june travel asia

27 Best Places To Visit In Asia In June (2024)

Last Updated on March 14, 2024 by Nicole

June is one of the best times to visit Asia, if you know where to go. You want excellent weather without life threatening heat or torrential downpours, explore interesting and beautiful places without being overwhelmed by tourists, and opportunities to lounge on stunning beaches or discover nature without blowing your budget. So where should you go for a June holiday in Asia? Here are 27 fantastic places to visit in June that include beautiful beaches, exciting big and small cities, breathtaking mountains, nature escapes for outdoor enthusiasts, and charming small towns.

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Other Destinations In June

If you are keen to travel in June, but are curious about other destinations, please see below some recommendations.

• 21 Best Places To Visit In June In The USA ;
• 28 Best Places To Visit In The UK In June ;
• 25 Best Places To Visit in June In Europe ; and
• 27 Best Beaches To Visit In Europe In June .

Best June Vacations In Asia

Here are some of the best Asian destinations for a June getaway. I include cities, towns, mountain ranges, and beaches all over Asia.

In the following article, I supply the best things to do in each destination, as well as how best to get there. In addition, I set out the expected weather so you can arrive prepared.

If there is a fantastic hotel or other  accommodation  available for this June trip, it will be included, as well as any remarkable special annual events or festivals.

Komodo National Park, Indonesia

One of the best places to visit in June in Asia is the  Komodo National Park in Indonesia . Made up of 3 big islands (Komodo, Rinca and Padar islands) and 26 smaller ones, this National Park is a perfect June getaway if you love natural wonders, discovering wildlife, beach time or snorkeling and diving.

Chances are you’ve heard of it, since it is home to arguably the most famous lizard alive: the Komodo dragon! You can find Komodo dragons by hiking in Komodo and Rinca islands. This must be done with experienced guides that know where to find them and how to protect you from them.

The marine life of this region is one of the most diverse and awe-inspiring in the world. The coral reefs in Komodo National Park are very healthy and offer shelter to many species of sea animals, including turtles, giant mantas, reef sharks, thousands of species of colorful fish and even dolphins. You can snorkel or dive at many amazing locations in Komodo National Park.

The landscapes on the islands in Komodo National Park are equally mesmerizing. Don’t miss out on watching the most amazing sunrise from the summit at Padar Island, then sunbathing at one of its pink, white or black sand beaches.

June is the best time to visit Komodo National Park because the weather is great. Also, the Komodo dragons are much more active before their mating season in July and August, so you’ll have better chances to spot them!

Expect tropical weather with average lows and highs from 72°F to 90ºF in June. There is very little rainfall but there will be humidity almost everyday.

Best Way To Reach Destination

It is relatively easy to get to Komodo National Park. You fly from Bali to Labuan Bajo on Flores Island which serves as the gateway to the Park.

Best Place To Stay

Guillem from Feast of Travel says, “There’s no shortage of hotels and hostels in Labuan Bajo for any budget. However, the best way to immerse yourself in the beauty of Komodo National Park is to join a multi-day boat expedition to explore the more remote areas of the park! I had a great time with Wanua Adventure and can really recommend their Flores to Lombok expedition”

When I went, we stayed at the gorgeous Komodo Resort on the deserted island of Sebayur. It is located just outside of Komodo National Park and offers a tropical island escape with easy access to all the islands in Komodo National Park. For more information about our stay there, please see The Unbelievable Wonders of Komodo National Park .”

I also have wrote about our time in Komodo National Park. From discovering hidden pink beaches, swimming with giant manta rays, hiking with Komodo dragons, watching flying foxes while the sunsets , and other adventures, we loved every moment of our time there. If interested, please see Padar Island, Pink Beaches, and Komodo Dragons: An Epic Experience .

We spent a total of 17 days exploring Indonesia. In addition to Komodo National Park, we also hiked to watch the sunset on top of Kelimutu Volcano on Flores Island, trekked to find organutans in the wild in Borneo, and explored Borobudur (the biggest Buddhist Temple in the world) on Java. For more information about our itinerary, please see A Mind Blowing 17 Day Indonesian Adventure Itinerary .

Sapporo, Japan

Sapporo, the capital of the northernmost island of Japan, Hokkaido, offers an amazing June vacation in Asia. With pleasant weather, stunning natural landscapes, and exciting cultural events, this city has something for everyone. 

When in Sapporo, make sure to visit Odori Park. Stretching 1 mile (1.5 kilometers) through downtown Sapporo, the Park hosts various events throughout the year, with the Sapporo Lilac Festival happening in June. Visitors can admire the over 400 blooming lilac trees while also enjoying concerts, tea ceremonies, art exhibitions, and food stalls. This makes for the perfect setting for a picturesque stroll or a leisurely picnic. 

Another must-see is the Hokkaido Shrine. This quintessential Japanese experience is located in Maruyama Park. In June, locals celebrate the arrival of summer by enjoying the lush greenery surrounding the shrine.

The Sapporo TV Tower, also found in Odori Park, is another attraction that offers visitors breathtaking panoramic views of the city. The observation deck takes visitors up 300 feet (90 meters) for views of Odori Park, Mount Ōkura, and Maruyama. 

In addition to the Lilac Festival, many events are held in Sapporo during June.

The Hokkaido Shrine Festival celebrates the foundation of Hokkaido’s indigenous culture. This event features traditional performances, parades with portable shrines (mikoshi), and exciting rituals at the historic Hokkaido Shrine.

Known as one of Japan’s largest dance festivals, the Yosakoi Soran Festival takes place in late June. Teams from all over Japan gather to perform dances combining traditional Japanese movements with modern music.

And finally, in mid-June, Sapporo hosts an International Fireworks Competition that attracts pyrotechnic enthusiasts from around the world. Spectators can witness breathtaking firework displays synchronized to music at venues like Moerenuma Park or along Toyohira River. 

In June, Sapporo experiences pleasant weather that is a great escape from the heat and humidity of other destinations in Japan. The average low and high temperature range from 53°F to 69°F with a warm sun and occasional cool breezes.

Travelers can expect occasional drizzles or short-lived showers (2.2 inches over 7 days). There is no humidity.

The most convenient way to reach Sapporo is by flying into New Chitose Airport (CTS), which serves both domestic and some international flights. For those flying from North America, Europe, or Oceania, most visitors will connect via Tokyo’s airports (Haneda and Narita). The flight from Tokyo takes less than 2 hours.

From the airport, you can reach the city center by train, bus, or car. The Rapid train is the fastest mode at 35 minutes. The bus service will take over an hour.

It’s also possible to take the train to Sapporo from other major cities in Japan using the extensive railway network. The journey offers scenic views, but will take much longer than air travel (about 8 hours travel time, not including train transfers, from Tokyo) and will usually be more expensive. 

Mckenzie from A Wandering Scribbler says, “Consider staying in Susukino or Odori Park areas as they offer easy access to various tourist spots. Hotels like the Keio Plaza Hotel or Sapporo Grand Hotel are both great options.

For a more authentic and unique experience, try staying in a traditional Japanese Ryokan like the Onsen Ryokan Yuen Sapporo .”

Cappadocia, Turkey

Turkey’s Cappadocia region is one of the best June holiday destinations in Asia. This beautiful area is an outdoor playground, and June is the perfect month to hike and explore the famous fairy chimneys.

One of the best things to do in Cappadocia is take a hot air balloon ride. In June, hot air balloons take off at sunrise and sunset, giving visitors the most splendid views of the valley.

Cappadocia is also home to some of the most  famous landmarks in Turkey , such as the Byzantine rock churches of the Goreme Open Air Museum. These churches, carved into the soft limestone fairy chimneys, are adorned with colorful frescoes that have been preserved for centuries.

Of course, hiking is also a must while visiting Cappadocia. Love Valley is a popular hiking area and famous for its phallic-shaped rock formations.

In June, the region hosts the annual Cappadocia festival, a celebration of culture, music, food, and art. This outdoor festival started in 2015 and has been delighting visitors from near and far ever since.

June is a pleasant month in Cappadocia, with average highs of 78 F. Nights cool down significantly with lows of 50 F. This desert environment is dry, with big temperature shifts from day to night. Be sure to pack layers, even in June.

There will be very little rain and no humidity.

Cappadocia is serviced by two airports, Nevsehir and Kayseri Airports. While Nevsehir Airport is closer to the main tourist hub of the region, it is also more expensive to fly into. Kayseri Airport is serviced by more flights and easier to get to.

From both airports, you will need to book a transfer to your hotel or rent a car. Driving in this part of Turkey is safe and easy.

Tamar from World From Weekend says, “Goreme is the main tourist center in Cappadocia and a great place to base yourself during your travels. For a unique experience, stay in a cave hotel. I recommend Aydinli Cave Hotel , a wonderful family-run establishment that has comfortable rooms and a phenomenal breakfast buffet with views over the valley.”

Manali, India

Manali is a hill station in the state of Himachal Pradesh in India . During British rule in India, the British developed these “hill stations”, which were picturesque cities in the hills, in order to escape the scorching heat in the rest of the country. It is one of the best June getaways in Asia.

Not only does Manali have many things to offer to visitors, it also has a fun vibe. If possible, try and spend at least  3 days in Manali .

On the first day, you can cover the Manu temple in Old Manali, Hadimba Devi temple, Vashisht village which is famous for its hot springs , and Jog falls – a majestic tall waterfall which can be reached via a hike.

The next day, take a cab to the Rohtang pass. At 13058 feet, this mountain pass connects Manali to the rest of the Spiti valley. On the way to Rohtang lies the Solang valley, a popular place for activities like paragliding, zorbing and snowboarding (during winter).

Use the third day to take a day trip to Naggar, a mountain village with a waterfall, a traditional wooden castle and old-world vibes.

Alternatively, for those who enjoy a hippie vibe, you can head to Kasol which is a place along the Parvati river popular for Israeli cafés, hippie culture and products, and backpacker hostels.  

The average lows and high temperatures are between 82F and 96 F. There is very little rain (2 inches over 6 days) but lots of humidity.

The best way to get into Manali would be to take a comfortable overnight air-conditioned semi-sleeper bus from Delhi.

Alternatively, one can fly into the Dharamsala airport, visit that city for a while and then drive to Manali, which would take around 8 hours. 

Soujanya from The Spicy Journey says, “Base yourself in Old Manali which is where all young people and travellers prefer to stay due to the incredible cafes with live music, lots of stores, tattoo studios, and an overall great vibe.

Zostel in Old Manali is a friendly high-rated hostel with a garden and hammocks, a courtyard with benches, hang-out spots and dorm as well as private rooms.”

Ninh Binh, Vietnam

Ninh Binh is one of the most beautiful places to visit in the northern region of Vietnam and one of the best places to visit in Asia in June. It offers plenty of things to do for those looking for some outdoor activities. In addition, if offers beautiful nature, which ranges from endless rice fields to towering karst mountains.

While Ninh Binh can be visited year-round, June stands out as an ideal time to explore its breathtaking scenery. The weather is fantastic and at the beginning of June, the yellow-golden rice fields of Ninh Binh are at their most beautiful in contrast to the karst mountains.

The best way to see this magnificent view is to take the  Tam Coc boat tour , which allows you to row between the rice fields. There are also a few viewpoints from where you can view the fields from above. 

Another must-try experience in Ninh Binh is taking a sampan boat ride in the Trang An Scenic Complex. These boats will row you through a maze of limestone caves and peaceful waterways, allowing you to see the stunning landscapes up close.

Aside from the boat rides and viewpoints, you can also visit a few temples and pagodas in Ninh Binh, including the impressive Bai Dinh Pagoda. This pagoda is the largest complex of Buddhist temples in Southeast Asia, and it can take a whole day to discover them. 

The weather in June is tropical with mostly sunny and clear skies. You can expect an average temperature of 87 °F during this month, with the highest temperature at 95°F and the lowest at 81°F.

In addition, there will be around 5 inches of rain over 12 days and lots of humidity.

If you’re arriving from an international destination, Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi is the nearest airport.

The most convenient way to reach Ninh Binh from Hanoi is by van transfer, which takes about 2 hours. There are daily vans departing from the airport and the old quarter of Hanoi for an affordable price. 

Karla from Colorful Journeys says, “When it comes to accommodation, Ninh Binh offers two main areas to choose from: Tam Coc and Trang An.

Staying in Tam Coc places you within walking distance of numerous restaurants and bars, while opting for Trang An offers quieter accommodations in the middle of the rice fields and karst mountains.

