Deciding where to travel in this year feels overwhelming when the entire continent of Asia awaits. Mountains, beaches, temples, cities, food adventures—Asia delivers literally everything.
Rather than presenting endless options, I’ve matched each month to a destination that genuinely shines during that specific time. This month-by-month guide takes the guesswork out of planning, ensuring you arrive when the weather cooperates, the crowds thin (where possible), and the experience peaks.
Pick your month. Pack your bag. Go!
Table of Contents
Travel Destinations
January: Hanoi, Vietnam—Cultural Capital
Why Now
Weather is coolest and most comfortable (14-21°C). Tet (Vietnamese New Year) falls late January, bringing celebrations and festive atmosphere.
Getting There
Direct flights from Singapore (3.5 hours) via Scoot, Singapore Airlines, or Bamboo Airways. From Noi Bai International Airport to downtown Hanoi takes under an hour.
Three Essential Experiences:
Paloma Motor Bike tours: Skip the standard buses. Jump on a motorbike driven by a female guide, and she’ll navigate chaotic streets whilst stopping at genuinely good food vendors and historical spots. It’s exhilarating and revealing in equal measure.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: Free admission for locals, VND 25,000 (~USD 1) for tourists. The queues are genuinely long. Dress modestly (cover shoulders and knees) and know that photography is prohibited inside. It’s a sacred space treating this with appropriate respect.
Perfume Pagoda: A group of temples nestled in limestone caves at Mount of Fragrances. Approach by boat from Ben Duc village—women traditionally row the boats through scenery that feels genuinely timeless. This is an experience you’ll think about years later.
Where to Stay in Hanoi
Hotel Emerald Waters Classy—affordable, comfortable rooms, included breakfast, central location, rooftop pool.
Practical Tip: Use the hop-on, hop-off bus to explore at your own pace.
February: Boracay, Philippines—Beach Reset
Why Now
Perfect beach weather (24-29°C). Post-closure restoration means cleaner water and restored coral. Boracay Latin Dance Festival runs late February.
Getting There
Connect through Manila. Fly to either Kalibo (2-hour drive to Caticlan jetty) or Caticlan Airport (8-minute drive). Ferries operate frequently from the jetty.
Three Essential Experiences:
Scuba Diving: Beginner courses readily available. Experienced divers find genuine challenge. The underwater landscape has recovered beautifully since the 2018 cleanup.
Water Sports: Parasailing, kiteboarding, floating bananas, jet skis—Boracay delivers every option. Some sunset cruises include snorkelling; others focus purely on the view.
Island Discovery: Book a local guided land tour with someone who actually knows the area. You’ll discover beaches usual tours miss.
Where to Stay
Shangri-La Boracay—luxury with its own private beach and boat service to the island. Genuinely special.
Practical Tip: Sunset cruises are worth prioritising. Book early if you have specific preferences.
March: Tokyo, Japan—Cherry Blossom Season
Why Now
Cherry blossoms peak March 21-April 1 (exact dates vary yearly—check before booking). Mild temperatures (5-14°C) balance the crowds.
Getting There
Just under 7 hours from Singapore via Scoot, ZIPAIR, or full-service carriers. Haneda Airport (35 minutes) is far more convenient than Narita (1.5 hours).
Three Essential Experiences
Cherry Blossom Festivals: Nakameguro (March 24-31), Sumida Park (March 16-April 7), Bunkyo (March 23-April 7). Each offers different energy and beauty. Evening illuminations (yozakura) are genuinely stunning.
Yokohama: More manageable than Tokyo. Chinatown, historic Motomachi, the iconic Ferris wheel. Cup Noodles Museum offers hands-on noodle-making if you want something different.
Tsukiji Fish Market & Sushi Making: Experience where the world’s most expensive tuna gets auctioned, then learn to make sushi yourself. Combines history, spectacle, and genuinely delicious lunch.
Where to Stay
Hotel New Otani—central location, minutes to subway, next to a beautiful 400-year-old Japanese garden. The Ninja restaurant is literally next door.
Practical Tip: This is peak season. Book early and expect crowds. March is genuinely worth it for the blossoms.
Language Note: Japanese is official language. Younger generations speak English. Learning basic phrases earns genuine appreciation. Tipping is not expected and can be considered rude.
April: Phnom Penh, Cambodia—History & Culture
Why Now
Cambodian New Year (April 14-16) brings celebrations. Weather ranges 24-36°C. Just under 2 hours from Singapore—perfect long weekend.
Getting There
Direct flights via Singapore Airlines, Cambodia Air, or Jetstar. Phnom Penh International Airport is 35 minutes from city centre.
Three Essential Experiences
S-21 Prison & Killing Fields: This is sobering. Absolutely worth understanding the history of this country and the resilience of its people. Not recommended for children, but adults should make the effort.
Mekong River Sunset Cruise: Various options—30-minute casual cruises to full-service experiences with unlimited drinks and food. The sunsets are genuinely among Southeast Asia’s best.
Royal Palace: Khmer-style Throne Hall (built 1866) with the stunning Silver Pagoda. The architecture alone justifies the visit.
