Find Your Winter Getaways in Asia

Want to beat the winter blue? Look no further. Asia is the first go-to when talking about sunshine, laid-back vibes, and some exotic experience. For different types of travellers, we have rounded up destinations where you can trade in the snow for some fun in a warmer temperature over the winter months.

For the savoury and healthy bite: Vietnam

Do you experience hungerlust? Fire up the taste buds this winter on a food trip to Vietnam. Needless to say that the weather from December to March is mild and dry, but it is the Vietnamese food too tasty to resist. Jam-packed with protein, minerals, vitamins and fibers, Vietnamese cuisine is also one of the healthiest cuisines in the world thanks to the rich natural products, food, and ingredients used in the dishes.

Vietnamese restaurant with a sophisticated decor designed to replicate what a western restaurant may have looked like in Vietnam during the 1920s. 

Whether you are looking for authentic street eats or in the mood for quality indoor dining, Vietnam has something for everyone. Our experienced guide in Vietnam will take you embark on a food journey and travel like a local in Vietnam. Start the first morning with the king of Vietnamese dishes, Pho. This soup dish consists of broth, rice noodles, beef or chicken, and fresh herbs that provide water-solute vitamins and proteins. If you are a fan of French crepe, the sizzling bánh xèo is a low-carb alternative, which is filled with bean sprouts and shrimps rather than sugar and cream. The transparent summer rolls are one of my favorites due to its powerful flavor with the help of the piquant sauce. Staple ingredients used in this Vietnamese snack include shrimp, vermicelli and greens, all healthy stuff to lower your calorie intake!

Pho, bánh xèo and summer rolls.

It is true that Vietnamese love sweet guilty pleasure (who doesn't?), but the good thing is that they are made with healthy ingredients and contain less sugar. From refreshing puddings, chè bắp, made with sweet corns and sticky rice to the warm dessert of chè chuối that features bananas and coconut milk, the scrumptious taste never ends as you keep exploring.

For family: Hong Kong

No one would doubt that Hong Kong is a fascinating city for travel in every aspect. Winter here begins in mid-December and lasts to February with dry and clear weather. Temperatures go between 15 °C (59°F) and 22 °C (71.6 °F), therefore it is perfect to take your young ones along for all kinds of activities.

The busy, glorious Victoria Harbor famed for the luminous night view.

As a highly developed and tourist city, Hong Kong offers plenty of family-friendly accommodation options. You can easily find comfortable hotels that feature rooftop swimming pool with floatation equipment for kids and nice fitness centre for the parents.

You may have heard that Hong Kong promises fun memories for all ages. This is particularly true when you travel with families. Museums are a good start just right after the long-haul flight. Try the Hong Kong Science Museum first, which has more than 500 exhibits that kids will absolutely love it.

When the evening arrives, go to a hilarious comedy show as Hong Kong is never short of excellent cultural performance going on. Check out what is in the theatre and book the tickets ahead to save some hassle. It is also a good idea to venture out into the Temple Street Night Market, navigating through a labyrinth of the age-old shops and try the authentic local snacks.

It's never too much to have a few plates of the best dim sum in the world.

Do not be misled that Hong Kong has no natural beauty. For a physically active family, there are many hiking trails that will blow your mind. Avid hiking lovers are recommended to go on a four-hour hike up to the Dragon's Back, where you will have a relaxing time taking in the stunning views of the coastal scenery. An easier hike in Lai Chi Chong is also available, which is a geopark with some educational elements blended in, thus being a favourite for family.

For lovebirds: The Philippines

Whether you have just fallen in love or are planning a honeymoon, the Philippines offers all you need to unwind with your partner in crime. From various sorts of water activities, exciting night-out and dining by the beach, it will not let you down.

Three islands in the country, Boracay, Plawan, and Siargao, was named the top 3 by Conde Nast's Best Islands in the World: 2018 Readers' Choice Awards. Often cited as Southeast Asia's very own Maldives but in a less expensive way, the Philippines is ready to welcome couples with its powder-fine white sand beaches and palm-trees-dotted resorts. Picture a day out for dolphin watching or having an encounter with whale sharks in Cebu. The sandy shores on any island put on a stunning sunset every day. Drink in the view with a glass of Gin Pom, the quintessential Filipino cocktail.

Kayaking through the big lagoons in El Nedo.

If you want some luxurious intimacy, a couple's massage delivers both indulgence and comfort, making you revived for next day's exploration into the Chocolate Hills in Bohol. Next time when you take a Hershey's, it will remind you of the sweet moment spent in the chocolate-shaped mountains.

The Instagram-worthy Chocolate hills are an excellent backdrop for a love-filled photo.

Spice up your romance in a local party. Bars playing the music from the 80s or offering skilfully crafted cocktails simply guarantee loads of fun, and I haven't mentioned that the energy of the crowd is infectious!

For a proposal or special anniversary: Indonesia

The weather in Indonesia around Christmas and January provides a temperature below 30°C (86°F), which is pleasant enough to forget about winter. Feeling itchy to pop the question? You don't have to wait until spring. Bali is known for the romantic, luxury resorts and villas with private white sand beaches. Another highlight is the infinity pool in room, creating a more exclusive sense for you and your other half. With the picturesque setting, it is hard to not get the most memorable experience of a lifetime, not to mention using it as a catalyst to a "yes". Spend the rest of the holiday strolling by pristine waters as a newly engaged couple, or hanging out in a unique café that has novel concepts and ideas. After a candle-lit dinner, go for a night tour to see fireflies glow in their natural habitat under the stars and hear the crickets and the frogs. Magic, isn't it?

