From centuries-old cultural traditions to world-renowned international events, discover the diverse celebrations taking place across Asia throughout January.
An iconic race through the streets of Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) now in its 13th year, the HCMC Marathon (11 Jan, Vietnam) includes multiple variations with everything from the full marathon to a shorter 5km fun run.
The Grand Sumo Tournament (11-25 Jan, Japan) is held in Kokugikan, Tokyo and provides the opportunity to watch the heavyweights in action at one of Japan’s most prestigious sumo events.
Starting in 1997, the Hong Kong Marathon (18 Jan, Hong Kong) has grown from just 1,000 competitors to tens of thousands in recent years. A full marathon, half marathon and 10 km run takes competitors past some of the best urban scenery Asia’s world city has to offer.
The 22nd Royal Langkawi International Regatta (19-24 Jan, Malaysia) held on Langkawi Island, attracts world-class sailors to race in a series of exhilarating regatta events set against the island’s stunning tropical backdrop.
Singapore Art Week (22-31 Jan, Singapore) celebrates visual arts with fairs, gallery openings, lifestyle exhibitions, and public art walks.
Chiang Mai Flower Festival (28 Jan – 10 Feb, Thailand) showcases beautiful flowers and decorative plants in full bloom. Suan Buak Hat Park transforms into a vibrant showcase of flowers and decorative plants in full bloom.
Now in its eighth year, the Vietnam Trail Series (31 Jan, Vietnam) follows the Vietnam Mountain Marathon in Sapa and the Vietnam Jungle Marathon in Pu Luong. The Vietnam Trail Marathon offers participants the chance to explore the hidden trails of Moc Chau.
The Red Lotus Sea Festival (Date TBA, Thailand) celebrates a sea of lotus flowers that bloom at the beginning of the year. Lotus flowers blanket the water as local boatmen carve narrow channels through the pink petals to let small boats pass through.
Boun Phabath Phonesan Stupa Festival (Date TBA, Laos) This is the most significant event of Bolikhamxay Province when they celebrate the old stupa and give respect to Buddha’s footprint in Thaphabath District. The festival is held over three to seven days during the full moon of the second lunar month (January). The festival includes a Buddhist ceremony, trade fairs, concerts, and fun fairs arranged around the grounds of the stupa.
Our destination specialists across Asia are on hand to share local knowledge, travel expertise and practical support.
