As Raya celebrations draw closer, many Malaysians are planning how to best utilize their annual leaves. This is why our team has put together a list of 10 destinations perfect for Raya celebrations.
To help you find the perfect holiday, we’ve even broken them down into different trip durations. This ensures you’ll get to experience the best that every destination has to offer – be it immersing yourself in the local culture, visiting must-see attractions, or filling your bellies with delicious delicacies.
4-day quick and easy getaways
With Raya celebrations spanning Monday and Tuesday (subject to change), these destinations are perfect for anyone looking to catch a short trip without digging into their leaves. They pair well with the weekend leading up to the Hari Raya celebrations, offering the right amount of fun and relaxation in their itinerary.
Chiang Mai, Thailand
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If you’re looking to hop into the neighbouring country of Thailand during the Raya celebrations but want to skip the busy streets of Bangkok, then Chiang Mai would be the spot for you. Nestled in the mountainous areas of northern Thailand, this little city is a true foodie’s heaven with a laid-back atmosphere perfect for a short getaway.
Visiting temples is a must in Chiang Mai, with Wat Phra That Doi Suthep or just Doi Suthep topping the list. As its name suggests, the temple is perched atop the Doi Suthep mountain and is believed to have been built in 1383. It does get busy throughout the day, so we recommend making your way to the temple early to beat the crowds. However, as with most religious establishments, it’s important to dress modestly and avoid pointing at statues with your feet or fingers as a mark of respect.
While in Chiang Mai, don’t forget to sample a bowl of khao soi from any of the local stores. A staple to this region, the coconut curry egg noodle dish is topped with crispy fried noodles, ready to satisfy your tastebuds for the perfect end to your Raya getaway.
Gili ISLANDS, Indonesia
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Set on the coast of Lombok in Indonesia, the Gili Islands are a collection of three islands featuring gorgeous sun, sea, and sights for the perfect Raya celebration.
The most popular of the lot is Gili Trawangan, where you’ll find holidaymakers soaking up memories on the soft sandy beaches, diving through its clear turquoise waters, or simply exploring the island on foot or bicycle. By night, Gili Trawangan boasts a fantastic party scene, perfect for those looking to let loose after a long day of exploration.
Gili Air, on the other hand, features a more serene experience – perfect for couples looking for a romantic time away. Snorkelling, scuba diving, and stand-up paddle boarding are some of the activities you can enjoy on this island. Finally, why not sign up for a session at the Gili Cooking Classes where you can whip up some local delicacies with your own hands? These lessons come highly recommended, though be aware that you’ll have to book in advance, and they only accept Indonesian Rupiah in cash.
A tip from our holiday advisor is to ditch your regular trolley luggage when visiting any of the Gili Islands. This is because the rough roads may damage your wheels. Instead, opt for a backpack to make your travels easier. You may also find this a lot more convenient when heading to your accommodation from the jetty, either on a rented bicycle or on foot.
Hanoi, Vietnam
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Hop on a plane for a little over 3 hours from KLIA, and you’ll find yourself in Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital city in the north. It features a fantastic mix of architectural charm and modern tourism, giving you the perfect balance for a short time away over the Raya celebrations.
Once here, you’ll want to make your way down to Hanoi’s Old Quarters – a historic area comprising 36 streets, each with a trade of its own waiting to be uncovered. From Hanoi Silk Street (Phố Hàng Gai) to Bamboo Street (Hang Vai Street) and even Silver Street (Hang Bac), it’s easy to spend a day just getting lost in all that the city has to offer. Taking day trips away from the city and into Halong Bay is also highly recommended, so you can also dwell in the picturesque nature that makes up Vietnam.
Want to make your Raya celebrations extra stress-free? Here is our itinerary that will give you an unforgettable 4-day, 3-night excursion to Hanoi. An overnight stay on a boutique boat sailing across Halong Bay is also included, making your holiday memorable.
Palawan, Philippines
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Palawan has been voted the best island for several years by multiple international publications, and it’s easy to see why. From its pristine turquoise waters to soft sandy beaches, the only decision you’ll have to make is which island you’d like to spend your Raya celebrations on.
Located at the tip of Palawan, El Nido is the most popular island to visit. But despite being a tourist spot, the local culture grows strong, and you can enjoy unbelievable scenery everywhere you turn. With secret beaches and lagoons to uncover, our recommendation is to rent out a kayak to truly take in all that El Nido has to offer.
Equally as popular are Palawan’s other gems such as Coron, Puerto Princesa, and San Vincente – each one boasting an iconic beachside experience that’s sure to satisfy. And if you choose to go to Puerto Princesa, do reserve some time for the unique Underground River Tour where you’ll be taken to see the 8.2km long Puerto Princesa Underground River that has recently been named one of the new 7 wonders of the world.
7-day adventurous escapades
Looking for a longer vacation? These week-long escapades are ideal for those who take just three days off work. Pro tip: If you return from your vacation by Friday, you’ll have the weekend after the Raya celebrations to rest up and get back into gear!
Busan, Korea
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It may be the Raya celebrations, but it doesn’t mean you can’t live out your Korean dreams with a trip to Busan! Although not as busy as Seoul, this vibrant coastal city still dishes some of South Korea’s best experiences – if not better!
Foodies, especially seafood enthusiasts visiting Busan must make a stop at the Jagalchi Fish Market where you’ll find a variety of fresh catches up for sale. From fishes to shellfish and even exotic selections of fresh eel and sea cucumber, the Jagalchi Fish Market is primarily run by groups of strong women vendors. Nicknamed Jagalchi Ajumma or Jagalchi Aunties, these vendors are a fun lot to haggle with. You can subsequently take your purchases to the adjacent restaurants and prepare for a scrumptious meal.
