Best destinations to visit in November in Asia
Best destinations to visit in November in Asia
November counts as one of the best months of the year across much of Asia, as wet seasons wind down and comfortable weather takes over.
Southeast Asia's wet season typically ends around this time, ushering in a long stretch of dry, sunny weather that lasts well into the following spring. South Asia settles into its most popular travel season too, with comfortable temperatures following the retreat of the monsoon months earlier. East Asia holds onto some of its best autumn color, with foliage season spreading further south through Japan and Korea and often peaking around this time in cities like Kyoto. Typhoon season has largely ended by November as well. Mountain regions across the continent also stay clear and comfortable throughout the month.
The destinations on our list for Asia reflect that same shift into one of the continent's most reliable stretches of the year.
Lists by region
State/Prefecture in China
Hong Kong
Where East Meets West
Mountains rise right behind the harbour and more than 260 islands lie offshore. November is dry and sunny with highs near 77 degrees Fahrenheit. Hikers climb Victoria Peak or walk the Dragon's Back trail. Star Ferry boats cross the harbour for very little money. The Symphony of Lights show plays each evening.
State/Prefecture in India
Rajasthan
Desert palaces and vibrant cultural tapestry
Camel bells, drumbeats and the smell of roasting spices fill the Pushkar Camel Fair. The fair falls near the full moon of Kartik, usually in October or November. Thousands of camels and horses are traded there. Days in Jaipur and Udaipur are warm and dry with highs near 82 degrees Fahrenheit.
Country
United Arab Emirates
Desert luxury meets coastal charm
Compared with the very hot summer, November in the UAE is mild and sunny, so outdoor life returns with beach days, desert camps and walks along the Corniche in Abu Dhabi. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Burj Khalifa are all comfortable to visit.
Country
India
Palaces, temples, backwaters and Himalayan peaks
The Taj Mahal, a white marble tomb built between 1632 and 1653, is easy to see in the clear dry air of November, before the winter crowds arrive. Diwali, the festival of lights, is usually held in October or November with oil lamps, fireworks and sweets in homes across the country.
City in United Arab Emirates
Dubai
Glamour, Adventure and Desert Charm
Burj Khalifa rises 828 metres above downtown and gives clear views in the cooler air of November. Highs near 84 degrees Fahrenheit make beaches and walks comfortable. Desert safaris run through the mild evenings with sunset dune drives. The Dubai Fountain plays water shows beside the tower after dark.
State/Prefecture in India
Kerala
Verdant backwaters and serene spice gardens
Munnar at about 5,200 feet is cooler than the Kerala coast in November. Tea plantations cover its green hills. Rains ease in November and houseboats glide through palm lined canals near Alleppey. Kathakali dancers perform in painted faces and bright costumes in Kochi. Ayurvedic spas offer massage treatments across the state.
City in Thailand
Chiang Mai
Ancient temples and mountain escapes
Thousands of glowing paper lanterns drift into the night sky during Yi Peng, a festival of light held in Chiang Mai at the full moon of November. Small floral rafts called krathong float on the moat for Loy Krathong. The rains have ended, so the air is fresh and the hills are green.
Island in Thailand
Phuket
Beaches, Culture and Nightlife
Tin mining built the wealth of Phuket Town, where Sino Portuguese shophouses line Thalang Road. A walking street market fills the road each Sunday evening. November opens the dry season with calmer seas on the west coast. The Similan Islands national park reopens in mid October for snorkelling and diving.
City in Vietnam
Hanoi
Where tradition meets modern vibrancy
The smell of grilled pork, fresh herbs and strong coffee drifts through the Old Quarter. Cool dry November air makes the streets pleasant for walking. Highs are near 77 degrees Fahrenheit. Hoan Kiem Lake has a red bridge that leads to a small temple. Egg coffee, made with whipped yolk, was invented in the city.
City in Japan
Kyoto
Temples, geisha districts and kaiseki dining
Mid to late November is when the maple leaves in Kyoto turn red and gold, so temples such as Kiyomizudera and Eikando are crowded at the peak. Many temples open in the evening with lit gardens while the reflections of the leaves in still ponds are a favourite sight of photographers.
