Turn your device in landscape mode.
Book tickets

curent lang en

Log in
Book VinWonders tickets
Select a destination

Select a date
Adults
*Above 140cm
*Height from 140cm
Children
*от 80 см до 140 см
*Height from 100cm-140cm *Height from 80cm-140cm
Elders
*From 60 years old
*From 60 years old
Festivals in Southeast Asia

11 festivals in Southeast Asia you should experience once

29/09/2025 390 views

Southeast Asia is a land of vibrant cultures and diverse traditions, where every season brings a unique celebration. These festivals in Southeast Asia are not only moments of joy and spirituality for locals but also fascinating experiences for travelers.

1. Tet (Lunar New Year), Vietnam

  • When it’s held: From the eve of the last lunar month to the 3rd day of the first lunar month

Tet Holiday is one of the most famous festivals in Southeast Asia, marking the start of the lunar new year. Rooted in folk beliefs, it is the time to honor agricultural gods like Land, Rain, and Water, as well as to pay respect to ancestors. Families gather for reunion meals, exchange good wishes, and welcome prosperity into the new year.

Vietnamese New Year’s foods play a central role during Tet. Tables are filled with symbolic dishes such as boiled chicken, pork ham, fried spring rolls, and regional specialties like braised pork with eggs in the South or jellied pork in the North. Another cherished custom is li xi, where children and younger relatives receive red envelopes filled with Vietnamese lucky money. 

famous festivals in southeast asia

Travelers often plan their trips around festivals in Southeast Asia to experience authentic local traditions (Source: Collected)

If your Vietnam travel coincides with Tet, make sure to explore the major destinations such as Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Ha Long Bay, Hoi An, Da Nang, Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh City. These attractions come alive with festive energy, making your Vietnam holidays unforgettable. Imagine walking down streets lit with red lanterns, hearing cheerful laughter, and tasting seasonal delicacies, then relaxing afterward in the comfort of Vinpearl hotels and resorts or bringing your family to the amusement parks of VinWonders, where Tet is celebrated with shows, games, and colorful performances.

The vibrant atmosphere at VinWonders Phu Quoc

The vibrant atmosphere at VinWonders Phu Quoc

 

Book VinWonders Phu Quoc ticket now

 

A plethora of exciting activities await tourists at VinWonders Nha Trang

A plethora of exciting activities await tourists at VinWonders Nha Trang

 

Book VinWonders Nha Trang ticket now

 

2. Songkran Festival, Thailand

  • When it’s held: 13th – 15th April

Songkran marks the traditional Thai New Year and is famous worldwide as a giant water festival. Originally, a gentle sprinkling of water symbolized purification and blessings. Today, it has evolved into a nationwide water fight where streets overflow with laughter, music, and splashes from water guns, buckets, and hoses. 

As April is Thailand’s hottest month, Songkran is not only fun but also refreshing. Travelers can join these lively street parties in some of the best places to visit in Asia, such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket. Beyond the water battles, it is also a time for temple visits, offering food to monks, and spending time with family. Thanks to all the meaningful activities, Songkran is known as one of the most popular festivals in Southeast Asia.

Joining a Southeast Asian festival lets travelers immerse themselves in vibrant traditions

Joining a Southeast Asian festival lets travelers immerse themselves in vibrant traditions (Source: Collected)

Best-selling products

3. Holi Festival, Malaysia

  • When it’s held: On the full moon day (Purnima) of the month Phalguna, which usually falls in March (sometimes late February) of the Gregorian calendar. 

Malaysia’s Hindu community celebrates Holi, the Festival of Colors, with great enthusiasm. Being one of the most special festivals in Southeast Asia, this spring festival symbolizes the victory of good over evil and the arrival of a new season. 

Participants joyfully smear each other with colored powders and splash water, creating a dazzling rainbow atmosphere. The streets fill with the sounds of Indian music and dance, while stalls offer delicious traditional foods. Whether you are Hindu or not, everyone is welcome to join the celebration, making Holi one of the most inclusive cultural experiences in Malaysia.

