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Asia festival tours

Lantern-lit skies, bejeweled 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

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Asia festival highlights

Holi, India

With colors 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 favorite. Our tips: protect your camera with a recyclable/waterproof bag and grease up your skin before the color battle begins if you want it to wash off easily.

Men on horseback during the Madam festival in Mongolia

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.

Mongolia's Naadam Festival

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 to 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, these two weeks in late March are one of the best times to visit the country as the landscapes are made more beautiful by the pale pink of the fragrant trees.

The fireworks of the Diwali Festival in India

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 honor of Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth and prosperity.