32 BEST Places to Visit in Asia in December & January!

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December and January are popular times of year to travel or to go on holiday. Many people, especially those in the Northern Hemisphere want to get away from the cold, dark days to somewhere sunny and Asia is the perfect place to travel to in December and January.

While some areas of Asia do experience their rainy season in December and January, most of the Southern parts of Asia are experiencing hot, dry, sunny weather.

However, if you like the cold and want to see some snow in December and January, Asia can also offer this, you just need to go further North within Asia.

Best Places to Visit in Asia in December and January

I reached out to my travel blogging friends to get their thoughts, opinions and experiences from travelling Asia in the Winter months. Below are all the recommendations I received back to help you work out where to go on holiday in December and where to go in Asia in January.

South East Asia is a clear winner as one of the best places to visit in December and January due to the weather. A lot of countries like Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam and Malaysia will have blue skies and less rainy days making them the perfect country for a Winter holiday destination.

Koh Phi Phi is world famous because of the movie The Beach with DiCaprio, and it’s truly a paradise on earth. Be ready for sunny days, crystal clear water, secluded beaches, and delicious Thai Food. There are plenty of cool things to do in Koh Phi Phi, like soaking up the sun and swimming on the stunning Long Beach, go for a day kayaking to the Viking and Monkey beaches, and of course, going a boat tour to the small islands and the famous May Bay, AKA The Beach.

Koh Phi Phi is a group of islands, and only Phi Phi Don is inhabited and is there that you’ll stay, eat and play. The island is small, no cars are allowed there and the main mode of transportation is the traditional longtail boat. The good side is that all restaurants and bars are within walking distance from hostels and hotels.

The rainy season ends in Koh Lanta in November, and if you come here at the beginning of December, it will still be somewhat low-season with lower prices on accommodation and tours. Christmas and New Year will see more tourists, but it still won’t be as many as in Phuket.

January is also considered high-season in Koh Lanta and offers pleasant weather with temperatures around 30 degrees Celsius. Koh Lanta has many beautiful beaches with white sand and turquoise water. Additionally, there is also a jungle where you can go hiking on a day trip, where you can see wild monkeys.

Accommodation on Koh Lanta is available in all standards, ranging from backpacker guesthouses to luxurious resorts that have everything you could possibly wish for.

Suggested by: Alexander from Gourmand Trotter.

Phuket has an awful lot of things to do with almost every kind of activity available. On the island, you can go hiking, ziplining, play golf, explore the local culture or simply sit on the beach all day. There are also countless tours available to the nearby Phi Phi Islands or the famous James Bond Island.

Personally, I believe the town of Kathu is the best place to stay in Phuket. It’s centrally located between Patong and Phuket City so it’s perfect if you’re trying to avoid the busy tourist areas. Kathu has plenty of things to see and do as well as having a more authentic feel to it than nearby Patong.  However, it’s not so great if you prefer to spend your nights partying.

There’s a lot to do in Koh Phangan to keep you entertained for weeks.

Koh Phangan’s rainy season is over at the end of November and December becomes the first dry month making Koh Phangan a great December holiday destination. The temperatures are in their higher 20’s, sometimes low 30’s (Celsius) and become even a little cooler at night.

The island is Thailand’s second-largest and there are lots of things to do in Koh Samui. Whether you want to travel with your family, go on a romantic couple retreat or stay in budget hostels on a backpacking trip, you will have a great time on Koh Samui.

There are plenty of beaches with long stretches of soft sand to choose from; some of them have souvenir shops, restaurants and lots of water activities going on while others are more secluded and quiet.

Apart from lounging on the beach, you can hike to incredible viewpoints, swim in waterfalls and admire the many stunning Buddhist temples around Koh Samui. Go inland to experience the lush landscape with the tall palm trees and a different, less-touristic side of the island.

Or go on a boat trip to the archipelago northwest of Koh Samui called Ang Thong Marine National Park for snorkelling, kayaking, and amazing views of an emerald lake and impressive limestone cliffs.

