From centuries-old cultural traditions to world-renowned international events, discover the diverse celebrations taking place across Asia throughout September.
Boun Hor Khao Salak is a significant Buddhist festival held during the full moon, when Lao communities make offerings to monks and dedicate merit to deceased relatives. Families prepare food, daily essentials, and other offerings, which are presented at temples as part of traditional ceremonies and prayers.
On Pchum Ben, known as Ancestor’s Day, many Khmer people will head back to their home provinces and spend time with their families. Food offerings are presented at pagodas to give thanks to their ancestors.
The Grand Sumo Tournament (13-27 Sep, Japan) in Kokugikan, Tokyo, offers the chance to see Japan’s legendary sumo wrestlers in action at one of the country’s most prestigious sporting events. Held three times a year in Tokyo, the tournament brings together top-ranked wrestlers for a thrilling display of tradition, skill, and strength.
The Vietnam Mountain Marathon (17-20 Sep, Vietnam) takes place in the mountains and remote valleys surrounding Hoang Lien National Park near Sapa. This two-day event features multiple distances and routes through local villages, rice terraces, bamboo bridges, and landscapes where runners may even encounter local water buffalo.
The Mid-Autumn Festival is a harvest celebration held on the 15th day of the eighth month in the Vietnamese calendar. Known locally as Tết Trung Thu, it is marked by colourful lanterns, traditional performances, and lion dances. Performers often travel from house to house, bringing festive celebrations to local communities.
The Mid-Autumn Festival is about celebrating with family, lantern processions, and deliciously sweet mooncakes. Mooncakes are filled with either sweet-tasting bean paste, lotus seeds or other fillings.
The Monkey God Festival takes place at the Monkey God Temple at Po Tat Estate in Sau Mau Ping, Kowloon. Hundreds of people attend to present offerings to the Monkey God, a popular character in East Asian stories.
At the Tana Toraja Funeral Festival (July – mid September, Indonesia), fascinating and elaborate funeral rites are conducted to send the spirit of the dead to the afterworld and prevent misfortune for the deceased’s family. Expect plenty of chanting and dancing that honours the deceased and bids them farewell.
Penang Cocktail Week (Date TBA, Malaysia) is Malaysia’s biggest cocktail and bartending festival, held annually in George Town to celebrate the city’s growing cocktail scene while connecting local talent with global bartending communities.
Our destination specialists across Asia are on hand to share local knowledge, travel expertise and practical support.
