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Events in May
in Asia

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"Events in May" was last updated on April 17, 2014

What's happening in Asia in May month?

The high season in East Asia (Japan, South Korea and Japan) has started and to mark the transition to spring, you'll get to experience popular spring festivals in these countries. 

May month in Southeast Asia and South Asia is quieter on the festival side, but never boring ;-)

Festivals and Events in May
in Thailand

Rocket Festival

A popular event in Thailand and Laos, the rocket festival is celebrated at the beginning of rainy season. Expect home-made rockets (called 'Bangfai'), dance and music performances and lively parades. During the competition the home-made rockets are judged by height and distance traveled.

Best place to see the Rocket festival: Yasathon

When: May 10-11, 2014

Inthakin City Pillar Festival

Every year the Inthakin festival is held at Wat Chedi Luang to bring peace and prosperity to the people of Chiang Mai.

They borrow an important Buddha from the Wat Chedi Luang which is the centerpiece of the big parade. During the parade, Thai people sprinkle the Buddha with Thai holy water.

At Wat Chedi Lung, you'll see the Thais bring gifts and offerings like flowers and candles. Spectacular dances like the Muang Dance and the Sword Dance are performed for the public.

When: May 15th-June 1st, 2014

Where: Wat Chedi Luang, Chiang Mai

Moon Parties in Koh Pha Ngan

Full Moon Party: May 14th, 2014

Half Moon Party: May 7th, 21st 2014

Black Moon Party: May 28th, 2014

Click here for more information on Koh Pha Ngan or Koh Tao  (opens in a new window)

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Indonesia

Waisak Day

Waisak Day is an important date for most Asian Buddhists. On this day, they celebrate the birth and death of Buddha. Borobudur in Java is a temple complex given UNESCO Heritage status, and Buddhists meet at the complex to attend the ceremony, and give flowers.

The release of animals like birds and insects is also an important part of Waisak day, as it symbolize an act of liberation. A procession marks this special day, and we're talking about thousands of people ready to pay respect for the occasion.

When: May 15th, 2014

Where: Borobudur

India

Ooty Flower Show 

The Ooty flower show is literally a flower competition where 250 participants bring out the best in flower decor. The event is held at Nilgiris, considered as one of the most important hill stations in the country. 

When: May 17th-19th, 2014

Where: Nilgiris, Ooty

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Events in cool Japan

Aoi Matsuri

The center of attention on the Matsuri day is the large parade held in Kyoto. Over 500 people are dressed in aristocratic style. The procession starts from Imperial Palace, continues to Shimogamo shrine and ends at Kamigamo shrine.

When: May 15th, 2014

Where: Kyoto  

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The Spring Festivals and Events in May
in South Korea and Japan

Spring in East Asia means the up-rise of popular festivals. In South Korea, you have the Boseong Green Tea Festival (May 2nd-6th, 2014). Boseong is South Korea's tea growing capital and is famous for its green tea leaves. Boseong is located south of the country and not far from Jeju island.

Another tea festival in South Korea is the Hadong Wild Tea Cultural Festival from May 16th-18th 2014, held at Tea Culture Center (Ssanggyesa temple). What makes Hadong special is the fact that the first tea plantation in South Korea was established here. They use traditional methods to process the tea, which is one of the reasons tea sold in Hadong are of high quality and, hence expensive. 

Hadong lies north of Boseong. 

If you're in China in Mid-May, don't miss the Shanghai International Tea Culture Festival from May 30th - June 5th. Expect a tea culture seminar, trade fair and even a tea set auction. 

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You'll enjoy: Festivals in April Festivals in India Songkran and Khmer New Year

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