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 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.
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.
Reviews
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Mongolia's Naadam Festival
Wasim · Traveled June 2024
Considering the circumstances, overall good experience.
Review submitted 19 Jul 2024Mongolia's Naadam Festival
Anne · Traveled June 2024
Very disappointing. The Naadam training camps and the festival were outstanding. The 8 day road trip on a broken down bus while everyone else we came across was in a 4WD van or SUV was not worth the effort. Our guide was indifferent at best. I would recommend doing Naadam but with another company.
Review submitted 21 Jul 2024Mongolia's Naadam Festival
Nina · Traveled June 2024
This tour was so great!!!! If you ever have to chance to visit Mongolia during Nadaam, you must go. Big thanks to Ulzi for being a GREAT guide!
Review submitted 16 Jul 2024Mongolia's Naadam Festival
Luke · Traveled June 2024
I was on a once-in-a-lifetime edition of this trip (sorry, there is 0 chance it will ever be repeated), which I think all of my fellow travelers will agree made any other issue we encountered worth it (well, almost). The people and culture are amazing, and the festival is out of this world. GO. Be aware that the Gobi visit is very trying. Ask for the VAN or SUV transports... go with something other than a mini-bus (our driver was terrific, but the mini-bus is just too slow to transit over roadless areas, which is 99% of the trip)
Review submitted 16 Jul 2024Mongolia's Naadam Festival
Anne · Traveled June 2024
We loved the Naadam training camps and festival but the rest of the road trip was not good. We travelled through the desert in a broken down school bus instead of the 4WD vans and SUVs that everyone else had. This caused us problems with getting stuck, breakdowns and extremely rough rides. It also added 2-3 hours of drive time every day. I’d recommend Naadam but not with Intrepid.
Review submitted 21 Jul 2024