Humidity drops and temperatures are comfortable, without being too hot or too cold. These months also experience plenty of dry and beautiful clear sunny days which are perfect for going out and exploring all that the city has to offer.

There are many things for visitors to enjoy in Bangkok, with something for every type of traveller. Perfect December and January activities include taking a river cruise along the Chao Phraya River and visiting many stunning temples such as Wat Arun and Wat Pho.

Many tour companies offer trips out of town to visit awesome places such as the ancient city of Ayutthaya or to visit a floating market. Outdoor food and shopping markets such as Chatuchak, Asiatique and Ratchada Rot Fai Train Night Market are also great places to visit when the weather is cool and dry.

Add that to the fact that parts of the country experience monsoon rains, the best time to visit Laos is in the dry season!

In Southern Laos, December and January typically have blue skies and hot days, with the nights still remaining warm. In the North, the nights and mornings can be a bit cooler, with foggy mornings in the mountain, but it is generally hot and sunny by late morning and in the afternoon.

The low (nearly non-existent) rainfall makes December and January a great time to explore the mountains of Northern Laos and make Laos one of the best places to visit in December in Asia.

By visiting in December or January, you will be almost guaranteed blue skies and sunny days.

The winter months are the best time of year to visit Palawan as you can take part in all the activities Palawan has to offer. The most popular thing to do in Palawan is to join an island hopping tour, which ranges from one-day to multi-day expeditions.

Joining a TAO Philippines expedition from El Nido to Coron last December was the highlight of my time in Palawan. Days were spent swimming in turquoise waters, snorkelling through vibrant coral reefs, chilling on secluded beaches, and fishing off the back of the boat.

If you love to celebrate Christmas, then visiting Palawan during December is perfect because the Philippines has the longest Christmas Season anywhere in the world! It starts as early as September and goes up to the first week of January. It’s so much fun to see how the locals creatively decorate the tropical fauna with Christmas lights.

Off the tip of Palawan Island sits a cluster of 45 islands, better known as El Nido, that boasts some of the most beautiful scenery and bright blue waters you’ll ever see. While exploring the islands, make sure to check out both the Secret Lagoon and Large Lagoon, as they both are magical places.

Some other highlights of El Nido include Secret Beach, Snake Island and hiking up Taraw Peak. The area has tour operators that run day and overnight trips to all the best spots in El Nido and that’s the best way to see it all.

After exploring El Nido, catch a ferry to Coron. Coron is another cluster of islands and just as beautiful, home to some of the most photographed spots in all of the Philippines. Another big draw of this area is the shipwreck diving, as Coron has multiple sites of sunken Japanese warships that divers can see up close.

However, I prefer to go farther away from the coastline and up into the mountains.  The quiet mountain retreat of Sagada is one of my favourite destinations in the Philippines, and December and January are among the best months to go.

Like many tropical countries, the Philippines has just two seasons – rainy and dry.  The rainy season typically starts at the end of May and goes until October.  This isn’t the best time to visit Sagada because the weather is hot and humid with heavy rains, especially around July till August which is usually the height of typhoon season.

Any hint of rain and it becomes dangerous to enter Sumaguing Cave, a striking subterranean system that’s quick to flood during the rainy season.

Instead, visit for the coolest and driest time of the year which is from December till January.  The weather is great in December but it’s also peak season for locals, so if you can, visit in January. There are fewer tourists after the new year, making spelunking and trekking a quieter and more pleasant experience. You’ll appreciate Sagada more then.

If you’re looking for pristine beaches, powdery-white sands, stunning rock formations and marine life, then this far-flung jewel on the edge of the Camarines Sur is your ideal tropical destination.

With a balmy 30 degrees Celsius and a low chance of typhoons, January is an ideal time to visit making this island in the Philippines one of the places to visit in Asia in January.

You can spend your day’s island hopping from one serene spot to the other and it’s likely you’ll only bump into a few local fishermen, as most of the islands are uninhabited. Therefore, it’s not a surprise that the US hit TV show ‘Survivor’ uses several of the islands as filming locations.

