Best times to travel to Asia
If your last overseas escapade is fading to a distant memory, or you are planning a once in a lifetime trip to an exotic land, help is at hand. Throughout the year there are magical places in the Far East offering ideal touring conditions, so we have mapped out the optimum times to visit a few of our most popular destinations over the next 12 months. As a special spring offer we are also giving away complimentary airport lounge passes with all bookings placed in May. So why not have a browse for some inspiration, then get in touch with one of our destination experts to plan an adventure to the realms of the Orient!
Indonesia: May to October
Straddling the equator, Indonesia has a tropical climate with significant variations in rainfall throughout the year linked
to the two monsoons. The west monsoon brings moisture from Asia from November to February, while the east monsoon blows dry conditions from Australia between May and October. This lengthy dry period is ideal for trips over the summer months, and Indonesia's archipelago really does have something for everyone. The region’s cultural heritage is focused on the island of Java where the fertile volcanic plains sustained ancient civilisations that gave rise to impressive temples and palaces. There are also some great wildlife experiences, most notably seeing Orangutans and Komodo Dragons, and these are combined with Java on our “Treasures of Indonesia” tour. For adventure seekers there are myriad opportunities for trekking on the ever-present volcanos, and we feature the best of these on our “Adventures in Bali & Lombok” tour. As you would expect in an archipelago of some 17,000 islands there are some superb stretches of coastline to enjoy, and world class snorkelling and diving.
China: September & October
Between the scorching summers and freezing winters, China’s short autumn period is one of the best times to visit this diverse and massive country. The only exception to this is national week holiday in the first week of October which is worth avoiding due to the volume of domestic tourists on the road. While the big cities are great to visit at this time of year, autumn is really the perfect season to head out into some of China’s more scenic and wilder regions. All of China’s premier spots of natural beauty are in their prime in September and October. Much as spring is enjoyed for its beautiful blossom, autumn is celebrated in China for the red and golden leaves that transform the landscape. The rice terraces of Yuanyang and Longji shine golden in the autumn sunlight. Clear skies and colourful foliage bring out the very best of the Jiuzhaigou and Zhangjiajie National Parks, and this time of year is when you can see some spectacular sunrises from China’s mountains. See our “Natural Wonders of China” tour for inspiration about visiting some of these remarkable destinations. Whether you are heading to the tropical south, wild western reaches or the urban east coast, China is certain to be looking at its best throughout this season.
Laos & Cambodia: October to February
Few places experience the consistently dry and pleasant conditions that Laos & Cambodia have between October and February. Most days will have wall-to-wall sunshine, with pleasant temperatures between 25 and 30 degrees and low humidity. At the start of this period the rice paddies will be a lush bright green colour, fading to a golden hue as the farmers prepare to harvest their crop which is a spectacle in itself. Water levels in Cambodia’s Lake Tonle Sap are at their highest at the start of October and remain high enough until February to allow easy navigation by boat to explore the floating villages and the birding hotspot at the Prek Toal Biosphere. Expect to see spectacular sunsets on a daily basis – there are few places in the world better to enjoy one than on the banks of the Mekong in Laos with a cold drink in hand! If you have already been to the main tourist areas of Siem Reap and Luang Prabang it is definitely worth considering a second visit as both countries have developed in recent years, with some charming lodges opening up in previously inaccessible areas. For ideas take a look at our recommended tours of Laos & Cambodia which have a tab for multi country trips too.
The Philippines: November to March
November to March is known as the ‘cold season’ in the Philippines. This is when temperatures range around a ‘chilly’ 25-30 degrees, there is little humidity, and rainfall is at an all-time low. Could there be any better time to indulge in some idyllic island-hopping, as featured on our “Voyage into the Visayas” tour? Upcountry roads take something of a battering during the rainy season, so adventurous types should note leaving it later into the dry spring months of February/March would be best for our “Highlights of the Philippines” or “Grand Tour” itineraries. Anyone seeking an insight into local life should note that throughout the year each city and district has at least one local festival of its own, so at any given time there is usually a fiesta going on somewhere in the country.
Vietnam: Year-round
With a varied topography and land spanning over 1,125 miles, it is perhaps unsurprising that the regions of Vietnam have a huge variety of climates. We can plan a trip to Vietnam for any month of the year to focus on areas where conditions will be at their best. March and April are the optimum months when the weather is fine throughout, and for first time visitors our “Highlights of Vietnam” is a good starting point. If you have a bit more time you might want to add a visit to the mountainous far north around Sapa and Ha Giang province; both areas are beautiful at this time of year and ideal for trekking to hill tribe villages. March through to September tend to be dry in central Vietnam as the Truong Son Mountains protect this coastal region from the southern monsoon (May to October). These months bring ideal conditions for exploring the cultural heritage of Hue and the charming old town of Hoi An or simply relaxing on a beach. If you are travelling at this time, our "Summer Escape to Vietnam", "Luxury Escape to Central Vietnam" & “Family Adventure” tours are worth a look. Southern Vietnam, including Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), the Mekong Delta and the island of Phu Quoc, has a long dry season and is generally great to visit from November through until May, making it good to tie in with neighbouring Cambodia and Laos as we have included on our "Grand Tour of Indochina" itinerary. With year round direct flights from London to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City with Vietnam Airlines on their new Dreamliner 787-9 aircrafts, there really has never been a better time to visit – whatever time of year!
