December is more than the year’s finale — it’s a time when the world comes alive with movement, color, and connection. Across Asia, cities and towns bid farewell to 2025 in their own vibrant ways: some take to the streets in marathons that test endurance and unity, others celebrate heritage through art, dance, and design.
Starting from the bustling avenues of Ho Chi Minh City to the cultural heart of Bali and the illuminated streets of northeastern Thailand, each destination invites travelers to witness not just an event, but a story — one that reflects the region’s energy, creativity, and communal joy. Whether you run, dance, or simply watch in wonder, these experiences promise a spirited end to the year.
RUNNING THE STREETS
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
December 07, 2025
If you fancy seeing Vietnam’s biggest city from a different perspective, sign up for one of Southeast Asia’s premier marathons, Ho Chi Minh City International Marathon. Four routes – from a gentle 5k run to a marathon – will guide participants past Notre Dame Cathedral, colonial-era landmarks, and the gleaming skyscrapers of Ho Chi Minh’s Thu Thiem area. More than a race, this inclusive event attended by thousands of joggers fosters international friendships along the way. Join Vietnam’s largest competitive running event and the memories (but hopefully not the aches) will last well past the finish line.
