14 STUNNING DESTINATIONS FOR YOUR TRAVELWISHLIST
The most visited countries in Asia are China, Malaysia & Thailand. The following destinations are also highly recommended: Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Japan, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka & Vietnam (click on the links below to read our blogs).
1. BANGLADESH
Bangladesh sits comfortably between India and Myanmar and is the perfect getaway for those who want to get off the beaten path. This country is rich in culture and diversity and is the perfect location for a once-in-a-lifetime holiday. Whether you love thrilling experiences or would prefer to relax and unwind, Bangladesh is full of surprises. Explore SIX TOP DESTINATIONS recommended by a local.
The best time to visit Bangladesh: Bangladesh experiences various weather patterns, and certain times of the year are better for planning your dream holiday. It is recommended that you visit the country between November and April. Bangladesh experiences winter from November to February, so this is the coolest period of the year. The country’s proximity to the equator means it is never actually that cold - in fact, most tourists find these temperatures the most comfortable. For people who do like the heat, March and April are still relatively cool and the weather is sunny.
May to October is generally seen as the "off season" for Bangladesh because this is summer and the monsoon season. Bangladesh experiences high temperatures and extreme humidity from the end of April to June. This can feel incredibly uncomfortable for many tourists, especially those who have created an itinerary filled with outdoor activities. June to October is referred to as the monsoon season and is characterized by ongoing heavy rains and tropical cyclones.
2. CAMBODIA
Phnom Penh is the vibrant bustling capital of Cambodia. Situated at the confluence of three rivers, the mighty Mekong, the Bassac and the great Tonle Sap. The city still maintains considerable charm with plenty to see. It exudes provincial charm and tranquillity with French colonial mansions and tree-lined boulevards amidst monumental Angkorian architecture. Explore Phnom Penh and the stunning beaches & islands of the south.
Best time to visit: November to January is classed as Cambodia's high season. January is traditionally one of the best months to visit the country. Temperatures are cool and the dry season is in full swing, meaning the weather is at its peak.
3. CHINA
China is a populous nation and its vast landscape encompasses grassland, desert, mountains, lakes, rivers and more than 14,000km of coastline. Capital Beijing mixes modern architecture with historic sites such as the Forbidden City palace complex and Tiananmen Square. Shanghai is a skyscraper-studded global financial center. The iconic Great Wall of China runs east-west across the country's north. Explore fabulous itineraries from Shanghai - Beijing, Xi'an & Guilin , Hangzhou and Suzhou, Wuxi & Nanjing
Best time to visit: Weather-wise,the best times to visit China are spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October), when most of the popular places have their most tourism-friendly weather. The cultural and historical destinations like Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi'an are hardly affected by weather conditions.
4. INDIA
India is a vast South Asian country with diverse terrain – from Himalayan peaks to Indian Ocean coastline – and history reaching back 5 millennia. In the north, Mughal Empire landmarks include Delhi’s Red Fort complex and massive Jama Masjid mosque, plus Agra’s iconic Taj Mahal mausoleum. Pilgrims bathe in the Ganges in Varanasi, and Rishikesh is a yoga centre and base for Himalayan trekking. Explore India from the North to the South.
Best time to visit: The best time to visit India is between October and March when the monsoon rains have ceased and the country is largely warm and dry. The climate does vary considerably by region though this is the peak travel season in Rajasthan and Kerala due to the agreeable weather conditions.
5. INDONESIA
Incredible Indonesia, the planets 4th largest country is made up of a staggering 18 307 islands in Southeast Asia! With 139 volcanoes that have stirred major catastrophe in years past, has formed the backdrop to which this fascinating region has formed. Expect dramatic landscapes of rugged cliffs, an overwhelming overgrown green jungle mass, wildly beautiful dreamy beaches, sea spray and misty moments. Discover 18 great places to stay in Bali & Lombok.
Best time to visit: Generally speaking, the best time of year to visit Indonesia is between May and September when the days are dry and sunny. However, during wet season temperatures remain high and rainfall comes in the form of intense tropical downpours that tend to last for a couple of hours and needn't spoil your trip.
6. JAPAN
Tokyo is one of the 47 prefectures of Japan. It has served as the Japanese capital since 1869, its urban area housing the Emperor of Japan and the Japanese government.Discover 30 awesome experiences in one of the greatest cities in the world and travel from Tokyo and explore Nikko, Nagano, Matsumoto & Mount Fuji and travel from Tokyo to Hiroshima via Nagoya, Kyoto & Osaka.
BEST TIME TO VISIT: If you aren't traveling to hit the ski slopes, the months from March to May and from September to November are generally considered the best times to visit the country.
7. MALAYSIA
Malaysia occupies parts of the Malay Peninsula and the island of Borneo. It's known for its beaches, rainforests and mix of Malay, Chinese, Indian and European cultural influences. The capital, Kuala Lumpur, is home to colonial buildings, busy shopping districts such as Bukit Bintang and skyscrapers such as the iconic, 451m-tall Petronas Twin Towers. Explore Kuala Lumpur, Penang & Langkawi.
