Where to Visit in Asia in December? Winter Wonderland Destinations

As the year winds down, many travelers start planning their next adventure, and Asia is an excellent destination to consider for a December getaway. With its rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant cities, Asia has something to offer for every kind of traveler. From the snow-capped mountains of Japan to the sun-kissed beaches of Thailand, December is an excellent time to explore the continent’s many wonders. In this article, we’ll take you on a journey to some of the best places to visit in Asia in December, highlighting the top destinations, festivals, and events that make this month a great time to travel.

Winter Wonderland: Japan and Korea

Japan and Korea are two of the most popular destinations in Asia during December, and for good reason. The winter weather is crisp and cool, making it an ideal time to explore the cities and countryside. Here are some of the top places to visit in Japan and Korea in December:

Japan

• Sapporo Snow Festival: This iconic festival takes place in Sapporo, Hokkaido, and features elaborate snow sculptures, ice sculptures, and snow slides.
• Osaka’s Winter Illuminations: Osaka’s Dotonbori area is transformed into a winter wonderland with colorful illuminations and festive decorations.
• Yokohama’s Chinatown: Yokohama’s Chinatown is one of the largest in the world, and during December, it’s a must-visit destination for its festive atmosphere and delicious food.
• Mount Fuji: Take a day trip to Mount Fuji, Japan’s highest peak, and enjoy the stunning views of the snow-capped mountain.

Korea

• Seoul’s Winter Fest: Seoul’s winter festival features ice skating, snow sledding, and hot chocolate, making it a fun destination for families.
• Bukchon Hanok Village: This traditional Korean village is even more beautiful during winter, with snow-covered roofs and festive decorations.
• Pyongyang’s Winter Festival: North Korea’s capital city hosts a winter festival featuring traditional music, dance, and food.
• Jeju Island: This tropical island is a popular winter getaway, with its beautiful beaches, waterfalls, and black sand beaches.

Beach Destinations: Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines

While many travelers flock to Japan and Korea during December, there are also some amazing beach destinations in Asia that are perfect for a winter getaway. Here are some of the top places to visit in Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines in December:

Thailand

• Phuket’s New Year’s Eve Party: Phuket is one of the most popular destinations for New Year’s Eve, with its beautiful beaches, lively nightlife, and stunning fireworks display.
• Koh Samui’s Full Moon Party: Koh Samui’s famous full moon party takes place in December, featuring music, dancing, and a stunning beachside setting.
• Chiang Mai’s Loy Krathong Festival: Chiang Mai’s Loy Krathong festival is a beautiful celebration of light, featuring thousands of lanterns and candles floating down the river.
• Pattaya’s Christmas Market: Pattaya’s Christmas market is a fun destination for families, featuring festive decorations, food, and souvenirs.

Indonesia

• Bali’s New Year’s Eve Party: Bali is a popular destination for New Year’s Eve, with its beautiful beaches, stunning temples, and lively nightlife.
• Lombok’s Gili Islands: The Gili Islands are a popular destination for snorkeling and diving, and during December, the water is warm and clear.
• Yogyakarta’s Borobudur Temple: Yogyakarta’s Borobudur Temple is one of the most famous temples in Indonesia, and during December, it’s a great time to visit before the crowds arrive.
• Bandung’s Christmas Market: Bandung’s Christmas market is a fun destination for families, featuring festive decorations, food, and souvenirs.

Philippines

• Palawan’s El Nido: Palawan’s El Nido is a stunning destination, featuring crystal-clear waters, limestone cliffs, and beautiful beaches.
• Boracay’s White Beach: Boracay’s White Beach is one of the most famous beaches in the Philippines, and during December, it’s a great time to visit before the crowds arrive.
• Tagaytay’s Christmas Market: Tagaytay’s Christmas market is a fun destination for families, featuring festive decorations, food, and souvenirs.
• Manila’s Christmas Lights: Manila’s Christmas lights are some of the most beautiful in the world, featuring stunning displays of lights and decorations.

