The Lantern Festival which is also widely popular as the Shangyuan Festival in China falls on the fifteenth day of the first month in the Lunar Calendar. This is generally during February or March according to the Gregorian calendar. This festivity has become very significant ever since the Western Han Dynasty which was during 206 BC to AD 25. When this festival began during the Han Dynasty, China was a country which was thriving with Buddhism. It is said that the monks lit lanterns to reminisce the relics from the cremation of Lord Buddha after attaining Nirvana. Following this, beginning from the empire to every household in China lights a lantern on this special day. With time this became a very majestic festival which went …

Bangkok is the capital city of the Southeast Asian nation of Thailand. The most populous city of Thailand as well, Bangkok serves as the hub of Thailand’s commercial and cultural activity. It is also one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations due to its unique lifestyle, leisure and cultural attractions, and its lively nightlife. One of the most unique cultural festivals celebrated in Bangkok is the Nine Emperor Gods Festival. This event is a nine day long Taoist festival consisting of various traditions and rituals. This festival has a rich heritage, and is a very colourful and vibrant celebration, which provides great insights to the culture of Bangkok. Celebrated at the beginning of the 9th Lunar month of the Chinese Lunar Calendar, the Nine …

Phuket, at one time known as Thalang, is Thailand’s biggest island, measuring at least fifty kilometres in length and a little less than half that at its widest points. The island is situated off Thailand’s southern tip and is connected to the mainland by a pair of bridges. Phuket’s main claim to fame is its gorgeous beaches. The island’s white sandy beaches in combination with the silvery waters of the Andaman Sea make it a much loved holiday destination. It is the ideal place to try out a range of water related activities such as scuba diving, snorkelling, sailing, parasailing, kayaking, surfing and jet skiing. However, Phuket also offers a number of activities outside of the beach too. Tourists who want to take a day …

For the ultimate holiday experience, select a Phuket beach resort such as Anantara Phuket Resort Thailand, an ideally located Phuket resort. When in the region there are various things to do and events to enjoy, especially local festivals. One of the most unique festivals in the island is the Vegetarian Festival. Phuket Seafood Festival where local culinary experts showcase their skills and the Chinese New Year are also popular events. However a prominent event you will get to experience here is the Songkran Festival. Bringing an array of entertainment options is the Phuket Old Town Festival whilst Wat Chalong Fair which coincides with the Chinese New Year brings shopping opportunities, entertainment and more.

If you are looking for a relaxed vacation in East Asia, Singapore is the best place to be this holiday. Singapore hotel accommodation will always be a hassle free experience as you can easily find conveniently located Studio M hotel Singapore which is recommended as an ideal Singapore hotel to explore the city while experiencing the Singaporean culture. Huayi is one of the must- experienced cultural events when you are holidaying in Singapore. Celebrating the multicultural aspect of Singapore, Huayi Chinese festival was launched in 2003 as one of the three annual cultural events at Esplanade. Since 2003, Huayi is organized annually as a traditional event and it provides a great platform to artists from various genres to showcase their talents. This Chinese festival of …

While the world welcomes New Year with the beginning of a new calendar, in most cultures all around the world, the New Year is welcomed in many different ways, sometimes even at a different time. The Chinese New Year is one of them where the citizens of China along with most of their neighbours such as Hong Kong, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia, welcome the New Year with the onset of spring. The festival, also called the Spring Festival, starts on the first day of the very first month, continues for fifteen days and comes to an end with the Lantern Festival. As the New Year draws close, a number of open air markets are set up selling wares such as fire crackers, toys and …