Fans of the 2017 Korean hit series Fight for My Way will then want to head up the rooftops of Beomcheong-dong, overlooking Busan’s skyline. This familiar setting which serves as the backdrop to many of the leads’ key scenes will have you recreating dramatic moments or simply enjoying the view of the city be it day or night. Don’t forget to also walk over to Namil Villa of the Hocheon Village where you’ll see the characters’ residences.
Tokyo, Japan
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If you’ve always wanted to catch the cherry blossoms season, then heading to greater Tokyo this year is the perfect way to spend your Raya celebrations. This is because the forecasted dates coincide perfectly with the festivities in late March to early April this year.
For some of the best views, we recommend popping into Ueno Park or Yoyogi Park. However, these spots can get busy quickly, so you’ll want to get to the gardens as early as possible. To make a day out of it, you could pack some light bites from the local convenience stores and set up a picnic like the locals do to enjoy the blooms.
Another option is to visit the Meguro River on the southern side of Tokyo for some of the most iconic views. Strolling from the Meguro station down to the Nakameguro stop will give you the best cherry blossom pictures, so come prepared with a fully charged camera to capture some of the greatest memories of your 2025 Raya celebration.
Perth, Australia
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While most countries will begin to warm up in April, Australia offers the exact opposite with weather dipping into a cool Autumn. This makes visiting Perth during the Raya celebrations perfect especially if you want to escape the heat but not be caught in the freezing winter.
To make the most of your trip, we recommend hopping on a cruise along the Swan River to Fremantle and enjoying the rich history of this port city. Cultural enthusiasts will also enjoy a plethora of activities that are always available at the Fremantle Arts Centre – including a Born to Sing: 1000 Voice Choir event happening at the end of March.
On the nature front, why not head to Rottnest Island to grab a selfie with some quokkas? Dubbed the happiest animal in the world, spotting one of these marsupials will surely bring a smile to your face. And while you’re at it, don’t miss out on watching the humpback and southern right whales migrate along the Indian Ocean coast. Boat tours are often available to get up close and personal with these mammals, creating a once-in-a-lifetime Raya celebration in Perth.
9 to 14-day ultimate vacations
But why stop at a week when you can stretch your vacation days even further? These 9 to 14-day vacation picks are perfect for travellers hoping to combine their Raya celebrations with extra annual leaves.
Germany
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As the calendar flips into April, Europe will shed its gloomy grey winters for happier spring days. This makes visiting countries like Germany the ideal way to spend your Raya celebrations, as you’ll avoid the summer crowds but get the best that the cities have to offer.
In urban Berlin, you’ll want to explore each of its twelve boroughs including Mitte which houses art exhibitions and Friedrichshain where hip cafes line the streets. At sundown, many would try their luck entering the mythical Berghain nightclub, though there are many more options scattered across the city.
On the flip side, a stay in Munich grants you easy access to the Bavarian Alps, where you can see the historical Neuschwanstein Castle. Access to the castle is currently only limited to guided tours, although Trafalgar’s 11-day itinerary will have you sorted alongside numerous other German landmarks.
Turkey
Photo by Boasting a unique east-meets-west culture, Turkey is a unique spot that deserves to be on our list of destinations for any of your Raya celebrations. However, its large cities including its capital Antalya and endless activities also mean you should take a longer time to truly soak in all that Turkey has to offer.
For example, Istanbul is a must-visit for the Raya celebrations thanks to its bustling atmosphere and incredible landmarks. The Hagia Sophia, which was once a cathedral turned mosque, deserves its own mention, as this age-old Byzantine structure continues to receive Muslim worshippers today while showcasing much of its religious past. Do note that women visitors who wish to enter must wear a headscarf, though you can always borrow one for free at the entrance.
Of course, no trip to Turkey will be complete without a visit to Cappadocia, where the skies come alive to the sights of floating hot air balloons at dusk and dawn. From here, you can embark on hikes through the city’s many valleys and be fascinated by the beauty of Cappadocia’s skylines. Before leaving, don’t forget to sample some of their best street foods and get playful with their Turkish ice cream vendors!
Denmark and Sweden
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Taking an extended vacation for the Raya celebrations also means you’ll cover more ground – including visiting several countries at once. Denmark and Sweden are two unmissable destinations to make your Raya celebrations worthwhile, with gorgeous architecture and breathtaking nature taking a front seat in what makes them attractive. Visiting in April also means you’ll beat the summer crowds, making your trip more budget-friendly.
When in Denmark, don’t forget to visit Tivoli of Copenhagen, the world’s third-oldest theme park. Opened in 1843, the park is strategically located in the city centre opposite the main train station. Its pay-per-ride system means you don’t have to spend a fortune to have fun in the theme park, though unlimited ride passes may give you a better bang for your buck. Don’t miss out on the wooden roller coaster called Rutschebanen where the conductor rides with you to control the speed while standing up. It was built in 1914, making it the oldest operating coaster in Europe.
Subsequently, you’ll want to make your way into the grounds of Stockholm to see the Royal Palace – an architectural marvel built in the 18th century and remains one of the largest palaces in Europe today. Trafalgar’s carefully curated Capitals of Scandinavia itinerary will ensure you don’t miss any landmarks and even include a glimpse of Norway and Finland, completing your Raya celebrations on a high note.
So, are you ready to head to your vacation spot of choice? Then don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at Holiday Tours, and we’ll help you elevate your Raya celebrations today!