Asia's top cultural festivals for year-end travelers

The end of the year is a time when everyone wants to take a vacation to recharge after a busy year, and this is also the vibrant season of many festivals. When talking about the end of the year, many people will think of Christmas or New Year, which are also the two biggest holidays that come with an attractive party atmosphere. However, for travelers looking for a more special travel experience before 2024 passes, digital travel platform Agoda brings you a different list, including the most unique cultural festivals in Asia.

These are local festivals that are not only rich in traditional and cultural elements, but also imbued with the local identity of the places visitors visit. In addition, attractive destinations with beautiful natural landscapes and rich cuisine are also an indispensable part of enhancing the experience at these special events.

According to Andrew Smith, Senior Vice President of Supply at Agoda: “Cultural festivals are more than just events, they are celebrations that celebrate heritage and community. These experiences give travelers the opportunity to immerse themselves in local cultures and customs, creating connections and making them appreciate different cultures...” From the Festival of Lights in Thailand to the Winter Festival in Korea, join WOWWEEKEND to discover the 5 most unique cultural festivals in Asia at the end of 2024.

Seoul Winter Festa (Korea) Seoul Winter Festa, which will take place from December 13, 2024 to January 5, 2025, is a series of festivals taking place in Seoul, the capital city of South Korea, and is also the largest winter festival in the country. A series of 10 different events and festivals with the theme of light combining traditional and modern elements will be held at many important locations such as Gwanghwamun, Gwanghwamun Square, Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), Bosingak, Seoul Plaza, Cheonggyecheon and Open Songhyeon Green Plaza, giving visitors the opportunity to explore Seoul in a completely different way, instead of the usual tourist destinations.

With diverse activities such as the Seoul Light Media Art Exhibition, Seoul Lantern Festival, and Christmas Market, visitors can enjoy light shows, live concerts, light sculpture exhibitions, artificial ice skating rinks, and New Year's countdown events.

Bon Om Touk (Cambodia)

The Bon Om Touk Festival, also known as the Water Festival or Boat Racing Festival, has a long history recorded on the walls of Angkor and is held annually when the Mekong River begins its low cycle (this year the festival takes place from November 14-16, 2024). Although many places in Cambodia celebrate this festival, the largest version takes place in the capital Phnom Penh on the Tonle Sap River right in front of the Royal Palace of Cambodia.

This is an opportunity for Khmer people to express their traditional cultural identity as well as honor their precious virtues and inclination towards art, happiness, love of peace, community solidarity, national pride and above all, patriotism. This festival is also an opportunity for Khmer people to demonstrate the diverse development of wet rice agriculture with many products made from fertile lands. There are many activities taking place throughout the festival including boat racing, fireworks, lantern displays... this is definitely a great opportunity for visitors to learn about Khmer culture and Cambodian people.

Loy Krathong and Yi Peng (Thailand) Thailand's two lantern festivals, Loy Krathong and Yi Peng, are unmissable events at the end of this year. Yi Peng is a festival of the Lanna people from Northern Thailand, best known for its beautiful lantern-releasing images in the ancient capital of Chiang Mai. During this festival, Thai people use sky lanterns of different shapes, including 3 main types of lanterns: Khom Loi, Khom Lanna and Khom Khwean. During Yi Peng (late November every year), the number of sky lanterns released can reach 30,000, creating a unique visual effect and beautiful pictures for visitors.

The Loy Krathong lantern festival originated in India and takes place on the full moon day of December in Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya, Chiang Mai or Ayutthaya to express gratitude to the water god and pray for a prosperous new year. In addition to releasing lanterns, Loy Krathong participants can also watch fireworks, parades or boat races.

Dongzhi (China) Also known as the Dongzhi Festival, this is a traditional Chinese holiday that takes place from December 21-23 every year and dates back to the Zhou Dynasty. The festival has its origins in the yin-yang philosophy of balance and harmony in the universe. Today, this grand festival is celebrated in many places in China, including major cities such as Shanghai and Beijing.

In Shanghai, visitors can visit Yuyuan Garden Market to see traditional decorations and a lively atmosphere filled with local delicacies and handicrafts. In Beijing, the Temple of Heaven is a popular tourist attraction with cultural performances and traditional ceremonies often held during the festival. Also in Chinese tradition, Dongzhi is a time for families to gather, prepare and enjoy dumplings, dumplings, wontons, and hot pot.

Christmas (Philippines) The Philippines is unique in Southeast Asia in that it celebrates Christmas as the most important holiday in this predominantly Christian country. A particularly solemn occasion and a time when families come together to celebrate, Christmas in the Philippines comes with parades, colorful decorations and street parties big and small in all parts of the country, starting in September.

San Fernando (Pampanga), dubbed the Christmas Capital of the Philippines, is a must-visit destination for visitors to witness the Ligligan Parul Lantern Festival (December 14, 2024), nightly exhibitions that run until January 1, 2025. Visitors can also experience Filipino culture through Simbang Gabi, a series of night masses leading up to Christmas Day.