Cover Eid al-Adha is a celebratory holiday for muslims that includes wearing new clothes, exchanging gifts, taking time off from school or work, and gathering with family for feasts of thanksgiving. Discover the things you can do during the holiday in Southeast Asia (Photo: Twenty47studio/Getty Images)
Eid al-Adha is a celebratory holiday for muslims that includes wearing new clothes, exchanging gifts, taking time off from school or work, and gathering with family for feasts of thanksgiving. Discover the things you can do during the holiday in Southeast Asia (Photo: Twenty47studio/Getty Images)
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From Thailand to Vietnam, these Southeast Asian destinations offer the perfect Eid al-Adha retreat
President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr declared June 17 a regular holiday in observance of Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice). If you’re searching for the perfect destination to celebrate, look no further. Southeast Asia’s rich cultures and diverse cuisines will satisfy your needs.
Apart from the wealthy number of mosques to pray at, one can also enjoy the diverse food available in the bustling streets of Thailand and Vietnam or marvel at the historical sites in Cambodia, Indonesia, and Brunei. There’s something for every traveller, catering to different tastes and preferences. Discover more in the roundup below.
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Looking for a place to pray?
From the grand mosques of Indonesia and Malaysia to the serene prayer spaces in Singapore and Thailand, there is no limit to the best places to pray for Eid al-Adha. These locations offer a peaceful and welcoming environment for your celebrations, with welcoming locals who are up for heartfelt worship.
Did you know? Singapore’s iconic Sultan Mosque’s golden dome symbolises the country’s rich culture, perfect for Eid al-Adha celebrations. Each dome base is decorated with glass bottle ends donated by Muslims during construction.
Related: 8 serene and beautiful mosques through the ages to welcome Eid
Looking for a tropical escape?
If you’re hitting two birds with one stone and are looking for a sunspot to spend the holidays at, then Southeast Asia has a plethora of pristine beaches and crystal waters to choose from, too.
Indonesia—especially Bali—is known for its hidden beaches and coral reefs if you want adventure. Thailand, too, boasts islands that offer beaches with tropical greenery and a calming view of the seas. And despite the wet season, the beaches in the Philippines are also a must-visit. Siargao and Boracay are hotspots, but if you’re looking for a quiet place, Bohol and Zambales are also good choices.
Read more: 5 Alternative beach destinations near Metro Manila 2024
Looking for good food?
Southeast Asian destinations are rich in food culture, ideal for you and your friends—passionate food enthusiasts—seeking your next culinary adventure.
Thailand is popular for its vibrant street food scene, where you can indulge in dishes like pad thai and som tam. Travellers often revisit the country just to taste authentic mango sticky rice. Near Thailand is Vietnam, which is also a haven for those who love fresh and flavorful cuisine, with dishes such as pho, bánh mì, and fresh spring rolls.
On the other hand, Malaysia’s rich culture is reflected in its cuisine, with must-try dishes like nasi lemak, char kway teow, and laksa showcasing a blend of Malay, Chinese, and Indian influences. Singapore is also up in the ranks when it comes to innovation. The country always has something new up its sleeve with its diverse culinary roots.
Related: Beyond pad thai: 8 Thai noodle dishes you should know
Looking for picturesque scenery?
For those who adore photo walks, Cambodia, Brunei, and Laos might be the best places to capture unique landscapes and cultures.
In Cambodia, the ancient temples of Angkor Wat provide a glimpse into history, surrounded by jungles. Similarly, Laos offers serene landscapes with its mountains, the tranquil Mekong River, and the breathtaking Kuang Si Falls near Luang Prabang. In Brunei, the rainforests of Ulu Temburong National Park provide a natural haven, while the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque showcases an architectural marvel set against the water.
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Looking for some arts and crafts?
Above A woman shapes a terracotta pot in a village in Myanmar (Photo: Thierry Falise/LightRocket via Getty Images)
A woman shapes a terracotta pot in a village in Myanmar (Photo: Thierry Falise/LightRocket via Getty Images)
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Southeast Asian countries boast treasures tied to each other’s rich cultural heritage. For example, Myanmar refers to its traditional arts as the country’s ‘Ten Flowers’—the overall representation of its heritage and culture. Artefacts from these ten disciplines, from bronze and gold craftsmanship to ironwork, stone carving, lacquerware, and stucco, can be found in every corner of their cities.
The Philippines offers the best souvenirs, too, from the wooden handicrafts Quezon Province is known for to the textiles and fabrics of Iloilo.
Above The Islamic Arts Museum in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
The Islamic Arts Museum in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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For Eid al-Adha, one can visit the Islamic Arts Museum in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. With an impressive collection showcasing more than 12,000 artefacts, including textiles, ceramics, calligraphy, and jewellery, it stands as one of the largest museums in Southeast Asia dedicated to Islamic art.
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Angela Nicole Regis Guiral is the assistant digital editor of Tatler Philippines. She studied journalism and has since written features that look closely at how culture, lifestyle and social impact converge, while occasionally wandering into the worlds of style and travel.