Where to Stay
Raffles Hotel Le Royal—less expensive than Singapore’s version but equally luxurious and atmospheric. Beautiful pool area. Stays true to the Raffles standard.
Where to Drink
The Raffles bar feels genuinely timeless. Staff are exceptional. Drinks are genuinely good.
Practical Tip: Cambodia relies heavily on tourism. Tips are deeply appreciated.
May: Chiang Mai, Thailand—Culture Over Beaches
Why Now
3-hour direct flight from Singapore. Temperature 23-34°C. Inthakin City Pillar Festival (May 28) centres around Wat Chedi Luang with offerings and Buddhist ceremonies.
Getting There
Scoot and Air Asia fly direct. Chiang Mai International Airport is 20 minutes by transfer to city centre.
Three Essential Experiences
Elephant Sanctuaries: Choose carefully—look for sanctuaries genuinely prioritising animal welfare. Education is paramount. Thais deeply respect their elephants, and you’ll understand why visiting.
Bamboo Rafting Adventure: Day-long experience combining hiking to waterfalls, time with rescued elephants, then sailing downstream on a bamboo raft. Genuinely memorable for all ages.
Thai Cooking Class: Learn from experts at organic farms. You harvest ingredients, then cook with them. The difference between “cooking class demonstration” and “learning how to actually cook” becomes clear.
Where to Stay
The Deer Resort—friendly staff, great pool, excellent location, genuinely affordable pricing.
Practical Tip: Evening street food markets are exceptional ways to discover flavours you wouldn’t normally try. Experienced guides make enormous difference.
June: Seoul, South Korea—Beyond Japan
Why Now
18-27°C weather. Can be slightly wet, so pack accordingly. Most tourists skip South Korea for Japan—mistake. Seoul is distinctly different and genuinely excellent.
Getting There
There are many options from Singapore to Seoul, which include T’way Airways, Scoot, Air Premia, Asiana and Korean Air. Two airports: Incheon and Gimpo. Book transport early—multiple airports complicate logistics.Â
Three Essential Experiences
Changing of the Guards: Gyeongbokgung Palace offers hourly ceremonies. Then explore the traditional palace itself. The contrast between modern Seoul outside and centuries-old palace inside is striking.
DMZ (Demilitarised Zone): The border between North and South Korea. Genuinely surreal to witness. Tours are well-organised and safe.
Bukchon Hanok Village: Step back in time in this actual neighbourhood featuring hanok (traditional Korean homes). Be respectful—locals live here. Guided tours available and recommended.
Where to Stay
Grand Hyatt—ideally located in Itaewon, excellent pool area.
Practical Tip: Nanta Theatre Show is genuinely entertaining (no Korean language required). Myeongdong neighbourhood surrounding it buzzes with energy.
July: Perhentian Islands, Malaysia—Authentic Escape
Why Now
Maximum temperature 31°C. Most visit Langkawi or Penang—Perhentian Islands remain genuinely authentic and less crowded.
Getting There
Fly Singapore to Kuala Lumpur (1 hour), then KL to Kuala Terengganu (1 hour). Taxi to ferry pier, then boat to island.
Three Essential Experiences
Snorkelling: Crystal-clear water begs snorkelling. The highlight is the clarity—you’ll see far deeper than you’d expect.
Perhentian Turtle Sanctuary Beach: Turtles are the main attraction. Turtle Sanctuary on Basah Beach offers best viewing.
Kayaking: Easiest way to explore. Crystal-clear waters make every paddle satisfying.
Where to Stay
Perhentian Island Resort—authentically Malaysian in every way. Rooms reflect local style; food choices are genuinely traditional.
Practical Tip: Island-hop to nearby islands like Laguna Redang for variety. Most resorts arrange day trips.
August: Bali, Indonesia—Accessible Luxury
Why Now
Sunniest month. Average temperature 27°C. Driest time to visit. Sanur Village Festival celebrates art, culture, food, water sports.
Getting There
3 hours from Singapore via Singapore Airlines, Scoot, KLM, or Garuda. You can hire a car or a driver to explore the island; the choice is yours in which way you want to get around.Â
Three Essential Experiences
Spa Treatment: Luxurious treatments—massages, facials, petal baths—cost a fraction of Western prices. Genuinely exceptional experiences.
Water Sports: Parasailing, jet skiing, diving. Every option available. Water-focused activities are genuine strengths here.
Ubud Day Trip: Contrast Nusa Dua’s beach resort energy with Ubud’s rice terraces, volcanic landscapes, and cultural immersion. The difference is jarring and revelatory.
Recommendation – spend a day visiting another island, such as Nusa Penida, seeing the amazing manta Bay and swimming with the fascinating Manta Rays.
Where to Stay
The Grand Hyatt Bali—private beach, affordable prices, caters to all visitor types.
Optional: Day trip to Nusa Penida—swim with manta rays at Manta Bay. Genuinely magical experience.
Practical Tip: Tipping 5-20% is appreciated. Car hire or drivers are easy to arrange. Â
September: Singapore—Explore Your Backyard
Why Now
Cooler weather arrives (24-31°C). Humidity drops to 64%. Mid-Autumn Festival (September 29) celebrates autumn harvest with lanterns and mooncakes.
