One of the most unforgettable ways to experience Southeast Asia is through its festivals. From water fights and lanterns to colour clouds and river races, the region’s calendar is bursting with celebrations that reveal its heart and heritage. Planning your 2026 travels around these events isn’t just smart — it’s magical.
At Baktrax, we’ve spent decades exploring the region at its most vibrant. Here’s your month-by-month guide to Southeast Asia’s best festivals for 2026.
January – February: New Beginnings and Light
Tet Nguyên Đán (Vietnamese New Year) – Vietnam
Usually falling in late January or February, Tet marks Vietnam’s most important celebration. Families gather, streets fill with flowers, and fireworks light up the sky. Travellers can expect warm hospitality, beautiful decorations, and quieter city days as locals return home for the holiday.
Chinese New Year – Malaysia & across the region
Malaysia bursts into red and gold with lion dances, lanterns, and feasting. Penang and Kuala Lumpur host some of the most spectacular celebrations outside China.
Boun Pha Vet – Laos
In this Buddhist merit-making festival, monks retell the last great life of the Buddha before enlightenment. It’s a serene, moving event found in many Lao villages.
March – April: Water, Colour, and Renewal
Holi – The Festival of Colours – Vietnam (Indian community)
Holi isn’t native to Vietnam, but it’s joyfully celebrated in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City by the local Indian community and visitors. Expect friendly crowds, live music, and clouds of pink, blue, and yellow powder marking the victory of good over evil.
Songkran – Thai New Year – Thailand, Laos & Cambodia
Held from 13–15 April, Songkran is the ultimate Southeast Asian celebration. What starts as a gentle sprinkling of scented water has become a full-scale street festival of smiles and soaking! Join locals in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, or Luang Prabang as they wash away the old year and welcome the new.
Chaul Chnam Thmey – Cambodia
At the same time, Cambodia marks its own new year with three days of ceremonies, sand stupas, and joyful family gatherings.
May – June: Creativity and Community
Da Nang International Fireworks Festival – Vietnam
Taking place across May and June, this competition lights up the Han River with dazzling fireworks from teams around the world. The atmosphere is electric — street food, performances, and colour fill the city night after night.
Visakha Bucha Day – Thailand & Laos
Celebrating the birth, enlightenment, and death of the Buddha, Visakha Bucha is one of the most sacred Buddhist holidays. Temples glow with candlelight as locals take part in evening processions.
September – October: Tradition and Colour
Kate Festival (Cham People) – Central Vietnam
This vibrant Hindu-influenced festival celebrates Cham heritage with music, dance, and brightly coloured traditional dress. It’s one of Vietnam’s most visually stunning cultural events.
Nine Emperor Gods Festival – Malaysia & Southern Thailand
Marked by vegetarian feasts, temple rituals, and colourful street processions, this Taoist festival celebrates purity and renewal. Penang’s processions are especially lively and photogenic.
November – December: Water, Light, and Reflection
Loy Krathong & Yi Peng – Thailand & Laos
Usually in November, Loy Krathong (the Festival of Lights) transforms rivers and lakes into seas of glowing candles. In Chiang Mai, Yi Peng adds sky lanterns drifting like stars — a truly breathtaking sight.
Bon Om Touk – Cambodian Water Festival – Cambodia
Coinciding with the full moon in November, this spectacular event celebrates the reversing of the Tonlé Sap River’s flow. Boat races, fireworks, and street fairs bring Phnom Penh to life for three unforgettable days.
Hmong New Year – Laos & Northern Vietnam
As the harvest ends, Hmong communities celebrate with music, dance, and traditional games. It’s a chance to experience rich mountain culture far from the tourist trail.
Plan Your Trip Around the Joy
Whether you want to dance under a monsoon sky, float candles on a river, or taste new-year treats, Southeast Asia offers a festival for every traveller.
Join a Baktrax small-group tour to experience these celebrations the authentic way — alongside locals, in the places where traditions truly live.
