Best destinations to visit in April in Asia

April brings some of the hottest weather of the year to parts of Asia, along with one of the region's biggest celebrations.

Thailand and several neighboring countries mark their New Year with Songkran in mid April, a water festival celebrated with citywide water fights and family gatherings. Southeast Asia as a whole reaches its hottest stretch of the year this month, with humidity building alongside rising temperatures. South Asia heats up too, pushing many travelers toward cooler hill towns rather than the lowland cities. East Asia stays milder, with cherry blossom season wrapping up in parts of Japan during the first half of the month. Ski season in the region's colder mountains has largely come to an end by this point.

The destinations on our list for Asia reflect that same range, from festival energy in the heat to the last of the season's blossoms.

Lists by region

Worldwide (39) Africa (15) Asia (16) Europe (14) North America (20) Oceania (8) South America (8)

Land of smiles and contrasts

Unlike the quiet family customs of many New Year holidays, Songkran is a giant street water fight. The Thai New Year is celebrated on 13 to 15 April with water pistols, buckets and temple visits. Chiang Mai and Bangkok have the biggest parties. Days are hot, so bring light clothes and a waterproof phone case.

Explore Thailand

Ancient charm meets natural wonder

The Old Quarter of Hanoi dates back about a thousand years. Its narrow streets are still named for the goods once sold there. The weather is warm on the coast in April, good for Da Nang beaches and Ha Long Bay cruises. Street food such as pho and banh mi is cheap.

Explore Vietnam

Where East meets West in stunning contrast

Locals visit Emirgan Park at weekends in April to see millions of tulips in bloom during the city's tulip festival. The flower has been a symbol of Turkey since Ottoman times. Ferries cross the Bosphorus between Europe and Asia in mild weather. Mosques, bazaars and old palaces fill the old city.

Explore Istanbul

Island in South Korea

Nature's Island Paradise

Flowers bloom earlier on this volcanic island than on the Korean mainland. Yellow canola fields cover the countryside in April. Cherry trees line roads in the city of Jeju. Seongsan Ilchulbong, a crater by the sea, is a popular sunrise hike. Haenyeo divers still gather seafood by hand.

Explore Jeju Island

City in South Korea

Where Tradition Meets High-Tech Marvels

Picnics under the cherry blossoms are a springtime custom in this capital. Families and friends spread blankets along the Han River and on Yeouido Island. Fried chicken and noodles are often delivered right to the grass. Palaces such as Gyeongbokgung are especially pretty framed by pink trees.

Temples, geisha districts and kaiseki dining

Elegant and old, this former capital has more than a thousand temples and shrines. Cherry blossoms are the highlight of April along the Philosopher's Path and in Maruyama Park. Geisha in the Gion district perform the Miyako Odori dance in spring. Book hotels months ahead because crowds are large.

Ancient Silk Road's hidden treasure

Desert, mountains and the old Silk Road cities of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva are found in this Central Asian country. Days are mild in April, around 20 degrees Celsius, which is good for walking among the blue domes. Tulips bloom on the hills outside the cities. Markets sell warm bread and dried fruit.

Explore Uzbekistan

Region in Indonesia

Tropical beaches, vibrant culture and adventure

This island lies just south of the equator in Indonesia, so it is warm all year. The wet season is ending in April. The rice terraces at Jatiluwih and Tegallalang are green and rain showers are short. Beaches near Uluwatu are less crowded than in July and August.

Ancient wonders meet desert landscapes

This country in the Middle East has desert, mountains and a short coast on the Red Sea. Daytime highs are around 25 degrees Celsius in April, which is comfortable for walking through Petra. The desert of Wadi Rum has red sand and rock arches. The Dead Sea is warm enough for floating.

Wild rainforests meet unique wildlife

Dayak peoples have lived in the island's interior for centuries, in longhouses beside the rivers. April is usually drier than the months before it in many areas, so jungle trails are easier to hike. Orangutans can be seen at Sepilok in Sabah. Boat trips on the Kinabatangan River pass monkeys and hornbills.

Samurai streets, gold leaf and Kenrokuen garden

The Maeda clan ruled this city for centuries and built Kenroku-en, one of the three great gardens of Japan. Cherry blossoms are at their peak there in early April. The Higashi Chaya district has wooden teahouses from the Edo period. Fresh seafood from the Sea of Japan is served in the markets.

Explore Kanazawa

Tohoku's biggest city with samurai roots

Blossoms in this city usually peak in mid April, later than in Tokyo. Nishi Park and Aoba Castle are good places to see them. A statue of the lord Date Masamune stands at the castle site. Matsushima Bay, a short train ride away, has pine covered islands. Grilled beef tongue is the local dish.

Karst Mountains and Serene Rivers

A river cruise of about 80 kilometres runs from here to Yangshuo past thousands of limestone hills. The karst peaks are among the most famous sights in China. April is mild and can be misty, which suits photos of the hills. Bamboo rafts and bicycle rides are popular in the villages.

Mirror-like lake with the best Fuji views

Calm and scenic, this lake at the foot of Mount Fuji is one of the Fuji Five Lakes. Cherry trees bloom around the shore in mid April, later than in Tokyo. The mountain is still capped with snow. A ropeway climbs Mount Tenjo for wide views of the lake and Fuji.

Explore Lake Kawaguchi

City in South Korea

Ancient Treasures in a Modern World

Cherry trees are in bloom in early April around Bomun Lake and the Daereungwon tombs. The city was the capital of the Silla kingdom for nearly 1,000 years. Bulguksa Temple and the Seokguram Grotto are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The old centre is flat and easy to explore by bicycle.

Explore Gyeongju

Land of Himalayan wonders

The country holds eight of the world's ten highest mountains. Rhododendron forests bloom red and pink on the trails to Annapurna Base Camp in April. The skies are usually clear before the monsoon begins. The Bisket Jatra festival in Bhaktapur marks the Nepali New Year with chariots and street processions.

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