Buon Ok Pansa (7 Oct, Laos) is the 'End of Buddhist Lent Festival', marking the end of the monks' three-month fast and retreat for the rainy season. Donations and offerings are made at various temples and hundreds of ornately decorated candle-lit floats made from paper are set adrift.
Nagasaki Kunchi Festival (7-9 Oct, Japan) is a vibrant celebration in Nagasaki, Japan, blending traditional dance, music, and elaborate performances. It features a captivating dragon dance that dates back centuries where skilled performers manipulate a long body on upright poles and the festival is a designated Intangible Folk Cultural Property, as it holds significant cultural value.
Boun Lai Heua Fai (8 Oct, Laos), this is a festival to ask the nagas (water spirits) to bring good luck. Each village makes and decorates a boat which are then paraded through town and at night launched onto the river and ceremonially set on fire as offerings to the spirits.
The Takayama Autumn Festival (9-10 Oct, Japan) also known as the Hachiman Festival, is the annual festival of the Hachiman Shrine in the old town. It is included in Japan's top three most beautiful festivals and features traditional floats, and cultural heritage, and showcases the autumnal beauty of the Takayama area.
Bang Fai Phaya Nak (9-10 Oct, Thailand) also known as the Naga Fireballs Festival in Nong Khai, is a mystical event where glowing fireballs rise from the Mekong River around the full moon in October. The unexplained phenomenon draws crowds, creating a festival atmosphere, with Thai folklore attributing the fireballs to nagas signifying the end of Buddhist Lent.
The Phuket Vegetarian Festival (10-18 Oct, Thailand) consists of sacred rituals that are believed to bestow good fortune upon those who observe these rites. During this time, local people of Chinese ancestry strictly observe a 10-day vegetarian or vegan diet for the purposes of spiritual cleansing and merit-making. Rituals and displays such as walking barefoot over hot coals and ascending ladders with bladed rungs are performed by entranced devotees known as "Ma Song".
Jidai Matsuri (22 Oct, Japan) is the anniversary of the founding of Kyoto. A historic pageant is ferried through the city followed by 2000 people dressed in attire representing various eras of Kyoto's history. This is a great opportunity to see traditional Japanese customs and costumes.
The Japanese Grand Prix (8-11 Oct, Japan) is held in Suzuka. Attendees can book grandstand seats or go all out with VIP hospitality and additional benefits such as an exclusive pit lane walk to see the action up close.
The Lombok MotoGP (9-11 Oct, Indonesia) is a thrilling motorcycle racing event that attracts top riders and passionate fans. The circuit is part of the Asian triple header that spans from India to Lombok and then Japan and features high-speed races that promise excitement and adrenaline.
The Singapore F1 Grand Prix (9-11 Oct, Singapore) forms part of the Formula One World Championship and has become known as one of the competition's most high-octane street racing events. It takes place on the Marina Bay Street Circuit and was the inaugural night race and the first street circuit in Asia designed for Formula One races.
The Ubud Readers & Writers Festival (21-25 Oct, Indonesia) takes place in Bali’s artistic and cultural heartland. Leading writers, artists, performers, and musicians gather from across the globe to share their knowledge and creative talents over a period of five days.
Le Tour de Langkawi (25-31 Oct, Malaysia) is a multiple stage bicycle race held in Malaysia. It is named after the archipelago Langkawi, where the first edition started and finished.
The MotoGP 2024 (Date TBA, Malaysia) in Kuala Lumpur promises high-octane excitement as world-class motorcycle racers converge for thrilling races on the Sepang International Circuit.
The Vietnam Jungle Marathon (Date TBA, Vietnam) held at Pu Luong Nature Reserve 140km south of Hanoi, is an exhilarating trail race through ancient jungles, limestone peaks, waterfalls, and vibrant rice paddy fields, showcasing the region's natural beauty and cultural richness.
