Agoda Spotlights Lantern Festivals Across Asia to Brighten the Year
SINGAPORE, May 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Digital travel platform Agoda is shining a light on some of Asia's most enchanting lantern festivals coming up in the remainder of the year. These lantern festivals are unmissable for travelers eager to immerse themselves in culture and dazzling light-filled celebrations.
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
Malaysian Reserve
3 days ago
- Malaysian Reserve
Hotel Indalo Park Moves Toward Energy Efficiency with New Energy Management System (EMS)
BARCELONA, Spain, June 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In line with its long-standing family values and environmental commitment, Hotel Indalo Park has taken a significant step toward sustainability by implementing an advanced Energy Management System (EMS). This digital platform allows for smart energy use based on real-time guest demand, optimizing the building's overall efficiency. Aware of the tourism sector's impact on climate change — according to Nature Climate Change (2018), tourism accounts for around 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions, with hotels contributing approximately 1% — the Indalo Park team has taken action to reduce its footprint. Thanks to funding received from the Ministry of Industry and Tourism, supported by the European Union's Next Generation funds, and within the framework of the 'Last Mile Digitalization Projects for Tourism Companies' program, the hotel has been able to deploy this smart energy solution aligned with global decarbonization goals. The EMS enables centralized control of key systems such as HVAC, domestic hot water (DHW), and refrigeration units — which, until now, operated based on fixed temperature settings. With this technology, these systems adjust their energy use according to actual demand, greatly improving energy performance. The new system is expected to reduce the hotel's energy consumption by 30%, which equates to an annual saving of 247,905 kWh and a reduction of 66,934 kg of CO₂ emissions. Beyond the environmental benefits, the initiative is projected to generate an annual economic saving of €37,904. This innovation adds to more than 30 years of continuous growth for Hotel Indalo Park, a family-run hotel known for its warm hospitality and customer-centered service. Now led by the second generation of the founding family, the hotel remains committed to blending tradition and innovation — offering memorable guest experiences while moving toward a greener future. More information: Photo – –
Malaysian Reserve
4 days ago
- Malaysian Reserve
Regent Hong Kong Named #1 Hotel in Hong Kong for the 2nd Consecutive Year at Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2025
HONG KONG, June 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Following Regent Hong Kong's stunning return to famed Victoria Harbour, the hotel continues to garner global accolades cementing its reputation as a premier luxury destination. The latest honour is being named #1 on the list of 'Best Hotels in Hong Kong' for the second consecutive year at the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2025. Showcasing the crème de la crème of the Asian hospitality industry, the third annual T+L SEA Luxury Awards represent the best of the best in the region, with nominees selected by Travel + Leisure SEA's team of editors and expert contributors across Asia Pacific and voting open to anyone anywhere. 'We are thrilled to once again be ranked #1 on T+L's prestigious list of the 'Best Hotels in Hong Kong', shares Michel Chertouh, Managing Director, Regent Hong Kong. He adds, 'We are grateful for this continued accolade from our loyal guests and the discerning community of global tastemakers who have embraced our reimagined haven on Victoria Harbour. This award reflects the dedication and professionalism of our team who consistently deliver thoughtful, personalised service and curated experiences that create unforgettable moments for our guests.' A Serene Urban Retreat Dramatically located on the edge of Victoria Harbour with cinematic views overlooking the iconic skyline, Regent Hong Kong is a storied landmark that has been reimagined with timeless elegance and contemporary sophistication. The property exudes a sense of discreet luxury defined by the thoughtful design and craftsmanship of the visionary Chi Wing Lo, personalised service and immersive guest experiences by Regent Experience Agents, plus decadent culinary journeys crafted by a team of masterful chefs. Elevated above the noise of the city while in the heart of it all, guests at Regent Hong Kong experience luxurious harbourfront living with a sense of calm that balances the dynamism of the city. Celebrating the 'Beauty of Contrasts' serene interiors juxtapose majestic views of Victoria Harbour and the iconic Hong Kong skyline. Guests will discover Personal Havens – peaceful spaces in guestrooms and throughout the hotel – with experiences that invite guests to pause, savour the moment and soak in the view in an ambience of quiet luxury and sophistication. High-resolution images of rooms and suites:
Malaysian Reserve
5 days ago
- Malaysian Reserve
