Agoda Spotlights Lantern Festivals Across Asia to Brighten the Year
Lantern festivals have long been a favorite for travelers, offering a unique blend of tradition, artistry, and community spirit. For those who marveled at earlier festivals this year, like China's Spring Lantern Festival or Taiwan's PingXi Lantern Festival, there's good news—there are still plenty of opportunities to catch more lantern-lit magic in the months ahead.
Monthly: Hoi An Lantern Festival, Vietnam
Hoi An's Lantern Festival transforms this charming riverside town into a glowing wonderland every full moon. Visitors can expect the streets to be bathed in the warm glow of colorful lanterns, while the Thu Bon River sparkles with floating lights. This monthly celebration is a tribute to Vietnam's rich heritage, offering travelers a chance to release their own lanterns and make a wish. The festival's intimate atmosphere and timeless beauty make it a must-see for those seeking a serene yet magical experience.
August 2025: Nara Tokae Lantern Festival and Obon Festival, Japan
August in Japan is a double delight for lantern lovers. The Nara Tokae Lantern Festival lights up the historic city of Nara with thousands of candle-lit paper lanterns, creating a captivating illumination amidst ancient temples and deer-filled parks. Meanwhile, the Obon Festival, celebrated nationwide, honors ancestors with floating lanterns and traditional dances. Together, these festivals offer a harmonious blend of reflection, celebration, and cultural immersion.
October 2025: Mid-Autumn Festival, China
China's Mid-Autumn Festival, celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, is a time for family reunions and moonlit festivities. Lantern displays take center stage, with intricate designs ranging from mythical creatures to modern art. Cities like Beijing and Shanghai host grand celebrations, but smaller towns also offer a more intimate charm. Mooncakes, storytelling, and lantern parades make this festival a feast for the senses and the soul.
November 2025: Yi Peng and Loy Krathong Festival, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Chiang Mai's Yi Peng and Loy Krathong Festival is a breathtaking spectacle of light and water. Thousands of lanterns are released into the sky, while floating krathongs (decorative baskets) are set adrift on rivers. This dual celebration symbolizes letting go of misfortunes and welcoming good luck. The sight of illuminated lanterns ascending into the night sky is a memory that will linger long after the festival ends.
December 2025: Giant Lantern Festival, Philippines
The Giant Lantern Festival in San Fernando, Philippines, is a dazzling display of craftsmanship and community spirit. Known as the "Christmas Capital of the Philippines," San Fernando showcases massive, intricately designed lanterns that light up the night in a kaleidoscope of colors. This festival is a testament to Filipino creativity and a joyful way to usher in the holiday season.
Krishna Rathi, Senior Country Director at Agoda, said, "Lantern festivals are more than just a visual treat; they're a window into the heart of a culture. Agoda is here to help travelers experience the magic firsthand and make their journeys as seamless as possible. Whether you're floating a lantern in Hoi An or Chiang Mai, Agoda's got your travel plans covered."
With over 5 million holiday properties, 130,000 flight routes, and 300,000 activities to choose from, Agoda makes it easy to plan a lantern-lit adventure. Visit Agoda.com and find the best deals on the Agoda mobile app.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Korea Herald
14 hours ago
- Korea Herald
CCTV+: China Up Close: Zhejiang Tour Explores Pinghu
BEIJING, Aug. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The third leg of the CGTN "China Up Close Series: Zhejiang Tour" recently arrived in Pinghu to see how this city is balancing economic growth with a modern creative edge. The China Up Close Series, launched in 2024 by China Global Television Network (CGTN), continues to showcase innovative-driven transformation in China. Since its debut in 2024, the program has chronicled development stories across multiple provinces including Fujian and Shanxi. The media delegation included nearly 70 journalists and editors from 11 countries and regions — among them Kazakhstan, Spain, Malaysia and Bulgaria. Alongside CGTN, they trained their cameras and notebooks on the region, aiming to capture Pinghu's distinctive appeal from multiple perspectives: technology-supported agriculture, rural revitalization, and industrial advances born from global collaboration. Their itinerary included the "Wildwoods & Creek" rural tourism project in Xincang Township, AIoT Agri-Tech Innovation Park run by Zhejiang Houji Intelligent Technology, the Rowing Town project, and aerospace manufacturer Hwahoo's facilities — each reflecting different aspects of Pinghu's development strategy. Through these stops, the group saw firsthand how Pinghu blends rural heritage with technological progress.
Korea Herald
18 hours ago
- Korea Herald
Agoda Unveils Return Visitor Ranking of Asian Cities That Keep Travelers Coming Back for More
SINGAPORE, Aug. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Digital travel platform Agoda has unveiled its latest Repeat Visitor Ranking, spotlighting the Asian city destinations that travelers just can't resist revisiting. Based on booking data from the first half of the year, the ranking reveals the top 10 destinations with the highest number of repeat visitors. Topping the list are Bangkok, Tokyo, Seoul, Bali, and Osaka, each offering unique charms that keep travelers coming back for more. These destinations prove that sometimes, a single trip just isn't enough. Travelers often find themselves drawn back to their favorite destinations, whether it's to explore more of what they missed the first time, revisit beloved spots, or simply soak in the familiar atmosphere. Agoda's data shows that many travelers even return to the same destination multiple times within the first six months of the year, proving the magnetic pull of these unforgettable places. Bangkok, the perennial favorite, continues to captivate visitors with its vibrant street life, world-class dining, and cultural landmarks like the Grand Palace and Wat Arun. Tokyo, in second place, attracts repeat visitors with its charming neighborhoods, renowned culinary scene, and seasonal attractions like cherry blossoms and cultural festivals. The magnetic appeal of Seoul, rounding out the top three, lies in the draw of K-culture, shopping havens like Myeongdong, and historic sites such as Gyeongbokgung Palace. Meanwhile, Bali, ranking fourth and often dubbed the "Island of the Gods," enchants travelers with its serene beaches, lush rice terraces, and spiritual retreats. Completing the lineup of the top five is Osaka, with its reputation as Japan's culinary capital, paired with its lively entertainment districts and proximity to Universal Studios Japan, makes it a must-return destination. Andrew Smith, Senior Vice President, Supply at Agoda, shared, "There's something magical about destinations that keep calling you back. Whether it's Bangkok's bustling markets, Tokyo's futuristic vibe, or Bali's breathtaking sunsets, these places have a way of leaving travelers wanting more. At Agoda, we're thrilled to help people rediscover their favorite spots while making each trip even more memorable and rewarding." The ranking also highlights other popular return destinations, including Taipei (Taiwan), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Da Nang (Vietnam), Johor Bahru (Malaysia), and Hong Kong filling out the top ten. Each offers its own unique mix of attractions, from culinary delights to cultural experiences, ensuring there's always something new to explore. For travelers looking to revisit their favorite destinations or discover new ones, Agoda offers over 6 million holiday properties, more than 130,000 flight routes, and over 300,000 activities, all of which can be combined in a single booking. Visit the website at or download the mobile app for the best deals.
Korea Herald
3 days ago
- Korea Herald
CCTV+: China Up Close: Zhejiang Tour Explores Deqing
BEIJING, Aug. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- From August 8 to 10, 2025, the "China Up Close Series: Zhejiang Tour" brought a contingent of nearly 70 journalists and editors from South Korea, Spain, Bulgaria, and Iceland to Deqing, a county in Zhejiang province. Alongside CGTN (China Global Television Network), they trained their cameras and notebooks on the area, aiming to capture its landscapes, history and cultural rhythms for audiences abroad.
