Southeast Asia is one of the most exciting places to travel. When you are traveling through this area, you will constantly come across parties and festivals to entertain you. However, there are some huge festivals that are worth a special trip to Southeast Asia. Here is a look at some of the most unique festivals in Southeast Asia that draw in tourists from all over the world.
Songkran, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Songkran is the Buddhist New Year. It is held in April, which is the hottest time of the year in Thailand. To celebrate the New Year and get some relief from the oppressive heat, the people of Chiang Mai have a party in the streets where the goal is to soak everyone else with as much water as possible. It makes for one gigantic party that has the streets full of people beaming with smiles.
During Songkran Bangkok witness a huge exodus of tourists.
Chinese New Year
Based on the traditional Chinese lunar calendar, Chinese New Year celebrations are held all over Southeast Asia in late January or early February. One of the ancient traditions of Chinese New Year is to drive away evil spirits with loud noises to ensure a propitious year. This means that fireworks, drums, and loud music are the soundtrack for the 15 days of celebrations that mark Chinese New Year. No matter where you are in Southeast Asia, you will find some tremendous Chinese New Year celebrations.
Boun Bang Fai Rocket Festival, Laos
This festival is held in cities, towns and villages all over Laos in May. The roots of the festival are ancient. It is held to honour the rain God, Phaya Thaen. The rockets are shot in the sky to honour Phaya Thaen and ask for his blessing for the coming growing season. Locals build their own rockets, competing to see who can launch the biggest rocket as well as who can launch the highest rocket. Successful rocketeers are rewarded with drinks, while those who fire duds are taunted.
Phuket Vegetarian Festival, Thailand
Held annually each October, the Phuket Vegetarian Festival began in 1825. A visiting Chinese opera company got sick, and they used a mix of vegetarian food and purification rituals to heal themselves. The purification rituals are the real draw of the festival these days. Attendees will see people walking on hot coals, piercing their faces with all manner of sharp objects and walking up knife ladders. The shocking displays are thought to purify the town and allow gods to inhabit the bodies of those brave enough to participate.
Aguman Sanduk, Philippines
This is one of the more unique festivals in the world. Held every January in the Philippines capital of Manila, Aguman Sanduk is a massive parade in which men dress up in women’s clothing. It is a lot of fun to watch, and the general hilarity gets attendees laughing heartily.
Loi Krathong, Thailand
This is definitely one of the most beautiful festivals held anywhere in the world. Each November on the night of the full moon, people all over Thailand release paper lanterns into the sky. Others push illuminated banana leaf boats across lakes and rivers. The festival is a Buddhist tradition in which the launched lanterns are thought to release suffering. The sight of all of those lanterns in the sky at one time is breathtaking.
Southeast Asia is a Delight
These are just a few of the many amazing festivals that are found all over Southeast Asia. Visitors can visit this region anytime of the year and come across parties and festivals that are highly entertaining. Make drug interactions sure to go there at least once in your life to experience the magic for yourself.