U.S. Virgin Islands Reports Strong Mid-Year Tourism Growth and Global Visibility in 2025
ST. THOMAS, U.S. Virgin Islands, June 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — At the halfway point of 2025, the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism is reporting strong gains across airlift, cruise arrivals, accommodations, cultural events, and global brand visibility. With continued momentum and sustained interest from travelers and industry partners alike, the territory remains one of the most dynamic destinations in the Caribbean. 'We've reached the halfway point of 2025 with exceptional results that reflect the appeal and strength of the U.S. Virgin Islands,' said Joseph Boschulte, U.S. Virgin Islands Commissioner of Tourism. 'This is a testament to the dedication of the Department of Tourism team and local stakeholders who together remain focused on sustainable growth, strategic partnerships, and cultural authenticity.' Air service continues to expand, making it easier for travelers to access the territory. New daily nonstop flights from Dallas to St. Thomas are now operating, while additional service from Chicago and Boston is scheduled to begin in December. St. Croix will also gain new nonstop connectivity from Chicago later this year. These new routes come on the heels of record arrivals in 2024. Air arrivals for 2025 are projected to be slightly below 2024's record numbers. Cruise arrivals are also trending upward. St. Thomas/St. John is projected to receive 1,487,753 passengers across 414 ship calls this year, marking a 4 percent increase. St. Croix anticipates 86 calls and more than 208,086 passengers, reinforcing the island's role in the territory's cruise strategy. Hotels and vacation rentals are performing well across the territory. Hotel occupancy has grown 4.3 percent, and hotel tax collections have surpassed 2024 April Year-To-Date (YTD) revenues by 6.7 percent and are 41.0 percent ahead of the same period of fiscal year 2023. Short-term rental revenue is also up, with fiscal year collections tracking nearly 11 percent ahead. The U.S. Virgin Islands now ranks third in the Caribbean for both average daily rate and revenue per available room, each more than 30 percent above the regional average. Signature cultural celebrations continue to be a major draw. The Crucian Christmas Festival and St. Thomas Carnival generated more than $5.6 million in combined earned media value and brought thousands of visitors to experience the music, food, and pageantry of the islands. The upcoming St. John Celebration, taking place June 29 through July 4, is expected to attract visitors from across the region and showcase the vibrant spirit of the U.S. Virgin Islands. National marketing efforts continue to elevate the territory's profile across key markets. Strategic partnerships with the LPGA, Chicago Cubs, New York Jets, Boston Red Sox, Klutch Sports Group, Fenway Sports Management 'Way Up with Angela Yee' and I Heart Radio are helping extend USVI visibility. The destination was also featured at the 2025 Dreamville Festival and is preparing for activations at major lifestyle events later this year, including the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen, LPGA FM Championship, Angela Yee Day and One Musicfest. Meetings and incentives travel has also gained traction, with more than 17 programs booked during fiscal year 2023–2024, generating nearly 7,000 room nights, $2.7 million in room revenue, and over $330,000 in tax revenue. According to Cvent, St. Thomas is now ranked as the fifth most preferred Caribbean destination for incentive travel, ahead of Puerto Rico and Jamaica. Recent accolades continue to reinforce the U.S. Virgin Islands' standing as a top Caribbean destination. In 2025, Caribbean Journal recognized the territory as both Caribbean Yachting Destination of the Year and Event Destination of the Year. St. Croix earned the title of Caribbean Culinary Destination of the Year, while local chef David 'Benji' Benjamin was named Caribbean Chef of the Year. The territory also received global praise from Tripadvisor, which ranked Trunk Bay and Magens Bay among the top ten beaches in the world in its Travelers' Choice Best of the Best Awards. For more information about the U.S. Virgin Islands and its offerings, please visit About the U.S. Virgin Islands About 40 miles east of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands comprise a United States territory located in the northeastern Caribbean Sea. The three islands are St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas, where the capital of Charlotte Amalie is located. Perfect for leisure or business travel, the U.S. Virgin Islands features breathtaking, world-renowned beaches, an international marine industry, European architecture, and a burgeoning restaurant industry. No passports are required from U.S. citizens traveling from the U.S. mainland or Puerto Rico. Entry requirements for non-U.S. citizens are equivalent to entering the United States from any international country. Upon departure, a passport is required for non-U.S. citizens. For more information about the United States Virgin Islands, go to follow us on Instagram (@visitusvi) and Twitter (@usvitourism), and become a fan on Facebook (