Let’s plan a perfect Southeast Asia travel itinerary 

4. Boun Pha Vet Festival, Laos

  • When it’s held: January or February (dates vary by community)

Boun Pha Vet is a cherished Buddhist festival in Laos that commemorates the life of Prince Vessantara, the Buddha’s penultimate incarnation. Each village or province sets its dates, so the festival rotates across communities during the first two lunar months. 

The celebrations include recitations of the Vessantara Jataka, merit-making ceremonies, and vibrant processions. It is a time for reflection, generosity, and strengthening community ties. Tourists from other Asia destinations and around the world visiting Laos during this period can immerse themselves in local traditions and witness the spiritual heart of the Lao people.

Southeast Asia festivals

Colorful parades, sacred ceremonies, and lively street parties make Southeast Asia festivals unforgettable cultural highlights (Source: Collected)

5. Diwali Festival, Indonesia

  • When it’s held: October or November (according to the Hindu lunar calendar)

On the enchanting island of Bali, Diwali shines brightly with spiritual warmth and dazzling splendor. It is celebrated to mark the return of Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana after 14 years of exile and their victory over Ravana. Today, Diwali lasts for five days, and each day has its own meaning. Temples and homes glow with rows of oil lamps and candles, while colorful rangoli designs decorate the ground. 

Families gather for prayers, cultural performances, and the exchange of sweets and gifts. Diwali in Bali beautifully showcases the blending of Hindu rituals with Balinese traditions, offering travelers a unique perspective of Indonesia’s cultural diversity.

Let’s find out the best time of the year to travel to Southeast Asia!

6. Mid-Autumn Festival, Vietnam

  • When it’s held: 15th day of the 8th lunar month

Known locally as Tet Trung Thu, the Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam is a time to celebrate harvest abundance and family togetherness. Often called the “Children’s Festival,” it is marked by lantern processions, lion dances, and the sharing of mooncakes. Lanterns come in shapes of stars, animals, and zodiac signs, lighting up the streets with vibrant colors. 

festivals in Southeast Asian

With diverse cultures and traditions, festivals in Southeast Asian countries provide unique experiences that reflect the soul of the region (Source: Collected)

Hoi An is often considered one of the best places to enjoy this festival in Vietnam. Tourists coming here will have the chance to attend Hoi An Lantern Festival, where they can wander the streets sparkling with colorful lanterns reflected on Hoai River. Travelers can also enjoy Hoi An lantern boat ride, explore Hoi An Ancient Town, and continue the fun at VinWonders Nam Hoi An, which hosts themed activities during the festival season. Afterward, Vinpearl Resort & Golf Nam Hoi An offers a luxurious stay where tradition meets comfort.

VinWonders Nam Hoi An is a not to be missed destination on your trip

VinWonders Nam Hoi An is a not-to-be-missed destination on your trip

 

Book VinWonders Nam Hoi An ticket now

 

7. Thadingyut Festival, Myanmar

  • When it’s held: full moon of the 7th month in the Burmese calendar (often in October)

If you are going to visit Myanmar, one of the cheap Asia travel destinations, in October, you should not miss out on the chance to enjoy Thadingyut. Thadingyut, Myanmar’s Festival of Lights, celebrates the end of Buddhist Lent. Streets and pagodas shimmer with candles and lanterns, creating a serene atmosphere. 

Families honor their elders and make offerings at temples. Travelers can experience a serene yet festive atmosphere in Yangon, Mandalay, and Bagan, where the golden temples shine brighter than ever under the lantern-lit skies.

southeast asian festival

Families and communities come together during festivals in Southeast Asia, strengthening bonds and honoring traditions (Source: Collected)

8. Pahiyas Festival, The Philippines

  • When it’s held: May (annually)

Pahiyas is another festival in Southeast Asia that you should consider attending. Visit Lucban in May and witness the spectacular Pahiyas Festival, a tribute to San Isidro Labrador, patron saint of farmers. The town’s homes are dressed in brilliant patterns of rice, fruits, and vegetables, creating a one-of-a-kind living art museum. 

The festival features lively parades, food fairs, and folk performances, offering visitors a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds. It is an ideal way to witness Filipino creativity and gratitude for a bountiful harvest.