For a highly recommended stay, book Muong Village , located in the Trang An area. This hotel offers comfortable cabins and friendly staff who can provide recommendations for local attractions and activities. To top it off, the location cannot be beaten, with a pool to cool off after a day of discovering Ninh Binh.”

Trincomalee, Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has no shortage of charming seaside towns. One of them is  Trincomalee, a lovely beach town on Sri Lanka’s Eastern Coast . A lot quieter than the country’s Southern resorts but equally relaxing and picturesque, Trincomalee has a lot to keep you busy and happy on a June beach vacation in Asia.

One of the highlights of Trincomalee is Fort Fredrick. Built at the tip of a narrow peninsula, the fort offers some of the best views in Trincomalee and it’s the ideal place for a stroll and a snack. While there, don’t miss the chance to step inside an impressive Hindu temple, the colourful Koneswaram Temple.

Another essential stop in Trincomalee is the gorgeous Nilaveli Beach. While this beach feels like a piece of heaven on earth any time of the day, true magic happens at sunrise when the warm colours of the sun perfectly frame the unforgettable image of the local fishermen dragging their fishing nets out of the ocean.

Last but not least, no trip to Trincomalee is complete without a short trip to the nearby Kanniya Hot Springs, a cultural landmark that takes mingling with locals to a whole new level.

June is one of the best months to plan a trip to Trincomalee. This is because the Eastern Coast of Sri Lanka – where Trincomalee is located – is safe from monsoons from April to September.

Typical temperatures range between 76°F to 94°F. June is also one of the driest months with practically no rain. You can expect tropical weather with humidity every day.

To get to Trincomalee, you have to fly to Colombo International Airport. From there, you have several options to reach Trincomalee, depending on your budget and preferred travel style.

The cheapest way is the overnight train and the public buses. The journey on either lasts about eight hours.

However, the best way to travel to Trincomalee is to rent a car or hire a car with a professional driver in case you’d rather not drive yourself. The drive to Trincomalee takes about six hours, past spectacular natural landscapes and countless villages.

Maria & Katerina from It’s All Trip To Me say, “One of the best areas to stay in Trincomalee is the stunning Nilaveli Beach. Nothing beats waking up to the sound of the waves and dipping your toes in the thick white sand before anyone else does. One of the best hotels “to live the island life” in Trincomalee is Moon Isle Beach Bungalow. “

Singapore, Singapore

Located at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, Singapore is a sunny city-state home to stunning architectural marvels, beautiful scenery, rich heritage, and scrumptious local cuisines. Despite its small total area of 729 km², Singapore has lots to offer to international visitors and one of the best Asian cities to visit in June.  

Among the top attractions that you must visit on this tropical island is Gardens by The Bay. This award-winning attraction features Supertree Grove, a whopping 165 feet (50-meter) giant man-made tree structure that will definitely leave you in awe. It is a top place to visit in Singapore at night , thanks to the twice-daily dazzling light and sound shows. 

While you are at Gardens by The Bay, you can also explore the Flower Dome, the largest glass greenhouse in the world, and the Cloud Forest, a misty mountain filled with exotic plants and waterfalls.

Of course, you cannot miss out on trying a variety of affordable mouth-watering food at the various hawker centers while you are in Singapore! Thanks to the diverse culture, you can sample foods from around the world at the same time, such as Hainanese chicken rice, Satays (skewered and grilled meat), Briyani, and Thosai.

If you are a shopaholic looking to score big discounts for a shopping haul, then June is the best month to visit Singapore. That’s because Great Singapore Sale commences! This huge annual event attracts visitors from around the world, offering discounts of up to 70% on major brands.

June is a great time to visit Singapore due to the sunny weather. The average temperature can go as high as 88°F during the day whereas the average low temperature wavers around 78°F. You can also expect occasional rain showers in June (4.7 inches over 11 days) and lots of humidity.

To get to Singapore, you will need to fly into the world-class Changi Airport. Depending on your budget and preference, you can take a taxi, a bus, or the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) to reach your hotel.

The MRT is a cheap and efficient way to get to the city. It takes 1 hour to 1.5 hours to reach the city center.

Sam from Sam Lee Travels says, “Being one of the popular tourist destinations in Asia, Singapore offers a wide range of accommodation options. If you are looking for a luxurious stay, consider staying at Marina Bay Sands Hotel . This iconic ship-shaped hotel features a magnificent rooftop infinity pool and gorgeous views of the city skyline.”

Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Situated in the heart of Java island in Indonesia, Yogyakarta has gained its status as a special region for a few particular reasons and a spectacular choice for a June trip in Asia. 

Yogyakarta is the only province in Indonesia that is still ruled by a monarchy. The Sultan of Yogyakarta currently serves as both the ceremonial head of the region and the governor.

The people in Yogyakarta are known for their warm and welcoming hospitality, but it’s not the only reason why the city is worth visiting. On top of being rich in history, the city is also a hub for arts and crafts, and you can explore local art galleries or join various arts and handicrafts workshops, like batik at the Batik village in Imogiri or silversmith course in Kotagede. 

Yogyakarta is also home to various ancient Hindu and Buddhist temples. Borobudur is the largest Buddhist temple in the world and can be reached with just an hour’s drive from Yogyakarta. Built in the 8th and 9th centures, it features hundreds of Buddha statues, decorative relief sculptures, and stories from the life and teachings of Buddha.

But it’s not the only UNESCO World Heritage Site near the city, as two of Indonesia’s largest Hindu temple compounds are also located in the region: the Prambanan and Ratu Boko temples.

Prambanan also hosts the annual jazz festival, which is regularly held in either June or July. Depending on the time of the year, you may be lucky enough to attend the Prambanan Jazz Festival and also join the country’s Buddhist population in the Lantern Festival during Vesak Day in Borobudur. 

In June, Yogyakarta experiences warm and mostly sunny weather with occasional rainfall. Expect an average high temperature of 86°F and average low of 74°F, so make sure to pack light with comfortable clothing.

There are around 3.4 inches of rain over 7 days during the month. These showers are typically short-lived which will allow you to make the most of your visit to Yogyakarta.

In addition, the weather is tropical with humidity every day.

Traveling to Yogyakarta is pretty easy, since you can fly to Yogyakarta International Airport (YIA) in Kulon Progo from various cities in Indonesia. The airport also caters to international flights from countries like Singapore and Malaysia. 

From Yogyakarta International Airport, you can take the train to Tugu train station in Yogyakarta. The train station is located in the city center near the central street of Malioboro.

Marya from The Beau Traveler says, “ Grand Zuri Malioboro is a perfect choice for accommodation in Yogyakarta, as it’s well-located in the heart of Malioboro where you can easily walk around the area and visit the night bazaar nearby. It is budget-friendly with adequate facilities to ensure a convenient stay in Yogyakarta.”

When we went to Yogyakarta, we stayed at Phoenix Hotel , a stunning luxury hotel. It was set in a 1918 Colonial building with style and furnishings consistent with that timeframe, blending Asian and European decor effortlessly. The public areas also combined indoor and outdoor living with gorgeous fountains, plants and decor. It offered excellent food and you are a mere 10 minute walk to Malioboro Street.”

We spent a few days exploring Yogyakarta and the surrounding areas. We did an amazing food tour, and ate at some remarkable restaurants. For more information about our time in Yogyakarta, please see Yogyakarta: An Insider’s Guide to Food, Dress, And Where To Stay .

Tashkent, Uzbekistan

Far away from the spotlight, one of only two double-landlocked countries in the world – Uzbekistan – hides an impressive capital city. Tashkent, literally meaning Stone Town, is one of the most fascinating blends of old and new in Central Asia. It is also one of the best places to visit in June in Asia.

Unfortunately, Tashkent suffered a devastating 5.2 earthquake in 1966 which destroyed almost everything. Afterwards, the Soviet occupiers saw Tashkent as an opportunity to build a model socialist city.

In Tashkent today, you can see one of the tallest towers in the world, a reliable and gorgeously decorated metro system (Soviet cities are known for impressive subways), and grand brutalist-style performance halls next to medieval Madrasahs (Islamic schools), authentic bazaars and old mosques.

In the religious heart of Tashkent, you shouldn’t miss the Kukeldash Madrasah, dated from 1570, which miraculously survived the 1966 earthquake.

About a 20-minute walk from it is The Khast Imam Complex of impressive Madrasahs and mosques. It suffered greatly in the earthquake but was recently renovated completely bringing back its old charm in a shiny new way. It claims to hold the world’s oldest Quran – the Uthman Quran.

Make a short lunch stop at the Plov Center (Besh Qozon) to see how cooks make Uzbekistan’s national dish –  plov  – in massive cauldrons called  qazans.  Plov is traditionally made up of long grain rice, chunks of lamb, onions, and carrots. Make sure you eat some too!

Speaking of food, an awesome reason to visit Tashkent in June is the Tashkent Food Fest which takes place near the National Library. Vendors really up their game by offering over 10 different variations of plov!

From the contemporary Soviet period, consider visiting Sailgokh Street (called Broadway by the locals) where you can buy street food snacks and meet friends. Independence Square and Amir Temur Square also provide a good overview of what Tashkent is all about – grandeur in a humble Uzbek style.

There are many other  things to do in Tashkent including impressive museums, well-kept parks, and even a circus.

June is the beginning of summer in Tashkent and the weather is perfect. Temperatures range between 65 and 93 Fahrenheit. On average, there’s just one rainy day for the whole month and no humidity.

Tashkent has a relatively big international airport with regular daily flights from Istanbul, Dubai, and Seoul to name a few.

From the airport, you can reach the center of Tashkent by cheap public bus or take a taxi for a few dollars. Tashkent is one of the cheapest destinations in the world!

Simon from Backpack Moments says, “If you want to stay somewhere nice in Tashkent, consider the Soviet beauty, Hotel Uzbekistan . It has managed to transition into the market economy surprisingly well, becoming the top hotel in Uzbekistan. It is known for its luxury and impeccable service. Book early as it gets filled quickly despite the 254 rooms!”

Xingping, China

Xingping (also called Xingping Ancient Town) is a small village near Guilin that boasts stunning karst and river scenery. It’s less popular than nearby Guilin, and you’ll be able to experience more of a small village vibe in Xingping Ancient Town. Unless visiting on a day tour from Guilin, I’d recommend staying here for at least 3 days for one of the best Asian vacations in June.

One of the best things to do in Xingping is to hop on a bamboo raft and ride down the river so you can get a closer look at the karsts. Another thing you can do is take a day to walk to nearby villages and lookouts. Take plenty of water and try to get a map from your hotel. Google maps is not that great in China, so either a physical map or the  maps.me  app will keep you on track.

If you’re a photographer, you may also wish to do an evening photography tour where you can get those iconic pictures with fishermen throwing nets from their boats. It can feel a bit touristy, but the photos look great.

Tip: Be aware that there is another town named Xingping in central China, so double check that you have the right one when you’re booking hotels, tours and transport.

In June, Xingping is warm and you can expect temperatures around 26 C / 78 F, cooling down in the evenings to 53 F.

Early to mid June is the best time to visit. Near the end of June, the chance of rain is higher although still minimal overall (2 inches over 7 days in June) and the weather starts to get hotter. There is no humidity.

As it is summer, make sure your  packing list  for China includes sunscreen, breathable fabrics such as linen, and a hat. 

To get to Xingping, it’s best to fly into Guilin, then catch a bus from the Guilin train station to Xingping (2 hours).

Alternatively, if you want to stop in Yangshuo first for a night, you can also catch a bullet train or bus from Guilin to Yangshuo which takes 25 minutes (train) or 2 hours (bus).

Once in Yangshuo, it’s a 45 minute bus ride to the Xingping scenic area. There’s multiple buses to Xingping from Yangshuo each hour.

Another popular way to get there is to hop on a tour or river cruise from Guilin. This can be a better option if you don’t want to figure out the local buses on your own.

Lexi from Stylish Packing Lists says, “ Yangshuo Xingping This Old Place Li-River Inn in Xingping is a great place to stay. It is technically a hostel but there are a number of private rooms, and it’s really close to where the river is.”

Kathmandu, Nepal

Kathmandu is the kind of city that will leave you awe-struck due to the vibrant colors, loud honking, and bustling crowds. It is an amazing Asian city to visit in June.

Check out the Monkey Temple, where hundreds of monkeys roam the grounds. The ancient temple is said to be one of the holiest Hindu temples in Nepal, and it provides a great opportunity for visitors to observe the locals in worship (and the monkeys) up close.

