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Best destinations to visit in April in Asia

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Istanbul
Where East meets West in stunning contrast
8.7
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.
Highlights:
  • 👑 Explore the opulent Topkapi Palace and its imperial treasures
  • 🚤 Cruise along the Bosphorus between Europe and Asia
  • 🕌 Admire the grand Hagia Sophia’s domes and mosaics
Kyoto
Temples, geisha districts and kaiseki dining
9.2
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.
Highlights:
  • ⛩️ Climb the vermillion torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine
  • 🍱 Experience Japan’s beautifully presented Kaiseki dining at a traditional restaurant
  • 🎋 Stroll through the magical Arashiyama bamboo forest early in the morning
Seoul
Where Tradition Meets High-Tech Marvels
8.6
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.
Highlights:
  • 🌇 Admire Seoul’s skyline from N Seoul Tower at sunset
  • 🛍️ Shop and eat street food in bustling Myeongdong
  • 🏯 Explore Gyeongbokgung Palace and watch the royal guard ceremony
Bali
Tropical beaches, vibrant culture and adventure
8.2
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.
Highlights:
  • ⛪ Visit Uluwatu Temple perched high on a seaside cliff
  • 💦 Swim beneath the cascading Tegenungan Waterfall
  • 🌋 Watch the sunrise over Mount Batur volcano
Kanazawa
Samurai streets, gold leaf and Kenrokuen garden
8.2
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.
Highlights:
  • 🍵 Wander the preserved tea houses of Higashi Chaya District
  • 🏯 Explore Kanazawa Castle and its impressive defensive grounds
  • 🌸 Stroll through Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan’s finest landscapes
Jeju Island
Nature's Island Paradise
8.6
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.
Highlights:
  • 🏘️ Visit the colorful Jeju Folk Village Museum
  • 🦇 Explore the stunning Manjanggul Lava Tube caves
  • 🌄 Watch sunrise from the volcanic Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak
Gyeongju
Ancient Treasures in a Modern World
8.1
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.
Highlights:
  • ⚱️ Wander among royal tombs at Daereungwon Tumuli Park
  • 🪨 Admire the ancient stone pagoda at Seokguram Grotto
  • 🏯 Explore Bulguksa Temple, a UNESCO masterpiece of Buddhist architecture
Guilin
Karst Mountains and Serene Rivers
7.2
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.
Highlights:
  • 🌅 Climb Xianggong Mountain for sunrise views
  • 🦩 Explore the colorful Reed Flute Cave’s limestone formations
  • 🛶 Cruise the scenic Li River through karst peaks
Sendai
Tohoku's biggest city with samurai roots
7.3
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.
Highlights:
  • 🥩 Taste Sendai’s legendary grilled beef tongue, gyutan
  • 🌳 Walk the lush Jozenji-dori Avenue lined with zelkova trees
  • 🎎 Visit the ornate mausoleum of Date Masamune at Zuihoden
Borneo
Wild rainforests meet unique wildlife
7.9
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.
Highlights:
  • 🦇 Explore unique limestone caves in Gunung Mulu National Park
  • 🦧 See orangutans up close at Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary
  • 🏔️ Climb Mount Kinabalu for unforgettable summit views
Lake Kawaguchi
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.
Highlights:
  • ♨️ Relax in an onsen overlooking Mount Fuji
  • 🛶 Cruise across Lake Kawaguchi for mountain views
  • 📸 Capture Mount Fuji’s perfect reflection on the lake
Jordan
Ancient wonders meet desert landscapes
8.0
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.
Highlights:
  • 🐪 Ride a camel across the desert dunes of Wadi Rum
  • 💧 Float weightlessly on the salty waters of the Dead Sea
  • 🏛️ Marvel at the rose-red rock city of Petra
Nepal
Land of Himalayan wonders
8.5
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.
Highlights:
  • 🕍 Explore the ancient temples and squares of Kathmandu Valley
  • 🛩️ Take a scenic flight over Mount Everest
  • 🏔️ Hike to Everest Base Camp and witness majestic peaks
Thailand
Land of smiles and contrasts
8.0
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.
Highlights:
  • 🏮 Experience the lantern festival during Yi Peng in Chiang Mai
  • 🌃 Explore Chiang Mai’s night markets and street food
  • 🏯 Visit the ornate Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha
Uzbekistan
Ancient Silk Road's hidden treasure
6.9
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.
Highlights:
  • 🏰 Explore Khiva’s Itchan Kala fortress at sunset
  • 🕌 Walk the ancient Silk Road streets of Bukhara
  • 💎 Admire the blue-tiled majesty of Registan Square in Samarkand
Vietnam
Ancient charm meets natural wonder
7.7
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.
Highlights:
  • 🍜 Taste authentic Vietnamese pho at a bustling street stall
  • 🏮 Walk the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An at night
  • ⛵ Cruise through Ha Long Bay’s limestone karsts at sunrise
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