One thing to note is that the journey to the Caramoan islands is not for the faint-hearted. From Manila, it will take six hours minimum, including a one hour flight to Legaspi, followed by a 3-hour drive to Sabang Port and then a 2-hour speed boat ride to Caramoan.

What’s more, the temperature of the water is a balmy 27 to 29 °C (80 to 84 °F) almost every month of the year! That means you can surf in boardshorts all year round.

If you’re not a surfer, your Bali itinerary could include sunbathing or getting a massage on the beach, sipping cocktails, tasting Balinese cuisine and renting a scooter to explore the island. Bali is also an affordable destination in Asia and a great place to go if you’re on a budget in Indonesia.

Bali is a great destination to visit in Asia at any time of the year. It can rain in December, but the slightly higher chance of rain doesn’t stop the holiday crowd from flocking to Bali as the water is warm, showers are usually brief and a holiday atmosphere. January is a better month to travel to Bali as it doesn’t rain as much in Bali and it’s not as humid.

Start in the UNESCO World Heritage site of George Town, Penang’s main city. This is quintessential Asia with crumbling Chinese shopfronts rubbing shoulders with British colonial buildings, Hindu temples and mosques and Hindu temples.

Don’t miss the opportunity to visit George Town’s kongsi, or clan houses, scattered across the city’s streets and jetties. Checking out George Town’s vibrant street art scene and fill your boots with some of the best street food that you will eat in Asia. This is hawker stall heaven!

After you’ve had your fill of the history and culture of George Town take the ferry from Penang to the island of Langkawi.

This idyllic island is tailor-made for kicking back with a cocktail on a blindingly white sand beach, under the shade of a palm tree. But if you have a head for heights take the cable car to the top of Gunung Mat Chinchangandtake a walk across the Langkawi Sky Bridge.

This 125-metre-long pedestrian suspension bridge is not for the faint-hearted, but pluck up the courage to step onto it for sweeping views of Langkawi’s rainforests and islets.

December and January are considered to be the peak season in Ipoh, which means that you’ll have perfect weather almost every day. Since Ipoh is not as popular as other towns in Malaysia, you won’t have to deal with the crowds! 

Just a heads up, if you’re travelling to Ipoh in January, it’s better to plan your trip outside of the Chinese New Year period as traffic can be a nightmare and hotel prices will be slightly more expensive.

If you’re wondering what to do in Ipoh, you’ll be spoilt for choice! Head out to Mural Art’s Lane to see more than a dozen street arts! You can also check out Concubine and Market Lanes which are both great for souvenir shopping and a fun photo shoot with interactive murals. 

If you love being surrounded by nature, you’ll be pleased to know that Ipoh has an abundance of temples nestled in between the limestone formations. Perak cave temple is the most famous one but you’ll need to conquer 450 stairs before being rewarded with an incredible view of Ipoh. Other temples worth visiting are Kek Lok Tong and Sam Poh Tong.

Some of the iconic landmarks include the Petronas Twin Towers, Independence Square, and the National mosque, with the highlight being a visit to the 400-million-year-old Batu Caves.

With a classic equatorial climate, Kuala Lumpur is relatively humid overall, and there is always the possibility of rain at any time of the year. The weather does go through random floods and heat waves and is affected by two major monsoon seasons yearly. During this time the city experiences extensive rainfall and thunderstorms.

Arriving once the rains have passed in December, allows one to enjoy the city without having to worry too much about wet weather interfering in any activities. It is also a good time to experience many of the holiday celebrations that occur at this time of the year such as Hari Raya Puasa.

Cat Ba Island is definitely a cheaper alternative to the cruises around Halong Bay and you really don’t miss out on much since there are numerous (cheaper!) day trips that you can take along the bay.

If you love trekking then you definitely need to consider heading to Cat Ba national park. Adrenaline lovers will find rock climbing, cliff jumping, kayaking and so much more available. If you prefer a more sedate time, then just chill by one of the numerous beaches and enjoy the sound of the lapping waves against the sand.

Whenever anyone talks about visiting Vietnam, I always make sure that I suggest a few days stop on Cat Ba island. We found it immensely peaceful and relaxing.

