Spring is the ideal time of year to visit many destinations in Asia, from the cherry blossom-lined streets of Japan to the sunny beaches of Bali, Indonesia. Many parts of Southeast Asia are experiencing their dry season during the spring, meaning fantastic weather. In Eastern Asia, it’s one of the most picturesque times of the year. Here’s where to go in Asia this spring and some ideas for where to stay once you get there.
10 Tokyo, Japan
It’s no secret that spring is the high season in Japan, with travelers from across the globe flocking to the country to see the cherry blossoms in bloom. It’s a wonderful time of year to visit Tokyo, especially since the Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival is in full swing from the end of March to the beginning of April. Although it can be expensive to visit Tokyo during Sakura Season, it’s worth it for the beauty and lively atmosphere. Book well in advance and stay at capsule hotels to reduce expenses.
9 Seoul, South Korea
Similar to Japan, South Korea also has its cherry blossom season in the spring, making it another popular spot to be in from March to May. Early April is the prime time to visit Seoul because this is when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom in the country’s capital.
8 Chiang Mai, Thailand
Spring is the dry season in Chiang Mai, Thailand, so it’s a fantastic season to explore the country’s north. Unique regional cuisines like Khao Soi and exciting activities like visiting ethical elephant sanctuaries or shopping at night markets are a few of the fun adventures to experience there.
7 Luang Prabang, Laos
Visiting Luang Prabang in the early spring means enjoying the tail end of Laos’ dry season before the rain starts becoming more frequent in May. However, visiting in May and June still means less rainfall than in summer but fewer tourist crowds.
6 Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
March to May is the dry season in southern Vietnam, allowing travelers to experience sunshine and warm temperatures while implying the historic city of Ho Chi Minh. The city gets less attention than Hanoi in the north but is packed full of museums, restaurants, coffee shops, and more.
5 Siem Reap, Cambodia
Travelers who are interested in viewing the beauty of Angkor Wat can do so with clear skies and sunshine from March to May, making this a great time to visit. Cambodia experiences a wet season beginning in June with significant rainfall through the summer months, so it’s best to visit in the spring before that starts.
4 Fukuoka, Japan
Fukuoka, Japan, is an underrated city on the southern island of Kyushu. It’s a great spot to visit for viewing cherry blossoms early in the season (March and April), plus there are lots to do there, from a day trip to Takachiho Gorge to shopping at Canal City Hakata.
3 Busan, South Korea
Travelers who want to see a different side of Korea in the spring should head to the beaches of charming Busan. This gorgeous coastal city experiences sunshine and balmy daytime temperatures by May (average high of 22ºC), making it a fantastic sandy getaway spot. As a bonus, travelers visiting early in the spring can also see cherry blossoms here (from March to April).
2 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Visiting Kuala Lumpur in late spring (May and June) means missing the monsoon season but beating the crowds that arrive in the city during July and August. Late spring in Kuala Lumpur is extremely hot, allowing North American travelers to get a taste of true summer weather a few months early.
1 Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
The dry season in Bali begins in May, so visiting in late spring is the perfect time to see the island at its most dreamy. Staying in the town of Ubud is a great option because this is where travelers will find a lot of holistic experiences that Bali is famous for, including yoga studios and raw food restaurants.
