When planning a trip to Asia for travel between May to September you have to be a bit careful where you go as many destinations are about to enter the rainy season. There are though still large areas of the continent that offer plenty of warm sunshine and for destinations that are about to enter rainy season, there are in fact many advantages in traveling at this time of the year.
The rainfall will mean lower temperatures; providing welcome relief to all from the stifling summer heat, and that rainfall will also mean greener landscapes, providing nature lovers the opportunity to explore jungles when they are at their lushest, and visit waterfalls when they are looking their most beautiful. The rainy season will also often mean lower prices, better hotel deals and fewer tourists to share those wonderful destinations with. A nice trade off if you are prepared to put up with the odd afternoon shower.
Whether you are looking for a beach vacation to a tropical paradise or a cultural break exploring mystical temples, then the next few months can in fact often be the best time of the year to travel.As Asia is such a big continent it’s not surprising that there are different weather patterns and in some countries we are in fact about to enter into the summer months. An example is Indonesia, which is heading into the dry season and that means it’s an ideal time to relax on a gorgeous Bali beach, or snorkel in the turquoise waters around Sulawesi.
In Myanmar the rainy season is now just beginning but this time of the year can often be the best time to visit the amazing temples at Bagan. The stunning temple complex of 2,000 pagodas, receives less rainfall than Yangon and the rain that does fall makes the site look at its very best, with the surrounding planes being at their greenest and the River Irrawaddy’s banks full of water. What’s more there are lots of great hotel deals to be snapped up and less visitor numbers means that you won’t be sharing this wondrous spiritual site with masses of other travelers.
Thailand’s Andaman coast is best avoided between now and September as the likes of Krabi, Phuket and Koh Lanta receive their fair share of rain. It’s a different story though on the other side of the mainland in the Gulf of Thailand, as islands such as Koh Samui and Koh Tao are blessed with lots of warm sunshine and crystal clear waters. The rainy season here is from September to December and June in particular is a great month to travel as not only is the weather great, visitor numbers are low, just before the European schools have their summer breaks.
In Japan Mount Fuji is best climbed from early July to September because for most it is too difficult to climb outside of this time of the year, as there is too much snow on the upper slopes. Also the huts providing refuge and food along the way are only open in the summer months. Whilst June and July is the rainy season for much of the country, in mountainous Hokkaido these months are a great time of the year to visit for nature lovers, as wildlife is at its most ubiquitous and there are six major national parks to explore.
May to July is an ideal time to visit historic Hoi Ann in Vietnam. Compared to most of Vietnam there is little rainfall and temperatures average in the mid-30s Celsius. Despite this it is still considered low season, and so the UNESCO World Heritage center is free from hordes of tourists and the great local beaches can often be pretty quiet. June is also the time of the year when locals celebrate the beautiful festival of “Half Tet”, when the Thu Bon River comes to life in the day, with the spectacle of dragon boat races, and is illuminated at night with brightly colored lanterns and candles.
If you have questions about where is best to travel to in the coming months and are looking to plan your own unique travel experience, our expert local specialists can assist you be creating an original itinerary that matches all your needs. Simply get in touch or send us an inquiry today and we’ll help you plan your dream vacation in Asia.
