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Public Holidays in Southeast Asian Countries

Public Holidays in Southeast Asian Countries
A Hindu Ceremony in Bali. Source: Flickr/Sue.

Southeast Asia is a region known for its rich cultural diversity, religious pluralism, and historical traditions. One of the ways this variety is most clearly expressed is through the numerous public holidays celebrated across the region.

Each Southeast Asian country has its own set of public holidays, influenced by religious observances, cultural festivals, and historical events.

We will explore the number of public holidays in each Southeast Asian country and provides insights into what makes their holiday calendars unique.

Brunei

Brunei Darussalam observes around 15 official public holidays each year. As a deeply Islamic monarchy, Brunei’s holidays are heavily influenced by Islam and royal occasions.

Major Islamic holidays like Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Hari Raya Haji are national events, alongside the Sultan’s Birthday and National Day.

The Islamic calendar also means that dates shift annually, making the number of holidays flexible depending on how weekends and religious dates fall.

Cambodia

Cambodia holds the record for the highest number of public holidays in Southeast Asia, with 21 to 28 days off in some years, although recent efforts have reduced this number to around 21. Cambodian holidays are rooted in Buddhism, royal anniversaries, and national history.

Pchum Ben (Ancestors' Day) and Khmer New Year are among the most important. The large number of holidays reflects the country’s cultural depth and respect for religious and traditional observances.

Indonesia

Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation, observes approximately 16 to 20 public holidays annually, including both fixed and optional leave days.

Holidays in Indonesia span Islamic, Christian, Hindu, and Buddhist traditions, reflecting the country’s national motto, “Bhinneka Tunggal Ika” or “Unity in Diversity.”

Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are widely celebrated, while Christmas, Vesak Day, and Nyepi (Balinese New Year) mark the nation’s multicultural identity.

Laos

Laos has about 12 public holidays each year, primarily influenced by the Buddhist calendar. The Lao New Year, known as Pi Mai, is the most significant festival and usually lasts several days.

Other notable holidays include That Luang Festival and National Day. These celebrations are not only religious in nature but also play a key role in national identity and community life.

Malaysia

Malaysia has one of the most complex public holiday systems in Southeast Asia, with around 14 national public holidays and additional state-specific holidays.

Due to its multi-ethnic population, Malaysia celebrates Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, and Christian festivals, such as Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Chinese New Year, Deepavali, and Christmas.

Moreover, states can declare their own holidays, such as Thaipusam in Selangor or the Harvest Festival in Sabah, which means some Malaysians enjoy over 20 public holidays a year.

Myanmar

Myanmar observes approximately 21 public holidays annually. The country’s calendar includes a mix of Buddhist festivals and national commemorations. Thingyan (Water Festival) is the most widely celebrated, marking the Burmese New Year.

Other important holidays include Full Moon Days tied to the Buddhist lunar calendar and Independence Day. The frequency of lunar holidays can cause variations in the total number each year.

The Philippines

The Philippines typically has 18 public holidays, divided into regular and special non-working holidays. As a predominantly Catholic country, many of the holidays reflect Christian traditions such as Holy Week, Christmas, and All Saints' Day.

Independence Day and National Heroes Day are among the secular holidays, while regional events like the Eid holidays are also nationally recognized due to the country's Muslim population in Mindanao.

Singapore

Singapore recognizes 11 public holidays each year, carefully chosen to reflect the city-state’s multi-religious and multi-ethnic population. These include Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Puasa, Deepavali, Vesak Day, and Christmas.

Despite the relatively lower number of public holidays compared to its neighbors, Singapore emphasizes productivity while ensuring inclusivity through its carefully curated holiday calendar.

Thailand

Thailand has around 17 public holidays annually. Buddhist observances such as Makha Bucha Day and Visakha Bucha Day are central, along with royal birthdays and national days like the King’s and Queen’s birthdays.

Songkran, the Thai New Year, is the most anticipated celebration, lasting several days and involving nationwide festivities and water fights.

Timor-Leste

Timor-Leste, Southeast Asia’s youngest country, observes around 15 public holidays. The calendar includes religious observances such as Good Friday and All Saints' Day, reflecting the country's predominantly Catholic faith.

National holidays like Independence Day and Restoration of Independence Day are especially significant, given the country’s recent struggle for freedom.

Viet Nam

Vietnam typically observes 11 official public holidays, although combined with weekends and compensatory leave, workers may enjoy more.

Key holidays include Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year), Liberation Day, and National Day. Tet is the most important celebration, often lasting up to a week, and is deeply tied to family, culture, and ancestral respect.

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