The Tong Tong Fair is an annual festival in The Hague that celebrates the cultural blend of East and West, particularly the Dutch-Indonesian heritage. Called the world's largest Eurasian festival, it attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year. The event combines a market, a food court, and a performing arts festival into one sprawling experience at the Malieveld, a large open field near the city center. Whether you're drawn by the cuisine, the shopping, or the cultural performances, the fair offers a sensory journey through Southeast Asia without leaving the Netherlands.
What makes the Tong Tong Fair unique is its focus on Indo (Eurasian) culture, a community with deep roots in the Netherlands. The fair has grown from a small gathering in 1959 to a major event that draws exhibitors and performers from across Asia. While the fair's official website often lists upcoming dates and ticket details, it's essential to check for the latest announcements, as past editions have been canceled or rescheduled. For the most current information, always refer to the official sources.
Where and When is the Tong Tong Fair Held?
The Tong Tong Fair takes place at the Malieveld, a large open field in the heart of The Hague, right next to The Hague Central Station. This prime location makes it easily accessible by public transport, with a short five-minute walk from the station. The address is Koningskade 1, 2596 AA The Hague. The fair typically runs for about ten days in late May or early June, but past editions have also been held in September. Since dates can vary and are subject to change, it's wise to check the official website or the local tourism portal, like the one maintained by The Hague & Partners, for upcoming editions.
For example, the 64th edition was scheduled for May 24 to June 2, 2024, but was later canceled. A 2023 edition took place from August 31 to September 10. This variability underscores the importance of verifying dates each year. The fairgrounds are adjacent to the Malieveld, which also hosts other events, and the area is well-served by trams, buses, and trains, making it simple for visitors from across the Netherlands and abroad to attend.
How to Get Tickets and What They Cost
Tickets for the Tong Tong Fair are date-specific, meaning prices vary depending on the day you plan to attend. This pricing strategy aims to distribute visitor numbers more evenly and keep the fair accessible. In past editions, adult tickets started around €15, with evening tickets (after 6pm) available for less. Children aged 4 to 14 received a discount, and those under 3 entered free. Group discounts and multi-day passes were also offered. However, these prices are from previous years and are subject to change; for current pricing, check the official ticket shop.
Tickets are sold online via the Tong Tong Fair website, and there are no service or transaction fees. It's important to buy in advance, as popular days may sell out. The official website also provides a full overview of opening hours and admission policies. Always confirm details for the upcoming edition, as organizers may alter the pricing structure.
What to See and Do: The Grand Pasar, Indonesia Pavilion, and Exhibitors
The heart of the Tong Tong Fair is the Grand Pasar, a large indoor market reminiscent of a traditional Asian bazaar. Here, you'll find dozens of exhibitors selling a wide array of goods, from clothing and textiles to home decor, jewelry, and wellness products. Many exhibitors come directly from Indonesia, while others represent countries like Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, and India, offering a pan-Asian shopping experience. The Indonesia Pavilion is a highlight, showcasing the cultural and commercial richness of the archipelago.
During the colonial era, the Pasar Gambir in Batavia served as inspiration for the fair's founders, fostering a mix of exhibitors from across Asia. Today, the Grand Pasar continues that tradition, creating an atmosphere that is both exotic and familiar. For those interested in literature, there's also a pop-up bookshop, Pasar Boekoe, which offers titles in Dutch and English. Strolling through the Grand Pasar is a feast for the senses, with colorful stalls and the buzz of conversations in multiple languages.
Food at the Tong Tong Fair: The Food Court and Warungs
A major draw of the Tong Tong Fair is its food, particularly the central Food Court, which offers a wide range of Indonesian and Southeast Asian dishes. You'll find established restaurants and small warung eateries competing to present their best specialties, many of which are hard to find elsewhere in the Netherlands. The atmosphere is vibrant, with visitors sampling dishes from different regions of Indonesia and beyond. It's an ideal spot to linger, trying a bit of everything from fragrant curries to grilled satay.
The fair has evolved its food offerings over the years, now calling it an eclectic Food Court, akin to what you'd find in Asia. In addition to the food court, there are other eating spots like the Waroeng Koppi for coffee. While the fair generally operates on a cashless basis at many points of sale, individual exhibitors may accept cash or card, so it's wise to carry both. For a true culinary journey, the Food Court alone can occupy hours of your visit.
