Sri Lanka’s commercial capital, Colombo, has been highlighted in Agoda’s month-by-month travel guide for 2026. The global digital travel platform recommends the city as a top destination for May, coinciding with the vibrant Vesak festival. Agoda suggests that visitors traveling to Colombo during this period can experience colorful lantern displays, temple observances, and evening processions, providing meaningful insights into the Buddhist traditions that are integral to everyday life in Sri Lanka.
This recognition comes as Agoda releases its annual guide titled “Where to Travel Each Month in 2026 Across Asia,” which aims to assist travelers in planning their journeys based on seasonal weather, cultural events, and unique local experiences across the region. “As travelers plan ahead for their 2026 adventures, Asia presents a calendar filled with well-timed reasons to travel. From festivals rooted in local tradition to landscapes shaped by seasonal weather, choosing when to go becomes as meaningful as choosing where,” Agoda noted.
Andrew Smith, Senior Vice President of Supply at Agoda, commented on the initiative, stating that planning travel by month encourages deeper engagement with destinations. “Instead of asking where to go, they ask when a place comes alive. With the right timing, travelers can enjoy immersive cultural festivals, better weather, and a deeper sense of place,” he explained. Agoda aims to support travelers by providing access to flights, accommodation, and activities through a single platform.
Colombo has been selected as the recommended destination for May, while the broader list features destinations across Asia for each month of the year. For instance, Hampi in India is highlighted for January, Takayama in Japan for February, Dien Bien Phu in Vietnam for March, and Koh Lanta in Thailand for December.
Agoda emphasizes that the chosen destinations demonstrate how travel planning can align experiences with the best times of the year, allowing travelers to enjoy cultural festivals, favorable climate conditions, and authentic local engagement. The platform currently offers access to over six million holiday properties worldwide, more than 130,000 flight routes, and over 300,000 travel activities that can be combined within a single booking.
January – Hampi, India
January’s cooler temperatures make walking between Hampi’s ancient temples and boulder-strewn landscapes more comfortable. The dry season also reveals the scale of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, where history and nature sit side by side.
February – Takayama, Japan
Takayama’s winter setting gives the town a quiet, postcard look, with snow settling on traditional wooden houses. February travel also allows easy access to nearby Shirakawa-go, where traditional thatched roof gassho-style farmhouses stand against alpine scenery.
March – Dien Bien Phu, Vietnam
March aligns with the Ban Flower Festival, when blooms cover the surrounding hills and cultural performances fill public spaces. The timing offers a chance to experience local life during one of the area’s most celebrated periods.
April – Taitung, Taiwan
Mild spring weather makes April a comfortable time to explore Taitung’s coastline and rural landscapes. The start of the Taitung Balloon Festival adds color to the sky and draws visitors beyond the city center.
May – Colombo, Sri Lanka
Wesak Day brings communities together through lantern displays, temple visits, and evening processions. Traveling during this period offers insight into Buddhist traditions that shape daily life across the market.
June – Hangzhou, China
June marks the Dragon Boat Festival, when rivers become racecourses and spectators line the banks. The festival also centers on sharing zongzi (sticky rice dumplings), tying food traditions closely to the celebration.
July – Boryeong, South Korea
Held at Daecheon Beach, the Boryeong Mud Festival turns the coastline into a playground of mud-based activities. July’s warm weather suits the event’s outdoor focus, mixing humor and shared participation.
August – Ipoh, Malaysia
August offers conditions suited for exploring Ipoh’s cave temples, heritage buildings, and street art lanes. The city’s food scene also makes it easy to structure days around markets and local cafes.
September – Luang Prabang, Laos
As the rainy season eases, September reveals green hills and full waterfalls around Luang Prabang. The timing supports slower travel, with space to explore temples and riverbanks without peak-season crowds.
October – Chiang Mai, Thailand
October coincides with Yi Peng, when lanterns lift into the night sky across Chiang Mai. The festival creates a temporary transformation of the city, blending ritual with visual spectacle.
November – Jaipur, India
The November Diwali festival fills streets and homes with lamps, fireworks, and shared meals. Visiting during the Festival of Lights places travelers in the center of celebrations that emphasize renewal and connection.
December – Koh Lanta, Thailand
December brings steady weather and calm seas to Koh Lanta, making it suitable for beach days and boat trips. The island’s quieter pace offers a relaxed way to close out the year with beautiful sunsets and serene nature.
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