The busy streets of Thamel are known for vibrant marketplaces and eateries. From traditional Nepalese food to inexpensive clothing shops, there’s a lot to see. On weekends, Thamel becomes a popular place for hanging out at outdoor bars or indoor clubs.

While planning your trip, plan for a minimum of three days in the city to ensure that you have enough time to explore.

June sits right before monsoon season in Nepal. So while the weather is usually great, you’ll want to carefully plan  what to wear in Nepal . Pack both warm summer clothes as well as a nice rain jacket just in case! Note that more rainfall occurs in the later days of the month.

Nepal also offers tourists value for money, and it is considered a budget-friendly destination, with accommodations and food costs being easy on the wallet.

June is an ideal time to visit. The weather is warm and sunny, with temperatures ranging between 71.6-86°F that provide the perfect temperatures for exploring the city’s many temples and monuments.

You can expect 4.3 inches of rain over 13 days and around 18 days of humidity.

Visitors will fly into Kathmandu’s international airport and will need to take a taxi or bus to the city center.

Monica from This Rare Earth says, “Many tourists choose to stay in Thamel for easy access to restaurants and temples. Check out the Kathmandu Eco Hotel for a great stay.”

Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto, Japan is a magical Asian holiday destination in June that every traveler should consider. The ancient city of Kyoto, with its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty, becomes an enchanting destination during this time of year.

The lush greenery of Kyoto’s gardens and parks is in full bloom, creating a vibrant and refreshing atmosphere. The iconic cherry blossoms may have faded by June, but they are replaced by colorful hydrangea blooms, transforming the city into a sea of blue and purple hues.

These beautiful hydrangea displays can be found in various temples and gardens, including the renowned Mimuroto-ji Temple and the Hase-dera Temple, providing excellent opportunities for photography and peaceful strolls.

You’ll also find the iconic Fushimi Inari temple surrounded by lush green forests during June.

Popular sites like Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion), Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, and Arashiyama Bamboo Grove have fewer visitors in June when compared to the spring season, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in their historical and spiritual significance. You’ll have a chance to savor the tranquility and charm of these places without the hustle and bustle of large tourist crowds.

The city hosts various traditional festivals and events throughout June. One notable festival is the To-ji Temple Flea Market, where you can shop for antiques, local crafts, and delicious street food.

Another highlight is the Gion Matsuri, one of Japan’s most famous festivals, featuring colorful parades, traditional performances, and a lively atmosphere.

June marks the beginning of the summer season in Kyoto. The weather is warm and pleasant, making it an ideal time to explore the city’s outdoor attractions. Average high is about 79 degrees with a low of 65 degrees Fahrenheit.

Expect 7 inches of rain over 12 days and 11 days of humidity.

Located southeast of Tokyo, Kyoto is a historical center of Japan. Most people  visit Kyoto  by flying into either Osaka or Tokyo airports and taking the shinkansen (bullet train). The train from Osaka is only 50 minutes while the train from Tokyo is 2 hours 15 minutes.

Pamela from The Directionally Challenged Traveler says, “The Hotel Resol Kyoto Kawaramachi Sanjo is located in the heart of Kyoto and is great for exploring this wonderful city.”

Sanur, Indonesia (Bali)

Sanur is a quiet coastal town located on the southeastern coast of Bali, Indonesia. It offers a more laid-back and tranquil atmosphere compared to the bustling tourist hubs like Kuta and Seminyak. Sanur is known for its beautiful beaches, and a relaxed lifestyle that makes it the perfect Asian beach destination in June for those seeking a quieter side of Bali.

Sanur is all about the beach and the promenade along Sanur Beach. There is a nearly 3.7 miles (6 kilometres) long trail. The main section for tourists is between the Mercure Hotel in the South to near Sanur Harbour in the north.

First, take a leisurely stroll or bike ride along the Sanur Beach Promenade. This scenic path offers stunning views of the ocean, local fishing boats, and the distant silhouette of Mount Agung. It’s a peaceful way to start or end your day, and the sunrise here is particularly unforgettable .

Along the beach path you will find many of the 5* hotels, restaurants bars and local Warungs. Many people enjoy walking, stopping, grabbing a drink or food and moving along again to another place to eat and drink. It’s like an all day pub crawl on the beach with an older crowd. 

Another remarkable experience is visiting the Le Mayeur Museum, dedicated to the works of Belgian artist Adrien-Jean Le Mayeur. Set in the artist’s former home, this museum showcases his impressionist paintings inspired by Bali’s landscapes and people.

Jalan Danu Tamblingan is the main street of Sanur and it’s here where you will find shopping in Sanur with a wide variety of local stores selling Balinese wares. Look out for leather goods and local art.

June is an excellent time to visit Sanur because it coincides with the annual Sanur Village Festival. This vibrant event celebrates the local culture and traditions of Bali through art, music, dance performances, and culinary delights. 

Sanur, Bali, experiences a tropical climate with a dry season from May to September. Expect average highs and lows from 75°F to 88°F with only 4 days of rain. It will be tropical and humid most days.

To reach Sanur, you’ll need to fly into Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in Denpasar, Bali’s capital city. Sanur is located 20-minutes from the airport. You can choose to take a taxi, arrange a private transfer, or use ride-sharing services to reach your destination. 

Mark from Things To Do In Sanur says, “When it comes to accommodation and staying in Sanur , there’s a wide range of options to suit every budget and preference. You will find big names like Intercontinental, Hyatt and Andaz on the beach. You can stay in small hotels and homestays just back from the beach from around $30 USD a night, or stay beachside in a 5* resort for hundreds of dollars a night.

For budget stays, we recommend Hotel Jati Sanur , mid price look at Swiss-Belresort Watu Jimbar and luxury we recommend the Maya Resort and Spa .

Sanur offers numerous vacation rentals and villas for those seeking a more private and spacious stay. No matter your choice, you’ll have easy access to the beach, restaurants, and shops, ensuring a memorable visit to this tranquil Balinese gem.”

Palwan, Philippines

Palawan, often voted as one of the world’s most beautiful islands, is a true gem in Asia. This slice of paradise in the Philippines boasts stunning landscapes, pristine waters, and a vibrant marine ecosystem. While Palawan is a year-round attraction, June holds a special allure and is one of the best beach getaways in Asia in June.

June brings something unique to Palawan—it marks the beginning of the typhoon season in the Philippines. Surprisingly, Palawan remains typhoon-free, making June an ideal time to visit without the usual crowds.

Most Palawan itineraries revolve around two must-visit spots: Coron and El Nido.

Coron is famous for its serene lakes surrounded by stunning rock formations and a breathtaking underwater world with vibrant coral reefs and sunken Japanese warships from World War II.

El Nido offers a perfect blend of relaxation and excitement. Known for its lively nightlife and pristine beaches, you can explore hidden lagoons, and towering limestone cliffs, and enjoy beachfront bars that come alive after sunset.

For those seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure, Busuanga is a hidden gem . With its secluded beaches, lush forests, and  beautiful safari park, it’s the place to unwind, connect with nature, and discover the wild side of Palawan.

Palawan hosts the Baragatan Festival in June, celebrating the province’s founding anniversary. This event commemorates the establishment of Palawan’s first civil government after the Philippine-American War. Expect fairs, garden shows, parades, and captivating cultural performances.

June in Palawan marks the onset of the rainy season, bringing an average of 6 inches of rain over 17 days. However, the days remain mostly sunny, with tropical weather and average lows and highs ranging from 77°F to 88°F. It is humid most of the time.

Plan at least 4 days and check for the weather forecast before booking. If done right, you’ll experience this famous island with great weather and without the crowds.

To reach Palawan, fly into one of the Philippines’ international airports – Manila, Clark, or Cebu. Then,  book a flight to the main entry point, Puerto Princesa International Airport in Palawan.

If you’re headed to El Nido, take a six-hour bus ride or go for a convenient private car transfer. For Coron, you need to take a 17-hour ferry from Puerto Princesa.

Alternatively, you can book direct flights from Manila to El Nido or Coron for a faster journey.

Gladis from Happiness On The Way says, “If you’re opting for Busuanga and crave a tranquil escape with breathtaking ocean views, check out OcamOcam Azur Inn . This hilltop sanctuary offers serenity and seclusion, far from the hustle and bustle. However, its remote location can affect Wi-Fi connectivity, making it the best of places or worst of places, depending on your needs.”

Kuala Lampur, Malaysia

Do you want fun, amazing food, and beautiful views, then look no further than Kuala Lumpur. This capital city has everything you need to enjoy  exploring Asia and is one of the best places to visit in Asia in June.

June is a special month in Malayasia with the Floria (Night Flower Parade). It is held in Putrajaya, 15 minutes south of Kuala Lampur, and one of the most popular festivals in the country. This event attracts more than half a million people to see the best of native Malaysian horticulture.

While in Kuala Lumpur, you must visit Saloma Link Bridge (at night) to see the Petronas Twin Towers, the world’s tallest twin skyscrapers, light up behind the bridge. It’s an amazing sight and represents the connection between the bustling downtown area and the people.

Another can’t miss place is the Kuala Lampur Tower. From this tower you get an amazing view of the city, and even have the chance to take pictures in a glass Sky Box over the ledge of the building. At over 300 meters (980 ft), it’s a phenomenal view of the entire area.

The final place you must visit before leaving Kuala Lumpur are the Batu Caves. Although it’s a hike to the top, it’s certainly worth it to experience the peace and tranquility inside the caves. For those of you who are spiritual, learning more about the background (Hindu) will give this experience more meaning.

Kuala Lumpur is a vibrant city full of nice people, amazing food, and just the right amount of modernization. They are trying to balance the new world, while not forgetting their history and their people.

Kuala Lumpur is hot and humid all year around. In June, you can expect temperatures between 90 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. The evenings are cooler with temperatures falling between 72- and 75-degrees Fahrenheit.

June also has the lowest rainy days of the year (4.6 inches over 10 days), so you can get out and enjoy the city.

Kuala Lumpur is a major hub with hundreds of flights per day leaving its’ two international airports. The airports are almost an hour from the city, but there are plenty of taxis and a high-speed train that will get you to the city in less than 45 minutes.

Siem Reap, Cambodia

Siem Reap, Cambodia is a colorful city, renowned for its beautiful temples, lively nightlife, and affordable prices.

It’s best known for Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious structure, sprawling some 400 acres across the surrounding jungles. The vast complex was originally built in the 12th century, as a Hindu temple, with incredible bas-relief sculptures of deities carved into its walls. Shortly thereafter, though, the temples were dedicated to Buddhism, which is still observed there today.

You could spend weeks exploring the complex’s many intricate temples, but if you have just one day in Angkor Wat , be sure to budget time to see the sun rise over the main temple, as well as explore some of its best gems, like Ta Prohm, which was featured in the movie Tomb Raider.  

After a contemplative day exploring the temples, switch gears and check out Pub Street, a raucous, backpacker-friendly section of the city that’s a hodgepodge of restaurants, cheap bars, and massage parlors.

Consider getting a unique foot massage from one of the many parlors by submerging your feet into a tank of water with dozens of Garra rufa, a tiny fish that feasts on dead skin cells (don’t worry—it just tickles a little!).

If that’s a bit too adventurous for your taste, try local dishes, like amok or Khmer curry instead, at one of the many Cambodian cafes, like the aptly-named Khmer Family Restaurant.  

The city is typically quite hot and humid in June, with temperatures ranging from 26-33℃ (79-91℉). While the weather is also rainy (6.6 inches of rain over about 19 days), downpours typically last for just a few hours at a time, keeping the air feeling cool and the surrounding jungle impossibly lush.

Given the unpredictable weather, you may get to enjoy Siem Reap’s attractions mostly to yourself—and snag good deals on Cambodia’s already incredibly affordable accommodations and tours!

Siem Reap has its own international airport where it’s a breeze to grab a tuk tuk or taxi into town.

Jessica from The Uprooted Traveler says, “As your home base during your travels, consider the Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor , an upscale resort with old world charm, a magnificent pool to cool down in, and affordable rates for its caliber of accommodations.”

One of my most favorite hotels ever was the Angkor Rural Boutique Resort . It was located about a 15 minute drive from the tourist center of Siem Reap, nestled amongst farm land and rice paddy fields. We had our own large luxurious bungalow. The food was unbelievable and we got the use of a tuk-tuk and driver every night so we could go into town, eat dinner, and explore at our leisure. We loved it!