Many upscale hotels offer romantic props on the surreal private beach. How can she/he even deny this?

For those who are looking for celebrating a special anniversary, Indonesia is a no-brainer for leaving the ordinary at home. Add something enlightening on the trip by visiting Yogyakarta, the cultural hub of Indonesia where you and your beloved one can hop on an exciting journey to time-honoured temples and pristine waterfalls. Don't miss the magnificent view at Mountain Batur, an active volcano on the island of Bali. Just imagine how beautiful it would be that at sunset when the sky turns pink and orange, sit on a stone ledge together dangling your feet and falling in love all over again.

For off the beaten track: Laos

More of a hidden gem nestling among many popular Asian destinations, Laos deserves attention from adventure seekers. The weather in winter is warm and dry with an average temperature between 22°C (72°F) during the day and 16°C (61°F) at night. This means that light adventure lovers can enjoy all sorts of outdoor fun while avoiding the summer heat and heavy rains.

It takes an open mind to visit Laos, but the rewards are great. Unlike its famous neighbouring countries, the charm of Laos lies in its untouched natural beauty in less touristy cities like Pakse. Sitting on the Mekong River, Pakse is dotted with hill tribes that still keep their traditions. Hike up to the spectacular Tad Lo Waterfall and have a dip in the natural swimming lagoon before enjoying a cup of coffee with the company of elephants. This is a trip that will refresh your body, mind, and soul. Even in cities like Luang Prabang and Vientiane you are able to gain insight into the life of this peaceful country through quiet fishing spots and sacred religious sites.

 Tranquil farm scenery in the suburb.

 Wandering in different markets and soaking up the genuine lifestyle of people. 

Take your adventure to another level by having some classic, spicy bites of Laotian cuisine. Very different from Thai or Vietnamese food, Laotian food makes the most of fresh ingredients, oftentimes with offal. But again, that's the spirit of adventure. The positive side is, they taste fantastic. To know more about essentials of traveling to this country, check out the frequently asked questions about Laos travel. 

For best value: Sri Lanka

It doesn't have to break the bank to make a winter beach getaway come true. Sri Lanka offers a sun-kissed holiday for only a fraction of the price of Maldives. The experience, nevertheless, is no less as enjoyable as the one you have on any island in the Indian Ocean. From December to March, the south and southwest coasts, as well as central highlands of Sri Lanka, see fairly nice weather with an average temperature of 25°C (77°F). We have 10 fantastic reasons to visit Sri Lanka but I will give a few key qualities here to convince you.  

Blessed with white sand beaches along the coastlines, Sri Lanka was just named the NO. 1 place to go in 2019 by Lonely Planet. There are lots to do here. Flip flops are preferable over sneakers to fully soak in the laid-back vibe, all day, whole trip. Whale watching tours in the south coasts, such as Mirissa, welcome the peak season at this time of the year, so grab the chance to spot blue whales and sperm whales!

The epic beach in the southwest of Sri Lanka.

To maximize your stay, the range of hotels and resorts varies from international chains to holiday villas and heritage-style ones, while the latter delivering a feel of the colonized era taken by Portuguese, Dutch and British.

On land, the historical sites and breathtaking scenery await curious travelers. Find yourself lost in the myth of the giant Lion Rock, and take a stroll in the Nuwara Eliya tea plantation for a cup of the original Ceylon tea the other day. The Sri Lanka Christmas cake with a rich mixture prepared by a smiling grandmother is also something you can't miss during the time.

The awe-inspiring Lion Rock near the town of Dambulla.

For nightlife and shopping: Singapore

Singapore's position close to the equators means that the weather remains warm and humid all year round. Temperatures average between 25°C (77°F) and 33°C (92°F), providing a perfect condition for winter escapers that want to inject themselves into Singapore's thriving midnight culture and shopping spree.

The happy hour in Singapore will set you up for a night clubbing in this party city. Fresh beats can be heard around funky clubs and chic bars, where busy nine-to-five loosen their ties and let their hair down till a.m. A festival riverside village, Clarke Quay is the ultimate nightlife destination that dedicates to a fun time. To drive your adrenaline up, visit a rooftop bar, 1-Attitude at the top of One Raffles Place for instance, overlooking the iconic skyline from the 63th-storey and ranking the swankiest in town. If you prefer a laugh-out-loud break, comedy clubs like Comedy Masala is a good starter that never failed to deliver laughter, certainly the perfect catalyst to drive the night forward.

Stunning night view of the Marina Bay.

Being one of the world's best places for shopping, Singapore is definitely something for shopaholics. Not just because shopping is one of Singapore's favorite national pastimes, but you can buy almost everything at a great price. The area of Marina Bay is choked with malls that offer famous brands as well as offbeat finds. In hunt of the coolest stores, head to Orchard Road where is packed with all sorts of excitement from high-end fashion labels, vintage boutiques, high-tech gadgets to designer homewares. In short, you will not regret missing Boxing Day at home when you can do more in Singapore!

Hopefully this article has helped you to locate your winter getaway category! Open to more possibilities? Send an inquiry to get some free, tailored itinerary suggestion.