Festivals in South East Asia

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From the world’s biggest water fight in Thailand (Songkran) to Bali’s Silent Nyepi festival, Southeast Asia offers a festive treat like no other.

‘The Songkran Festival’ is widely celebrated in Thailand followed by Laos, Myanmar and Cambodia during the Buddhist New Year. Locals and tourists take to the streets and splash water on each other. This is also known to cleanse the soul and head towards a fresh beginning. Another beautiful and meaningful festival in Thailand is ‘Loi Krathong’ where people gather on the streets and release paper lanterns in the sky along with their worries and sufferings. ‘The Boun Bang Fai’ is a three-day rocket festival in Vietnam where on the third day people come out and fire homemade rockets and participate in healthy and fun competition. 

The Cambodian Water Festival (Bon Om Tuk) is the largest Dragon Boat Race that takes place in Tonle Sap River in Phnom Penh. 

Millions of people celebrate the Chinese New Year across Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines and Indonesia. This day is celebrated in honour of the Chinese ancestors and deities. The surroundings are adorned with classic red lanterns, massive banquets, parades, joyful markets, loud firecrackers and a lot of food.

While at first glance, one could readily assume that the countries in Southeast Asia are vastly similar, the truth could not be further from it. The different languages, beliefs, eating habits make the culture of southeast Asia a deep and fascinating study. This depth and diversity can only be experienced when you travel