For more information about the Angkor Rural Boutique Resort and the amazing activities that we did while in Siem Reap, please see Uncovering Siem Reap’s Secrets: A Cambodian Adventure .

Koh Phangan, Thailand

The  Thai paradise of Koh Phangan  is one of those postcard worthy island destinations. This island deserves a spot right at the top of your bucket list, especially when considering an Asian holiday in June.

Nestled in the Gulf of Thailand and equipped with white sandy beaches and turquoise waters, Koh Phangan offers something for everyone. 

June is the perfect time to visit Koh Phangan being in the shoulder season. You can expect smaller crowds while still having a buzzing social scene. You can also enjoy cheaper prices for accommodations and activities.

Koh Phangan offers a vibrant party scene with its world famous Full Moon Parties. This beach party happens monthly and is the perfect mix of fire shows, glow sticks, and electronic music.

If your party days are behind you, this island paradise also has a contrasting zen vibe with wellness and yoga retreats that rival Bali. 

There are so many great things to do in Koh Phangan, probably the most noteworthy of which is the pristine beaches. For those looking for more of a happening scene, check out Haad Rin.

On the contrary, if you want more of a serene experience with some epic scuba diving and snorkeling, then head to Salad Beach. 

The island is also covered in some lush jungle which is great for those who enjoy hiking or hunting for some amazing waterfalls to jump into. If you’re looking for the best spot check out Nam Tok Phaeng. You’ll have tons of great hiking trails to choose from and can take a nice refreshing dip in the waterfall to cool off when you’re done! 

The weather sits comfortably between 82-89℉ and is mostly sunny. You can expect around 6 inches of rain over 18 days with lots of humidity.

You have a couple of different ways to get to Koh Phangan. The closest international airport is on the nearby island of Koh Samui (Koh Samui International Airport). From here you can take a quick 30 minute ferry ride to Koh Phangan. 

If you are coming from Bangkok, you can either take a train or bus to Surat Thani. You will then pick up a ferry to Koh Phangan. This trip will take between 10-12 hours. 

Samara from FC World Travel says, “If you’re looking for a great place to stay in Koh Phangan, you will be spoiled for choice. Whether you’re looking for cheap hostels, charming beachfront bungalows, or modern hotels, you’ll find it here.

One of the best places to stay on the island is Bluerama , an adult’s only resort. The rooms are comfortable, the food is delicious and the views from their infinity pool are worth every single penny.”

As mentioned above, Koh Pha-Ngan is a quick 30 minute ferry ride from Koh Samui. Many people often wonder whether they should take their vacation in Koh Samui or Koh Phangan. Luckily, I have been to both and wrote an article setting out their differences and who might be better suited for each island. If interested, please see Koh Phangan vs. Koh Samui: Which Island Is Better?

Tel Aviv, Israel

Tel Aviv is the cosmopolitan cultural capital of  Israel, a Middle Eastern country  bordering the Mediterranean. Visiting Tel Aviv in June is the perfect time to experience the city before the harsh summer heat sets in.

One of the best things to do in Tel Aviv is explore Old Jaffa, the ancient heart of the city. Today this neighborhood is filled with artist galleries and collectives, giving it a bohemian feel. 

Shuk Carmel , aka Carmel Market, is also a must. Enjoy walking past the various stalls selling fruit, nuts, and vegetables. Grab a plate of hummus and some  limonana  (lemonade with mint) to refresh yourself before returning to the hot sun.

Of course, no trip to Tel Aviv is complete without heading to the beach, and June is a great time to lay out on the sand and swim in the blue waters of the Mediterranean.

June hosts the annual Gay Pride Week in Tel Aviv. As the most progressive and secular city in the country, it’s also the de facto gay capital of Israel. If visiting during pride week, expect lots of crowds, high hotel prices, and rainbows.

Tel Aviv weather in June is hot and humid, with average high temperatures of 83 F, rarely dropping below 64 F. There is around 16 days of humidity, but no rainfall in June.

To get to Tel Aviv, fly into Ben Gurion airport, then take a train or taxi into the city. The train takes approximately twenty minutes, depositing you at the Tel Aviv Savidor Center. Taxis take longer, around thirty minutes, but will deliver you directly to your hotel.

Tamar from World By Weekend says, “When visiting Tel Aviv, I recommend staying near the beach but also central to Carmel Market. The luxurious  Royal Beach Hotel  has plenty of amenities, including hotel rooms with balconies overlooking the sea and the city. It’s also within walking distance of many restaurants, coffee shops, and the trendy Neve Tzedek neighborhood.”

Munnar, India

Munnar is a former British hill station located in the South Indian state of Kerala. The town is known for its rolling green hills and seemingly endless tea plantations. These are also called the southern tea gardens of India, and the tea grown here is of the same quality as the one grown and picked in the more famous Darjeeling and Assam districts in the North-east of the country. 

At the center of the area is Munnar, situated at an elevation of 5000 feet altitude. It is a fantastic spot for an Asian getaway in June. As a visitor, you should make a stop at the tea museum in Munnar, where you will learn about the different types of tea and the Indian tea culture.

Make sure that you take a drive to appreciate the beauty of the green hills from above as well as below in the valleys. The roads are in great shape and you will see plenty of waterfalls on the way. The daily fog adds a mystic feel to the area.

Stop at small tea places on the way and enjoy the purest tea experience with stunning views of the surrounding tea plantations. 

Nature lovers should head to the Eravikulam National Park. The Park is home to endangered animals of the Western Ghats (tiger, leopard, lion-tailed macaque, Nilgiri tahr, Asian elephant, Nilgiri langur and gaur). Arrive early because it can get busy in June.

Kerala is known for its martial arts, Kalaripayattu, and for its classical Indian dance drama, Kathakali. Special evening shows are organized in Munnar in June and should part of your itinerary.

Munnar will help you reconnect with nature and enjoy the simpler things in life. Don’t forget to buy some tea as a souvenir. A favorite is the Kundaly Orthodox Organic Kanan Devan Hills tea.

June is one of the hottest months in India, and the best way to enjoy this colorful country in June is to go to places in the mountains, such as Munnar.

Most days you will see fog, especially in the evening hours. The fog moves from the lower valleys upwards to Munnar and with that come cooler temperatures.

Expect average lows and highs between 59°F to 71°F with lots of rain (10 inches over 17 days). It will also be humid around 21 days of the month. 

To reach Munnar, you have to fly into Kochi and arrange for a private transfer or take a local regional bus. By car or rickshaw, it’s a 3 1/2 to 4-hour ride from Kochi and by bus, it can take up to 6 hours to get to Munnar. 

Paul from Paulmarina says, “One of the most prestigious places to stay is the Blanket hotel & Spa , as it is known for its peaceful location and stunning views.”

Lombok, Indonesia

Next door neighbors to the famous Bali, Lombok is another stunning Indonesian island paradise that caters more to the adventurous. With volcanic landscapes, pristine beaches, and strong Balinese culture, Lombok is a perfect Asian escape in June for those searching for something off the beaten path. 

In addition, June is the ideal time to visit Lombok, as it marks the start of the dry season. Enjoy wonderful weather while exploring the beaches of Kuta Lombok, hiking through jungle trails, and discovering waterfalls, all without worrying about rain, like in many other Southeast Asian destinations.

Gili Trawangan is perhaps the most famous destination on a  Lombok itinerary , celebrated for its festival-like vibe with raging parties every day and incredible snorkeling opportunities with sea turtles just off the coast. 

Be amazed by the breathtaking Sendang Gile and Tiu Kelep Waterfall, an impressive pair of cascades in the foothills of Mount Rinjani. For the daring, there’s the option to summit the arduous volcano on a challenging 2-day, 1-night hike.

Lombok experiences warm and tropical weather all year round, but in June, the expected highs are at 88°F (31°C) while the nights are generally cooler, with lows at 72°F (21°C).

While June is considered part of the dry season, there may be a few scattered showers over 3 days during the month.

To get to Lombok, you can either fly into Lombok International Airport, take a speedboat, or use the public ferry from Bali.

The airport is situated around 30 kilometers south of Mataram, the capital city of Lombok. Once you reach Lombok International Airport, it usually takes about 1-2 hours to travel to popular tourist destinations like Senggigi or Kuta Beach. 

If you prefer traveling by boat, most speedboats operate from the northern harbor near Senggigi and the Gili Islands.

Catherine from Nomadicated says, “Lombok has everything from luxurious beachfront resorts to cozy boutique hotels and budget-friendly guesthouses. For a beachfront experience near one of the best beaches on the island, stay at Dome Lombok in Kuta.”

Tokyo, Japan

There are so many  beautiful places to visit in Japan , but if you’re able to visit Tokyo in June you’re sure to skip the huge crowds of spring and autumn. While Japan’s capital is obviously one of the most popular cities to visit, tourists tend to avoid June as this heralds in a micro-season of rainy summer weather… But don’t let that put you off!

With futuristic bullet trains and robots contrasting against traditional architecture, Tokyo blends the old and new seamlessly while celebrating each season.

In June, hydrangeas burst into pastel hues throughout the city, alongside their rich purple iris counterparts.

Even-numbered years see the Sanno Matsuri Festival of Hie Shine held in the streets, which is one of Tokyo’s top 3 festivals.

June is also your chance to enjoy the city’s most beloved temple with fewer crowds. Attracting almost 30 million visitors annually, Senso-ji Temple can be enjoyed in a more relaxed way while other tourists avoid it.

Indoor activities such as teamLab Planets, countless museums, themed cafes and underground shopping malls will keep you dry and busy. 

Expect highs of 26C/78F during the day and 19C/66F at night, with an average of 6 inches of rain over 11 days. There is 10 days of humidity.

Tokyo has two main airports with access to its city centre, Haneda (20mins) and Narita (1 hour). You can take the local trains, monorail or high-speed Narita Express.

Alyse from The Invisible Tourist says, “The Shinjuku area is a favoured location for tourists to stay, with the Keio Plaza Hotel a popular choice. Teeming with restaurants, activities and nightlife within walking distance, it’s easy to see why!”

Danang, Vietnam

June is not the best month to visit all parts of Vietnam. But the weather in Central Vietnam is perfect. If you are thinking of a beach vacation in Asia in June with cultural immersion, think no further than Da Nang in Vietnam.

There are multiple  things to do in Danang . Apart from spending time on the beach, you can take a day trip to the imperial city of Hue. Hue was the former capital of Nguyen emperors from 1802 to 1945. Most tourists visit Hue to see the Citadel, this is a vast complex of palaces, temples and other structures. 

The charming town of Hoi An is not far off from Danang and makes for a pleasing day trip. This is a car-free town and it is pleasant to stroll around in the evenings. You see many Chinese temples and Japanese merchant houses here. It has a fantastic culinary scene, and there are several boutiques, restaurants and cafes to be enjoyed.

The Dragon Bridge, the longest in Vietnam, is one of the top attractions in Danang. A recent attraction, made hugely popular on Instagram, is the Ba Na Hills. It is a long bridge with huge concrete hands seemingly holding it up.

There are activities for the fit as well. You can take a cycling tour to view some rural vistas from Danang.

In addition, you can visit the Marble Mountains for epic views and hikes all over the area. These mountains are full of Buddhist shrines, caves and tunnels.

For marine life lovers, there is Cham Island with great snorkelling.

You can expect a high of 93 degree Fahrenheit (35 degree Celsius) and a low of 79 degree Fahrenheit (26 degree Celsius). There is very little rain (2.5 inches over 7 days) which makes it a great time for sightseeing and time on the beach.

Danang has its own international airport. There are domestic flight options from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Plus, a network of buses and trains connect Danang to other cities in Vietnam.

Shweta from Zest In A Tote says, “Danang has multiple beach resorts scattered along the oceanfront with private white sandy beaches. There are budget hotel options as well.

We stayed at the beautiful Nam Hai in Danang , now taken over by the Four Season chain. The private sandy beach, the villa with its own deck and back garden, the pool area, the multiple restaurants and the kids’ club all make it a top luxury choice for families.”

Ubud, Indonesia (Bali)

Situated in the heart of the island, Ubud is one of the best places to stay in Bali to experience the island’s authentic culture, and one of the best places to visit in Asia in June.

While there are many things to do in Ubud, there are 3 that you shouldn’t miss.

Visit the Ubud Monkey Forest, where cheeky macaques roam freely within the park boundaries. If you’re brave enough, it’s a unique chance to observe monkeys in their natural habitat.