Phu Quoc is known for its beautiful beaches with white sand and colourful water. The rainy season ends in September, and the months of December and January are some of the least rainy.

There are plenty of things to do on Phu Quoc, such as renting a motorbike and driving around the various beaches. Furthermore, you can join a boat tour and go snorkelling by the reefs, or visit deserted islands that are uninhabited.

Most tourists come here via a stopover at Ho Chi Minh International Airport, but it’s possible to take direct flights from Bangkok to Phu Quoc as well as all major airports within Vietnam plus some additional destinations.

This is the busiest time for tourists in Myanmar so it is probably best to book your accommodation in advance if you can or at least before you arrive in a city.  You will find though, that there are a lot fewer tourists than in other South East Asian countries, making it a great country to choose.

Myanmar is an easy country to get around though you will find the transport and roads more basic than the countries surrounding it and so it can take a long time to go a short distance.

In my 2 weeks, I visited Yangon the old capital, Mandalay the 2nd largest city and centred around Mandalay Palace, Inle Lake and Bagan. Bagan had to be my favourite place, exploring some of the 2000 temples there and watching the sunset. 

I hired an electric bike in Bagan and visited many of the temples, it’s great to go see some of the smaller ones as you can be the only tourist there. I also did the 4 day hike from Kalaw to Inle Lake which was stunning and definitely worth doing, it was another highlight of the trip.

December and January in Siem Reap are typically dry, sunny, with low humidity and relatively cooler temperatures for this country. Although the average temperature hovers around 26 degrees Celsius, (78 degrees Fahrenheit) that is about the coolest Siem Reap will get.

December and January are ideal weather to comfortably explore this beautiful city and the Angkor temples during the day, although a lunch break in the shade will still be enjoyed!

While you are exploring Siem Reap, the Angkor temples are a must! Because of the ideal weather in these months, you might be worried about the bigger crowds at this UNESCO site. We recommend getting an early start when planning to explore the more popular temples like Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom to beat the crowds. Then venture off to the lesser-known temples later in the day.

The Angkor temples are the largest religious monument in the entire world and they are ENORMOUS. Most tourists stay at Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom and fail to adventure out. We promise you can still escape the crowds even during these busier months.

However, it’s important you time your visit right. From March right through to October, many of the large resorts in Goa close down and the majority of beach huts are dismantled due to the monsoon season. December and January really is the perfect time to visit Goa when the skies are clear, temperatures hover around 30 degrees, and there is a variety of beach huts on offer along the coastline.

December in Goa can get very busy as everyone ramps up for Christmas, Goa is a popular place to spend Christmas in Asia because the Portuguese religious influence is strong here so everywhere is sparkling with twinkling lights and in celebration mode. The downside to this is that accommodation prices rocket and you need to book early.

Come January in Goa, things have calmed down and the festive holidaymakers have left. This is the best month to visit Goa and plan your visit as you’ll find some great deals on accommodations. It’s just case of finding which beach is best for you as there is quite an eclectic mix catering to the raver, the yogi, the package sun-seeker and everything in between.

While the hill stations of the Western Ghats are evergreen travel destinations because of their temperate climate, the rest of Kerala is infamous for its humidity. That is what makes Kerala the best holiday destination for winter.

Treks, wildlife safaris, houseboats on backwaters, pristine beaches, historic monuments – Kerala has everything to make you feel special. The aromatic spice gardens of Wayanad, the spectacular tea estates of Munnar at an altitude where you can touch the clouds and the exotic wildlife of Thekkady – these are a mountain lover’s dream.

Normally the climate is moderate in these areas, but bringing light woollens is advisable, especially in Munnar because it does get cold in the evening even though it’s hot during the day.

Kerala also has many beaches that are cleaner and less crowded than that of Goa. Not to forget, the backwaters of Kerala which welcome thousands of migratory birds in December and January from all over the world.

The weather remains pleasant to slightly cold in December and January in Rajasthan. The average temperature hovers between 25 to 10-degree Celsius. The days are sunny and bright and the evenings cool down. This makes December and January the best time of the year to travel to Rajasthan.