The Tong Tong Festival: Performances, Exhibitions, and Workshops
Complementing the fair is the Tong Tong Festival, a cultural program featuring performances in four theatres across the fairgrounds. You can catch live music ranging from traditional krontjong and gamelan to modern jazz and indorock, as well as dance, theater, fashion shows, lectures, and culinary workshops. These performances are included with your fair entry, though some workshops may require a small contribution for ingredients. The festival also curates exhibitions that explore Indo history and culture.
Past festival highlights have included exhibitions on the significance of the white kebaya, a traditional blouse, and performances by international artists from Indonesia, Malaysia, and beyond. For those wanting to delve deeper, workshops in music, dance, and cooking are often available. The program is renowned for its diversity, offering something for every taste, from experimental performances to family-friendly shows. Since the lineup changes each year, check the official program once it's announced.
Practical Information for Visitors: Accessibility, Payments, and Amenities
The Tong Tong Fair is committed to being accessible: wheelchairs are available to borrow free of charge from the Information Desk, and there are accessible toilet facilities. The fairgrounds are mostly flat and easy to navigate. Assistance dogs are welcome, but other pets are not allowed. If you're arriving by car, there is a large parking garage under the Malieveld, as well as nearby options like Q-park New Babylon and Interparking Museumkwartier. Plan ahead for parking costs, which are not included in your ticket.
At the fair, many vendors and service points accept card payments, but some exhibitors operate on a cash-only basis. There are no ATMs on site, but you'll find them within walking distance at Central Station. A guarded cloakroom is available just after the entrance for storing bags and coats. Other amenities include a coffee corner and restrooms, all located near the entrance pavilion. To stay informed, visitors should check the official website for the latest practical details.
A Brief History of the Tong Tong Fair and Its Connection to The Hague
The Tong Tong Fair traces its roots to 1959, when it was first held as the Pasar Malam Tong Tong. It was created to celebrate the cultural ties between the Netherlands and Indonesia, following Indonesia's independence and the subsequent migration of many Indos (people of Dutch and Indonesian descent) to the Netherlands. The Hague, as the seat of the Dutch government, had the strongest colonial ties to the Dutch East Indies, making it a natural home for the event.
Over the decades, the fair grew in size and scope, eventually becoming known as the Tong Tong Fair. It has hosted Indonesian artists and exhibitors since the early 1970s and later expanded to include other Asian cultures. The fair even played a role in shaping the modern identity of the Indo community. Its longevity is a testament to its importance as a cultural bridge. Today, it remains one of The Hague's most anticipated annual events, drawing visitors from around the world.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Visit
To truly experience the Tong Tong Fair, try to attend for more than one day if your schedule permits. Multi-day tickets can offer better value, and they let you take your time exploring the Grand Pasar, lingering over food, and catching more performances. Another tip is to go on weekdays, when crowds are thinner and you'll have more room to browse. Also, be sure to check the program ahead of time so you can schedule must-see performances and workshops.
When you're not at the fair, consider exploring more of what The Hague has to offer. The city is home to the Peace Palace and the Binnenhof, and has a thriving cultural scene, including film festivals and other events. You can find ideas in our guide to festivals in the Netherlands. And for travelers wanting to experience more than just the fair, our guide to film festivals in The Hague offers an option.
Plan Your Visit
The Tong Tong Fair is a unique celebration of Eurasian culture that brings the flavors, sounds, and colors of Southeast Asia to The Hague. With its bustling market, enticing food court, and rich festival program, there's something for everyone. To make the most of your trip, it's crucial to plan ahead: verify the official dates and ticket prices for the upcoming edition, as they can change from year to year. Check the organizer's website and The Hague tourism portal for updates.
Once you have your tickets, consider booking accommodation early, as the fair attracts significant crowds. And while you're in the city, take the opportunity to explore its other attractions, from the Mauritshuis to the beaches of Scheveningen. The Tong Tong Fair is more than just an event; it's an immersive experience that offers a deeper understanding of a shared history. So start planning, and get ready to embark on a journey to the East right in the heart of the Netherlands.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can visitors expect at the Tong Tong Fair?
The fair combines a market, Indonesian and Southeast Asian food, and a cultural programme of music, performances and workshops. Read the programme for the announced edition to choose activities; historical descriptions do not guarantee that every exhibitor or show will return.
How should I choose a Tong Tong Fair ticket?
Choose your visit date before buying and compare the admission categories on the organizer’s ticket page. Check any evening-entry conditions and whether a particular activity requires separate booking. Use current information rather than a price from a previous edition.
What should I confirm before travelling to the fair?
Confirm that the organizer has announced an edition, then check its dates, venue and ticket conditions. If you need wheelchair access or other assistance, contact the organizer about arrangements for that edition before finalizing travel.
