Snowy or sunny – you might want to choose one, but Asia gives you both. This largest continent has a little bit of everything for everyone. As winter hits the Northern Hemisphere, countries sitting outside the equator turn into winter wonderland. Meanwhile, the sun heavily showers equatorial countries and their powdery shores. Spending a winter in Asia is great for both snow seekers and sun chasers. This list of the 12 best winter destinations in Asia will make you want to call your group of friends and start traveling!
Winter in Asia Destinations – Summary
- Hokkaido, Japan
- Harbin, China
- Seoul, South Korea
- Sapa, Vietnam
- Almaty, Kazakhstan
- Phuket, Thailand
- Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Palawan, Philippines
- Sri Lanka
- Langkawi, Malaysia
- Oman
Hokkaido, Japan
Temperature: -2 – 19°C
Weather: Cold and dry air with heavy snowfall
Adorned with winding hills and snow-coated slopes, Hokkaido is Japan’s ski paradise. Resort towns like Furano and Niseko beckon you to have a wholesome winter sports experience. Make your way along inclining slopes on a snowboard or do a long ski run – everything is twice as fun in Hokkaido!
Besides ski resorts, Hokkaido hosts spectacular winter festivals and exciting activities. Sign up for the Sapporo Snow and Ice Festival, showcasing gigantic ice sculptures and unique snow figures. If you are feeling adventurous, you can sail to the Okhotsk Sea and spot ice drifts. Moreover, don’t miss Hokkaido’s renowned winter special dishes. Feast on king crabs and Hokkaido oysters with your travel buddies – definitely a core memory!
Harbin, China
Temperature: -30 – 3°C
Weather: Extremely cold air with occasional snowfall
This city in Northern China gets the nickname “Ice City”, reflecting its noteworthy popularity as one of the best destinations for winter in Asia. As the hub for Trans-Siberian engineers, Harbin showcases the lasting legacy of the Russians. Buildings designed in Russian architecture are scattered around the city, including Saint Sophia Cathedral. Moreover, just like its name suggests, Harbin houses one of the world’s best winter festivals.
Make sure to book a ticket to the Harbin Snow and Ice World. Everything in the ice festival is nothing less than spectacular. You can find life-sized castles, landmark replicas, and other astonishing sculptures. Aside from that, Harbin calls you to experience its natural wonders. Ski along the slopes of Yabuli Ski Resort or see a Siberian tiger up close in the Siberian Tiger Park.
Seoul, South Korea
Temperature: -3 – 4°C
Weather: Extremely cold air with occasional snowfall
Winter calls you to ski or board, but it is also time to stay in and enjoy twinkling fairy lights. If you love this idea of winter, Seoul is for you to visit. This capital of South Korea turns cheerful and festive, counting down to Christmas. Tourist-packed districts like Myeongdong and Gangnam are adorned with colorful lights and twinkling Christmas trees. Cosmetic and fashion stores drop their prices and offer generous discounts. In a nutshell, Seoul is a dreamy destination to spend winter in Asia.
There is an array of activities to do in Seoul during winter. Hit the slopes of Elysian Gangchon Ski – just a short subway ride away from the capital. Additionally, glide on the Olympic Park Skating Rink with the backdrop of World Peace Gate. Other options include having fun in Lotte World theme park or dancing the cold away in a club at Itaewon with your group.
Sapa, Vietnam
Temperature: 5-13°C
Weather: Cold and relatively humid air, occasional rain and snowfall
Most of Southeast Asia sits at the equator, but Northern Vietnam gets its bits of winter. Head to Sapa, a city that transforms into a winter wonderland as November comes. See how the evergreen rice terraces and meadowed hills of Sapa shift into a striking shade of white. Moreover, the cold weather makes you want to stay in. Unfortunately, Sapa’s natural landscapes, especially in winter, are too gorgeous to miss.
Plan a short hike to Fansipan Mountain with your travel buddies. It is one of the best spots to enjoy snowy winter in Asia. As you hop along the stairs, you can find snow-coated temples and a giant deity statue. Furthermore, experience Vietnamese traditional culture in Cat Cat Village. Shop for handicrafts, sample some steamy local dishes, or dress up in traditional Northern Vietnamese clothing.
Almaty, Kazakhstan
Temperature: -7 – 8°C
Weather: High occurrence of snowfall, long daylight hours, and occasional rainfalls
Staying off the radar, Kazakhstan keeps its ethereal landscapes and fascinating culture safe. Get ready to be stunned by a series of painting-like mountains, extensive meadows, and romantic woodlands. All of them surround Almaty, Kazakhstan’s thriving capital. The small yet distinctive capital will blow your mind with its cultural and natural scene. It is an underrated destination to spend winter in Asia, yet a spectacular one.
Winter in Kazakhstan is about going outdoors. Head to Shymbulak, a ski resort sitting on the Zailiisky Alatau. Snow falls on the slopes and pistes, creating an ideal skiing location. You can also hop on the cable car and enjoy a surreal mountainous landscape. So, if you are looking for an awesome yet quaint ski destination with your travel buddies, Almaty is the place!
These destinations will give you the best experience of spending the winter in Asia. Everything feel twice as fun as you have a group of travel buddies with you. Whether you want to ski along the slopes of Hokkaido or bask in the tropical sun in Palawan, traveling in a group makes it safe, exciting, and comfortable.
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