From there, head to the Pura Tirta Empul water temple to immerse yourself in Balinese culture. Participate in a purification ceremony by submerging your head under a series of water faucets.

Finally, rise and shine early for a trek through the picturesque and UNESCO-acclaimed Tegalalang Rice Fields. If walking isn’t your thing, head over to Alas Harum, a day club where you can admire the paddies floating in an infinity pool. 

While June doesn’t boast any specific, grand-scale festivals, you’re likely to stumble upon local ceremonies or temple festivals, also known as “Odalan,” no matter when you visit. While these aren’t publicised events, visitors are often welcomed as long as they respect the customs and wear appropriate attire (usually a sarong).

June falls within Bali’s dry season, making it a fantastic time to explore Ubud. Expect around 1.5 inches (50 mm) of rainfall spread over four days. Practically, this means the chances of encountering a rainy day in June are minimal.

Average temperatures range from a daytime high of 88°F to a comfortable 72°F at night with lots of humidity.

Flying into Bali is easy since the island has its own international airport located in Denpasar in the south of the island.

The drive from the airport to Ubud takes just over an hour, and you can either book a private or shared transfer or simply grab a taxi. There are also ride sharing options offering a more affordable alternative to taxis. 

Robin from Where To Stay Bali says, “Stay at Ayuterra Resort , which boasts luxurious private pool suites overlooking a river valley. And for more affordable accommodation, stay at the Anumana Ubud Hotel .”

Kanazawa, Japan

Located close to the Japanese Alps in the Hokuriku region of Japan, Kanazawa is an off-the-beaten-path city that can rival Kyoto in terms of traditional charm. This Ishikawa Prefecture capital boasts a rich heritage, cozy  traditional onsen ryokans , tranquil natural scenery, and scrumptious local cuisine, for a fantastic Asian trip in June.

You can not miss out on exploring Kenrokuen Garden. Named as one of the three most beautiful landscape gardens in the country, Kenrokuen Garden is a great place to stroll around and soak in the zen vibes while admiring the beautiful scenery.

Since the massive garden is planted with a variety of flowering trees, Kenrokuen Garden offers different yet captivating views to the visitors as the season changes. In the summer months starting in June, you will get to see a variety of flowers, such as bright pink azaleas and purple irises, along with plenty of greenery.

If you are a history buff and looking for a free thing to do in Kanazawa, then head over to Kanazawa Castle. Kanazawa Castle belonged to the powerful Maeda Clan during Japan’s feudal period. Though the main castle was burnt in 1881 and has not been rebuilt, you can still stroll around its castle grounds and check out the reconstructed castle structures. 

The castle also comes with a small Japanese garden named Gyokusen Inmaru Garden, featuring a central pond, circular walking path, and a teahouse.

Kanazawa hosts its biggest festival in the first week of June, attracting participants locally and internationally. Held every year over three days, the vibrant   Hyakumangoku Matsuri  features warrior parades, lion dance, taiko drum performances, and other rituals that have been carried out since the Kaga domain era (1583 to 1869). 

Though it is summer in Japan in June, the weather in Kanazawa is still bearable and mild to explore the castle city. Its’ average high temperature is 77°F while the low is about 64°F. 

Rainy days are more prevalent at the end of June. Overall, there is an average of 5.7 inches over 11 days in June. There is only 10 days of humidity.

Depending on your preference and budget, you can get to Kanazawa in several ways. Of course, the most convenient way to get to Kanazawa is by train. 

If you are traveling from Tokyo, you can take the Kagayaki train on Hokuriku Shinkansen to Kanazawa and enjoy the magnificent lush greenery along the way. Since it is convenient, this 2.5-hour train ride can be very expensive.

Once in Kanazawa, you can buy the 1-day  Kanazawa Loop Bus  pass for unlimited rides for a reasonable amount to get to the main attractions in Kanazawa fuss-free.

Sam from Sam Lee Travel says, “For those who prefer to stay in the city center, consider staying at  Kanazawa Tokyu Hotel . Aside from having spacious air-conditioned rooms, this 5-stay hotel comes with a Japanese restaurant bar, spa facilities, and parking space.”

Kanchanaburi, Thailand

Kanchanaburi in Central Thailand is only 93 miles (150km) from the Thai capital of Bangkok. It is a fantastic contrast to the bustling pace of Bangkok with beautiful natural landscapes and plenty of riverside accommodation perfect for a relaxing short break in Asia in June. 

The biggest draw to Kanchanaburi is the Bridge over the River Kwai made famous by the movie of the same name. This railway was built under the rule of the Japanese army by Allied prisoners of war and Burmese locals who were forced labourers. They also worked on a railway to join Thailand to Burma, designed to give easier access to Japanese troops. This incredible feat cost many men their lives.

You can walk across the bridge or ride a train out to Nam Tok to the highly recommended Hellfire Pass Interpretive Centre and Memorial Walking Trail. 

For a change of pace make sure you put aside half a day to visit the stunningly beautiful Erawan Falls. This seven level waterfall is a must see while you are in the area. You can hike all seven tiers with a reasonable level of fitness and can swim in most of them. Get there as early as you can and make your way straight to level 3 or 5 for the best chance of having a pool to yourself. 

Kanchanaburi also has some amazing temples. Be sure to add the Wat Tham Suea (Tiger Cave Temple) to your list. Don’t worry! This is not actually a place to see captive tigers but rather a large temple featuring a 18 metre high Buddha and stunning views over the surrounding landscape.  

June is a fantastic time to explore Kanchanaburi as the weather is not too hot and there is usually plenty of water in the waterfalls for which the area is famous. There has been enough rain to make the waterfalls impressive without the rain getting in the way of your sightseeing. Temperatures are warm and perfect for swimming without the high humidity that hits between August and October. 

Over this month, there is about 4 inches of rain over 14 days but this usually means rain in the early morning or later in the afternoon rather than steady rain all day. The average daily temperature is 85.1°F with highs of 94.5°F and lows around 76°F. There is humidity every day.

There are a number of  ways to get to Kanchanaburi . You fly into Bangkok and then take a train or mini bus, or book a private driver. The trip from town takes about 90 minutes.

Paula from Thailand Awaits says, “When choosing your accommodation, many visitors choose to stay in one of the unique floating cabins that line the River Kwai. Many of these are located north west of town but we chose to stay in a quieter location about 12km south-east of the city centre at the Cross River Kwai Resort .

Cross River Kwai Resort has lux cabins, float cabins and the very deluxe Falling Waters villas with private pools. All look out over the River Kwai and this serene location makes a great place to come back to after a busy day of sightseeing. It also allows you to enjoy kayaking or floating on the river which is particularly beautiful at sunrise.”

Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia (Borneo)

Borneo is the third largest island in the world and divided into three different countries – Indonesia, Malaysia and The Kingdom of Brunei. It is a beautiful island and one of the offbeat spots that not everyone has on their radar.

Kota Kinabalu is one of the main cities on the Malaysian side of Borneo and it has access to some of the best parts of the coast line that the island has to offer.

One of the numerous things to do in Kota Kinabalu is to head to the famous Mount Kinabalu which the city is named after. It is the largest peak in the region and scaling it is an adrenaline junkies dream.

That’s not all that the city has to offer. It also provides an access point for the Tunku Abdul Rehman Park which houses some of the best islands for snorkeling, swimming and diving. June is the best time to visit these!

The city also has some of the best food that you can find all over the world. There are loads of  places to eat in Kota Kinabalu  and your pick can change depending on your price range. 

For great street food, head to the night market or to Gaya street. There is lots of grilled seafood caught fresh that day that is cheap and delicious.

For many the city is just a stop on their journey through Borneo. The lucky ones spend a few days here and indulge in the many things that Kota Kinabalu has to offer.

Expect average lows and average highs ranging from 76°F to 90°F. There is 8.5 inches of rain over 12 days and tropical humidity each day.

Generally speaking, getting to the city is super easy because it has an airport located in it. Many people also choose to cross over from Brunei which is right next door.

Ubers are typically the best way to get around because they are relatively cheap and easy to get.

  Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu  is a stunning luxurious 100 metres from the Kota Kinabalu Waterfront and Night Food Market. You can spend your days exploring the city, then retreat to the beautiful pool and poolside cabanas.

On the Indonesia side of Borneo, you can trek for Orangutans in the wild. We did this and had one of the most unbelievable wildlife experiences that we have ever had (and we have had A LOT!). For more information about this extraordinary experience, please see these three articles: Borneo Orangutans: A Day Of Thrilling Discoveries ; Tanjung Punting National Park: A Superb Planning Guide ; and Indonesia: The Magic of Lightning Bugs In the Rainforest

There are many wonderful places to visit in Asia in June. From beach destinations, city escapes, mountain retreats, and cultural hot spots, you will have your choice of amazing June holiday getaways.

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12 Best Asia destinations in June of 2024 from cheapest to most expensive

June is an interesting month to visit Asia, but there are still many great options. It’s the last reasonably dry month in the big cities in Southeast Asia such as Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur, and the last non-scorching month in the northern cities like Tokyo and Beijing. Fortunately all of those are still nice in June, while July gets much trickier. This year we are making things even easier again as we are ranking the best Asia destinations in June from cheapest to most expensive. And more good news is that several of the better destinations on the list below are showing hotel rates in 2024 that are quite a bit lower than the previous year, so this could be a good summer to tour Asia.

If you aren’t sure you want to visit Asia in June you might have a look at our list of the best cheap destinations with great June weather , which has alternatives from around the world along with a few Asian cities that are also listed below. Fortunately there are enough destinations listed below that are easy to reach from one another that it’s easy to plan a multi-city trip. Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore all have great airports with lots of cheap flights to all of the other places on this list.

This article was last updated in March, 2024

Important June 2024 holidays in Asia

• June 1 – Pancasila Day (public holiday in Bali and throughout Indonesia)
• June 3 – Queen Suthida’s Birthday in Thailand (public holiday)
• June 3 – Agong’s Birthday in Malaysia (public holiday)
• June 9 to 10 – Dragon Boat Festival (Public holiday in China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan)

New: Now ranked from cheapest to most expensive

12 Best destinations to visit in Asia in June from cheapest to most expensive

Luang prabang, laos.

• June avg high: 91F/33C
• June avg low: 76F/24C
• June avg precip: 7.0″/17.5cm

Luang Prabang highlights

• Mekong cruises to waterfalls and caves
• Old Quarter historic district
• Luang Prabang Night Market
• Laid back feeling and riverfront restaurants
• Very cheap hotels, food, and drinks

Luang Prabang is the most popular destination in Laos, and it’s a good transit hub for anyone who also wants to stop in at Vang Vieng and  Vientiane  as well. You can also take a slow boat on the Mekong as it heads towards northern Thailand, and then get transport to Chiang Mai, Thailand, which is also on this list.

• Good 3-star hotels in June from $29 for two people
• Good 4-star hotels in June from $60 for two people
• Hostel dorm beds in June from $9 per person

>>> Check hotel deals for Luang Prabang >>> Luang Prabang prices and travel tips

Luang Prabang Backpacker Index for 2024: US$21.92

Chiang Mai, Thailand

• June avg high: 90F/32C
• June avg low: 75F/24C
• June avg precip: 5.2″/13.0cm

Chiang Mai highlights

• Doi Suthep temple complex outside of town
• Famous night market
• City walls and moat
• Amazing, cheap food that is different from Bangkok’s
• Shockingly cheap hotels and rentals

Chiang Mai is filled with interesting temples and cultural sights, but it’s also surrounded by hills and mountains, and there is great trekking and other outdoor activities available in the area. If you are just looking for a place to relax with a nice hotel and cheap drinks, it’s hard to do much better than Chiang Mai in Asia. The food here is also amazing and noticeably different from what you get in Bangkok. Many on longer trips arrive in Chiang Mai and then stay much longer than they had planned.

• Good 3-star hotels in June from $18 for two people
• Good 4-star hotels in June from $31 for two people
• Hostel dorm beds in June from $7 per person

>>> Check hotel deals for Chiang Mai >>> Chiang Mai prices and travel tips

Chiang Mai Backpacker Index for 2024: US$23.19

Kuta, Bali, Indonesia

• June avg high: 85F/29C
• June avg low: 77F/25C
• June avg precip: 2.8″/7.0cm

Bali highlights

• Great beaches and surfing in many areas of the island
• Stunning temples and monuments, including in tourist areas
• Amazingly cheap hotels that are usually nicer than you expect, and cheap food and drinks
• Fascinating Hindu culture and gamelan music
• Excellent resorts in secluded areas

One downside is that June is also one of the busier months of the year in Bali, as it’s a very popular destination for Australians on a winter break. Still, the nicer weather is worth it, and it’s still pretty easy to avoid the crowds in Bali if you avoid the Kuta/Legian/Seminyak beach area in general. Those looking for a less crowded and more pleasant experience should look into staying in Lovina along the north coast, or on nearby Lombok island. Hotel prices in Bali are looking shockingly low in 2024 so there are great bargains to be had. It might be worthwhile to book well in advance as rates are probably going up as June approaches.

