November 2025

Traditional Celebrations

During the Daimyo Procession (3 Nov, Japan) a procession of 200 locals dressed as samurai warriors and princesses parade over a distance of some 6 km through a spring town in historical Hakone.

Bon Om Teuk (4-6 Nov, Cambodia) is an event planned around the lunar calendar, signifying the end of the wet season. The focus is on long boat races where teams of paddlers from different villages compete against each other. There are large events in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh and smaller events in every regional capital city.

Loy Krathong (6 Nov, Thailand) is a traditional family festival with stunning lamp parades, firework displays, performances, and busy markets. The festival represents a new start and the release of any anger or grudges by making buoyant decorations which are then floated on water.

Yi Peng Festival (5-6 Nov, Thailand) is a traditional Lanna-style event with a flying lantern contest creating a spectacular sight to behold. The festival of lights in Northern Thailand is similar to Loy Krathong, except lights are placed into sky lanterns which float up into the air rather than floating on water.

Galungan Day (19 Nov, Indonesia) is a 10-day Balinese Hindu festival that celebrates the victory of dharma (righteousness) over adharma (wrongdoing) and commemorates the time with ancestral spirits visit the Earth.

Kuningan Day (29 Nov, Indonesia) is a Balinese Hindu festival that celebrates the return of ancestral spirits and is the final day of the Galungan celebration.

The River Kwai Bridge Week Festival (Date TBA, Thailand) in Kanchanaburi is a vibrant annual event commemorating World War II history. With cultural performances, light shows, and memorial service, the festival honours the legacy of the infamous bridge, offering a unique blend of remembrance, entertainment, and community spirit along the picturesque River Kwai.

The Lopburi Monkey Banquet (30 Nov, Thailand) is an extraordinary annual event held in the ancient city of Lopburi and takes place at the Phra Prang Sam Yot temple. A banquet is prepared by the locals to honour long-tailed macaque monkeys who are considered sacred and believed to bring good luck. The festival celebrates the bond between the local people of Lopburi and the monkeys.

The Penang International Dragon Boat Festival (Date TBA, Malaysia) in Teluk Bahang Dam celebrates the competition of racing multi-coloured dragon boats during a vibrant celebration of local culture and tradition.

International Events

The Loy Krathong Light and Sound Show (5-6 Nov, Thailand) is set amidst the ancient ruins of Sukhothai Historical Park. The event features vibrant light displays, cultural performances, and a magical ambiance. Attendees experience the enchanting traditions of Loy Krathong and a light and sound show that transports spectators through the rich history of Sukhothai.

The Grand Sumo Tournament (10-24 Nov, Japan) held at the Fukuoka Kokusai Centre, is a riveting display of traditional Japanese sport. This event is the final of Japan's six Sumo Tournaments where sumo wrestlers, clad in ceremonial attire, engage in fierce competitions, showcasing strength and skill.

The Hong Kong Great November Feast (Date TBA, Hong Kong) boasts a myriad of culinary events that showcase the city's vibrant food scene. From gourmet dining to street food, it's a gastronomic journey celebrating diverse flavours and cultures.

The Angkor Wat International Half Marathon 2025 (Date TBA, Cambodia) is the 30th edition of this charity race. This internationally recognized half marathon raises relief for the victims of antipersonnel mines in Cambodia.