Best time to visit: Overall, the best time to visit Malaysia is between the months of December and February, if you're planning on visiting the islands on the west side of Malaysia (e.g., Penang and Langkawi), or June through August if you're planning to visit Perhentians and Tioman Island, on the country's Eastern coast.
8. MYANMAR
Myanmar (formerly Burma) is a Southeast Asian nation of more than 100 ethnic groups, bordering India, Bangladesh, China, Laos and Thailand. Yangon (formerly Rangoon), the country's largest city, is home to bustling markets, numerous parks and lakes, and the towering, gilded Shwedagon Pagoda, which contains Buddhist relics and dates to the 6th century. Discover the delicious cuisine of Myanmar.
Best time to visit: The best time to visit most of Myanmar is from November to February as it is neither too hot to walk around due to the cool breeze that blows in. March to May, on the other hand, are boiling hot, especially in the plains near Bagan and Mandalay.
9. PHILIPPINES
The Philippines is located in the Western Pacific, comprising more than 7,000 islands. Its capital, Manila, is famous for its waterfront promenade and centuries-old Chinatown, Binondo. Intramuros, a walled city in colonial times, is the heart of Old Manila. It’s home to the baroque 17th-century San Agustin Church as well as Fort Santiago, a storied citadel and military prison. Explore Manila, Malay, Cebu, Bohol, Puerto Princesa & El Nido
Best time to visit: The Philippines are most popular during the dry season, between November and April. At this time the country is fully accessible, including its many beautiful islands and more remote areas. Temperatures are high during March and April, so it's best to travel during the cooler months of December to February.
10. SINGAPORE
Singapore, an island city-state off southern Malaysia, is a global financial center with a tropical climate and multicultural population. Its colonial core centers on the Padang, a cricket field since the 1830s and now flanked by grand buildings such as City Hall, with its 18 Corinthian columns. In Singapore's circa-1820 Chinatown stands the red-and-gold Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, said to house one of Buddha's teeth. Explore seven superb sights in Singapore.
Best time to visit: Overall, the best time to go to Singapore is between February and April. Although Singapore is—for the most part—a year-round destination, the months of February to April fall within Singapore's dry season and experience (a least a tad) less rainfall than other times of the year.
11. SOUTH KOREA
South Korea is on the southern half of the Korean Peninsula and shares one of the world’s most heavily militarized borders with North Korea. It’s equally known for its green, hilly countryside dotted with cherry trees and centuries-old Buddhist temples, plus its coastal fishing villages, sub-tropical islands and high-tech cities such as Seoul, the capital. South Korea offers a dazzling range of high tech cities, stunning landscapes, amazing food and 5 000 years of culture & history
Best time to visit: South Korea has four distinct seasons. The summer period from June to August sees hot and humid weather whereas winter, from December to February, is icy cold and dry. Autumn and spring are thought to be the best times to visit as they offer warm, sunny days with clear blue skies.
12. SRI LANKA
Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon) is an island nation south of India in the Indian Ocean. Its diverse landscapes range from rainforest and arid plains to highlands and sandy beaches. It’s famed for its ancient Buddhist ruins, including the 5th-century citadel Sigiriya, with its palace and frescoes. The city of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka's ancient capital, has many ruins dating back more than 2,000 years. Get some tips on travel to Sri Lanka, know what to expect, and have the best time ever!
Best time to visit: If you're exploring the west and south coasts and hill country, December to March is the best time to visit Sri Lanka. If you plan on seeing the east coast, you'll get the best weather from April/May to September.
13. THAILAND
Thailand is known for tropical beaches, opulent royal palaces, ancient ruins and ornate temples displaying figures of Buddha. In Bangkok, the capital, an ultramodern cityscape rises next to quiet canalside communities and the iconic temples of Wat Arun, Wat Pho and the Emerald Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Kaew). Nearby beach resorts include bustling Pattaya and fashionable Hua Hin. Discover 6 gorgeous beaches in Koh Samui, Krabi & Trang
Best time to visit: Although the climate varies throughout Thailand, you can visit all year round. The best time to travel is during the cool and dry season between November and early April. In the south, the climate differs between the eastern and western coasts. The west coast is more favourable during the winter months, when diving and snorkelling will be at its best. The weather on the east coast is good for most of the year, with the lowest rainfall in January and February and the highest in November.
14. VIETNAM
Vietnam is situated on the South China Sea and is known for its beaches, rivers, Buddhist pagodas and bustling cities. Hanoi, the capital, pays homage to the nation’s iconic Communist-era leader, Ho Chi Minh, via a huge marble mausoleum. Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) has French colonial landmarks, plus Vietnamese War history museums and the Cu Chi tunnels, used by Viet Cong soldiers. Experience the magic of Vietnam
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Vietnam is spring (February to April) and autumn (August to October). The temperatures are more moderate and rainfall is lighter. In spring, March and April have the lowest rainfall across all destinations and temperatures are pleasant, though still cool in the far north.
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