• Good 3-star hotels in June from $15 for two people
• Good 4-star hotels in June from $28 for two people

>>> Check hotel deals for Bali >>> Bali prices and travel tips

Bali Backpacker Index for 2024: US$27.97

Bangkok, Thailand

• June avg high: 92F/33C
• June avg low: 78F/26C
• June avg precip: 5.9″/14.8cm

Bangkok highlights

• Wat Pho, Wat Phra Kaew, & Grand Palace
• Suan Lum Night Bazaar
• Cruise on the Chao Phraya River
• Street food and excellent cuisine in general
• Cheap hotels at great standards

Even if it is hot and sometimes rainy outside, Bangkok is one of the world’s best shopping cities, featuring about a dozen large and posh malls all clustered together in the Siam Square area. Taxis here are cheap and so is the metro system, so you can get around in comfort no matter what is going on outside. The famous backpacker ghetto of Khoasan Road is actually a really fun area to stay in with well-priced hotels. Only a few hotels are in the noisy area and it can be a great option on your first visit to Bangkok because it’s also a short walk to a few of the major Buddhist sights.

• Good 3-star hotels in June from $16 for two people
• Good 4-star hotels in June from $29 for two people
• Hostel dorm beds in June from $11 per person

>>> Check hotel deals for Bangkok >>> Bangkok prices and travel tips

Bangkok Backpacker Index for 2024: US$28.42

Colombo, Sri Lanka

• June avg high: 87F/31C
• June avg precip: 7.3″/18.3cm

Sri Lanka highlights

• Nuwara Eliya (fascinating hill town)
• Ceylon Tea Gardens
• Galle (Colonial beach town in the south)
• Kandy (scenic mountain town)
• Colombo itself

Unlike most of India to its north, the rains in Sri Lanka usually end in early June, so this begins one of the better times of year to visit. The beach towns along the southern coast are worth a look, but the national parks and nature sights of the interior hills are even better for a first visit.

Sri Lanka has shortages and political unrest in 2022 and it appears that things are pretty much back to normal and they can use the tourists. It’s definitely worth checking news reports and such before you book, but it does look like you can expect a good time if you go in 2024.

• Good 3-star hotels in June from $31 for two people
• Good 4-star hotels in June from $68 for two people
• Hostel dorm beds in June from $10 per person

>>> Check hotel deals for Colombo >>> Colombo prices and travel tips

Colombo Backpacker Index for 2024: US$32.33

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

• June avg precip: 4.9″/12.3cm

Kuala Lumpur highlights

• Interesting mix of Malay, Chinese, and Indian cultures
• Similar to Singapore at less than half the price
• Famously cheap 4-star hotels for a large Asian city
• Excellent food at very good prices
• Nearby temples and important sights are easy to reach

Aside from alcohol in bars, which can be expensive, Kuala Lumpur is also a fabulous bargain city as well. The center is teaming with newer 4-star hotels that can go for way under US$100 per night for two people. It’s also a great base from which to explore peninsular Malaysia, with Penang, the Cameron Highlands, and Malacca not far away.

• Good 3-star hotels in June from $21 for two people
• Good 4-star hotels in June from $39 for two people
• Hostel dorm beds in June from $8 per person

>>> Check hotel deals for Kuala Lumpur >>> Kuala Lumpur prices and travel tips

Kuala Lumpur Backpacker Index for 2024: US$36.83

Shanghai, China

• June avg high: 82F/28C
• June avg low: 69F/21C
• June avg precip: 6.7″/16.8cm

Shanghai highlights

• Arguably the world’s coolest skyline
• The Bund (riverside walk)
• Skydecks at a few different towers and skyscapers
• Nanjing Road shopping district
• Traditional Chinatown area (seriously)

Along with the modern touches, Shanghai is also known among visitors for some interesting copy-cat neighborhoods that imitate great European and even American cities. The food here is also a main attraction, with a dizzying number of styles available, in addition to the traditional local fare. If you are going to do the main attractions then a  Go Shanghai Card  is worth looking at.

• Good 3-star hotels in June from $50 for two people
• Good 4-star hotels in June from $65 for two people
• Hostel dorm beds in June from $17 per person

>>> Check hotel deals for Shanghai >>> Shanghai prices and travel tips

Shanghai Backpacker Index for 2024: US$45.75

Seoul, South Korea

• June avg high: 80F/27C
• June avg low: 64F/18C

Seoul highlights

• Gyeongbokgung Palace
• K-Star Road and pop culture sights
• Day trip to the DMZ
• Amazing food and trendy drinks
• Myeong-dong shopping district

Fans of electronics and technology in general are attracted to Korea to see what this futuristic society looks like in person. The food is another big draw, especially for those from the western United States, where Korean food is one of the biggest trends in the last decade or so. And needless to say, the rise of BTS and other K Pop acts have made visiting South Korea far more popular than it used to be. Still, Seoul is good value and it’s a very easy city to visit even if you only speak English.

• Good 3-star hotels in June from $38 for two people
• Good 4-star hotels in June from $70 for two people
• Hostel dorm beds in June from $15 per person

>>> Check hotel deals for Seoul >>> Seoul prices and travel tips

Seoul Backpacker Index for 2024: US$52.53

Beijing, China

• June avg high: 86F/30C
• June avg low: 66F/19C
• June avg precip: 3.0″/7.5cm

Beijing highlights

• Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square
• Tours of nearby sections of the Great Wall
• Palace Museum
• Amazing food and drink culture
• Hutongs (ancient alleyways)

Whether you are on a tour or visiting independently, you’ll find that Beijing is still quite a bargain. You might have to pay more for a hotel or for restaurants where English is understood, but it will still be cheap compared to Europe or Singapore or Tokyo. Here is  why doing China on an organized tour is probably better than going independently for most people .

Word is that especially since COVID, international tourism into China has dropped to almost zero. The visas were already complicated and expensive, and now many people are worried about other issues, so it’s not an easy decision.

• Good 3-star hotels in June from $72 for two people
• Good 4-star hotels in June from $88 for two people

>>> Check hotel deals for Beijing >>> Beijing prices and travel tips

Beijing Backpacker Index for 2024: US$59.35

Xi’an, China

• June avg high: 89F/32C
• June avg low: 67F/19C
• June avg precip: 2.5″/6.3cm

Xi’an highlights

• Terracotta Warriors tour
• City walls tour or walk
• Drum Tower and Bell Tower
• Great Mosque of Xi’an and street food in Muslim Quarter
• Very affordable hotels and food

Aside from admission to the Terracotta Warriors itself, most things here in Xi’an are cheaper than in Beijing and Shanghai, so it’s a good place to linger a bit if you are doing your own schedule. Finding locals who speak English outside of the international hotels and tourist restaurants isn’t easy, but at least all of the important signs are in English so it can be done by anyone who puts in a bit of effort.

• Good 3-star hotels in June from $54 for two people
• Good 4-star hotels in June from $63 for two people

>> Check hotel deals for Xi’an >>> Xi’an prices and travel tips

Xi’an Backpacker Index for 2024: US$61.74

Tokyo, Japan

• June avg high: 77F/25C
• June avg precip: 6.5″/16.3cm

Tokyo highlights

• Imperial Palace, shrines, and gardens
• Ginza shopping district
• Tokyo feels like visiting the future
• Harajuku District for fashion and trends
• Some of the best and most varied food on the planet

Many first-time visitors to Japan will just focus on Tokyo, which is understandable because it’s a huge city with plenty to offer. But it’s easy to take high-speed trains to  Kyoto  and  Osaka , which are also very interesting, not to mention a bit cheaper as well.

• Good 3-star hotels in June from $45 for two people
• Hostel dorm beds in June from $14 per person

>>> Check hotel deals for Tokyo >>> Tokyo prices and travel tips

Tokyo Backpacker Index for 2024: US$63.25

• June avg high: 88F/31C
• June avg precip: 6.8″/17.0cm

Singapore highlights

• Marina Bay Sands Hotel and Casino
• Orchard Road shopping district
• Singapore Flyer Ferris Wheel
• Raffles Hotel (home of the Singapore Sling)
• Hawker food centers for cheap and excellent food

Singapore is small enough to see in 3 days or so, and that’s good because hotels and alcohol are quite expensive, but it all feels worthwhile. June is one of the better months to visit because it rains less than the rest of the year. If you are coming all this way it’s probably wise to also visit Malaysia on the same trip, since they are separated by only a bridge. And again, the rain in Singapore tends to come in the afternoon and finish in 30 minutes or so. Finding a place to shelter is usually quite easy, and if you are in one of the malls or museums you might not even know it’s raining anyway.

• Good 3-star hotels in June from $110 for two people
• Good 4-star hotels in June from $124 for two people
• Hostel dorm beds in June from $19 per person

>>> Check hotel deals for Singapore >>> Singapore prices and travel tips

Singapore Backpacker Index for 2024: US$73.15

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The Best Places to Go in Asia in 2024

By CNT Editors

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

This is part of our global guide to the Best Places to Go in 2024 —find more travel inspiration here .

It’s official, Asia is back—brighter, bolder, and more ambitious than ever. The region took longer than others to shake off pandemic-related travel restrictions and border closures, but has returned in full force, eager to remind international travelers what they’ve been missing.

The continent’s titanic expanse of territories has always offered a diverse tapestry of to-dos—but across the region, new experiences, events, and accommodation options await. Sri Lanka is emerging phoenix-like from economic crisis and responding with a new food festival, wellness-oriented retreats, and a hiking trail that snakes through 186 miles of hill country and centuries of history. Mongolia is relaxing visa restrictions to give more people the opportunity to experience its vast, rugged landscapes, and Kochi is setting the bar high when it comes to city-wide sustainability initiatives. In the UAE , a lesser-known emirate is vying for attention, while a Japanese port city is flexing its design muscles.

Expanded green spaces, intriguing boutique resorts, luxury sleeper trains, and the ancient Silk Road: our list of the 11 best places to visit in Asia in 2024, entirely informed by contributing writers and editors spread across the region, is packed with reasons to head east.

Don’t forget to also visit our global list of best destinations to visit in 2024 , vetted by Condé Nast Traveler editors based in the US, UK, Spain, Middle East, India, and China. — Selina Denman & Julian Manning

Bangkok Chinatown, Thailand

Go for: a culinary renaissance in one of the world’s biggest Chinatowns

Always one of the buzziest districts in Bangkok, Chinatown makes the list this year for its ever-exciting food scene. In the year ahead, expect a new wave of restaurants to sprout in this neon-glowing nexus.

With its mom-and-pop noodle joints, incense-infused shrines, and tuk-tuks clattering through centuries-old alleyways, Chinatown has always been one of Bangkok 's buzziest districts. In the mid-2010s, chefs, mixologists, and gallerists started setting up shop in the crumbling townhouses on the district's outskirts and now, a new wave of restaurateurs is headed for Chinatown's neon-glowing nexus, Yaowarat Road. Among them is Australian chef and Thai food guru David Thompson, who, at his Chop Chop Cook Shop , riffs on recipes—buttered prawns, braised peas—from the Chinese-Western restaurants that were all the rage across Bangkok in the 1930s. Upstairs, Goldsmith Bar transforms ingredients commonly found in the neighborhood—shiitake syrup, osmanthus oolong—into heady drinks, and will soon be joined by a Chinese restaurant on the top floor and rooftop terrace.

Lucky Duck , another newcomer, has taken up residence in a historic building nearby and serves up drinks inspired by old-timey Chinese films. Perennially packed Thai restaurant Charmgang is set to open a more laid-back sibling, Charmkrung, where wines and light bites will dominate the menu; and judging from the many buildings currently concealed by tarpaulin and bamboo scaffolding, more bars and restaurants will follow suit. But how much change is too much? 2024 presents a chance to experience the charm of this storied district while still in flux. — Chris Schalkx

Da Nang, Vietnam

Go for: nature reserves, central Vietnamese cuisine, the firework festival

The “City of Bridges,” Da Nang, is a 21st century oceanfront destination linked to ancient trading hubs and imperial centers. Take advantage of new flights into Da Nang to explore the entire coast.

