JANUARY
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
Tet (New Year) is celebrated in late January or early February with great vigor.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Thaipusam, a major festival, starts at the Batu Caves. It’s an awesome sight when the procession returns to the city.
FEBRUARY
Chiang Mai, Thailand.
The Flower Carnival has gorgeous parades, floats and music.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Feb 1 is City Day, when the city’s federal territory status is celebrated at Tasik Perdana and Lake Titiwangsa gardens.
MARCH
Bali, Indonesia.
The Galungan Festival is a major feast, and Nyepi is the major festival of the saka year.
APRIL
Chiang Mai, Thailand.
From Apr 13-15, Phuket celebrates Songkran, the Water Festival. Go splash water on people!
MAY
Bangkok, Thailand.
On Coronation Day (May 5), you can glimpse royalty at Wat Phra Kaew. The Royal Ploughing Ceremony also marks the official start of the rice-planting season.
Jakarta, Indonesia.
The Jakarta International Cultural Performance launches in May.
JUNE
Hanoi, Vietnam.
Buddha’s birthday is celebrated in June.
Jakarta, Indonesia.
The three-week Jakarta Fair starts on Jun 22.
Manila, Philippines.
Independence Day (Jun 12) is commemorated with much fanfare.
JULY
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The nation goes flower-crazy at the Flora Fest and the international Floral Parade in July.
AUGUST
Jakarta, Indonesia.
Independence Day on Aug 17 is celebrated with carnivals and cultural shows.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
At midnight on Aug 30, revelers crowd Merdeka Square to celebrate National Day.
SEPTEMBER
Phuket, Thailand.
Check out the Vegetarian Festival—there’re tons of events, good food, plus loud fireworks.
OCTOBER
Bangkok, Thailand.
The International Swan-Boat Races kick off, with crowds at the Rama IX Bridge over the Chao Phraya River.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The October Shopping Carnival is launched during this month.
NOVEMBER
Manila, Philippines.
Bonifacio Day (National Heroes Day) is celebrated on Nov 30.
DECEMBER
Bangkok, Thailand.
Some residents erect temporary shrines outside their houses or businesses on Dec 5—the King’s birthday.
Chiang Mai, Thailand.
The Winter Fair at the end of December is a great festival to join in.
An essential guide on when is the best time to travel and where.
