Want to know the finest times to visit these grand Asian countries?
Already scheduling your trips for the rest of the year? From viewing cherry blossoms bloom to catching some waves, here are the most excellent times to travel to some of our close by Asian neighbours. -Mabel David-Pilar
Japan
Photo: Matt Boman
The land of cherry blossoms draws millions of tourists each year, countless of people try to grasp Japan’s well-known cherry trees in bloom for just a couple of days throughout spring. The period is so brief, it’s no shocker that the Japanese hold hanami (cherry blossom viewing) parties in the parks to commemorate it.
Best time to go: As long as there are no unforeseen warm or cold fronts to speed up or setback the blossoms, the beautiful trees are naturally in full bloom throughout the first week of April for Kyoto, Osaka, Tokyo and Nara. For Sendai, Sapporo, and other northern cities, they bloom about the subsequent week.
South Korea
Photo: Sionabin Yeon
Japan is not the only country to see cherry blossoms in stunning bloom. In Korea, it’s best to see them in rustic Hwagae, the small harbour of Jinhae or on the island of Yeouido in Seoul, as well as countless other parks, mountains, and towns.
Best time to go: In spring, from the first week of April to mid-week for a shelter of cherry blossoms. But if you can’t grasp this, sketch your trip in the fall when the temperature remains mild to see splendid, vibrant shrubbery covering Korea’s mountains (e.g. Jirisan, Seoraksan, Naejangsan, Namsan, etc.) and pathways (e.g. Deoksugung Palace’s Stone-Wall Road in Seoul) and parks (e.g. Seoul Grand Park).
Hong Kong
Photo: Sergey Norin
There’s no possibility to be fed up in this incredible city of lustrous skyscrapers, mouth-watering food, markets and malls, and so much more. Nevertheless, your travel plans can be ruined by typhoons that sweep by Hong Kong roughly May to November.
Best time to go: December to February are winter months, which for a sub-tropical weather means a chilly and dry 12oC to 20oC temperature with a small probability of rain. Go in February when it’s still cold, the dampness is not yet gone, and you want to experience Chinese New Year in this part of Asia.
Taiwan
Photo: Daniel Aguilera Sánchez
This small island country includes an enormous hit when it comes to sights to see and adventures to be had, from its calm and lush mountains to its lively street food sight.
Best time to go: Autumn, which is September to early December, just when the climate is cooler and the air is dry, however there are the frequent storms. If you want to stay Taiwan’s several mountains throughout that time, take note that that it will be far more colder (more rain) so plan your trek before October.
Philippines
Photo: Matthew Herradura
An extensive archipelago of 7,107 islands, the Philippines has lately been noticed internationally for being home to hundreds of beautiful world-class beaches. A number of them are points to incredible swells and big waves for surfing enthusiasts; for many, though, the white sands and clear blue waters are enough to thrill you.
Best time to go: The finest months to grab hold of a wave are usually from August to November due to typhoon winds. Cloud Nine in Siargao, Baler in Auroroa and other parts of Luzon are some of the famous surfing spots.
Vietnam
Photo: M M
It’s not easy to locate the best time to go because of the distinct differences in the diverse regions’ latitudes. Make a decision if you want to see cold Sapa and the well-known mountains of the distant north; Hanoi, Halong Bay and the rest of northern Vietnam; the significant cities of Hoi An, Hue and the rest of central Vietnam; or go to the south to see Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta.
Best time to go: Just between November and March, it falls below winter or dry season (depending which area you’re in), it is cool enough and dont expect any heavy rainfall (which prevents garbage from flowing to Halong Bay, among other travel hassle). In those months, you can also easily walk around Sapa.