Back to grid

Best destinations to visit in November in Asia

Back to grid
Hong Kong
Where East Meets West
9.3
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.
Highlights:
  • 🥢 Shop and eat street food in Mong Kok’s bustling markets
  • ⛴️ Sail across Victoria Harbour on the iconic Star Ferry
  • 🌇 Ride the Peak Tram and admire skyline views from Victoria Peak
Chiang Mai
Ancient temples and mountain escapes
8.1
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.
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
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.
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
Bali
Tropical beaches, vibrant culture and adventure
8.2
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.
Highlights:
  • ⛪ Visit Uluwatu Temple perched high on a seaside cliff
  • 💦 Swim beneath the cascading Tegenungan Waterfall
  • 🌋 Watch the sunrise over Mount Batur volcano
Hanoi
Where tradition meets modern vibrancy
8.0
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
Muscat
Where mountains meet Arabian sea
7.0
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.
Highlights:
  • 🌊 Stroll along the scenic Mutrah Corniche waterfront
  • 🛍️ Explore the bustling Mutrah Souq market
  • 🕌 Visit the stunning Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
Luang Prabang
Laid-back charm by the Mekong River
7.5
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.
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
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.
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)
Varanasi
India’s Timeless Spiritual Heartbeat
7.5
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.
Highlights:
  • 🕌 Explore the ancient ruins of Sarnath Buddhist site
  • 🛕 Visit the sacred Kashi Vishwanath Temple
  • 🪔 Attend the evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat
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.
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
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.
Highlights:
  • 🏘️ Explore colorful streets of Phuket Old Town
  • 🗿 Climb to the serene Big Buddha viewpoint
  • 🏖️ Relax on Patong Beach and enjoy vibrant nightlife
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.
Highlights:
  • 🏺 Explore the ancient Royal Tombs carved into cliffs
  • 🏛️ Climb 800 steps to the impressive Monastery (Al-Deir)
  • 🛤️ Walk through the narrow Siq gorge to the Treasury
Maldives
Coral atolls, lagoons and overwater villas
9.2
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.
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
Bhutan
Himalayan monasteries, dzongs and trekking trails
8.5
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.
Highlights:
  • 🌄 Admire Himalayan panoramas from Dochula Pass’ 108 chortens
  • 🎉 Join a colorful Buddhist festival at Punakha Dzong
  • 🏔️ Hike to the cliffside Tiger’s Nest Monastery in Paro
India
Palaces, temples, backwaters and Himalayan peaks
7.5
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.
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
Jordan
Ancient wonders meet desert landscapes
8.0
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.
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
Kerala
Verdant backwaters and serene spice gardens
8.9
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.
Highlights:
  • 🌿 Explore the spice plantations in Wayanad
  • 🍛 Sample authentic Kerala cuisine at a local homestay
  • 🚤 Cruise the backwaters of Alleppey at sunset
Oman
Ancient heritage meets natural wonders
7.5
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.
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
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.
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
United Arab Emirates
Desert luxury meets coastal charm
8.8
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.
Highlights:
  • 🕌 Stroll through Abu Dhabi’s magnificent Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
  • 🐪 Go on a desert safari and ride camels over golden dunes
  • 🌆 Ascend the Burj Khalifa and admire Dubai’s skyline
Feedback