Want to know the best months to visit these great Asian countries?

By Mabel David Pillar

Already planning your trips for the rest of the year? From watching cherry blossoms bloom to catching some waves, here are the best times to travel to some of our nearby Asian neighbours.

Japan

Photo: Matt Boman

The land of cherry blossoms draws millions of tourists every year, many of whom try to catch Japan’s famous cherry trees in bloom for just a couple of days during spring. The season is so short-lived, it’s no surprise that the Japanese hold hanami (cherry blossom viewing) parties in the parks to celebrate it.

When to go: As long as there are no unexpected warm or cold fronts to hasten or delay the blossoms, the pretty trees are typically in full bloom during the first week of April for Kyoto, Osaka, Tokyo and Nara. For Sendai, Sapporo, and other northern cities, they bloom around the following week.

South Korea

Photo: Sionabin Yeon

Japan is not the only place to see cherry blossoms in beautiful bloom. In Korea, it’s best to view them in rural Hwagae, the tiny port of Jinhae or on the island of Yeouido in Seoul, as well as many other parks, mountains, and countrysides.

When to go: In spring, from the first week of April to mid-week for a canopy of cherry blossoms. But if you can’t catch this, plan your trip in the fall when the temperature remains mild to see magnificent, colourful foliage covering Korea’s mountains (e.g. Jirisan, Seoraksan, Naejangsan, Namsan, etc.) and lining pathways (e.g. Deoksugung Palace’s Stone-Wall Road in Seoul) and parks (e.g. Seoul Grand Park).

Hong Kong

Photo: Sergey Norin

There’s no chance to be bored in this fantastic city of sleek skyscrapers, mouth-watering cuisine, markets and malls, and so much more. However, your travel plans can be dampened by typhoons that sweep by Hong Kong around May to November.

When to go: December to February are considered winter months, which for a sub-tropical climate means a cool and dry 12^oC to 20^oC temperature with a low chance of rain. Go in February when it’s still cool, the humidity hasn’t yet picked up, and you want to experience Chinese New Year in this part of Asia.

Taiwan

Photo: Daniel Aguilera Sánchez

This tiny island nation packs a massive punch when it comes to sights to see and adventures to be had, from its serenely lush mountains to its buzzing street food scene.

When to go: Autumn, from September to early December, is when the climate is cooler and the air drier, though there are the occasional typhoons. If you want to visit Taiwan’s many mountains during that time, take note that that the temperatures will be far colder (with more rain) so plan to do your trek before October.

Philippines

Photo: Matthew Herradura

A sprawling archipelago of 7,107 islands, the Philippines has recently been gaining international notice for being home to hundreds of gorgeous world-class beaches. Some of them are the jump-off points to fantastic swells and big breaks for surfing devotees; for many, though, the white sands and turquoise waters are enough of a thrill.

When to go: The best months to catch a wave are generally from August to November due to typhoon winds. Cloud Nine in Siargao, Baler in Auroroa and other parts of Luzon are some of the renowned surfing spots.

Vietnam

Photo: M M

It’s difficult to pinpoint the best time to go because of the marked differences in the different regions’ latitudes. Decide if you want to see cool Sapa and the famous mountains of the far north; Hanoi, Halong Bay and the rest of northern Vietnam; the historic cities of Hoi An, Hue and the rest of central Vietnam; or head to the south to see Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta.

When to go: Around November and March, give or take a month, falls under winter or dry season (depending which region you’re in), so the temperatures are bearably cool and you don’t expect heavy rainfall (which prevents junks from sailing Halong Bay, among other travel inconveniences). In those months, you can also comfortably trek around Sapa.

 

Source: http://travelinspirations.yahoo.com/post/140826601674/want-to-know-the-best-months-to-visit-these-great?utm_source=todaymodule&utm_medium=edit&utm_campaign=travelinspirations