Loy Krathong
During November’s full moon, Thais launch illuminated banana-leaf boats in honor of the river goddess. In Chiang Mai, for the linked festival of Yi Peng, floating paper lanterns are released into the sky. A similar tradition is practiced in Myanmar during the fire-balloon competitions in Taunggyi.
Diwali
India's Festival of Lights is an important holiday celebrated with plenty of colorful lights and noisy fireworks used to frighten away evil spirits. Homes are decorated with lights, and ghee lanterns are burned everywhere. Fairs and gatherings are scattered throughout during the week.
Diwali (also spelled as Deepavali) is a beautiful spectacle in some parts of India, while you may not even know it's going on in others. The holiday is about peace, reunions, religious rites, and special meals with family.
Bon Om Touk
This Cambodian festival (sometimes held in October) celebrates Jayavarman VII’s victory over the Chams in 1177 and the reversal of the Tonlé Sap river. Boat races stir local patriotism and crowds gather in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.
Malaysia Day
Unlike Malaysia's Independence Day that celebrates independence from the British, Malaysia Day celebrates the coming together of Malaysia, Sarawak, North Borneo (later Sabah), and Singapore to form the Malaysian Federation. The day is celebrated with patriotic festivities along with a parade and speeches. Malaysia Day is an exciting time to travel in Malaysia.
Jidai Matsuri
The Jidai Matsuri is a festival that takes place every year in October, the anniversary of the foundation of Kyoto. It consists of a large parade that travels from the Imperial Palace to Heian Shrine. Jidai Matsuri is Japanese for "Festival of Ages", and the participants of the parade are dressed in accurate costumes from almost every period of Japanese history, as well as famous historical figures. Despite its short history, the Jidai Matsuri is one of Kyoto's three most famous festivals, along with the Gion Matsuri in July and the Aoi Matsuri in May.