Experts stressed that it is also important to choose the right month to visit a particular Asian country.
As Asia is the largest continent in the world, the weather in summer varies greatly in different parts of it – from sun-drenched islands to heavy rains.
Experts from Lonely Planet, the world’s largest travel platform, have compiled the best places in Asia to visit during the summer months – and told you when it’s best to visit each of them.
June
1. Busan, South Korea-for K-Pop lovers. The country’s second-largest city is teeming with K-drama shoots, K-Pop groups, and K-beauty stores, just like the capital Seoul, but it’s much less crowded and the prices are more forgiving for the wallet. In June, the cherry blossom season falls here, while summer has not yet reached its full swing.
2. Da Nang, Vietnam-for a beach holiday. Vietnam usually gets heavy rainstorms in the summer, but fortunately it doesn’t affect the northern coast. Da Nang, the country’s fifth – largest city, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, and its modern facilities at reasonable prices make it one of the most livable destinations in Southeast Asia. It is also an hour’s drive from Hoi An UNESCO Site.
3. Singapore-for a variety of food. Although Singapore’s tropical climate is consistent all year round, June is a good time to visit due to lower (by Singapore standards) humidity and much rarer rain than the rest of the year. Since this island nation is home to four major ethnic groups (Malays, Chinese, Indians, and Indonesians), it offers an extremely diverse cuisine – their specialties can be enjoyed at an affordable price in street malls and outdoor public dining rooms.
July
4. Shimla, India-for walking. India may not come to mind when it comes to coolness, but Shimla is an exception. The suburb in the northernmost state of Himachal Pradesh was a 19th-century refuge of the British colonial government – trying to escape the harsh summers, they ventured into the foothills of the Himalayas, turning Shimla into a British mountain station full of amenities. Now, Indians come there to enjoy Tudor and Neo-Gothic architecture in comfort at temperatures between 27 and 31 degrees Celsius while walking through the gentrified pedestrian zones.
5. Bali, Indonesia – for scenic views. In July, it’s relatively dry and pleasantly warm (24-31 degrees Celsius), which means that everything looks as beautiful as in Instagram. And while Bali is crowded all year round, arriving at the very beginning of July can at least help weed out families waiting for the school holidays to start.
6. Almaty, Kazakhstan-for affordable outdoor recreation. July is the peak season for visiting Almaty, but since it’s a relatively little-known Asian tourist destination, it doesn’t have the usual summer crowds. The weather varies between 13 and 27 degrees Celsius, which is ideal for exploring local museums and cathedrals or enjoying the city’s nightlife, as well as nature trips.
August
7. Sendai, Japan-an alternative to famous cities. Japan is so much more than Kyoto, Tokyo, and Osaka, and while tourists are flooding this holy trinity, it’s worth considering Sendai (aka “City of Trees”) for a breath. It has everything that people go to Japan for: fresh sushi, crazy karaoke, and ancient temples, but in this young, student-filled city, you can experience it all as a local. August highs are 26-27 degrees Celsius, and this is also the month of the Tanabata Festival in Sendai-with parades, traditional performances and an abundance of street food.
8. Chengdu, China-for panda lovers. At the end of August, this city, known as the home of the big pandas, will most likely have the opportunity to see the cubs in their cutest form. They are born blind and hairless, weighing only 100 grams, and only after a month they have distinctive markings-they can be seen at the Research Base for breeding large pandas. The average temperature in August is usually 25 degrees Celsius, but this month is usually quite humid.
9. Altai Mountains, Mongolia – to disconnect from the network. With more than 14 hours of daylight in August, you can take a leisurely trip to the Altai Mountains of Mongolia. There are many archaeological sites in the area, including the ruins of the ancient city of Harahot. There are also snow-capped mountains for hiking or climbing, as well as green valleys where local marals and argali sheep are found. Tourists can camp on Lake Haughton or stay in a traditional village to experience the local nomadic culture. Wi-Fi is either limited or non-existent, so guests here have a unique chance to return to the basics of life and blissfully disconnect from modernity.
