People do not normally associate Christmas with Southeast Asia.  Most of the citizens in the region are not even Christians.  However, you would be surprised to see how much of the holiday spirit is on display in Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar.

Christmas in Vietnam

During the 19^th and 20^th centuries, many Vietnamese converted to Christianity making Christmas one of the four most important festivals of Vietnam (the other being the birthday of Buddha, the New Year and the mid-autumn festival).  On Christmas Eve, many Vietnamese Christians attend Midnight Mass.  The tradition of presents under the Christmas tree is also prevalent in Vietnamese Christians’ homes.  Many will also enjoy their Christmas supper consisting of Christmas turkey, chicken soup or pudding.  One charming difference between Vietnam and the West is that children in Vietnam leave their shoes outside on Christmas Eve instead of stockings for Santa Claus.

Christmas in Thailand

Christianity represents 0.008% of Thailand’s population, with many concentrating in the northern part of the country.  Christmas is celebrated in Thailand by the masses nonetheless.  Decorations and songs can be heard as early as November and many Thais consider Christmas as part of the December and New Year festivities, with the King’s Birthday (and Father’s Day) being a holiday on the December 5^th and Constitution Day being a holiday on the 10^th of December.  Christmas Day, however, is not a holiday in Thailand, though many expats and Thai Christians take leave on that day anyway.  Like everywhere else in the region, Christmas corresponds with Thailand’s peak tourist season, so hotels are usually full.  Shopping malls and gift wrapping services in Bangkok’s major malls are very busy during this time.  You can also see Christmas tress being erected around the city, with the one in front of Central World shopping mall being the tallest in Southeast Asia.

Christmas in Laos

If you want to escape all the festivities associated with Christmas and just relax in serenity and peace, Laos is the place to go.  Although there are some Christians living in Laos, the festivities are not as prevalent as in Laos’ neighbors such as Thailand and Vietnam.  However, Christmas decorations are evident, if not scattered throughout Laos’ major cities of Vientiane and Luang Prabang.  Laos is known for its laid back and peaceful atmosphere so if you want a quiet and peaceful Christmas experience, then Laos is the place to go.

Christmas in Cambodia

The decorations and jolly mood associated with Christmas is evident in Cambodia.  Many hotels and guest houses are fully adorned with lights, decorations and Christmas trees.  You may even see Christmas trees wearing striking tinsels, bells, garlands, figurines and multicolored lights on your site seeing tour around Cambodia.  Christianity was first introduced to the country in 1660 by missionaries with the current estimate of Cambodia’s population being Christian at 0.15%.  Like other Southeast Asian countries, Cambodia offers unique and exotic gift ideas.

Christmas in Myanmar

Compared to Thailand and Vietnam, there is not as much Christmas decorations in Myanmar.  That does not mean there are none though.  Like most of mainland Southeast Asia, Myanmar is not a Christian country, however the six tribes collectively known as Kachins are devout Christians.  For them, the festive season starts early in December and like other Christians, attend mass on Christmas Eve and participate in Christmas carols.

December to February are the best months to visit Southeast Asia.  The weather is cooler and dryer and the people are in the festive mood, whether they celebrate Christmas or not. You can visit EXO Travel at www.exotravel.com and see our suggested tours in these five mentioned Southeast Asian countries.  If you have any questions please feel free to contact us.  We are more than happy to answer your questions.

Merry Christmas from South East Asia!