Festivals & events

Festivals and events that shape a trip — celebrations, closures, peak prices and when to book ahead.

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Burma

Burma

Thingyan (Water Festival) Book ahead
Apr

Burmese new year water festival (mid-April). The whole country slows down for several days.

Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda Festival Celebration
Sep–Oct · approximate dates

Inle Lake's grand festival with a golden royal barge and leg-rowers. Lunar dates, usually Sep–Oct.

Thadingyut (Festival of Lights) Celebration
Oct · approximate dates

Lights and lanterns mark the end of Buddhist Lent. Lunar dates, usually October.

Tazaungdaing (Festival of Lights) Celebration
Nov · approximate dates

Hot-air balloon competitions, dazzling in Taunggyi near Inle Lake. Lunar date, usually November.