Pack Your Bags for These Destination Music Festivals in Asia
There’s no better way to learn more about a country than to embed yourself in its culture. Music festivals let you lose yourself in music while you enjoy a taste of the culture uniquely. And what better way is there to make local friends than on the dancefloor? Music festivals can be a window into the heritage and history of a new place. And partying can help break down that nervous feeling you get when you feel like a complete stranger.
If you love music festivals and traveling through Asia is on your bucket list, this fabulous selection of five fascinating festivals across the continent is for you.
Wanderland Festival (Philippines)
This two-day outdoor festival at Alabang, Philippines, is a celebration filled with soulful music and plenty of other activities including mini carnivals. A marriage of the indie art and music scene in the Philippines, the festival which has featured the likes of Foals, Joji, and Ben & Ben has become home to international and local talent alike since its birth in 2013. Best described as the “Coachella of the Philippines,” Wanderland has grown as an icon.
Sunburn Festival (India)
India may not be known for its music festival scene but Sunburn changes all of that. The three-day event is the largest dance music festival in Asia and the third-largest in the world after Tomorrowland and Ultra. It combines global superstars with top-tier Indian talent. Past performances include Afrojack, The Chainsmokers, DJ Snake, Tiesto, Hardwell, Nucleya, Anish Sood, Janux, Sartek, and Arsh. A great escape from the winter chill, the festival happens annually in December. You can camp out under the stars of Vagator Beach in Goa. And soar high into the sky on hot air balloons for a breathtaking bird's eye view of the festival.
Maya Music Festival (Thailand)
Thailand has a range of brilliant festivals, Maya is top-tier among them. It's an immersive event that fuses electronic music with traditional Thai art and mythology. Maya takes place in Pattaya, Thailand, and is a great choice if you’re interested in learning more about the country’s rich culture and tradition. Maya was developed in 2015 to preserve and showcase ancient Thai art with a classy blend of modern music. The festival has quickly risen in the ranks to become a major player in the Asian music festival scene, inviting performances from the likes of Alan Walker, ILLENIUM, LANY, and R3HAB, among others. The heart of the festival is a towering 26-meter-tall stage that resembles Hanuman, the monkey king of Thai legend – MAYA is a feast for the ears and eyes.
Hydeout (Singapore)
Singapore’s first multi-genre festival, HYDEOUT is one of Asia's newest offerings, presenting an innovative fusion of visuals and arts. The concert which happens in The Meadow, Gardens by the Bay is truly a one-of-a-kind experience. Despite having its 2020 debut cut short, the festival has turned challenges into opportunities. Their immersive digital festival featured a star-studded lineup including Rita Ora, Tinashe, Martin Garrix, Nicky Romero, and Singapore’s own DJ/ producer Myrne.
EPIZODE (Vietnam)
The 11-day event is Vietnam's most popular international techno festival. Imagine enjoying music from Loco Dice, Jamie Jones, and Deborah DeLuca amidst stunning stage designs, glorious tropical weather, and activities like stand-up paddleboarding. EPIZODE also blazes a path to making live music more carbon-conscious with its recycling rewards program. So if you’re keen to do your part to save the Earth while also scoring some free drinks, then head to this innovative festival on the picturesque Phu Quoc Island every January.