From centuries-old cultural traditions to world-renowned international events, discover the diverse celebrations taking place across Asia throughout June.
The Danang International Fireworks (30 May – 11 Jul, Vietnam) showcase some of the world’s most spectacular and innovative fireworks, filling the sky with an array of lights, sounds and colours. An audience of local and international visitors gather to enjoy the show along with other activities such as a boat parade, art decorations, folk performances and various water sports.
Kyoto Takigi Noh (1-2 Jun, Japan) is one of Japan’s oldest musical theatre traditions. This captivating Bonfire Noh performance is held at a revered Kyoto shrine, with actors adorned in period costumes and wooden masks, narrating tales on a torch-lit stage during the night.
Gawai Festival (1-2 Jun, Malaysia) is celebrated by the Dayak people in Sarawak to express gratitude for the harvest and marks the beginning of preparations for the next farming season.
The Yosakoi Soran Festival (4-8 Jun, Japan) is an energetic dance event based on the Yosakoi Festival of Kochi Prefecture, featuring naruko clappers and Hokkaido’s Soran Bushi folk melodies. The main venue is Odori Park, where dances are performed both on stage and as a parade.
The annual Laguna Phuket Marathon (13-14 Jun, Thailand) includes a full marathon, half marathon, 10km, and 5km walk, as well as a marathon for children covering 2 km.
Singapore International Water Week (15-19 Jun, Singapore) is a biennial event that gathers industry experts, policymakers, and other stakeholders from the global water industry to share best practices, showcase the latest technologies, and provide networking opportunities.
Celebrates the arts and culture of Bali with daily performances, handicraft exhibitions and other cultural activities during which time the whole of Bali comes to life with offerings of dance, music, and beauty.
The Tabot Festival (17 Jun, Indonesia) in Sumatra, marks the Islamic New Year and commemorates Imam Husayn, grandson of the Prophet Muhammad. The lively event includes parades featuring decorated Tabot structures, religious activities, traditional art performances, and folk games with large markets and exhibitions.
A Balinese holiday celebrating the victory of dharma over adharma, Galungan Day (17 Jun, Indonesia) marks the time when the ancestral spirits visit the Earth. The last day of the celebration is Kuningan, when they return. The date is calculated according to the 210-day Balinese calendar.
The Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival (19 Jun, Hong Kong) is an ancient Chinese festival that in Hong Kong, has become one of the world’s premier dragon boat festivals. Every year, boats, beers, and cheers draw hundreds of thousands of revellers and spectators to the stunning Victoria Harbour.
Penang International Dragon Boat Festival (19 Jun, Malaysia) in Teluk Bahang Dam features exciting races between colourful dragon boats while celebrating local culture and tradition.
Phi Ta Khon (20-22 Jun, Thailand), also known as the Ghost Mask Festival, celebrates the return of the Buddha-to-be, Prince Vessandorn. It is said that the people in the village celebrated so loudly that it awoke the dead who then joined the celebration.
The Borneo Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) (26-28 Jun, Malaysia) is a unique music festival that brings together renowned world musicians from all around the world, and indigenous musicians from the interiors of the island of Borneo.
Kuningan Day (27 Jun, Indonesia) marks the final day of the Galungan celebrations, when ancestral spirits are believed to return to heaven. The date is determined according to the 210-day Balinese calendar.
Pride Month Festival (Throughout June, Thailand) is an annual series of events which celebrates LGBTQI+ communities and culture across Thailand. The festival culminates in a pride parade held on Silom Road in Bangkok in June.
Hue International Festival (Throughout June, Vietnam) introduces people to Hue’s traditional craft villages – helping preserve the strong tradition within the city. Visitors can explore the many handicrafts, photography exhibitions and enjoy fine cuisine.
Our destination specialists across Asia are on hand to share local knowledge, travel expertise and practical support.
