Magnificent parades, colourful costumes and never-ending parties forms a significant part of all the carnivals that take place in Asia. Carnivals are the best time to visit any country, because it helps you to understand culture and traditions of a country effortlessly. So, let yourself loose and let these Asian carnivals create an unforgettable experience for you. Go get your costumes now!
Asakusa Samba in Japan
Samba is originally from Brazil, but Asakusa Samba carnival of Japan highlights a 30-year-old Japanese tradition. This Samba carnival originated in a town called Asakusa. The event attracts thousands of tourists every year. The parade involves 30-40 Samba groups with biggest of groups having more than 250 participants, all decked up in elaborately decorated feather headdresses, performing on the streets and celebrating the day. This is something you just can’t miss.
When – The event takes place annually in August
Flight Cost- A round-trip journey from New Delhi to Tokyo in the month of August will cost around ₹49,333
Daily budget - The average daily cost per person, per day is ₹7,987. This includes food, entertainment and intra-city transfers.
Where to stay – The carnival takes place in the city of Tokyo itself, which has several stay options for tourists. Budget travellers can stay opt for Family Inn Saiko which will cost them ₹4,691 per night, otherwise, for luxurious stays, Hotel Mandarin Oriental is also a good option. The rooms here start from the price of ₹46,895 per night.
Ha long Carnival in Vietnam
Ha Long Carnival in Vietnam is one of the biggest events in Vietnam. The carnival creates a joyous environment with street parades by locals in vibrant costumes, dancing along the coast. Adding to this, there are sound, water and laser show and aerial fireworks to keep you entertained. The carnival is a celebration of Ha Long culture and is a party of light, music and colour. The carnival attracts tourists from all over the world and also has participants from other Asian nations including Korea and Philippines.
When: It usually takes place for a week in late-April to early-May
Flight Cost: A round-trip journey from New Delhi to - Hanoi, Vietnam in the month of April will cost around ₹26,391. Ha Long is a four hours drive from Hanoi, the capital city.
Daily budget: One can expect an expenditure of ₹2,681 average daily cost per person, per day. This includes food, entertainment and intra-city transfers.
Where to stay: Ha Long has several stay options for all kind of visitors. Budget travellers can stay opt for homestays such as MAI Homestay, Da Nang which will cost ₹844 per night, otherwise, for luxurious stays, Rendezvous hotel is also a good option. The rooms here start from the price of ₹9,457 per night.
Ati Atihan festival in the Philippines
Ati Atihan festival is all about celebrating the roots. The name Ati-Atihan means 'make-believe Atis’, this is in honour of Santo Nino and their other ancestors, Atis. The last three days of this week-long festival is highlighted by a parade, the locals dress up as Atis, and create a joyous environment for everyone. This is the best place to experience an ultimate Filipino Fiesta. Be a part of the vibrant dance, the energy and enjoy the never-ending merrymaking.
When: The festival is held on the third week of January every year
Flight Cost: A round-trip journey from Kolkata to Kalibo, the Philippines in the month of January will cost around ₹99,330.
Daily Budget: The average daily cost per person, per day expenditure of ₹2,595 can be expected in the Philippines including expenses such as food, entertainment and intra-city transfers.
Where to Stay: Visitors can either opt to stay on the Boracay island which is a boat ride away from Kalibo or they can choose to stay in Kalibo itself. At Kalibo, tourists can go for Ati- Atihan Festive Hotel which charges ₹1,951 per night for a room. For Boracay island, one can stay at Discover Boracay Hotel and Spa which will cost ₹6,277 per night.
Goa Carnival in India
Goa doesn’t stop celebrating after New Year, it continues the celebration with its famous carnival, a tradition that is believed to be centuries old. The carnival begins on Fat Saturday with a procession headed by King Momo, who is believed to be the king of Goa for these five days. There are parades, horse-drawn carriages, bullock carts, colourfully decorated floats and electrifying music to add up to the celebration. This is the best time to visit Goa, the carnival attracts tourists in large numbers. With live performances to go with finger licking food and drinks, Goa is the place for you!
When: The carnival takes place in February every year.
Flight Cost- Round trip to Goa from New Delhi starts from ₹9,815 during the month of February.
Daily Budget: One can expect an expenditure of ₹1,500 average daily cost per person, per day. This includes food, entertainment and intra-city transfers.
Where to Stay: Goa has a lot of options for all kind of tourist. There are stays for budget travellers such as the Hashtag room which will cost you ₹500 every night and then for the ones looking for a luxurious stay there is, Villa Morjim that charges ₹33,500 per night.
Solo Batik in Indonesia
Solo city, officially known as Surakarta, is known for its annual fashion fiesta, Solo Batik Carnival. Every year the carnival is organized around themes. The event turns the city into a ramp walk, on which the indigenous batik collections are showcased. Along with this, there are processions of dancers in vibrant costumes. The event is organised by Government of Indonesia. Solo Batik Carnival 2017 is an example of a perfect culture-based and man-made attraction. Watching a whole city turn into a fashion fiesta and creation of Javanese ambiance everywhere, is an experience you shouldn’t miss.
When: The event takes places in mid of July every year
Flight Cost: A round-trip journey from Chennai to Solo will start from ₹77,557
Daily Budget: The average daily cost per person, per day expenditure of ₹2,754 can be expected in Indonesia including expenses such as food, entertainment and intracity transfers.
Where to Stay: There are both budget stays and high-end hotels available in Solo for travellers. If looking for something within budget, then one can rent a private room at POP! Hotel Solo that charges ₹1,123 for one night. There are other options such as The Sunan hotel that will cost ₹2,361 per night.
Prudential Marina Bay Carnival in Singapore
Unleash your inner kid at Prudential Marina Bay Carnival which is the biggest carnival of all times in Singapore. With an abundance of fun-filled rides, games, music and food for both kids and adults, the carnival is a perfect place to be for a fun-filled evening. It is said that a carnival is not a carnival unless it has some heart throbbing rides, and Marina Bay Carnival serves its visitors right. There are spine-tingling rides such as Mach 5, Euro Coaste and Das Fun Schiff along with traditional carnival games like bumper cars and star flyers. Adding to this, there are performances by local bands and scenic workout sessions by the bay to keep you entertained.
When: The carnival is organized for four months, from December to April.
Flight Cost: A round-trip journey from Kolkata to Singapore for the month of December will start from ₹16,461.
Daily Budget: One can expect an expenditure of ₹7,357 average daily cost per person, per day. This includes food, entertainment and intra-city transfers.
Where to stay: Singapore has several stay options for all kind of visitors. Budget travellers can stay opt for places such as the Bohemian Chic which will cost ₹1,505 per night, otherwise, for luxurious stays Capella Singapore is also a good option. The rooms here start from the price of ₹55,875 per night.
AIA Great European Carnival in Hong Kong
The Great European Carnival organizes this carnival every year in Hong Kong every winter in December for two months. It is organized in the Central Harbourfront and attracts a million visitors every year. Along with fun-filled rides and games, the carnival also showcases Great European Circus, Billboard radio LIVE and similar other shows, annually. This is the best time to book your tickets to this global financial hub.
When: The carnival is organized for four months, from December to April.
Flight Cost: A round-trip journey from India to Hong Kong will start from ₹32,985
Daily Budget: The average daily cost per person, per day expenditure of ₹9,262 can be expected in Hong Kong including expenses such as food, entertainment and intra-city transfers.
Where to stay: Hong Kong has several options of homestays available to tourists, rent of these homestays can range from ₹1,800 to ₹20,00 per night.