Fascinating cultural attractions, affordable prices, and welcoming people. It’s no wonder that Asia is soaring in popularity as a hotspot for global travelers.
And there’s no better time to explore Asia than during the winter months. Escape the daily drudgery for the adventure of a lifetime!
But where should you go?
According to experts from Kuoni and Helvetic Tours, these 3 Asian destinations are currently recording their biggest ever year-on-year increase in booking numbers.
Thailand
Thailand is a popular destination year-round, but this iconic country particularly comes into its own during the winter months.
Thailand is an immaculate country packed full of natural wonders. You can enjoy average temperatures of around 28-33°C (82-91°F) which is comfortable for both sightseeing and relaxing days on idyllic beaches. Despite this, winter is actually considered Thailand’s cool season!
Although December marks the beginning of the high tourist season in Thailand, Bangkok is a great place to visit for sightseeing during the winter months.
The whole city has a wonderfully lively and festive atmosphere and you can visit some of Thailand’s most iconic attractions. These include the Grand Palace and Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha). Entry to the Grand Palace will cost 500 Baht ($14.80).
If you’d rather relax on pristine beaches (and who could blame you?), then you’re spoiled for choice here.
The coral reefs in Thailand attract snorkelers and divers from across the world, and the turquoise waters are perfectly clear.
Some of the best beaches include those on the Phi Phi Islands, and if you’re looking to enjoy one of Thailand’s infamous Full Moon Parties, then head to Koh Phangan Island.
At the end of November each year, the Surin Elephant Festival takes place in Surin (as the name suggests!). This is a fascinating traditional cultural festival that honors the working elephants, who are a symbol of the country.
As well as vibrant music and dancing, expect to see elephant shows, parades, and competitions at this wonderfully unique festival.
Vietnam
During the winter months, Vietnam experiences a wide range of temperatures.
Depending on whether you’re in the north or the south of the country, temperatures range from 10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F).
Sun seekers should head south, where warm and balmy temperatures make for perfect beach days in places like Phu Quoc and Mui Ne.
The islands of Phu Quoc boast beautiful white sand beaches and calm, warm waters. It’s a lush playground for adventurers, with abundant national parks and UNESCO protected biospheres.
If you want to swim, snorkel, hike, or even jet ski then this picture-perfect paradise is the place to be.
For a city break choose Ho Chi Minh City at this time of year, rather than Hanoi, which is the north of the country and where you’ll find a (frankly unwelcome) chill in the air!
Ho Chi Minh City is also known as Saigon and is a great place to explore Vietnam’s rich history. Some of the must-visit spots here include the HCMC History Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts.
Those with an eye for architecture shouldn’t miss the Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon.
This ornate cathedral was constructed by French colonialists and is located in the heart of the city’s scenic Paris Square: a tourist attraction in its own right. Entry is free.
South Korea
If you’re looking to explore an Asian winter wonderland then South Korea is a wonderful place to pick.
Snowfall is common here, and if you’re a winter sports enthusiast then you should head straight to the winter sports hubs of Pyeonchang and Seoraksan.
There are 4 ski resorts in Pyeonchang county, and as the Winter Olympics took place here in 2018, these are incredible, Olympic standard slopes.
Try the ski resort YongPyong for fun and affordable skiing with prices for a lift pass and equipment rental starting from just $68.
Hoping for a more traditional South Korean experience?
Wrap up warm and enjoy epic sightseeing without the crowds of the spring and fall months. For the sights and sounds of the big city, Seoul is the best place to be.
From high octane night life to 5,000 year old cultural attractions, Seoul has something for everyone.
What I love most about Seoul is that it’s a city of contrasts.
Must-see attractions in the city include enjoying a little retail therapy at the Myeongdong Shopping Street, admiring the old buildings in the Bukchon Hanok Village, or learning more at the National Museum of Korea. Entry to this museum is free.
Seoul boasts 5 Royal Palaces. If you only have time to visit one then make it the Gyeongbokgung Palace. This is both the biggest and the most beautiful in the city, with entrance costing just 3,000 won ($2.17).
For something wonderfully unique, visit the Noryangjin Fish Market, Korea’s largest fish market.
You’ll find over 700 stalls offering unique photo opportunities for photographers, and there are also incredible restaurants here. You won’t find fish fresher!
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