The winter wonderlands of Asia
Photo by: Daisuke in Sapporo
This post is for our Asian readers who know they’ve got a good thing going this year with local travel and epic winter destinations. Because winter in Asia can mean so many things! No matter where you call home, and whether winter comes with snow-capped mountains and sidewalks, balmy breezes and beaches, or both, this is the year to treasure and travel your own unique winter wonderlands.
To get you in the mood we’re highlighting a handful of Asian countries that hint at what’s on offer in this part of the world during the winter months. And remember, we have local photographers in over 27 countries throughout Asia, all ready to capture your unique winter memories at home this year!
Photo by: Yosuke in Sapporo
Thailand
Without the crowd of international tourists that usually flock to Thailand in December, locals will have their incredible cities and countryside all to themselves. With the break in rain and humidity, this is the time to get out and soak up Thailand’s beauty. Take in the various flowers that bloom during these months, from the parks and wild cherry blossoms of Chiang Mai to the sunflower fields of Lopburi, or watch the spectacle of thousands of seagulls taking to flight in the evening in Bangpu Recreation Center as they travel south from Siberia. And without the usual crowds in Bangkok, stroll peacefully through the city’s more than 200 temples, or enjoy the delicious foods and experiences of the famous floating markets that you might have avoided in the past, like Damnoen Saduak or Amphawa Market. Whether you head north for hiking and camping in the mountains or south for serene beaches and sea views, Thailand will offer a perfect winter experience.
Japan
Japan's many mountains and higher latitude translate to a winter blanketed in snow and offering snow activities, including ice skating, sledding and skiing. Hit the slopes just outside of Tokyo or head to the mountains and ski resorts of Hokkaido. While there, be sure to fill up on seasonal crab and peek in on the bathing snow monkeys at nearby Jigokudani Monkey Park. If you love the snow and outdoors, but not the cold, then the warm hot springs of Onsen are for you, where you can bathe in comfort surrounded by a magical, snowy landscape. Something Japan does well year round, but especially in winter, are festivals! Starting in November as the days darken the entire country comes alight. Winter Illumination Festivals can be found throughout Japan. Streets and nature alike twinkle as they are illuminated by millions of sparkling LED lights. Check out this list of the best illumination festivals to visit in 2020-2021. At the start of the year, visit your neighborhood shrine or temple to participate in Hatsumode and pray for luck in the New Year. And finally, as the winter months continue into January and February, enjoy Kamakura Festivals, where hundreds of small snow huts glow with lights hinting at the return of the sun and spring!
Photo by: Satoshi in Kyoto
Vietnam
Vietnam is perfect during the winter months because it has something for everyone. You can bundle up in a scarf, hat and fleece and head to the mountains of the north, or wrap a sarong around your bathing suit and sink your toes into the miles of beaches in the south. Enjoy the peace, majesty, and falling snow of Sapa, without the throngs of international visitors. The mists and terraced land here make for beautiful backdrops, as do the fairy tale qualities of nearby Tam Dao with its mountains, clouds, waterfall and castle. Or, if you prefer, relax on the pristine beaches of Ngoc Phu Quoc, soak up the color and cheer of the flowers of Dalat, or have a photoshoot on the Dragon Bridge of Da Nang. With fewer tourists about, this winter is the perfect time to visit and support local artists during the monthly Hoi An Lantern Festival, especially as the nights are darker. Whatever you do during your winter months, north or south, Vietnam is filled with magical experiences.
India
There is so much to do in India during the winter months that it can be mind-boggling. There are castles and forts to explore in the golden pink city of Jaipur, countless backwaters and lakes to traverse in Kerala, and stunning birdwatching and jungle safaris to appreciate in Bharatpur. If you want epic mountain peaks and snowy valleys, keep to the north. Consider the renowned ski slopes of Auli, in Uttarakhand, or go ice-skating in Shimla or trekking in Manali, both in Himachal Pradesh and less than a half day’s drive to the Great Himalayan National Park. And the cooler winter months give you the opportunity to savor the wonders of places you might avoid in the summer and monsoon months, such as Tamil Nadu, where you can wander the Dravidian-style Hindu temples and enjoy the beaches and nightlife of Chennai. From wildlife refuges to floating cities to pristine beaches, the cooler winter months lend themselves to the many charms of India. We can only scratch the surface of what’s on offer, but we hope it gets you inspired to get out and explore the Indian Peninsula during this breathtaking season.
Philippines
Typically a very popular time with foriegn visitors, as the weather cools and humidity drops, this year Filipinos have their island paradise to themselves. That means it’s time to breathe in the fresh, cool air, get out into the lush nature, and be a tourist in your own country. If you haven’t yet, and it’s in your region or province, travel to the famed Chocolate Hills of Bohol while they are their signature chocolate brown color and climb the 200 steps to the observation deck to watch the sunset. If you’re in the Davao Region, make the most of fewer crowds to get into Davao City and meet the crocodiles, wander Chinatown, see the fountains and sculptures in People’s Park, and eat at the night market. Be sure to visit the nearby Philippine Eagle Center where every dollar goes towards the conservation of the endangered national bird, and climb Mount Apo, the “King of Philippine Peaks”, for impressive views of the surrounding landscape. No matter where you live in the Philippines there are beaches, island retreats, and adventures awaiting you. The Philippines can be enjoyed year round, but in wintertime, they’re to be treasured.