth and superstition, expect to see them everywhere - dancing in celebration of just about anything!
One notable mention is Suzhou in China - home to a couple of prominent museums which feature dragon motifs across paintings, sculptures, ceramics and silk robes.
Oh, and just a heads up: The dragon is destined to rule the Chinese calendar in 2024, so if you truly consider yourself a dragon devotee, then we definitely recommend traveling somewhere the Chinese New Year is celebrated!
5. Norway
The Vikings can also lay a pretty hefty claim to dragons, which also goes some way to explaining why it’s still such a big part of Norway. The fantastical beasts even inspire its architectural style!
From the impressive figureheads in the Viking Ship Museum to decorations on buildings, metal jewelry to textiles - even the modern dragon sculpture in the park of Ringebu Stave Church - you won’t be hard-pressed to spot them!
6. Bhutan
The second place on our list to feature a dragon on its flag, this ‘Land of the Thunder Dragon’ features this cute guy everywhere - even the national anthem! Legend claims that when thunder echoes through the mountains, it’s actually the sound of a dragon roaring, but we’ll let you be the judge of that!
7. Germany
Thanks to the German hero who killed a dragon in a medieval poem, a small town in the Bavarian Forest - Furth im Wald - has held an annual Dragon Slaying Festival every August since 1590! Expect a fully-fledged ‘City of Dragons’ spectacle to appear, featuring a fire-breathing dragon, a dragon-slaying play, medieval-costumed staff, food and beer.
Even if you don’t make it to the actual festival, it’s still worth booking a trip to the town for its dragon sculptures, paintings and other memorabilia.
8. Prague
The legend of Hercules slaying a dragon to steal golden apples for his final task may be well-known, but lesser-acknowledged is the statue of him doing so outside the Wallenstein Palace in Prague. Go on - check it out!
9. Ljubljana
The capital of Slovenia is so into dragons that this makes the third place on our list to feature one on its flag, as well as on manhole covers, river walls and in the four open-jawed, winged statues guarding the bridge over the Ljubljanica river.
10. Bulgaria
Hop onboard the Dragon Boats Experience for an unparalleled experience down the Danube river!
11. Las Vegas
Book your tickets to the unmissable Piff The Magic Dragon - hot-off-the-heels of America’s Got Talent - in the heart of Las Vegas. Expect big laughs, incredible routines and out-of-this-world magic.
Have we missed anything? Let us know!