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Best destinations to visit in December in Asia

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Singapore
Tropical city-state of hawker food and gardens
9.5
From mid November to early January, Orchard Road has Christmas lights, themed displays and street performers, so evening strolls feel like a festival. December is also the wet season, with warm humid air and short afternoon showers, so locals duck into open air food courts called hawker centres for satay and chicken rice.
Highlights:
  • 🏮 Wander through Chinatown’s temples and traditional shophouses
  • 🌳 Visit Gardens by the Bay and its iconic Supertree Grove
  • 🌆 Admire the futuristic skyline from Marina Bay Sands SkyPark
Chiang Mai
Ancient temples and mountain escapes
8.1
King Mengrai founded the city in 1296 as the capital of the Lanna kingdom, which is why the old walled square still has dozens of temples. December has cool dry mornings and clear skies, so visitors bundle up for sunrise at Doi Suthep and browse night markets under paper lanterns.
Highlights:
  • 🛕 Visit the sacred Doi Suthep temple atop the mountain
  • 🍲 Join a traditional Thai cooking class with locals
  • ⛩️ Explore the ancient temples of the Old City
Kyoto
Temples, geisha districts and kaiseki dining
9.2
In early December the last maple leaves are still red at temples such as Tofukuji and Eikando, where some of them open after dark for special evening illuminations. Crowds are thinner than in November, so walkers stroll the stone paths of Higashiyama in cool crisp air under bare branches.
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
Hanoi
Where tradition meets modern vibrancy
8.0
Locals start cool December mornings with egg coffee, a drink of whipped egg yolk and coffee that began in the Old Quarter in the 1940s. Many then eat pho noodle soup on low plastic stools at a pavement stall. Cool grey weather is good for walking around Hoan Kiem Lake and its temples.
Highlights:
  • 🚴‍♂️ Ride a cyclo through Hanoi’s Old Quarter’s narrow streets
  • 🏯 Admire the ancient architecture of the Temple of Literature
  • 🌅 Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake and watch locals at sunrise
Dubai
Glamour, Adventure and Desert Charm
9.2
The smell of cardamom coffee and saffron drifts through the old souks along Dubai Creek, where traders still load dhow boats with goods bound for Iran and beyond. Souks are traditional markets. December has sunny, mild days with a light sea breeze, so rooftop dinners and desert dune drives feel comfortable.
Highlights:
  • 🏜️ Take a desert safari and ride camels over golden dunes
  • ⛷️ Shop and ski inside the Dubai Mall and Ski Dubai
  • 🏙️ Ascend the Burj Khalifa and watch the city from above
Siem Reap
Gateway to Ancient Temples and Culture
7.3
The temple complex of Angkor spreads over hundreds of square kilometres of forest just north of the Tonle Sap lake. December is the cool dry season, so travellers climb Angkor Wat for sunrise in clear air and explore Ta Prohm, where giant tree roots grow over the stone walls.
Highlights:
  • 🌳 Stroll through Ta Prohm and see trees reclaim the stones
  • 🛕 Explore the ancient ruins of Angkor Thom and Bayon
  • 🌅 Watch the sunrise over Angkor Wat’s majestic temples
Boracay
Powdery white sands and turquoise waters
7.8
White Beach is a four kilometre ribbon of powder sand with calm shallows in December, when the dry northeast wind called amihan blows, so skies are mostly clear. At sunset sailors launch colourful paraw sailboats, then diners settle at beach bars where fire dancers perform on the sand.
Highlights:
  • 🛥️ Explore the caves of Crystal Cove Island by boat
  • ⛵ Watch breathtaking sunsets from a paraw sailboat
  • 🏖️ Relax on the famous White Beach’s powdery sand
Luang Prabang
Laid-back charm by the Mekong River
7.5
Every dawn monks in saffron robes walk barefoot along the old town streets to collect sticky rice from kneeling locals in a ritual called Tak Bat. December is cool and dry with misty mornings over the Mekong, so the sunset climb up the steep steps of Mount Phousi is pleasant.
Highlights:
  • 🌅 Climb Phousi Hill for panoramic sunset views
  • 🏛️ Explore the historical Royal Palace Museum grounds
  • 💦 Visit the stunning Kuang Si Waterfalls and swim
Kathmandu
Temples, chaos and Himalayan magic
6.9
Juniper incense smoke and the low hum of chanting hang over Boudhanath, a huge white Buddhist shrine called a stupa where pilgrims walk clockwise at dawn. December has crisp clear skies and dry air with cold nights, so trekkers gather here before heading to the Himalayan trails.
Highlights:
  • 🏰 Explore ancient palaces in Kathmandu Durbar Square
  • 🕉️ Visit Boudhanath Stupa, one of Asia’s largest stupas
  • 🐒 Climb 365 steps to the iconic Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple)
Harbin
Ice sculptures sparkle beneath winter’s glow
8.5
Similar to Sapporo's snow festival but built from huge blocks of river ice, the Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival usually opens in late December or early January with glowing towers and castles. December is bitterly cold, so visitors wear thick coats to see ice sculptures and the Russian style Saint Sophia Church.
Highlights:
  • ⛪ Admire Saint Sophia Cathedral's stunning Byzantine architecture
  • 🐅 Walk through the Siberian Tiger Park, observe wildlife
  • ❄️ Explore Harbin's massive Ice and Snow Festival
Ko Phi Phi
Tropical Paradise Awaits You
7.7
Limestone cliffs rise straight out of the Andaman Sea at Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh, two islands a ferry ride southeast of Phuket. December has dry sunny days and calm clear water, so snorkellers swim over reefs and hikers climb to the viewpoint for sunset over both bays.
