Where to go in Asia in December

Cambodia and Laos

Angkor, Luang Prabang

Cool, dry and sunny, the most comfortable weather of the year. Angkor and Luang Prabang are busy, particularly around Christmas and the new year, so rooms and guides need booking early. Mornings in Laos can be cold.

Thailand

Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Samui

Dry, bright and cooler. The Andaman coast is at its best and the Gulf is recovering. The final weeks are the most expensive of the year, with Christmas and the new year crowding islands and hotels.

The Philippines

Manila, El Nido, Cebu, Bohol

Dry, cooler and sunny. The islands are calm and clear, and Christmas, which Filipinos celebrate with great energy, makes the end of the month busy and expensive. Book flights and rooms early.

Sri Lanka

Sigiriya, Kandy, Ella, Galle

The south and west coasts are dry and sunny again, and the hill country has clearer skies. It is the beginning of the peak season, with higher prices and busy beaches by Christmas. The east is still unsettled.

India

Rajasthan, Kerala, Delhi

Cool and bright in Rajasthan, and a good month for Kerala and the south. Delhi's air quality can be poor in winter. The Christmas and new year season raises prices and fills hotels, so book early.

Japan

Kyoto, Tokyo, Hokkaido

Late maple colour in the first week or two in Kyoto, then bare trees, crisp air and winter lights in the cities. Crowds drop sharply after the first week. Many places shut from around 29 December, so plan the end of the month with care.

Taiwan

Taipei, Taroko, Tainan

Cool in the north and mild in the south, with the northeast monsoon bringing rain to Taipei and the north coast. The south and east are drier and warmer. Hot springs come into their own, and Christmas lights fill the cities.

Vietnam

Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Hoi An, Saigon

Cold and misty in the north, which can be atmospheric but grey. The south is dry and warm, which makes Saigon, the Mekong Delta and Phu Quoc the sensible choices. The centre starts to dry out late in the month.

Bali and Indonesia

Bali, Komodo, Lombok

Wet season, with a Christmas and new year peak that raises prices and brings crowds to Bali's beaches in spite of the rain. Komodo is often rough. A good month for rainforest greenery and bad for sea crossings.

Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Borneo

The west coast turns drier and sunnier, which makes Penang and Langkawi attractive for Christmas. The east coast is closed and Borneo is wet. Kuala Lumpur is festive, with lights and crowds in the malls.

Nepal and Bhutan

Kathmandu, Pokhara, Paro, Thimphu

Cold but clear. Kathmandu and Pokhara have mild days and cold nights, and the mountain views remain excellent. Bhutan is quiet, with some festivals. High passes and treks get cold and may close after snow.

South Korea

Seoul, Gyeongju, Jeju

Cold and dry, with Christmas lights and ice rinks in Seoul. Ski season opens. Daylight is short and the wind is sharp, so a winter trip needs a plan for hot food, indoor sites and warm layers. Quiet and cheap.

China

Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai

Cold and dry in the north, with early dark and, on some days, heavy air pollution. Shanghai is cool and grey. The sights are quiet and prices are low. Warm layers and indoor stops are essential.

Mongolia

Ulaanbaatar, the Gobi, the steppe

Deep cold, with temperatures far below freezing. Camps are closed, and roads can be icy. Ulaanbaatar is smoky and festive. A winter trip needs specialist planning and warm clothing, and is for a small number of travellers.