Songkran festivities begin early in Ayutthaya as elephants and tuk-tuks join water celebrations; tourist numbers dip amid high fuel prices,  the Songkran festival atmosphere has become lively ahead of the official dates, driven by intense heat that prompted early water celebrations.

Elephants and tuk-tuks add color and splashing water to help tourists cool off in a festive mood. Within the event, elephants are decorated with vibrant floral body paintings to enhance visual appeal and attract visitors. Both Thai and international tourists have joined in the water festivities, creating a cheerful atmosphere in line with Ayutthaya’s traditional Songkran celebrations.

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The annual Lagos Fanti Carnival has once again brought vibrant colour and culture to Lagos, celebrating centuries-old ties between Africa and Brazil through music, dance, and tradition. Held at Tafawa Balewa Square, the festival reflects the legacy of Afro-Brazilian returnees who settled in Lagos generations ago, creating a unique cultural bridge that continues to thrive today. Participants highlighted the shared heritage seen in carnival traditions across continents, with similarities in costumes, rhythms, and festivities. 

. David Flores, tourist said  "In my culture we also have Carnival, so it's really nice to see how our cultures are similar, and I am really enjoying the nice music, nice dancing, nice food. And everything is well organized, there is a lot of colour. So I am really, really happy."

The event continues to attract both locals and international visitors, showcasing Nigeria’s rich cultural diversity and enduring global connections.

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More than 180,000 pilgrims have visited the Mann Shwesettaw Pagoda festival in Minbu (Sagu) Township, Magway Region, with a total of 187,118 visitors recorded as of 4 April, according to the pagoda board of trustees.
The annual festival, which runs for 86 days from 22 January to 17 April 2026 (from the 5th waxing day of Tabodwe to Myanmar New Year Day), has drawn large crowds, especially during weekends and public holidays. Pilgrims have travelled from across the country, including major cities such as Yangon and Mandalay, using both tour buses and private vehicles.
A total of 17,259 vehicles of various sizes and 1,304 motorcycles have entered the festival grounds, reflecting higher attendance compared to last year. Accommodation has been arranged to ensure visitors can stay comfortably, although lodging facilities have been fully occupied during peak holiday periods.
The festival is expected to grow busier as it approaches its closing day on Myanmar New Year Day following the Thingyan holidays, said U Aye Ko, chairman of the pagoda board of trustees. — Zeya Naing (Shwe Kan Myay)/KZL

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Springtime flower-viewing tours are emerging as a major attraction across China ahead of this year’s Qingming Festival, with cities and rural destinations rolling out cultural performances, interactive travel services and countryside experiences to lure visitors and boost the tourism economy.

Falling on April 5 this year, the Qingming Festival, or Tomb-Sweeping Day, is a traditional Chinese festival for honoring the deceased and paying tributes to ancestors. The three-day holiday also provides a short break for Chinese citizens to enjoy outdoor activities and sightseeing in pleasant springtime temperatures.

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Naruto-themed attractions are set to open at the Spirou theme park near Avignon, in southern France, a first outside Japan, according to park officials who have secured the licence to operate the famous manga. The site, which covers 1.5 hectares and has seen an investment of €16 million over four years, recreates a Japanese village and invites visitors to learn the basics of ninja techniques.

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According to the Directorate of Hotels and Tourism, a total of 112,936 domestic and international visitors travelled to the Ngwehsaung Beach, one of Myanmar’s most well-known seaside resorts, in the first three months of 2026. The number of visitors reached 32,294 in January, 37,403 in February, and 43,239 in March.
The Ngwehsaung Beach attracts a steady flow of tourists due to its clear seawater, clean and well-maintained sandy shoreline, and reliable safety conditions. Visitors can enjoy swimming, surfing, and leisurely walks along the beach in a calm and relaxing atmosphere. In addition, activities such as jet skiing, banana boat rides, and speedboat trips allow tourists to appreciate the beauty of the sea and nearby islands at close range. The area also offers a wide variety of places to visit, further enhancing its appeal.
There are 38 hotels and 70 guesthouses at the Ngwehsaung Beach, providing accommodation and services for tourists. — Kyaw Lin Oo (IPRD)/MKKS

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In northern Croatia, workshops are keeping alive the 19th century tradition of painting Easter eggs black. First, floral patterns are painted on to the eggs which are then dipped in black dye. Traditionally exchanged on the Sunday after Easter to symbolise friendship and kinship, the eggs are now listed as part of Croatia's registered cultural heritage.

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The Ngwetaung Beach, near Tinchaung Village in Hainggyikyun, Ngaputaw Township, Ayeyawady Region, received 54,522 domestic visitors in February 2026, and the number of tourists is increasing, according to Daw Ni Ni Mar, an executive of the Myanmar Tourism Entrepreneurs Association (Ngwetaung Beach).
Located near the Myat Mawtinsun Pagoda, Ngwetaung Beach is a popular year-round destination for local travellers, most of whom reportedly come from the Yangon Region and the Nay Pyi Taw Council Area.
“In January 2026, only 29,755 domestic tourists visited the Ngwetaung Beach, but in February, the number rose to 54,522. The Ngwetaung Beach is seeing an increase in domestic tourism, with visitors coming year-round and numbers continuing to grow each month,” said Daw Ni Ni Mar.
To ensure a safe and peaceful experience for visitors, arrangements have been made for leisure activities and services such as bicycle rentals, motorboat rides, and horse riding, while stalls offer local food, consumer goods, and souvenirs. — ASH/TH

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The Shan Literature and Culture Association plans to hold the Traditional Shan Thingyan Festival 2026, jointly organized with Cherry FM, on 4 April at the 9th Mile Shan Monastery in Mayangon Township, Yangon Region.
An official from the Shan Ethnic Literature and Cultural Association said, “To preserve and promote the traditional culture of the Shan ethnic people living in Yangon, and to celebrate the traditional Shan Thingyan festival together, a pre-Thingyan festival will be held from 2 pm to 7 pm on 4 April. Participants are requested to wear their local traditional costumes, particularly the Shan red attire.”
The festival is being organized to enable Shan people living in Yangon to experience the spirit of Thingyan as celebrated in Shan State, and to promote friendship among different ethnic communities.
The Traditional Shan Thingyan Festival was also held during the 2025 Maha Thingyan at Kandawgyi Hmyawzin Kyun in Bahan Township, Yangon Region. — ASH/MKKS

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Dambadarjaalin Monastery is one of the few sites in Mongolian capital Ulaanbaatar with a history spanning more than 200 years. 

The present monastery was established in the former Darkhan Chin Wang district along the slopes of Zonkhov Khairkhan. This historic monument is currently over 260 years old and once housed more than 1,500 monks. Nowadays, it stands as a significant cultural and religious heritage site in Mongolia.

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