Getting There
Transport – public transport in Singapore is one of the easiest ways to get around. Start exploring this island by bus, train or grab and take full advantage of the affordable activities.Â
Three Essential Experiences
Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus: Spend the day and see all the sites you have been meaning to see but have yet to get around to.Â
Singapore Botanic Gardens:Â UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore flora and fauna. Great restaurant choices. Full day easily passes.
Pulau Ubin: Feel like you’re in another country. Hire a bike, explore the island, eat at local Chinese restaurants. Time genuinely slows down here.
Practical Tip: The City Go Card includes 40+ activities and saves money.
Where to Stay
Staycation ideas –There are many great hotels to stay in Singapore; it depends on where you would like to stay and the type of vacation you want; this blog post has many excellent recommendations.
October: New Delhi, India—History & Culture
Why Now
Comfortable temperatures (19-33°C). No expected rain. Diwali Festival (October 21-23) celebrates lights and marks financial year beginning.
Getting There
Getting to New Delhi from Singapore takes just under 6 hours; many airlines to choose from: Jet Airways, Singapore Airlines, Scoot, Air India, IndiGo.
The best way to get from Indira Gandhi International Airport is via private transfer.
Three Essential Experiences
Old and New Delhi Tour: Knowledgeable guides navigate both sections. You’ll see contrasts that define this city.
Gandhi tour:Â Â Spend the day visiting Gandhi’s journey, from the museum and his home to his assassination and burial.
Taj Mahal:Â 3.5-hour drive to Agra. Genuinely iconic. Worth the early start and full day commitment.
Recommendation: Let a guide show you what the locals eat by visiting local stands via rickshaw.Â
Where to Stay
The Oberoi New Delhi is pure luxury; from the moment you step into this world-class hotel you are treated with exceptional service.
November: Fesdu Island, Maldives—Dream Resort
Why Now
Start of dry season. Average temperature 27°C. Humidity and rainfall decrease. Just under 5 hours from Singapore.
Getting There
Singapore Airlines and Saudia Airlines fly direct from Singapore to Male. You have 3 options for airport transfer: via bus, ferry or seaplane.Â
Three Essential Experiences
Snorkelling: Number one priority. Most resorts provide free or rental gear. Snorkel directly from your bungalow or book day trips.
Scenic Seaplane Flights: If not taking seaplane transport, book a scenic flight. The atolls from above are genuinely breathtaking—once-in-a-lifetime views.
Island Hopping: Check with resort for opportunities. Many offer day trips exploring other islands and atolls.
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Where to Stay
W Hotel Maldives —romantic getaway perfection. Excellent restaurants. Romantic tour opportunities. Genuinely spoiling.
Optional: Spend at least one night in an overwater bungalow. Life-changing experience.
Practical Tip: Most resorts are all-inclusive with 10% surcharge built in. Tipping not expected but appreciated.
December: Galle, Sri Lanka—Festive & Authentic
Why Now
Weather 24-31°C. New Year’s Eve parties throughout coastal areas. This part of Sri Lanka feels like old-days Bali—less crowded, slower pace, authentically rustic.
Getting There
You can fly the 3.5-hour flight from Singapore to Colombo with either Sri Lanka Airlines or Singapore airlines.
Transport: The best way to get from the Bandaranaike International Airport to Colombo (40 minutes) or Galle (2 hours) is via private transfer.
Three Essential Experiences
Yala National Park: Two-day adventure with trekking and driving. Possibility of staying in treehouses. Genuinely immersive wildlife experience.
Galle UNESCO Heritage Site:Â Fortified city built by Europeans, blending European and South Asian architecture. Walk through history literally.
Kandy to Ella Train Ride:Â Visit the UNESCO World Heritage monuments of Sigiriya and the rock fortress and Dambulla cave temple; however, the highlight for me was the spice garden.
Where to Stay
Mango House Galle Fort —quirky location in the middle of Galle Fort. Affordable rooms, lovely staff.
Practical Tip: Explore outside Galle. The train journey deserves time.
Practical Essentials for 2026 Travel
Insurance: SafetyWing covers medical mishaps. Essential for any trip.
Visas: iVisa instantly confirms requirements for your passport.
Internet: Airalo provides affordable connectivity throughout Asia. Set up before departing.
Flights: CheapOair compares airlines and pricing.
Car Hire: DiscoverCars covers most Asian countries with transparent pricing—no hidden fees.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2026 Asia Travel
Conclusion
Asia awaits. Pick your month. Book your flight. Go. Each destination on this list shines during its recommended month for genuine reasons—weather, festivals, cultural moments, optimal conditions. Trust the timing. Pack light. Travel curious. Return changed.
Follow along on Instagram @trulyexpattravel for real-time travel updates and daily adventures, or join the Truly Expat Facebook community to connect with other travellers planning 2026 adventures.
Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you book through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you—this helps me keep creating free, detailed travel guides. I only recommend services and products I genuinely use and trust, having travelled across Asia for years. Read my full affiliate disclosure.
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