Things to do in Rajasthan include visiting grand Forts, Palaces, Frescos Havelis, Historic Monuments and National Parks. The most popular cities to visit in Rajasthan are Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Pushkar and Ajmer.

December and January is the best time of year to visit the Golden Triangle in India because it’s the dry season and temperatures are still mild. Nighttime lows can drop to 9°C but it can reach 25°C during midday. Best of all, there are plenty of exciting things to see within this three-city trek.

The Golden Triangle tour starts in India’s chaotic but enchanting capital of Delhi. This is the easiest location to fly in and out of for visitors from around the world. While there you should arrange visits to The Red Fort of Delhi, the main residence of the Mughal Emperor in the late 1600s.

Jama Masjid Mosque is also in Delhi and it’s one of the largest houses of worship in India. You should also visit the Chandni Chowk bazaar for souvenirs and to check out the spice stalls.

The second city on this route is Agra, home of the Taj Mahal. You’ll see one of the most well-known attractions in not only India but the world. Many travellers do this journey just for the Taj Mahal.

The impressive structure stands alone in beauty and was designed to be heaven on Earth – many think it achieved that goal. Before leaving Agra, you should also visit The Red Fort of Agra and the impressive citadel palace within.

Kandy is at the heart of Sri Lanka’s hill country and is considered to be the cultural capital of the country. From there it is only a short trip to some of the top things to do in Sri Lanka. Among them are the ancient Buddhist cave temples in Dambulla, the iconic Sigiriya rock and the jungles of Minneriya National Park where you can see wild elephants.

Kandy is also the start point for the scenic Kandy to Ella train that goes straight through Sri Lanka’s hill country. It’s considered to be one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world and it is so popular that you need to book your tickets in advance.

Although you could travel straight to the small hill town of Ella there are several places on this train journey worth a stop. You can get out to Hatton to climb Adams Peak. Nanuoya is the gateway to the tea town of Nuwara Eliya and from Haputale are several nice hikes into tea country.

Only Bhutan Airlines and Druk Air operate flights to and from Bhutan. Direct flights are available only from India, Thailand, Singapore, Bangladesh and Nepal.

Although April-May is the peak season to travel Bhutan, perhaps December-January is the best time to enjoy the snowfall and the scenic view of Bhutan. Above all, these are the months when you find Bhutan less crowded and can travel Bhutan on a budget.

Thimpu, Paro, Punakha – these are the best three places to visit in Bhutan. Start exploring Thimpu with Buddha Point. This offers a stunning view of 50 meters tall seating Buddha statue that is totally made of bronze.

The main reason to visit Bhutan in December or January is Paro. It is the most beautiful city in Bhutan located at an elevation of 2200 meters. In a Winter morning, you will get a clear panoramic view of the wide mountain range. Don’t miss Chelela Pass, the highest motorable pass in Bhutan. There is a high chance that you will get snowfall in December-January. It will offer you a breathtaking view of the snow-capped mountains and trees.

For starters, you can visit Lumbini which known as the birthplace of Buddha. It’s a popular pilgrimage site for Buddhists all over the world, and in 1997 was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, several countries have built Buddhist temples in the area.

The German temple is a crowd favourite with its bright beautifully painted ceiling. While you can visit Lumbini year-round, the temperature here reaches extremes of 110 F in the summer. Winter offers the perfect climate for walking around at 80 F during the day.

Another major site in the Terai is Chitwan National Park. It was declared Nepal’s first national park in 1973, and later, it was also declared a World Heritage Site. Today, it’s a popular place to spot Bengal tigers in the wild. The park is home to approximately 125 Bengal tigers.

There is also the Medeu Skating Rink which is the highest open-air ice rink in the world. If you are not much of a skier, then head into the Tian Shan Mountains for some fine winter hiking, but wrap up warm!

Almaty is not just a great destination for adventure lovers as the cosmopolitan city has a wealth of attractions and entertainment. From exquisitely housed museums and theatres in the Russian style to top-end restaurants and amusement parks like Kok Tobe, there is something to suit everyone in this colourful Silk Road City. Although the weather is cold in December and January, the skies are usually blue with plenty of winter sunshine.

