Asia festival tours
Lantern-lit skies, bejewelled camels and the flying powders of Holi: grab (and water-proof) your camera, because Asia’s festivals are a visual banquet. Rooted in Buddhist and Hindu traditions and timed to the rhythms of the moon and stars, they are joyful celebrations of fortune, prosperity and new life. To join in Asia’s festivities is to feel part of something bigger than earthly ‘business as usual’. Plus, when else do you get to drench your grandma with a Super Soaker in the name of spiritual purification? Yes, we’re looking at you, Songkran.
Our Asia festival trips
Asia festival highlights
Holi, India
With colours so vibrant they threaten to break the saturation on your screen, Holi - the ancient Hindu Festival of Colour - is held each March (or late February) during the full moon and lasts up to a week. We’ve got several trips running through the Holi hotspots – Delhi, Goa and Rajasthan – all you have to do is pick your favourite. Our tips: protect your camera with a recyclable/waterproof bag and grease up your skin before the colour battle begins if you want it to wash off easily.
Naadam Festival, Mongolia
The wind-swept tundra of Mongolia isn’t a typical setting for a big party but it might be the most impressive, especially when thousands of Mongols celebrate Naadam. Taking place in mid-July, this annual circus-like festival is a centuries-old tradition that dates back to the era of the great Khans and their dynasties. Watch locals battle it out in wrestling, archery and horse racing contests, eat traditional food and learn about Mongolia's nomadic culture.
Songkran, Thailand
From a tradition originally all about instilling respect for your elders and cleaning Buddhist imagery, the world's biggest water fight – Songkran – was born in Thailand. Every year, from 13–15 April, locals young and old set about soaking each other silly in the hope of washing off the past year's misfortunes and preparing for the year ahead. In other words, prepare yourself for one big street party splash-fest.
Tet, Vietnam
Vietnam’s biggest festival celebration (between the last ten days of January and the first 20 of February) is a little like New Year’s meets a good old spring clean. Respects are paid to ancestors, new clothes are bought and worn, banquets are prepared, flowers are arranged and an emphasis is put on resolving feuds. For the visitor, all this means an exhilarating atmosphere of anticipation and renewal.
Cherry Blossom Festival, Japan
With a long history tied to kings and dignitaries, it's no surprise that Japan goes all out once a year for their beloved cherry blossoms (think picnics, get-togethers and barbecues). While you can expect crowded places and plenty of people, this two-week period in late March is one of the best times to visit the country as the landscapes are made more beautiful by the pale pink of the fragrant trees.
Diwali, India
The annual Hindu festival of Diwali in India celebrates the victory of light over darkness; goodness over evil; knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair. All across the nation, for four days in October or November, homes, offices and city skylines are bathed in light emanating from various sources such as tea candles and fireworks. It's held in honour of Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth and prosperity.
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Stuart · Traveled June 2023
Mongolia during Naadam is like nowhere on Earth- the noise, colour and atmosphere needs to be seen to be believed!
Review submitted 17 Jul 2023
Nigel · Traveled June 2023
Truly amazing experience. The people, culture and history of Mongolia is very unique, and this tour explores it all.
Review submitted 23 Jul 2023
Sandra · Traveled June 2023
Mongolia offers adventure, great landscapes and wonderful people unlike any other place. The festival was an amazing experience, a bit like an Olympic event, and the opening ceremony was really surprising, integrating both historic, current and future influences. Having been to the archers, wrestlers and horse camps at the start of the trip, they gave us an added insight into their cultural roots and current nomadic existence.
Review submitted 24 Jul 2023
Choong Wah · Traveled June 2023
Amazing trip. It showcases a country & culture that's unique, fun and deserves to be better known. Mongolians are big friendly people. Our enthusiastic and knowledgeable guide made sure we were immersed in the best possible way to appreciate the culture and share the best time with the people. A bit of rough travel, vegans come well-prepared. 5* and when done, you'll want more!
Review submitted 10 Aug 2023
Sandra · Traveled June 2023
The Mongolia trip is an amazing experience. If you love huge landscapes, amazing scenery, wonderful people and a rich culture, then you need to see it to believe it. Our guide, who was local, was not only very knowledgeable and helpful, but also fun and his enthusiasm infectious. I only wished I'd had time to continue and join the Wild Mongolia trip after the amazing Nadam festival.
Review submitted 11 Aug 2023