They say that April showers bring May flowers, but some Asian countries bloom earlier. While the Northern Hemisphere still gets a bone-biting temperature in March, snow has melted in Asia. The equatorial countries beckon you with long days of sunshine and flawless beaches. Festivals and celebrations burst to welcome the fertile season. Spring in Asia, ranging from mid-March to late May, is a favorable time to travel. These best places to visit for spring in Asia will show you why!
Best Places to Visit for Spring in Asia – Summary
- Tokyo, Japan
- Jeju Island, South Korea
- Taipei, Taiwan
- Shanghai, China
- Hanoi, Vietnam
- Bangkok, Thailand
- Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Bali, Indonesia
- El Nido, Philippines
- Maldives
- Bhutan
- Mandalay, Myanmar
- Kashmir, India
- Sri Lanka
- Jordan
- Uzbekistan
1. Tokyo, Japan
Spring marks the beginning of pink-tinted landscapes in Japan. The once black and dry trees come to life with blossoming petals of cherry blossoms (sakura). Tokyo, the already-vibrant capital of Japan, turns twice as beautiful with thousands of cherry blossoms tree blooming. In a nutshell, Tokyo is one of the best places to see cherry blossoms. Additionally, it is a terrific place to spend spring in Asia.
Traveling to Tokyo in spring means enjoying cherry blossoms-packed landscapes. You can also experience hanami or a picnic under the sakura trees. Bring your basket to Ueno Park, one of Tokyo’s best cherry blossom viewing sites. Then, whether you are a foodie or not, you would want to sample some cherry blossom-themed treats. Get a cup of sakura latte and bite on a sweet sakura mochi.
Things to Do in Tokyo in Spring:
- Cherry blossoms viewing in Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
- Hanami or picnic in Ueno Park
- Sign up for the Meguro River Cherry Blossom Festival
- Sample seasonal dishes (sakura mochi, bonito fish, and strawberries)
2. Jeju Island, South Korea
The 73-kilometer square island sits in the Korean Strait. Fringed with powdery beaches and packed with distinctive culture, Jeju Island is South Korea’s favorite travel destination. While summer gets rewarded as the best time to visit, spring can match its immaculate vibe. Spring brings colorful blossoms to the island, from sunflowers to yellow canola blossoms. The flower fields grow by the ocean, creating an incredible contrast of blue and yellow. For that reason, visitors flock to take aesthetically pleasing pictures that would make their followers jealous.
Then, what else makes Jeju Island a place to spend spring in Asia? We would say the local delicacies! Jeju Island is home to world-class seafood straight from the sparkling ocean. In spring, you can munch on fresh abalones and wagyu-like black pork. Moreover, you can also greet haenyeos, local women divers who have a unique way of catching seafood.
Things to Do in Seoul in Spring:
- Sail to Udo Island for canola fields
- See Jeju Cherry Blossoms Festival
- Visit the Jeju Folk Village Museum
- Relax at Seobinbaeksa Beach
3. Taipei, Taiwan
The capital of Taiwan captures the heart of travelers with its futuristic architecture, intriguing culture, and delightful cuisine. Thus, when spring comes, the city blooms with thousands of flowers. You can find long lines of cherry blossom trees, fields of calla lilies, and many more. The blooming season starts in March when the weather is pleasant with temperatures ranging between 15 to 22°C.
Visiting Taipei in spring describes a ‘flower shower’ perfectly. There is a series of flower shows awaiting your visit. Sign up for the Taipei Azalea Festival in the city center or drive to the nearby mountains to see Yangmingshan Flower Festival. Besides enjoying the blossoming scenery, you can stroll along Taipei and marvel at its iconic landmarks.
Things to Do in Taiwan in Spring:
- Sign up for different flower festivals and see cherry blossoms
- Take a skyscraper tour around Taipei City, including Taipei 101
- Visit historical sites like Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall and National Palace Museum
- Hunt for street food in night markets like Shihlin and Raohe Night Market
4. Shanghai, China
Spring in Asia means endless festivals and seemingly never-ending flower showers. Well, Shanghai is a brilliant representation of what Asia looks like in the blooming season. This largest city in China welcomes the Chinese New Year, which celebration is far from ordinary. Shanghai bursts with fireworks, bright lanterns, and vibrant parades. It intensify Shanghai’s already-vibrant landscape, making it one of the best places to visit for spring in Asia.
