From centuries-old cultural traditions to world-renowned international events, discover the diverse celebrations taking place across Asia throughout November.
Daimyo Procession (2 Nov, Japan) sees around 200 locals dressed as samurai warriors, princesses, and feudal retainers parade through the historic spa town of Hakone. Covering approximately 6 km, the event recreates the grand processions of Japan’s Edo period.
Pagerwesi (4 Nov, Indonesia) celebrates Sang Hyang Widhi, the creator of the universe, with ceremonies held across Bali. Celebrated every 210 days according to the Balinese calendar, Pagerwesi translates as “iron fence” and symbolises strengthening the mind and spirit to protect against negative forces and maintain the balance between good and evil.
Bun Pha That Luang is the largest temple fair to take place in Laos, featuring shows and carnival-type games. Temples are illuminated at night and the festival culminates on the morning of the full moon when several thousand monks receive alms at the ‘dak baht’ ceremony.
Deepavali is a Hindu celebration of the triumph of light over darkness. Bright colours, tantalising aromas, and the glow of thousands of oil lamps fill the streets of Little India during the festival. Visitors can also enjoy vibrant decorations, cultural performances, and festive markets celebrating one of the region’s most important Hindu festivals.
The Grand Sumo Tournament held at the Fukuoka Kokusai Centre is a riveting display of traditional Japanese sport. This event is the final of Japan’s six annual Sumo Tournaments where sumo wrestlers, clad in ceremonial attire, engage in fierce competitions, showcasing strength and skill.
The Ooc-Om-Bok Festival (22-23 Nov, Vietnam) is held in honour of the Moon Deity, with prayers for good fortune, happiness, and favourable weather. Celebrated by the Khmer communities of the Mekong Delta, the festival features colourful boat races and the release of lanterns into the sky and rivers as symbols of hope and letting go of past misfortune.
Bon Om Teuk (23-25 Nov, Cambodia) is an event planned around the lunar calendar, signifying the end of the wet season. The focus is on long boat races where teams of paddlers from different villages compete against each other. There are large events in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh and smaller events in every regional capital city.
The Yi Peng Festival (24-25 Nov, Thailand) is a traditional Lanna celebration best known for its breathtaking release of thousands of floating sky lanterns. Celebrated across northern Thailand, the festival symbolises letting go of misfortune and welcoming good luck, creating one of the country’s most unforgettable nighttime spectacles.
Loy Krathong (25 Nov, Thailand) is a traditional festival celebrated with illuminated waterways, cultural performances, fireworks, and lively markets. People release beautifully decorated floating baskets onto rivers and lakes as a symbolic act of letting go of negativity while welcoming good fortune and new beginnings.
The Lopburi Monkey Banquet (29 Nov, Thailand) is an extraordinary annual event in the historic city of Lopburi, centred around the Phra Prang Sam Yot temple. Locals prepare an elaborate feast for the resident long-tailed macaques, believed to bring good luck and prosperity, celebrating the unique relationship between the town and its famous monkey population.
The Sun Hung Kai Properties Hong Kong Cyclothon (29 Nov, Hong Kong) combines professional races with community rides through Hong Kong’s iconic city streets. Participants can challenge themselves or simply enjoy the spectacular urban scenery, while spectators cheer them on from lively viewing areas across the city.
Vijit Chao Phraya River Bangkok (Date TBA, Thailand) is a spectacular festival of light, sound, and creativity staged along the Chao Phraya River. Visitors can enjoy projection mapping, illuminated landmarks, cultural performances, and fireworks that transform Bangkok’s historic waterfront into an immersive nighttime celebration.
The River Kwai Bridge Week Festival (Date TBA, Thailand) in Kanchanaburi commemorates the history of World War II through cultural performances, historical exhibitions, memorial services, and impressive light and sound shows. The event blends remembrance with local culture, attracting visitors from across Thailand and beyond.
The Loy Krathong Light and Sound Show (Date TBA, Thailand) takes place among the ancient ruins of Sukhothai Historical Park. Spectacular lighting, cultural performances, and historical storytelling bring Thailand’s first capital to life, creating a memorable backdrop to the Loy Krathong celebrations.
Our destination specialists across Asia are on hand to share local knowledge, travel expertise and practical support.
