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Fascinating cultural sights, affordable prices and hospitable people. It’s no wonder that Asia is booming in popularity as a hotspot for travelers around the world.
And there’s no better time to explore Asia than during the winter months. Escape the daily grind for the adventure of a lifetime!
But where should you go?
According to experts from Kuoni and Helvetic Toursthese three Asian destinations are currently recording their biggest ever increase in booking numbers.
Thailand
Thailand is a popular destination all year round, but this iconic country comes into its own during the winter months.
Thailand is an immaculate country packed with 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 start of peak 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 sights. These include the Grand Palace and Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha). Entrance to the Royal Palace costs 500 Baht ($14.80).
If you prefer to relax on pristine beaches (and who can blame you?), then you’re spoiled for choice here.
Thailand’s coral reefs attract snorkelers and divers from all over the world, and the turquoise water is completely clear.
Some of the best beaches are those on the Phi Phi Islands, and if you want to enjoy one of Thailand’s infamous Full Moon Parties, head to the island of Koh Phangan.
Every year the Surin Elephant Festival takes place in Surin at the end of November (as the name suggests!). This is a fascinating traditional cultural festival celebrating the working elephants, which are a symbol of the country.
As well as lively music and dancing, expect 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 are in the north or south of the country, temperatures range from 10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F).
Sun worshipers 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 sandy beaches and calm, warm waters. It’s a lush playground for adventurers, with an abundance of national parks and UNESCO-listed biospheres.
If you want to swim, snorkel, hike or even jet ski, 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 in the north of the country and where you’ll find a (frankly unwelcome) chill in the air!
Also known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is a great place to explore Vietnam’s rich history. Some of the must-visit places here are the HCMC History Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts.
Those with an eye for architecture should not miss Saigon’s Notre Dame Cathedral.
Built by French colonialists, this ornate cathedral is located in the heart of the picturesque Parisian square: a tourist attraction in itself. Entrance is free.
South Korea
If you want to explore an Asian winter wonderland, South Korea is a beautiful place to choose.
Snowfall is common here, and if you are a winter sports enthusiast, you should head straight to the Pyeonchang and Seoraksan winter sports centers.
There are four ski resorts in Pyeonchang Province, and since it hosted the 2018 Winter Olympics, these are incredible Olympic-level slopes.
Try the YongPyong Ski Area for fun and affordable skiing with ski pass and equipment rental prices from just $68.
Are you hoping for a more traditional South Korean experience?
Dress warmly and enjoy epic sights 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 vibrant nightlife to 5,000-year-old cultural attractions, Seoul has something for everyone.
What I like most about Seoul is that it is a city of contrasts.
Must-see attractions in the city include enjoying a little retail therapy at Myeongdong Shopping Street, admiring the ancient buildings in Bukchon Hanok Village or learning more at the National Museum of Korea. Admission to this museum is free.
Seoul has 5 royal palaces. If you only have time to visit one, make it Gyeongbokgung Palace. This is both the largest and most beautiful in the city, by entrance costs only 3,000 won ($2.17).
For something wonderfully unique, visit Noryangjin Fish Market, Korea’s largest fish market.
You will find more than 700 stalls here offering unique photo opportunities for photographers, and there are also great restaurants here. You won’t find fresher fish!
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
