When you’re feeling stressed, tired, rundown, anxious, or just generally drained, one of the best things you can do, in my humble opinion at least, is book yourself a getaway.
Travel broadens the mind, it opens up a whole world of possibilities, it opens your eyes, and it’s incredibly enjoyable as well, especially if you choose the right destinations.
Today, I’m not talking to you about typical holiday destinations, I.E Spain, Italy, Portugal, etc, I’m talking to you about destinations in the stunning continent of Asia.
Asia is home to some of the most diverse, interesting, historic, and beautiful countries in the entire world and they certainly know how to celebrate and put on a festival. That’s useful, really, because in today’s article I’m going to be discussing se7en of the most interesting festivals in Asia this summer.
Check them out and see what you think.
Songkran, Thailand
First on my list for you today I’m taking you to the gorgeous country that is Thailand.
Okay, technically this festival isn’t quite in what we would call summer, in that Songkran takes place in late April, but the weather in Thailand at this time of year is hotter than our summers here, so I’ve included it.
Songkran is known as the water festival and is one of the most significant festivals in all of Asia given that it’s the Thai New Year national holiday.
Here, people take to the streets singing and dancing and throw buckets of water on each other. Why? Because the water is designed to represent washing away the previous year and getting everything clean and refreshed for the new year.
Basically, the whole thing turns into one huge water fight and is a whole lot of fun.
Phi Ta Khon, Thailand
You know what? I like Thailand, I like the people, I like the food, I like the culture, and I certainly like the country so up next I’ve another Thai festival for you.
The festival of Phi Ta Khon takes place in June and is awesome for anybody that likes Halloween, the occult, the unknown, and the macabre.
This unique festival celebrates ghosts and departed spirits that are considered one of the most colourful in all of Thailand.
Here, locals will dress up in bright, creepy, and colourful costumes whilst wearing elaborate masks to represent ghosts and spirts.
Expect plenty of dancing, singing, and entertainment here, especially as the sun goes down.
Kandy Perahera, Sri Lanka
Next up I’ve got a festival from Sri Lanka for you to really sink your teeth into.
You’ll have to excuse the bad pun, but this festival takes place in June and is known as the ‘Festival of the Tooth’ and it commemorates Buddha’s very first teachings to his disciples.
Huge processions will flood the streets where you can expect amazing costumes, live music, singing, dancing, street entertainment, and even elephants.
This festival is one of the most significant in the Buddhist calendar, though as the religion is so accepting, locals and tourists alike are encouraged to participate and get involved.
Boryeong Mud Festival, South Korea
If you don’t mind getting a little, or a lot, dirty, then make your way over to South Korea in the summer so that you can experience Boryeong Mud Festival.
This is one of the country’s biggest and most popular summer festivals, and I can certainly understand why.
The festival is centred around mineral-enriched mud and is basically one giant sports day held in the mud and featuring a variety of mud-themed sports, games, and activities.
At the Mud Square, you’ll find a huge mud bath whereby you can engage in a variety of different activities or simply enjoy a skin cleansing mud massage and face mask.
To really add to the atmosphere, EDM (Electronic Dance Music) is pumped out loudly to really help set the scene and get people in the party mood.
Full Moon Party, Thailand
Oh look, Thailand again, I do apologise but you can’t talk about Asian Festivals and not mention the amazing full moon parties they throw in Thailand.
Held in Koh Phangan, full moon parties take place on the beach every single month whenever it is a full moon.
Here you’ll find copious amounts of alcohol, creative performers such as jugglers and fire eaters, and plenty of singing and dancing.
There are also half moon parties which are certainly worth checking out.
Boun Bang Fai, Laos
Taking place in either May or June, depending on which happens to be the 6th month of the lunar calendar, Boun Bang Fai is held just before the rainy season.
On the outskirts of Vientiane and the neighbouring villages, locals will fire rockets and fireworks up into the sky to help encourage rain to fall, to help nourish the ground to allow crops to grow.
Here, handmade fireworks and gunpowder are stuffed inside decorated bamboo and the entire festival is given a competitive edge by creating teams.
Here, each team is scored based upon how high their rockets fly, the most attractive decoration, and the most entertaining display.
This really is a gorgeous festival to behold, though obviously, it isn’t exactly safe, so please use caution if you do attend.
Awa Odori, Japan
Now we’re going to Japan to take part in a traditional dance festival in early August.
Here, men, women, and children will dance upon the streets of Tokushima city wearing straw hats and thin summer cotton Kimonos.
During this festival, people flood here from all across Japan, and indeed the world for that matter, and best of all is that anybody can get involved and take part, regardless of where you come from.
Whilst in Japan, after dancing away and working up an appetite, why not visit one of Japan’s many sushi bars and experience sushi the way it is supposed to be experienced, not from a plastic container in your local supermarket.
If you decide to book yourself a getaway, try one of these se7en awesome festivals. Which one do you like the best?
Until next time stay safe, stay curious and don’t stop wandering!