Besides festivals, Shanghai turns into an intoxicating flower garden. You can find petals of cherry blossoms, plum blossoms, peonies, and many more. Furthermore, you can explore Shanghai’s culture in a pleasant weather. Visit historical and cultural sites like Jade Temple, Yu Garden, and Jing’an Temple.
5. Hanoi, Vietnam
Do you know that Vietnam is the only Southeast Asian country with four seasons? Therefore, visiting Vietnam in spring allows you to spot blooming flowers and enjoy a pleasant breeze. Travel to Hanoi, Vietnam’s historically-rich capital. Walk around the famous Old Quarter, which showcases the perfect blend between traditional Chinese influences and French colonial legacy. On a cool day, stroll around the Hoan Kiem Lake and stop by the temple in the center. You can also spot flower sellers offering fresh bouquets in old bicycles. It is something you can only see in Hanoi.
Thus, one of the things that make Hanoi a great spring destination is the Tet Festival. It is the Vietnamese celebration of Lunar New Year, as well as marking the start of spring. Tet means time of get-together between families, praying together and making offerings. Counting days to the celebration, you can see the streets bustling with sellers handicrafts, decorations, and Tet specialties. Moreover, Hanoi celebrates Tet with traditional performances and parades taking place in Hoan Kiem Lake.
6. Bangkok, Thailand
Thailand’s capital sizzle with smokes from street food vendors and wild parties on a daily basis. But as April arrives in the city, it showcases a different color. Thailand recognizes April as the time for Songkran, a Buddhist celebration as well as Thai New Year. Songkran is cherished through massive water fights. People ‘attack’ each other with water guns, buckets, and balloons filled with water. Thus, in Bangkok, you can immerse in the festivity at Khao San Road and Silom Road.
However, if you want to experience an authentic Thai culture, you can head to the Sanam Luang State Park. It features a respected Buddhist ritual that the public can witness. Other than that, you can experience traditional customs at Banglamphu Market.
7. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Southeast Asia has some of the most stylish cities in the world and Kuala Lumpur is one of them. Different cultures, from Malay to Indian, melt into the city’s diverse scene. You can find enormous Hindu temples and nostalgic Chinatown in Kuala Lumpur. On the other hand, Kuala Lumpur’s skyline comprising towering skyscrapers will take your breath away.
Kuala Lumpur is one of the best cities to spend spring in Asia. March to May is considered low season in Malaysia, resulting in lower flights and accommodation prices. Moreover, you do not have to worry about stucking in endless tourist crowds. So, book a flight to Kuala Lumpur and immerse yourself in its captivating culture.
8. Bali, Indonesia
While spring showers areas outside the equator, Bali says hello to sunny days. As the calendar reaches mid-March, temperatures hover around 26°C making it perfect for beach getaways. Moreover, you can expect less crowds during the period. So, hit the powdery beaches of Uluwatu or take a yoga retreat in Ubud without sweating about skyrocketing prices or crowds.
Adding Bali to your spring in Asia itinerary is a great idea. The island welcomes you to visit from March to May. However, you might need to know about the Hindu holiday that takes place in April. Nyepi is a holiday which requires people to stay at home with no electricity. This means tourist attractions, cafes, and other facilities are closed.
9. El Nido, Philippines
If the spring showers have been bothering you, switch them with long days of sunshine in El Nido. A small town sitting in Philippines’ star-rated island of Palawan – El Nido is an incredible destination. Tiny limestone islets are within a short boat ride away from El Nido, inviting you to discover their beauty. Not to mention, El Nido houses brilliant white-sand beaches, hidden lagoons, and astonishing coral reefs. Therefore, it is one of the best places to travel for spring in Asia.
“There is no shortage of beaches in El Nido. We can also take different island-hopping tours,” says Arcy, our local TripLeader in Palawan. Yes, you can find a myriad of breathtaking beaches in El Nido, including Talisay Beach and Payong-Payong Beach. Moreover, tour operators in El Nido offers four different routes – A, B, C, and D – which explore different islets.