9 Cold Holiday Destinations in South East Asia

Trying to escape the hot weather? Flying to a cold climate country mean you have to fly beyond 4 hours from Singapore? Here is a guide on places to visit if you are craving for a winter holiday, right in South East Asia region.

#1: Sapa , Vietnam 

Average temperature: 14 Degree Celsius

Sapa, known for its indigenous tribe and beautiful trekking route is an ideal getaway if you want to get away from city life. Temperature plunge to 5 Degree Celsius in the night as I wore 2 layer of thick clothe to sleep. Spend at least 2 days to trek Sapa mountain ranges and remember to visit Phan Xi Păng (Fansipan), the highest mountain in Vietnam.

For more travel tips to Sapa, refer to link here

#2: Lake Toba, Indonesia 

Average temperature: 20 Degree Celsius

The vast landscape stretches into the lake and carpet grass fade into glittering greens where the water starts to deepen. Imagine spending a week or two just doing nothing, enjoying nature and recharging from draining social interactions that are part and parcel of our daily lives. That is the sort of tranquility one will find in Lake Toba!

For more travel tips to Lake Toba, refer to link here

#3: Mount Kinabalu, East Malaysia 

Average temperature: 6 Degree Celsius

Mount Kinabalu is a challenge to conquer, at least that was what I felt. In fact, I signed up for 2 days/1 night hike thinking how difficult can a mountain in South East Asia be. Boy, I was absolutely wrong. The climb on the first day was very tiring for me. As I struggled to get to the base camp after 7 hours, the next morning (3am), we began our ascent to the peak. Remember to bring thick clothing and to practice layering of clothes as one tend to sweat when we climb but at the same time, if you pause to take picture, the cold wind is certainly very chilly.

For more travel tips to Mount Kinabalu, refer to link here

#4: Genting Highlands, West Malaysia 

Average temperature: 16 Degree Celsius

Making it to the top 10 list is once again Malaysia. This time is the renowned Genting Highlands, situated in the state of Pahang. Standing at about 1,800 m elevation above sea level, Genting highlands is located only 55km north-east of Kuala Lumpur. No doubt Genting Highlands has been long known as the casino resort, do you know they have recently revamped its indoor theme park and increase its shopping retail space. Moreover, it has a brand new factory outlet shopping at the base of the resort, making it an ideal getaway for wife (shopping), husband (concerts), theme park (children), grandparents (casino).

For more travel tips to Genting Highlands, refer to link here 

#5: Bandung, Indonesia

Average temperature: 21 Degree Celsius

Nicknamed as The Paris of Java, this is a popular hot spot among many people who lives in Jakarta. This make perfect sense as it is less than 3 hour drive (provided there is no major jam). A perfect escape from the heat, hustle and bustle of the city. In fact, at Kawah Putih, one will find the lake so surreal.

For more travel tips to Bandung, refer to link here

#6: Inle Lake, Myanmar

Average temperature: 21 Degree Celsius

Inle Lake stretches 17.7km in the Nyaungshwe basin of southern Shan State at an altitude of 889 meters above sea level. The rooms that overlook the lakes do not have air conditioners, instead there are heaters in the room to keep warmth.

For more travel tips to Inle Lake, refer to link here

#7: Mount Bromo, Indonesia 

Average temperature: 13 Degree Celsius

Mount Bromo is Indonesia’s most iconic volcano. Popular and must do activity include viewing the sunrise and walking to the crater. In fact, I was freezing at night in my room with temperature dipping to 5 degree Celsius.

#8: Tagaytay, Philippines

Average temperature: 22 Degree Celsius

Just more than an hour from Manila, many city dwellers are drawn to the lower temps and authoritative views of Taal Volcano, the smallest active volcano in the world.

#9: Chiangrai, Thailand

Average temperature: 20 Degree Celsius

In the northern highlands of Thailand,  Chiangrai is around 200km from Chiang Mai and even further north. Places of attraction in Chiangrai include the white temple, blue temple, Doi Inthanon National Park also known as Roof of Thailand, being the highest point in Thailand Kingdom.

Categories: Asia Region, Travel Tips