18 awesome events happening around Southeast Asia between now and June
Heading out of Bangkok in the next few months? Here are the best events from around the region.
9 years ago
APRIL
Credit www.facebook.com/worldgourmetseries
SINGAPORE
World Gourmet Summit
Leading chefs from around the world descend on Singapore for this celebration of fine dining. Highlight chefs include Christophe Muller, who has worked as executive chef at the three-Michelin-star L’Auberge Du Pont de Collonges in France since 1995, and Bruno Oger of the twostarred La Bastide Bruno Oger, also in France.
When: Apr 14-25
Where: Hotels and restaurants around Singapore. www.worldgourmetsummit.com
MALAYSIA
Penang World Music Festival
The lineup includes musicians from Spain, Germany, Sweden and Mongolia. Performances aside, there’ll also be workshops on musical techniques and Penang’s famous street food.
When: Apr 11-12
Where: George Town, Penang
Ticket: RM80 (B700) for a one-day pass and RM140 (B1,232) for a two-day pass. www.penangworldmusic.gov.my.
MYANMAR
Thingyan Festival
Songkran isn’t limited to Thailand. Thingyan, or Water Festival, is Myanmar’s equivalent of the, and also involves plenty of water dousing across the country.
When: Apr 13-16
Where: Head to the Kandawgyi Lake in Yangon if you’re after a full-on wet and wild experience.
Credit www.travel.taipei
TAIWAN
Light to the Homecoming: 2015 Treasure Hill Environmental Art Lantern Festival
The third edition of this festival gathers artists from all over the world to the Taipei Artist Village. Expect interdisciplinary collaborations, art installations, music and dance.
When: Through Apr 26
Where: Taipei Artist Village, Taipei. goo.gl/0r5v8T
Credit www.phuket-pride.org
THAILAND
Phuket Pride Week
The annual LGBT gathering features pool parties, a volleyball tournament, the Mr. Phuket Pride contest and a photo exhibition under the theme All Love is Equal.
When: Apr 19-26
Where: Jungceylon and various venues around the island. www.fb.com/PrideinPhuket
LAOS
Pi Mai Lao
Also happening at the same time is the Laos New Year. Officially, it’s a three-day festival but the party typically lasts a week. Yes, water will be thrown but there’ll also be open markets on the main street, a “Miss Lao New Year” contest and various parades.
When: Apr 14-16
Where: Luang Prabang
Credit www.thrissurpooramfestival.com
INDIA
Thrissur Pooram Elephant Festival
This high-energy 36-hour festival is a celebration of Gods and Goddesses. The highlight involves more than 30 costumed elephants parading around town, while making their way to the Vadakkunnathan temple.
When: Apr 28
Where: Thissur, India
BHUTAN
Domkhar Tshechu
This is one of Bhutan’s most popular festivals, during which a multitude of sacred dances are performed on the street by dancers wearing colorful local costumes.
When: Apr 28-29
Where: Domkhar, Chummi, Bumthang
PHILIPPINES
Wanderland Festival
Manila’s annual music and art festival features an international lineup including Kid Cudi, Youngblood Hawke and Lewis Watson. Also expect live art demonstrations, a treasure hunt and obstacle course.
When: Apr 25
Where: Hippodromo, Makati City
Tickets: PHP5,810 (B4,218) at wanderlandfestival.com
MAY
SINGAPORE
Asia Fashion Exchange
This year, Singapore has combined its three biggest fashion events into one, encompassing Fashion Week (May 13-17), a trade show (May 14-15) and the Fashion Emporium (May 16-17). As well as world-class designers like Diane von Furstenberg, the event also praises local talents.
When: May 13-17
Where: Suntec Convention Hall 401. www.asiafashionexchange.com.sg
HONG KONG
Affordable Art Fair
After two successful runs, expect to see over 130 galleries on display at the third edition of the AAF. You’ll find paintings, prints, sculptures and photography, with works starting from HK$1,000 (B4,186).
When: May 22-24
Where: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre
Ticket: HK$150-200 (B627-837)
The Sound of Music
One of the world’s most iconic musicals and a staple at London’s West End visits Hong Kong to tell the story of a governess who changes the lives of the widowed Captain Von Trapp and his seven children.
When: May 15-Jun 14
Where: Lyric Theatre, Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts
Ticket: HK$395-995 (B1,653-4,165).
PHILIPPINES
Boracay Food Festival
Feast on sumptuous Filipino dishes at this threeday food extravaganza. On top of authentic Filipino bites like adobo (meat marinated in vinegar), lumpia (deep-fried spring roll) and lechon (suckling pig), there will also be plenty of music and entertainment.
When: May 11-13
Where: Aklan, Boracay
JUNE
THAILAND
Laguna Phuket Marathon
Phuket’s biggest marathon returns featuring categories for all abilities, including a 10.5km run and 5km community walk. Over 7,000 runners from all over the world are expected to participate.
When: Jun 7
Where: Laguna Phuket
Tickets: B3,450-3,900 and B3,100-3,550 for half-marathon at phuketmarathon.com
Phi Ta Khon Festival
At Loei province’s colorful ghost festival, locals celebrate two Buddhist events while wearing ghostlike wooden masks: the huge merit-making ceremony Ngan Boon Pravet; and Ngan Boon Bang Fai, also known as Rocket Festival.
When: June 27-29
Where: Dan Sai district, Leoi province. TAT Loei 042-812-812, 042-811-480
SINGAPORE
The O.P.E.N.
This pre-festival for the Singapore International Festival of Arts (SIFA, Aug 6-Sep 20) features public performances, film screenings, concerts, exhibitions and talks from both local and international artists.
When: Jun 17-Jul 4
Where: Various venues around Singapore.
Photo: Felixpro
KOREA
Ultra Korea Festival
This mega music festival heads to Asia for the first time, starting in South Korea. Headliners include David Guetta, Knife Party, Alesso, Hardwell, DVBBS and Galantis.
When: Jun 12-13
Where: Seoul Olympic Stadium Complex
Ticket: Start at 120,000 won (B3,527)
Photo: Iman Hartoyo
INDONESIA
Waisak
Every year, people gather at the magnificent 1,200-year-old Buddhist temple in Borobudur that plays host to the Vesak festival. Even if you’re non-Buddhist, the festivities still make for quite a sight, particularly the hundreds of lanterns released into the night sky.
When: Jun 2
Where: Borobudur
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