For even more stunning landscapes there are plenty of day trips from Almaty such as the enchanting Big Almaty Lake. A little farther afield you can spend a few days exploring Kolsai Lake or the Charyn Canyon. The newly paved roads mean travelling overland in Kazakhstan in winter is much easier now than in previous years and a modern rail network means exploring the rest of this vast country is more comfortable than ever.

Muscat has a lot of natural beauty to offer and the beautiful outdoor locations are best enjoyed during the winter months. The city has a mesmerizing coastline with some excellent clean and serene beaches. During winter, BBQ’s at these beaches is a favourite activity of the residents of Muscat. Al-Mouj marina is a lavish, luxurious marina area in the city which hosts many restaurants and other entertainment activities.

Muttrah area in Muscat offers some easy hikes of the rugged, brown mountains which reward the hikers with spectacular views of the city and the corniche area. Winter is the most popular time for these hikes in Oman as the sun isn’t as harsh as the rest of the year. Muscat has a beautiful marine life too and some excellent snorkelling and diving spots are found in the city.

The Emiratis know how to cater to tourists, after all, it’s how they plan to survive once the oil runs out and that’s part of the reason you’ll find the biggest mall in the world there, the tallest skyscraper and the largest ferry wheel. And those are just a few of the world records the country holds!

December or January is a particularly good time of the year to visit the UAE because temperatures are bearable. The scorching summer sun has turned itself down, and you will be able to survive outdoors. This means there are more things to do in the UAE, such as visiting the desert, sunbathing at a beach club, kayaking in the mangroves or participating in a lavish and boozy Friday brunch by the pool.

January brings several seasonal celebrations: the Western New Year (on 1 January), which is a public holiday in China, and the Chinese New Year, which is important for family reunions. Because the Chinese calendar determines the date of the Lunar New Year, the holiday falls on a different date each year, sometimes in late January and sometimes in early February.

Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival or Chunyun period, as it is called in China, is often referred to as the largest annual human migration when millions of people pack up for a week or two and head to the countryside to see family.

That leaves big cities like Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shanghai feeling more like abandoned cities than metropolises. At the same time, the major tourist attractions, such as Yu Garden and the Bund, both become flooded with domestic tourists during public holidays. Indeed, there are so many visitors that soldiers have to serve as movable barriers to regulate the city’s traffic so keep this in mind if you plan to visit Shanghai in January.

Shanghai is a fascinating, cosmopolitan city rich in all aspects, yet it retains some ancient charm. It’s even truer when visiting suburban ancient towns with special events for the winter holidays. These are the ideal places to encounter everything Chinese, especially culture and customs.

You could listen to local operas and try to make your own handicrafts in person in Fengjing Ancient Town where buildings and bridges are in the style of Ming and Qing Dynasties. Located at the intersection of Nanjing Road West and Wanhangdu Road, Jing’an Temple is a must-see attraction.

In general, Hong Kong is a great travel destination for anyone. Amazing infrastructures, beautiful skyscrapers, diverse cuisines, and an abundance of traditional Chinese culture, Hong Kong is one of the cities that has it all.

On New Year’s Eve, Hong Kong has one of the biggest fireworks showcase celebrations of the year. Situated on the Victoria Habor, the firework display is one of the best in the world. With the Hong Kong skyline as the background, it is an unforgettable sight and the best way to start the new year.

Due to its many imposing religious structures and its proximity to the capital, Kamakura is one of the best day trips from Tokyo. But if you want to be really thorough, an overnight stay in Kamakura is a great option. In December and January, temperatures in Kamakura tend to be slightly higher than in Tokyo, which is great if you’re not a big fan of the cold.

Although pretty small now, Kamakura is one of the best places to see temples and shrines in the Land of the Rising Sun.

And there you have it! I hope you can now work out where will be the best place to travel in December and January to get good weather in Asia for your Winter and Christmas Holidays.

If you want to do more research, here are my Asia blog posts:

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