The Da Nang International Fireworks Festival is just one popular event in this central Vietnam city—other attractions, like distinctly local dishes, are on offer year-round.

A modern beach city located amid dozens of UNESCO -recognized sites in the country’s heartland—including the ancient port city of Hoi An and the former imperial capital city of Hue—Da Nang is one of Asia’s big post-COVID success stories, with 2023 international arrivals exceeding pre-pandemic figures, thanks in part to new flight routes that make the City of Bridges easier to get to than ever. In 2023, Vietnam Airlines reopened its popular Tokyo route, Taiwan ’s China Airlines started direct flights from Taipei, and several Southeast Asian budget airlines launched flights to the city, with plenty more in the works. Every June, more than 150 daily flights deliver tourists eager to witness the Da Nang International Fireworks Festival.

Son Tra Peninsula—located just 20 minutes from the city center—is another tourist draw, home to a 17-story, 220-foot statue of Lady Buddha, as well as endangered red-shanked douc langurs that live in the peninsula’s nature reserve. Central Vietnamese food specialties like Mì Quảng, the official noodle soup of the region, and Bánh Xèo turmeric crepes, should be another feature of any travel itinerary.

Hotel and resort developers are taking note of Da Nang’s newfound popularity. On Son Tra Peninsula, the Bill Bensley-designed InterContinental Sun Peninsula Resort recently completed an extensive 10th-anniversary renovation that includes a new club lounge, villas, and spa concept. IHG Hotel Group’s voco Ma Belle Danang opened in the city in 2023, and 2024 will herald the arrival of Da Nang’s first Mandarin Oriental property and an outpost of the wellness-driven Southeast Asian Fusion Hotel group. — Dan Q. Dao

Kathmandu Valley, Nepal

Go for: lesser-known walking trails, new vantage points, an international folk festival

The Mustang Trail Race is just one of many events on the horizon for Kathmandu Valley designed to encourage visitors to embrace and immerse themselves in the Himalayan landscape.

Kathmandu Valley’s standing as Nepal ’s cultural hub will be revived in early 2024 with the return of the International Folk Festival-Nepal in March—its first in-person iteration since 2020—and the biennial Film Southasia , South Asia’s premier documentary festival, later in the year.

Atop Kathmandu Valley’s picturesque ridges lie the emergent destinations of Dhulikhel and Chandragiri, replete with hidden trails that are an unexpected alternative to Nepal’s more well-trodden and strenuous trekking routes. In Dhulikhel, Thai hospitality outfit Dusit Hotels and Resorts recently launched a charming luxury resort , while nearby, the Namo Buddha Eco Resort offers an opportunity to explore Nepal’s sustainable agricultural practices.

Bolstered by a commitment to improve the country’s tourism infrastructure with the launch of Nepal’s Tourism Decade in 2023, 2024 will see the Kathmandu Valley continue to serve as a gateway to the rest of Nepal’s tourism hotspots, with improved road and air connectivity between Kathmandu and the valleys of Pokhara and Mustang. As the 2024 additions to Pokhara’s hospitality landscape, such as Le Glamour Luxury Resort , set up in lofty vantage points across the valley, easier access to the once-remote Mustang Valley is similarly leading to the introduction of luxury accommodation options such as the stunning 29-suite Bill Bensley-designed Shinta Mani Mustang, and events such as the Mustang Trail Race, designed to encourage visitors to fully immerse themselves in this singular Himalayan landscape. — Amulya Gyawali

Kobe, Japan

Go for: high design with a sense of place

In Kobe, Japan, design-forward spaces, like the new Officine Universelle Buly skincare shop (left), are creatively building on its seafaring heritage.

Sandwiched between steep mountains and sparkling seas in southwestern Japan , the port city of Kobe is seriously strengthening its design credentials. Taking centre stage is Vague Kobe , a new creative space by Teruhiro Yanagihara Studio (TYS). Spanning the upper levels of an elegant former 1930s bank, it houses a gallery, bookstore, café, wine bar, flower shop, and design studio. In a perfectly measured showcase of contemporary Japanese design—and a reflection of Kobe’s seafaring heritage—renovated interiors combine crafted walls of traditional Japanese plasterwork and clean minimalist lines with large windows, stone floors, and ornate tilework.

Further proof of Kobe’s design ascendency was the arrival of French artisanal perfume and skincare brand Officine Universelle Buly in mid-2023, its shop and café interiors flamboyantly layered in signature style—from Kobe beef-inspired expanses of red-veined marble to chocolate-like lacquerware and “dripping” lamps. Recent plans by Trunk , arguably Tokyo’s hippest hotel group, to make Kobe the setting for its first hotel outside the capital is further evidence of the city’s prominence. And Kobe Port Tower —a panoramic observation deck on the shores of Osaka Bay—will reopen in early 2024 with a string of new facilities, including a new museum showcasing light-themed artworks and a fancy 360-degree revolving café bar. — Danielle Demetriou

Kochi, India

Go for: sustainable initiatives, stunning waterways, local festivals

Kochi's draws are modern and old-school in equal measure. For one thing, Kochi's 10 islands will become fully solar-powered by 2024. But local festivals like the ancient temple gathering of Thrissur Pooram and the Kochi-Muziris Biannale maintain the texture and history that make the place special.

Kochi’s waterways have lured visitors for centuries, its verdant backwaters, lagoons and rivers as attractive to travelers today as they were to Arab, Chinese, and European merchants in the 1300s. As one of the first in the world, its water metro system—a socially inclusive transport option connecting 10 islands along a 50-mile network—was already revolutionary when it launched in 2021, but will set the bar even higher by late 2024, when it becomes fully solar powered.

The move is part of a wider effort to transform Kerala ’s financial and industrial capital into a solar powerhouse. The city’s international airport (CIAL) is the first in the world to operate solely on solar energy and was recently upgraded with the introduction of a dedicated business jet terminal that’s the largest in India. This will be complemented by a refreshed airport hotel in mid-2024, as the current property is brought under the Taj banner and upgraded accordingly. Improvements are also underway at Kochi’s 150-year-old Ernakulam Market, which is set to unveil its years-in-the-making redesign in early 2024.

On a wider scale, Kerala Tourism 2.0, the state’s $43 million 2023-2024 sustainable tourism initiative, will focus on improving infrastructure and travel corridors between Kochi and less-visited destinations such as Munnar and Kozhikode—as well as local festivals, from the ancient temple gathering of Thrissur Pooram to the Kochi-Muziris Biennale . Meanwhile, responsible tourism operator The Blue Yonder —which created a twilight dining experience inspired by Kochi’s historic Chinese fishing nets in 2023 in Ezhikkara—offers opportunities to experience conservation-focused mangrove trails and climate-resilient Pokkali rice farms, alongside it revamped 2023-2024 Nila River voyages: two-week odysseys along the state’s cultural lifeline, from the Palakkad gap to Ponnani. — Taarika John

Go for: improved access, unique cultural festivals, and unscripted adventure

Thrill-seeking adventure travelers will always find something to love about Mongolia, and it will never be easier for them to do so than in 2024 with the first direct US flights, a new crop of nationalities who can visit visa-free, and more.

Mongolia has long been the destination for thrill-seeking adventure travelers—as participants in the wonderfully chaotic Mongol Rally will attest—but the country is expanding beyond that niche as its tourism board sets its sights on attracting a million tourists per year. In 2023, the country launched visa-free travel for a further 34 nationalities—bringing the total up to 61—in a campaign that is set to run until 2025.

The launch of new luxury lodges, cultural tours, and the announcement of the country’s first ever direct US flight, coming in 2024 to the $650-million Chinggis Khaan International Airport, further signal Mongolia’s tourism ambitions.

Following the success of the rugged-but-chic Three Camel Lodge , Mongolia’s luxury accommodation options are expanding with places such as Yeruu Lodge , which opened in 2023. Offbeat cultural experiences are one of the most compelling reasons to visit the country’s vast, rugged expanses and local operator Breanna Wilson offers some of the best. After a successful season of horse trekking and the Naadam Festival—a colorful display of strength, horsemanship, and marksmanship—in 2023, Wilson is expanding her 2024 tours to include a digital nomad week, a women-only retreat in Orkhon Valley, and a three-day archery training session with Namnaa Academy , an organization that began reviving the ancient art of mounted archery in 2020. — Ali Wunderman

Ras Al Khaimah, UAE

Go for: exhilarating adventure sports, luxurious accommodation options

Adventure tourism developments are in the works in Ras Al Khaimah's rocky mountains (and along its undersung coastline), with Jebel Jais acting as the home base for a burgeoning hiking and ziplining scene.

With its rocky mountains and low-key coastline, Ras Al Khaimah has long served as a weekend escape for UAE residents. But with several adventure tourism developments in the works and an influx of luxury properties lining up to open in the UAE’s fourth-largest emirate, there’s plenty happening now to put Ras Al Khaimah on the global tourism map. On an island just off the coast, the 174-room Anantara Mina Al Arab Resort , home to the country’s first overwater villas, will welcome its first guests in January—to be joined by a 155-room Nikki Beach Resort in 2026.

But most of the action is happening on the slopes of Jebel Jais , the UAE’s highest mountain. Among the peaks that are already home to the world’s longest zipline, adrenaline-lovers will soon be able to launch themselves into the blue beneath the canopy of a paraglider with the new Jais Wings experience. And if all that activity leaves you longing for a comfortable place to rest, the 70 luxurious rooms at nature-focused Saij Mountain Lodge will be perfect for bedding down once it opens in 2024. To top it all off, Qatar Airways resumed operating daily flights direct from its Doha hub to Ras Al Khaimah International Airport in November, making this lesser-known emirate more accessible than ever. — Nicola Chilton

The Red Sea, Saudi Arabia

Go for: bragging rights, pristine nature, a new take on sustainability

Saudi Arabia's Red Sea has both untouched desert and vibrant coral reefs—both of which will be part of an ambitious sustainable tourism development in the destination in 2024.

Creating a completely new tourism destination in an area of pristine natural beauty—including coral reefs that are home to critically endangered species, unspoiled desert, and dormant volcanoes—is a fine tightrope to walk. Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea aims to navigate these challenges with ambitious efforts that will make it a center of regenerative tourism, powered by 100% renewable energy. Only 22 of the more than 90 islands in the area will be developed, and nine have been designated as protected conservation areas. While many of the sustainability efforts will be behind the scenes, some are visible—and visitable.

New mangrove parks will be populated with trees currently being grown in a mangrove nursery (the project aims to plant 50 million by 2030). The first phase of the destination, which includes 16 luxury hotels, is powered by 760,000 solar panels, and the world’s first zero-carbon 5G network has already been installed. Three resorts— Six Senses Southern Dunes , Nujuma, and The St. Regis —are set to open in the coming months, each with its own strict program of sustainability measures, ranging from light-touch modular structures to intelligent landscaping, smart waste management, and local sourcing. Transport within the destination will be by e-vehicles, and hydrogen-powered seaplanes will eventually transport visitors between the islands. Whether a luxury tourist destination can ever truly be sustainable remains to be seen, but the efforts being made in the Red Sea are certainly testing the hypothesis. — Nicola Chilton

Go for: forest trails, new luxury stays, and Taylor Swift hype

Singapore's glamour has always been legendary, but things will be taken up a notch next year as Belmond returns with its long-awaited Eastern & Oriental Express—a new journey will take passengers from Singapore to Malaysia and back again come February.

Even by Singapore ’s hyperkinetic standards, 2024 is shaping up to be an unusually livewire year. March will usher in Taylor Swift hype at the National Stadium in Kallang, as the pop star lights up the waterfront venue in her sole South East Asian stop on the record-shattering The Eras Tour. Hotel bookings have reportedly surged in anticipation, right on the heels of a string of high-profile openings in 2023, including the much-anticipated Mondrian Singapore Duxton near Chinatown. Relaunches and openings will continue into 2024, with the Grand Hyatt on the plush Orchard Road-Scotts Road juncture unveiling a completely new look, and Raffles inaugurating its villa-style spa and resort on Sentosa Island .

Singapore is also adding exciting accoutrements to its impressive green quilt. At Gardens by the Bay , the country’s landscaping masterpiece, the longest sculpture in the world—a 300-foot parade depicting 60 endangered animals cast in bronze—is on display until May. Cycling paths are coming to 10 additional neighborhoods (Jurong Lake District and Punggol among them), and some will be linked to the city’s more than 300km-long green network of park connectors. A 755-foot-long forest trail and a lagoon pool will be among the highlights of the soon-to-reopen Big Sister’s Island marine park.

