Aaaah…the sweet sounds of the saxophone and the tingling tones of the trumpet; just some of the harmonious chimes you’ll hear resonating across the coastal town of Hua Hin this June. Dating back to the 1950′s, The Hua Hin Jazz Festival is a popular event taking place each year, drawing visitors from all across Thailand. Over one weekend in June, live concerts are held in the tropical open-air with many artists performing right on the beach. And what’s the best thing about the festival? It’s free! And everyone knows that all backpackers love a good freebie! So don your best fisherman pants and get your jazz hands at the ready!
Boun Bang Fai Rocket Festival - Laos and North Eastern Thailand
Taking place over two days, with plenty eating, drinking and dancing thrown in, the Boun Bang Fai Rocket Festival is one of the most enjoyable (and noisiest!) events in Laos. Villages all across the country gather to create huge rockets made out of bamboo, decorate and paint them bright colours and stuff them with large quantities of gunpowder ready for the big launch! As they are fired into the skies, onlookers watch to see which rocket reaches the greatest height. The owner of the highest fired rocket receives prestige and status amongst the group and woe betide those who fire a dud! The festival is held at the beginning of May, in conjunction with the beginning of the rainy season in Laos. Since ancient times it has been performed by all those working on the land to request rain from the ‘Phaya Thaen’ or the ‘Rain God’ to pray for plentiful rice production for that year.
Bali Arts Festival - Bali, Indonesia
Taking place over an entire month from mid June to mid July, the Bali Arts Festival is a unique extravaganza of arts, music, dance and history celebrating passion and pride in Balinese culture. Amongst other performances, famous masked dances originating from tribal villages are showcased and ancient classic stories retold. There’s a vibrant atmosphere all across the island as celebrations are enjoyed by locals and travellers alike. For first time travellers to Bali, it’s a fantastic introduction to the rich heritage of the spirited destination.
Gawai Dayak Festival - Sarawak, Malaysia
Gawai is a religious and social festival held every June in the longhouses of lowland tribes in Sarawak to celebrate the New Year and harvest. In local language, Gawai means a ritual or festival, while Dayak is the name for the native ethnic groups of Sarawak. During this important time, families get together for unique celebrations which last a couple of days, with weddings often taking place as it’s one of the few times of year that the community is at home in their ancestral longhouse dwelling. If you happen to be travelling around exotic Sarawak during this Gawai Dayak, it’s a jolly good idea to get friendly with the locals, as no doubt you’ll be invited into the homes of the friendly tribal people to share with them this sacred festival, and spending the night in the jungle as the locals celebrate this exciting time is an experience like no other. Feasts, songs around the fire, ancient tribal stories, animal sacrifice, and lots of betel nut chewing and drinking of the deadly local liquor, Borak, are to be expected! Bruce Parry eat yer heart out! (By the way if you make it to this event, we’d love to hear about your experience, so please write in and tell us more!)
Thailand Surf Series – Phuket, Thailand
Thailand isn’t exactly famous for its swell, but this June be prepared to get stoked as the Thailand Surf Series hits popular tourist destination Phuket. The event expects contestants from 15 countries, participating in four categories: Short Board, Long Board, Groms (Kids) and Women.
