In Cambodia, Meak Bochea (January 31) is a time when Buddhists honor the final sermon given by Buddha, notably at Oudong Mountain near Phnom Penh when hundreds of monks perform sacred rituals.
The Mahamuni Pagoda Festival (January 17 - 31) in Myanmar is a special occasion when hundreds of pilgrims from all over the country travel to the most important Buddhist monument in their city.
There are also Hindu celebrations to enjoy throughout January. Thaipusam (January 31) is observed as a highly symbolic Hindu festival celebrated in honor of Lord Murugan who represents virtue, youth and power to Hindus and is the destroyer of evil.
From January 5 to February 28, 2018, travelers can experience the world's largest ice festival, the “International Ice and Snow Festival”, in China’s Harbin City. This annual event attracts artists and ice sculpting experts from all over the world.
The Hong Kong Marathon takes place on January 21, 2018, with the 42.1 km full marathon starting in the scenic Tsim Sha Tsui area of Kowloon, racing up into the New Territories and heading back down to a spectacular finish in Victoria Park on Hong Kong Island.
Get set for the Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo from January 14 – 28.
January is the perfect time for snow sports in Japan and China and one of the best periods to travel in Southeast Asia (Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam and Myanmar) as the weather is mostly sunny and dry. Consider trekking in Myanmar’s Shan state (Inle Lake, Hsipaw and Kyaing Tong, Putao), or Central Thailand’s National Parks – taking advantage of the cooler air. This month Singapore and Malaysia experience their monsoon while in the stunning Raja Ampat national park in Indonesia – you will find perfect climatic conditions to enjoy the world’s most stunning marine life.
