Bang Fai Phaya Nak (Date TBA, 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.
On Pchum Ben, known as Ancestor's Day (1 Oct, Cambodia), many Khmer families will head back to their home provinces and spend time with their families. Commonly generous offerings of food are presented at the pagodas to give thanks to their ancestors. Its jovial and peaceful time as families remember their ancestors.
Boun Souang Heua (3 Oct, Laos) is a local boat racing festival that takes place between August and October with festivals being held on the weekends.
The Phuket Vegetarian Festival (3-11 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".
Nagasaki Kunchi Festival (Date TBA, 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.
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.
Buon Ok Pansa (17 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.
Jidai Matsuri (Date TBA, 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.
Deepavali (29 Oct - 3 Nov, Singapore) is a Hindu celebration of the triumph of light over darkness. Bright colours, tantalising aromas, and the light of a thousand oil lamps fill the streets of Little India during Deepavali.
Bun Pha That Luang (31 Oct, Laos) is the largest temple fair to take place in Laos, featuring shows and carnival-type games. Temples are illuminated at night and the festival culminates on the morning of the full moon when several thousand monks receive alms at the 'dak baht' ceremony.
Cambodia Travel Fair (Date TBA, Cambodia) is a 3-day event held at the Diamond Island Convention & Exhibition Center in Phnom Penh. This event showcases products like Travel, tourism, air services, online booking, hotel, resort services and much more etc. in the Travel & Tourism industry.
Kuala Lumpur Marathon Standard Chartered (5-6 Oct, Malaysia) is the largest annual running event in Malaysia. The marathon typically offers various race categories, including the full marathon, half marathon, 10km, and others, attracting both local and international participants.
The Sun Hung Kai Properties Hong Kong Cyclothon (Date TBA, Hong Kong) is a mix of amateur and professional cycling races and rides, through Hong Kong's unique cityscape. The event allows participants to challenge themselves or enjoy the city’s scenery at a leisurely pace, while locals and visitors alike cheer on from the sidelines and enjoy a fun-filled carnival.
The Ubud Readers & Writers Festival (16-20 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.
The Vietnam Jungle Marathon (19 Oct, 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.
Food&HotelAsia(FHA)-HoReCa (22-25 Oct, Singapore) is an international tradeshow that brings together a comprehensive array of the world's leading food services and hospitality suppliers, showcased across five speciailised sectors. It servces as a platform for networking, product launches, and industry trends.
