With the immense cultural diversity of Asia, it stands to reason you’ll be able to find a something at the back end of the year to enjoy while you’re there. Here are five festivals you still have the chance to check out in 2016.

1. Big Mountain Music Festival – Thailand

This event is officially the largest music performance in Thailand, with quite literally hundreds of acts said to take to the stages in Kaeng Krachan Country Club Village every December.

There are a versatile mix of acts which appeal to every type of person, with a lineup featuring a fusion of hard-hitting electronic beats, blistering rock riffs and dynamic pop anthems, as well as sounds from many other genres.

As well as the music itself, there are also fairground rides to get involved with, as well as a bevy of food stalls all looking to provide people with delicious treats.

2. Druk Wangyel Tshechu – Bhutan

This week-long festival was set up in 2011 as a celebration of a military victory over Indian insurgence eight years prior, and has now developed into an event well worth checking out.

There’s a versatile mix of performances on show throughout the course of the seven days, with just some of the acts including:

– Live show of great warriors (a reproduction of the 2003 victory)
– Folk heritage mask dances
– Cultural dances by the royal academy
– Arrival of the 4th king and 5th king of Bhutan
– An extravagant closing ceremony on Coronation Day

As well as this, you’ll also be able to sightsee and shop at your leisure on any of the days – with the local Druk region providing people with plenty of chance to bask in Bhutan’s culture.

3. Haad Rin Full Moon Party – Thailand

This event is in earnest more of an elongated party than a true festival, but you’ll still want to try it out for yourselves just to soak in the atmosphere of Haad Rin – nominated as one of the world’s top 10 party locations.

The area is popularly frequented by backpackers from around the globe, meaning the town turns into something of a melting pot of different cultures and accents when it’s party time.

If you want to try it out for yourself, the next event is on the 14th of December. Ensure you make the most of this “special time when the moon shines bright and the backpacker hordes hit the beach to drink booze out of buckets and generally go nuts.”

4. Bangalore Literature Festival – India

If you’re looking for something a little bit different, why not check out the Bengaluru (or Bangalore) Literature Festival when you’re next in the Indian province of Karnataka?

The “Garden City” is well-known for its rich history when it comes to both poets and authors, who primarily scribe in the Kannada language.

This event is certainly worth trying out if you’re a big reading buff, with lots of stuff available to get involved with, including:

– Q&As from popular names in the world of writing
– A line-up of live music (including traditional Indian acts)
– Movie screenings
– Books for sale

5. Sounkyo Hyobaku Matsuri – Japan

While a lot of these events are a fantastic option for people looking to escape the winter weather and Christmassy atmosphere, this Japanese festival is the opposite – with snowy conditions standing out as the primary drawing factor.

Situated near the Ishikari River in the town of Sounkyo, you’ll find a selection of gigantic snow structures which are lit up every night by a series of multi-colour lights.

Food is available all along the viewing route. While demonstrations are put on by Hyobaku drummers and Ainu ethnic dancers.

Do any of these festivals sound like something you’d want to get involved with this December? If so, book a last-minute trip to one of these locales and experience a blend of heritage and excitement for yourself.