Festivals and Events: China, India, and Vietnam

Asia is home to many vibrant festivals and events, and December is an excellent time to experience some of the continent’s most unique and colorful celebrations. Here are some of the top festivals and events to experience in China, India, and Vietnam in December: (See Also: Where to Visit in Brunei? Hidden Gems Revealed)

China

• Qingming Festival: The Qingming Festival is a traditional Chinese holiday that honors ancestors, and during December, it’s a great time to visit China’s ancient temples and tombs.
• Harbin Ice and Snow Festival: Harbin’s Ice and Snow Festival is one of the most popular winter festivals in China, featuring stunning ice sculptures, snow slides, and hot chocolate.
• Shanghai’s Christmas Market: Shanghai’s Christmas market is a fun destination for families, featuring festive decorations, food, and souvenirs.
• Guilin’s Winter Festival: Guilin’s Winter Festival features traditional music, dance, and food, making it a great destination for cultural enthusiasts.

India

• Diwali: Diwali is India’s most popular festival, celebrating the triumph of light over darkness, and during December, it’s a great time to experience the vibrant celebrations and decorations.
• Goa’s New Year’s Eve Party: Goa is one of the most popular destinations for New Year’s Eve, with its beautiful beaches, lively nightlife, and stunning fireworks display.
• Kerala’s Christmas Festival: Kerala’s Christmas festival features traditional music, dance, and food, making it a great destination for cultural enthusiasts.
• Delhi’s Winter Festival: Delhi’s Winter Festival features traditional music, dance, and food, making it a great destination for cultural enthusiasts.

Vietnam

• Ha Long Bay’s Winter Festival: Ha Long Bay’s Winter Festival features traditional music, dance, and food, making it a great destination for cultural enthusiasts.
• Hanoi’s Christmas Market: Hanoi’s Christmas market is a fun destination for families, featuring festive decorations, food, and souvenirs.
• Sapa’s Winter Festival: Sapa’s Winter Festival features traditional music, dance, and food, making it a great destination for cultural enthusiasts.
• Mui Ne’s New Year’s Eve Party: Mui Ne’s New Year’s Eve party is a fun destination for families, featuring music, dancing, and a stunning beachside setting.

Recap

In conclusion, December is an excellent time to visit Asia, with its many festivals, events, and destinations that offer something for every kind of traveler. From the snow-capped mountains of Japan to the sun-kissed beaches of Thailand, there’s no shortage of exciting places to visit in Asia during December. Whether you’re interested in culture, adventure, or relaxation, Asia has something to offer. So pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready to experience the magic of Asia in December.

FAQs

What is the best time to visit Asia in December?

The best time to visit Asia in December depends on the destination. Japan and Korea are best visited during the winter months, while Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines are best visited during the dry season. China, India, and Vietnam are best visited during the winter months, while Southeast Asia is best visited during the dry season.

What are the top festivals and events in Asia in December?

Some of the top festivals and events in Asia in December include the Sapporo Snow Festival in Japan, the Loy Krathong Festival in Thailand, the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival in China, the Diwali Festival in India, and the Ha Long Bay Winter Festival in Vietnam. (See Also: Where to Visit in Europe in March 2020? Top Hidden Gems)

What are the best beach destinations in Asia in December?

Some of the best beach destinations in Asia in December include Phuket, Koh Samui, and Krabi in Thailand, Bali and Lombok in Indonesia, and Palawan and Boracay in the Philippines.

What are the best cultural destinations in Asia in December?

Some of the best cultural destinations in Asia in December include Japan and Korea for their winter festivals and traditions, China for its ancient temples and tombs, India for its vibrant festivals and celebrations, and Vietnam for its traditional music and dance.

What are the best adventure destinations in Asia in December?

Some of the best adventure destinations in Asia in December include Japan and Korea for their skiing and snowboarding, Thailand and Indonesia for their trekking and hiking, and Vietnam for its rock climbing and kayaking.