Agoda showcases Asia’s unique cultural festivals, including Thailand’s Loy Krathong, Cambodia’s Water Festival, and the Philippines’ extended Christmas.
SINGAPORE – For travelers seeking some special travel experiences before the year ends, digital travel platform Agoda highlights a selection of cultural festivals taking place around Asia in the final months of 2024. Each event offers travelers a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in local traditions and celebrations.
Agoda invites travelers to explore the diverse cultural landscapes of Asia through its curated list of festivals. From the lights of Thailand’s Loy Krathong to the festive spirit of the Philippines’ extended Christmas season.
Andrew Smith, Senior Vice President, Supply at Agoda said “Cultural festivals are more than just events; they are rich celebrations of heritage and community. It’s something special to experience these festivities as a visitor, submerging yourself in local cultures and customs. It’s through these connections that we can create lasting memories and gain a deeper appreciation of the world around us. At Agoda, we’re proud to bridge the world through travel.”
Here’s a glimpse into some of Asia’s must-see festivals:
Thailand: Loy Krathong and Yi Peng Festival (November 15-16, 2024) – Loy Krathong, the Festival of Lights, is celebrated across Thailand. Participants release beautifully decorated floats, or krathongs, onto rivers and lakes to pay respects to the water spirits. The festival is marked by fireworks, traditional dance performances, and lively markets. Yi Peng, celebrated in northern Thailand, particularly in Chiang Mai, features thousands of lanterns released into the sky, creating a breathtaking spectacle. This festival symbolizes letting go of misfortunes and making wishes for the future.
Cambodia: Bon Om Touk (November 14-16, 2024) – Bon Om Touk, or the Cambodian Water Festival, celebrates the end of the rainy season and the reversal of the Tonle Sap River’s flow. The festival features boat races, fireworks, and illuminated floats. Travelers can witness the celebrations along the riverbanks in Cambodia’s capital Phnom Penh.
South Korea: Seoul Winter Festa (13 December 24 – 5 January 25) – Seoul Winter Festa is the city’s largest winter festival, showcasing an array of light-themed events that blend tradition and modernity. Key locations such as Gwanghwamun, Gwanghwamun Square, Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), Bosingak, Seoul Plaza, Cheonggyecheon, and Open Songhyeon Green Plaza host various activities. Highlights include the Seoul Light Media Art Exhibition, the Seoul Lantern Festival, and a lively Christmas market. Visitors can enjoy dazzling light displays, projection mapping, live concerts, ice skating, and a spectacular New Year’s countdown show.
China: Dongzhi Festival (December 21, 2024) – The Dongzhi Festival, also known as the Winter Solstice Festival, is celebrated in various parts of China, including Shanghai and Beijing. It marks the longest night of the year and the return of longer daylight hours. In Shanghai, visitors can head to the Yuyuan Garden Bazaar, where they will find traditional decorations and a lively atmosphere filled with local delicacies and crafts. In Beijing, the Temple of Heaven is a notable site where cultural performances and traditional ceremonies often take place during the festival.
Philippines: Christmas (December 2024) – Christmas in the Philippines is celebrated with festive parades, colorful decorations, and lively street parties. The country is known for its extended Christmas season, starting as early as September. San Fernando, Pampanga, the Christmas Capital of the Philippines, is a must-visit destination to witness the Giant Lantern Festival, also known as Ligligan Parul, showcasing the best parol (Christmas lanterns), which begins on December 14, 2024, with nightly exhibitions running until January 1, 2025. Travelers can also experience the warmth of Filipino culture through Simbang Gabi, a series of night masses leading up to Christmas Day.
Agoda offers over 4.5 million holiday properties, more than 130,000 flight routes, and over 300,000 activities, all of which can be combined in the same booking. For more information on accommodations and travel options, visit agoda.com, or download the Agoda app.
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales. She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
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