Let’s discover the best beaches in Southeast Asia!

9. Loy Krathong, Thailand

  • When it’s held: The full moon night of the 12th Thai lunar month (usually November)

Are you planning to visit Thailand during your Asia travel at the end of the year? If the answer is yes, it is highly suggested that you attend Loy Krathong festival. Loy Krathong stands out as one of Thailand’s most captivating festivals, with locals setting afloat beautifully decorated krathong on rivers and lakes in tribute to the water goddess. 

In Chiang Mai, the celebration merges with Yi Peng, when countless lanterns rise into the night sky, illuminating it with breathtaking beauty. For visitors, it is a spellbinding occasion filled with gratitude, reflection, and wonder.

Loy Krathong Thailand

Many festivals in Southeast Asia are linked to agricultural cycles, reflecting the importance of nature in daily life (Source: Collected)

10. Chaul Chnam Thmey Festival, Cambodia

  • When it’s held: April (annually)

Being one of the favorite Southeast Asia travel destinations, Cambodia offers tourists a myriad of fascinating festivals to enjoy. One of them is Chaul Chnam Thmey, the Khmer New Year, which marks the end of the harvest season and the start of a new cycle. 

Families clean their homes, pay respect to ancestors, and visit temples. Water plays a symbolic role as people sprinkle it on each other for blessings and good fortune. It is one of Cambodia’s most joyful celebrations, with traditional games, music, and dances filling the streets.

11. Nyepi Festival, Indonesia

  • When it’s held: March (according to the Balinese Saka calendar)

Thanks to its vibrant and unique culture, Indonesia, one of the most popular Southeast Asia travel, hosts numerous exciting celebrations. Nyepi, the Balinese Day of Silence, is one of the most unique festivals in Asia. For a full day, life on the island comes to a standstill to allow space for meditation and reflection. 

The night before, parades of giant ogoh-ogoh figures fill the streets before being symbolically driven away. For travelers, experiencing Nyepi offers a rare chance to embrace silence and witness Bali’s profound spiritual traditions.

Experience festivals in Southeast Asia

Experiencing festivals in Southeast Asia is one of the best ways to truly understand the heart and soul of the region (Source: Collected)

Check out some well-known Southeast Asia landmarks!

Festivals in Southeast Asia are more than just celebrations; they are living expressions of history, spirituality, and community. From the joyful splashes of Thailand’s Songkran to the glowing lanterns of Vietnam’s Mid-Autumn Festival, each occasion offers travelers a chance to connect with local traditions while creating unforgettable memories.

Best-selling products

Share news via:
  • Copy to clipboard
https://vinwonders.com/en/wonderpedia/news/festivals-in-southeast-asia/

Related Posts

Posts for you

Can Gio Mangrove Forest: The green lungs of Ho Chi Minh City

04/12/2025 2.342 views

Map of Ho Chi Minh City’s districts & travel tips

18/04/2025 2.314 views

15 Ho Chi Minh City shopping malls to visit for all-day fun

05/12/2025 2.213 views

Top 11 Ho Chi Minh City hair salons for men and women

05/12/2025 2.149 views

Search

Featured offers

[Mega Sale 12.12] Get up to 50% off VinWonders on Double Day

[Mega Sale 12.12] Get up to 50% off VinWonders on Double Day

Tìm vé

Search history

Most popular

News & Experiences

Binh Thanh District: Saigon’s Perfect Mix of Old & New

Binh Thanh District: Saigon’s Perfect Mix of Old & New

Binh Thanh District, Vietnam, has recently earned a place in the global spotlight by ranking among the top 40 most exciting places to live in the world. This reflects the district’s unique appeal to both locals and visitors.

 05/12/2025
Khanh An Monastery in Saigon: A marvel of architecture

Khanh An Monastery in Saigon: A marvel of architecture

Khanh An Monastery is a serene oasis boasting a long history, impressive architecture, and tranquil ambiance. To discover the allure of this hidden gem, plan your visit to experience its cultural significance firsthand.

 05/12/2025