Highlights:
  • 🤿 Swim and snorkel around Bamboo and Mosquito Islands
  • 🚤 Take a boat tour to Maya Bay and Pi Leh Lagoon
  • 🌄 Hike to the stunning Phi Phi Viewpoint for panoramic views
Ha Long Bay
Vietnam’s Otherworldly Seascape
December is the cool dry season, so the bay has calm water and soft morning mist around its limestone islands that rise straight from the sea. Travellers sleep aboard junks, which are traditional style cruise boats with cabins, then paddle kayaks into quiet lagoons where few other boats go.
Highlights:
  • 🛶 Kayak through quiet lagoons and hidden beaches
  • 🕳️ Explore spectacular caves like Sung Sot and Thien Cung
  • 🚤 Cruise among Ha Long Bay’s iconic limestone karsts
Phuket
Beaches, Culture and Nightlife
8.1
Chinese families came to mine tin on the island in the 1800s and built the pastel shophouses and shrines that still stand along the streets of Old Phuket Town. December is dry season on the west coast, so Kata and Karon beaches have calm blue water and sunny afternoons.
Highlights:
  • 🏘️ Explore colorful streets of Phuket Old Town
  • 🗿 Climb to the serene Big Buddha viewpoint
  • 🏖️ Relax on Patong Beach and enjoy vibrant nightlife
Langkawi Island
Tropical Beaches, Rainforests and Sunsets
7.9
Island families tell the folk tale of Mahsuri, a woman said to have cursed the island for seven generations. Visitors see her white marble tomb in the village of Ulu Melaka. December is the dry season, so the sea is calm and the island has sunny skies for boat trips and beach days.
Highlights:
  • 🛶 Take a mangrove boat tour through Kilim Geoforest Park
  • 🏖️ Relax on the white sands of Pantai Cenang Beach
  • 🌉 Ride the Langkawi SkyCab and cross the curved Sky Bridge
Hokkaido
Volcanoes, powder snow and fresh seafood
9.3
Niseko's slopes below the cone shaped volcano Mount Yotei have light dry powder that skiers call Japow. In December snow falls on most days in the mountains, so skiers ride lifts by day and soak in outdoor hot spring baths at night while flakes drift over the water.
Highlights:
  • 🚤 Explore historic Otaru Canal and its shops
  • 🏂 Ski or snowboard in world-famous Niseko resorts
  • 💧 Visit the spectacular Shirogane Blue Pond
Maldives
Coral atolls, lagoons and overwater villas
9.2
Unlike the stormy summer months, December is part of the dry season, with sunny skies, calm seas and clear water for diving. Divers see reef sharks, turtles and colourful fish on reefs around the atolls, which are rings of coral islands, while others sleep in overwater villas above shallow lagoons.
Highlights:
  • 🌌 Watch a glowing beach at night on Vaadhoo Island
  • 🦈 Snorkel with reef sharks and manta rays at Hanifaru Bay
  • 🏝️ Stay in an overwater villa surrounded by turquoise lagoon
Beitou
Vibrant night markets and historic temples
8.9
Like a Japanese hot spring town but only a short metro ride from downtown Taipei, Beitou has steaming sulphur pools in Thermal Valley and public baths fed by the same springs. December is cool and often drizzly, so a long soak while mist drifts over the green hills is a favourite winter habit.
Highlights:
  • 🍵 Enjoy a traditional tea ceremony in local teahouse
  • 🌫️ Stroll through Beitou Thermal Valley's misty trails
  • 🧖‍♂️ Explore Beitou Hot Spring Museum's historic steam displays
Goa
Beaches, Culture and Portuguese Heritage
7.2
On India's west coast along the Arabian Sea, a string of beaches from Baga to Palolem has dry sunny days and calm water for swimming in December. Fish curry is on the menu at beach shacks while locals pack the Portuguese era churches of Old Goa for Christmas midnight Mass.
Highlights:
  • 🌅 Join a sunset cruise on the Mandovi River
  • ⛪ Explore Old Goa’s UNESCO-listed churches and cathedrals
  • 🏖️ Relax on the golden sands of Palolem Beach
India
Palaces, temples, backwaters and Himalayan peaks
7.5
Mughal emperors built the Taj Mahal in Agra and the Red Fort in Delhi during the 1600s. December is a good time for that northern loop because days are dry and sunny and mornings are cool and misty. The south has warm beaches and backwaters at the same time.
Highlights:
  • 🛶 Sail on the serene backwaters of Kerala
  • 🛺 Take a colorful rickshaw ride through Old Delhi’s lanes
  • 🌅 Watch sunrise over the majestic Taj Mahal
Oman
Ancient heritage meets natural wonders
7.5
The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat has a huge hand woven carpet and white marble courtyards that are pleasant to walk in mild December weather. Beyond the capital, December has sunny days and cool nights so travellers camp in the Wahiba Sands dunes and hike to the green pools of Wadi Shab.
Highlights:
  • 🏜️ Camp under the stars in Wahiba Sands desert
  • 🏞️ Marvel at the turquoise waters of Wadi Shab
  • 🏰 Explore the ancient Nizwa Fort and its bustling souq
Rajasthan
Desert palaces and vibrant cultural tapestry
8.4
Woodsmoke, spiced tea and the clang of camel bells drift through the lanes of Jaisalmer, a golden sandstone fort town in the Thar Desert. December has sunny days and chilly nights, so travellers ride camels across the dunes and visit the palaces of Jaipur and Udaipur.
Highlights:
  • 🐪 Ride camels at Pushkar's vibrant morning market
  • 🕌 Stroll through Jodhpur's blue streets, visit Mehrangarh
  • 🏰 Explore Amber Fort's majestic palaces and gardens
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