Region in Indonesia
Bali
Tropical beaches, vibrant culture and adventure
Uluwatu Temple stands on a cliff about 230 feet above the Indian Ocean, where Kecak, a fire dance with a chorus of chanting men, is held at sunset. November is at the start of the wet season, so showers are short, the crowds are thinner and the rice terraces are turning green.
Country
Jordan
Ancient wonders meet desert landscapes
November cools the desert to days near 70 degrees Fahrenheit. That suits the long walk through the siq into Petra. Wadi Rum has red sand and rock arches under clear skies. The Dead Sea lies about 1,400 feet below sea level. Floating in the salty water takes no effort.
Country
Oman
Ancient heritage meets natural wonders
Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat opened in 2001 and welcomes visitors in the morning. November highs are near 88 degrees Fahrenheit. Wadi Shab has turquoise pools for swimming. Frankincense from the Dhofar region has been traded for thousands of years. Forts and souks fill old Nizwa.
City in India
Varanasi
India’s Timeless Spiritual Heartbeat
The Ganges bends along the old city and stone steps called ghats lead down to the water. Dawn boat rides pass priests, bathers and funeral fires. Evening Ganga Aarti ceremonies at Dashashwamedh Ghat use fire lamps and chanting. In November Dev Deepawali lights thousands of clay lamps along the ghats.
Nature Reserve in Ha Long
Ha Long Bay
Vietnam’s Otherworldly Seascape
The name Ha Long means descending dragon in Vietnamese. UNESCO listed the bay in 1994 for its limestone islands and karst towers. November is dry and mild with calmer seas than in summer typhoon season. Overnight cruises pass floating fishing villages and quiet coves. Kayaks reach caves and lagoons between the cliffs.
City in Oman
Muscat
Where mountains meet Arabian sea
The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, finished in 2001, has a huge hand knotted carpet and a giant chandelier in its main prayer hall. November has pleasant sunny days after the hot summer, so visitors walk the Mutrah waterfront and the souq, which sells frankincense, a sweet smelling tree resin, silver and cloth.
Town in Cambodia
Siem Reap
Gateway to Ancient Temples and Culture
Families in Siem Reap gather for Bon Om Touk, the water festival held at the November full moon, to watch boat races and float lanterns on the river and to thank the water. The rains have ended, so the Angkor temples are green and the air is cooler for walking.
Country
Maldives
Coral atolls, lagoons and overwater villas
After the wet months from May to October, November is when the dry season begins in the Maldives, so there is more sun and calmer seas, with clear snorkelling water. A short shower is possible while overwater villas on private resort islands have lower prices than in the peak months from December to April.
City in Nepal
Kathmandu
Temples, chaos and Himalayan magic
Families light oil lamps and hang marigold garlands for Tihar, the festival of lights, in autumn. Clear skies in November give long views of the Himalayas. The valley has seven UNESCO monument zones, including Durbar Square and Boudhanath. Trekking season runs through November. Trekkers begin Annapurna and Everest routes from here.
Historic Site in Jordan
Petra
Ancient city carved into rose-red stone
Candlelight, quiet music and the smell of hot tea are part of Petra by Night, a walk through the narrow Siq canyon to the Treasury that is held on three evenings each week. November has cool clear days after the summer heat, so hiking to the Monastery and the High Place of Sacrifice is comfortable.
City in Laos
Luang Prabang
Laid-back charm by the Mekong River
Lao families eat sticky rice, called khao niao, rolled into small balls by hand and dipped in spicy sauces. November is the start of the dry season with cool mornings and clear skies, so boats on the Mekong go to the Pak Ou caves, which hold thousands of small Buddha statues.
Country
Bhutan
Himalayan monasteries, dzongs and trekking trails
Bhutan was united in the 1600s by the Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, who built Punakha Dzong in 1637 where two rivers meet. In November the sky is clear and dry while on 11 November the Black Necked Crane Festival at Gangtey Monastery celebrates the cranes that fly in from Tibet.
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