Not to forget Singapore’s legendary glamour, which holds sway over everything, as Belmond returns with its long-awaited Eastern & Oriental Express , kicking off a new journey from Singapore to Malaysia and back in February. In September, the country has its annual date with Formula 1 at the iconic Marina Bay Street Circuit, which, as F1’s original night race, is set against a dazzling backdrop of skyscrapers and city lights. — Lakshmi Sankaran

The Silk Road, Uzbekistan

Go for: the ancient charm of the Silk Road charging into the future with new high-speed rail routes

Samarkand is one of four cities in Uzbekistan benefitting from a renewed interest in the Silk Road, with Afrosiyob, a new high-speed rail network linking its minarets and turquoise-blue tiling with the country's capital of Tashkent—and more. Routes to Khiva, 2024's tourism capital of the Islamic world, will come online next year.

For centuries, traders journeyed along the ancient Silk Road, weaving westwards from China to Iran and Turkey, sharing their stories and cultures alongside textiles, tea, and perfume. Today, four cities in Uzbekistan —Samarkand, Tashkent, Bukhara, and Khiva—are benefitting from renewed interest in this historic route. Explorers may once have had to contend with long, arduous journeys on camel-back, but new Afrosiyob high-speed trains have become a lifeline linking Tashkent, the country’s capital, to Samarkand and Bukhara. In 2024, this 373-mile rail network will extend to Khiva, making it even easier to explore Uzbek Silk Road cities.

While Samarkand’s minarets and turquoise-blue tiling are hallmarks of regal Timurid architecture—evident in the towering monoliths of Registan Square— Bukhara is the site of beguiling mosque complexes and age-old rug-making traditions. In Tashkent, the host of 2024’s FIFA Futsal World Cup , heritage is combined with a more cosmopolitan verve, and Swissôtel is slated to open its first property here in 2024.

Khiva, the latest rail stop, has also been declared 2024’s tourism capital of the Islamic world, perfectly positioning it to showcase the mud-and-straw walls and impeccably preserved fortifications of Itchan Kala , a UNESCO-certified inner city with over 50 historic monuments. — Lakshmi Sankaran

South and central Sri Lanka

Go for: wellness retreats, a new food festival, and a nearly 200-mile nature trail

Kayaam House is one of several openings that signals the luxury and wellness boom marking Sri Lanka's tourism industry right now.

Rising from economic uncertainty, Sri Lanka ’s tourism industry is in the midst of a luxury and wellness boom—from its tea-filled highlands to its palm-fringed shores. In the south of the country, new luxury resorts continue to entice. Among them, Kayaam House and Ahu Bay by homegrown luxury travel specialist Resplendent Ceylon; a Hilton resort next to the Indian Ocean-bordering Yala National Park, one of the best places to spot Sri Lanka’s elusive leopards; and the art deco-inspired The Charleston , which opens in December in the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort. The already established Kalukanda House —a villa in surf town Weligama by British-Sri Lankan interior designer Dee Gibson—is making its mark with retreats centered on female empowerment, with yoga, breath work, reiki, and Ayurveda included.

A comprehensive renovation of the nine-room Meraki , which employs local women and offers yoga, holistic treatments, island-sourced vegetarian fare, and artisanal crafts in the Polhena Beach district of Matara, is set to be unveiled in early 2024; and luxury fitness getaway Makahiya is gearing up to launch its own brand of bespoke retreats.

In January, the Galle Literary Festival will return after a five-year hiatus, with appearances by literary figures such as Shehan Karunatilaka and Alexander McCall Smith, while Gourmet Galle , the country’s new food festival, will spotlight 12 chefs in 12 venues, ranging from beaches to paddy fields, over a 12-week period from January to March.

Inland, development of the Pekoe Trail , a new nearly 200-mile network of hiking routes that snakes its way through Sri Lanka’s highlands, continues. Traversing historic tea plantations, colonial estates, local villages, holy shrines, and forests brimming with biodiversity, it’s a novel way to experience Sri Lanka’s lush hill country, particularly when paired with stays at boutique properties such as W15 Hanthana , the luxurious Goatfell , or the Kelburne Estate , scheduled to open in December 2024. — Zinara Rathnayake

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The 25 Best Places to Travel in June

05/01/2024 by Ashley Yap 1 Comment

While one hemisphere greets the brilliant summer sun, the other welcomes the start of winter. This makes June a perfect time to travel to warm or chilly places and experience the milder sides of both. Before you plan your next adventure though, check out these 25 best places to travel in June. You’ll find beautiful beaches with small crowds, mountains for hiking and also skiing, and city sights with cheaper accommodations. Let’s get going!

Table of Contents

Quick List: Where to Go This June

• Best Beachy Getaway: Thailand
• Best Hikes: Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, USA
• Best for Smaller Crowds: Mozambique
• Best Summertime City: Québec, Canada
• Best Flower Blooms: France

Southeast Asia

1. thailand.

June is a great time to visit Thailand , as it is the kingdom’s shoulder season before the wettest months (September-October). Marvel at temples, gorge at Michelin star–worthy restaurants and intriguing street food stalls, and fall in love with Bangkok without the big crowds!

The best Thai islands to check out this month are Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao. These are right next to each other and require only a quick ferry ride to get to each, yet each offers a completely different experience. Koh Samui is on the high end, with spas, resorts, and private beaches; Koh Phangan is a hippie paradise with plenty of yoga and meditation retreats; and Koh Tao is a tiny backpacker island known for its fantastic diving sites. We recommend visiting all three islands to get a proper taste of everything!

It’s also the ideal place to travel alone if a solo adventure is what you have in mind this June.

2. Malaysia

June marks the beginning of the dry season in Malaysia , which means more visitors, but for good reason! The best places this time of the year include the country’s capital, Kuala Lumpur, where you can shop till you drop and enjoy countless delicious foods at both high-end restaurants and neighborhood markets. History lovers can make a day trip down to Malacca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site just two hours from the capital city, or spend a couple nights taking in the strong colonial charm of Cameron Highlands, the largest hill station in the country, where you can enjoy cooling temperatures, the fragrance of the tea plantation, and beautiful hiking trails.

If you are hoping to do some snorkeling or scuba diving, avoid the west coast and enjoy what the east coast has to offer. The Perhentian Islands, Lang Tengah Island, and Tioman Island are perfect in June.

3. Indonesia

Indonesia , particularly Bali , is a massive tourist attraction, but have you considered the less popular but possibly more beautiful islands of Lombok, the Flores, and Raja Ampat? Lombok is a surfer’s paradise; you can also explore beaches, hike volcanoes , and admire waterfalls . In the Flores, you’ll find Komodo National Park (Komodo dragons are carnivorous!), and Kelimutu National Park, which has a volcano and brilliant crater lakes. Raja Ampat is full of beautiful lagoons, which are breathtaking for diving , because of the thriving and native wildlife, like wobbegong sharks and mobula rays. You can even take a sailing trip through the islands .

Why June? The weather is gorgeous (mostly sunny, with very few showers). It’s also warm enough to the point where you’ll really enjoy a refreshing dip in the water. Because June is still part of shoulder season, you’ll likely find some good deals.

North America

4. québec, canada.

Québec is a wonderful place in June, because there are a lot of festivals, like Kwe (an indigenous festival) and Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day (a Canadian national holiday). In June, Québec has mild temperatures, the days are getting longer, and the crowds are still small. Because it’s getting warmer, you can also take the opportunity to go on a walking tour .

Canada as a whole is also one of the best first places for a solo traveler , since it’s one of the world’s safest countries. Even if you don’t opt for Québec, you can have fun seeing the polar bears and whale watching ; exploring wild-open spaces, nature parks, islands, and lakes; and going on a long road trip to more of Canada’s cities .

5. New York, USA

There’s Upstate New York and then there’s New York City, and both are equally viable for a June trip. The Hudson Valley is full of small-town charm, and there’s plenty of fun to be had rock climbing, mountain hiking, walking the rail trails, and exploring the parks. If the city is more your scene, be sure to get to a public beach (they open in June), and check out this list of free things to do in the Big Apple .

June is the perfect month, especially for exploring the outdoors or going to one of New York City’s events . It’s not scorching hot, and the city crowds haven’t yet grown out of control. Temperatures do have a tendency to drop into the 60s in the evenings, though, so bring a light sweater.

6. Wisconsin, USA

If you want a taste of the American Midwest, you can put your faith in Wisconsin, because of the dairy and cranberry farms. Wisconsin also touches two of America’s Great Lakes — Lake Superior and Lake Michigan — so check out this amazing sailing opportunity among the caves in the Apostle Islands .

This state is not known for its crowds, and since temperatures in June are in the 70s, it’s an ideal destination if you’re craving some warmth without the sweat. Bring an umbrella or rain jacket , though, because Wisconsin does get some precipitation in the early summer.

7. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, USA

In June, you’ll have perfect conditions for hiking and camping in one of the United States’ largest national parks: Rocky Mountain National Park . The snow-capped mountains here seem endless, and the alpine flowers will be in bloom. And as you hike or backpack along a trail, you’ll see mesmerizing waterfalls and grazing wildlife. There are over 350 trails (of various difficulty levels) that will take you along lush meadows or up steep peaks, from which you’ll have breathtaking views. If you would rather not camp in the park , you can stay in a mountain town at the base.

June is truly a beautiful time to visit because of the blue skies and wonderful weather — but everybody else knows that too. This month is the beginning of tourist season, so be sure to get an early head-start on the trails and maybe even catch the sunrise over a peak.

Yes, Austria’s beautiful mountainscape makes it great for winter activities like skiing, but also for summer hiking, mountain biking, and boating on the lakes. But don’t leave without seeing Vienna (which has one of the cheapest 5-star hotels in Europe) or the Krimml Waterfalls, and if you like to be barefoot, walk the longest barefoot trail.

Did we pique your interest? Here’s our Austria travel guide .

June is absolutely gorgeous in Austria, with wildflowers dotting the countryside and temperatures in the upper 70s (in the Alps, it’ll be in the 60s). Such ideal conditions mean you’ll be among quite a few other travelers, but put in perspective, most people still flock to other parts of Europe during the early summer. Consider staying in one of the cheapest 5-star hotels in Vienna

Greece has been a major influence around the globe (for example: democracy), and did you know that the birthplace of the Olympics is in Olympia? If you do go to Greece, you have to go on an island-hopping expedition or at least rent a boat to get out on the Aegean or Ionian Seas. June is warm enough (in the 80s) to get out on the water, but most tourists haven’t started to arrive yet.

Keep busy with a few of our recommended things to do in this magical country, like bungee jumping, exploring ruins, or touring monasteries. Even if you’re on a budget, Greece can be on your list, so here’s our Greece travel guide .

10. Iceland

If you love nature and vast landscapes, consider heading to Iceland in June. You can go on a road-camping trip on the Ring Road or, if you only have a short amount of time, get the lay of the land on a self-drive along the three-hour Golden Circle .

Some other things you might want to do may include hiking, whale-watching, and snorkeling the Silfra Fissure (dry suits are included, so you can stay warm) in places with names very difficult to pronounce!

While June is one of the best times to visit this beautiful country, in terms of weather (it will still be cold, with temperatures in the 40s-50s, but the days are long — 20 hours!), it is one of the more popular months. This makes it easy to meet some fellow travelers though!

Here are some money-saving tips (because it can get pricey in Iceland, what with all the amazing tours ).

11. England

If you’re a Harry Potter fan, definitely check out the studio tour in London! And then there’s Oxford and Cambridge, beautiful universities you can wander through. For other activities like the Dover Castle, you can find a whole host of tours and excursions here . If you are traveling alone, here’s a guide to solo female travel in London to help you out.

England in June is brisk, in the 60s, and mostly sunny (there are some wet and rainy days, good for indoor activities). Tourists like to arrive in July and August, but in June, all the summer points of interest are already open!

There’s Paris , of course, but if you want to experience the true romantic side of this already very romantic country, go to Provence, where you’ll find fields of lavender in bloom , which begin in mid-June. It’s reported to also be far less crowded than other parts of France, which tend to attract the tourists like a magnet during the summer.

July is peak tourist season in France, so if you slip in during June, you’ll enjoy more mild temperatures, which is wonderful for exploring cities like Paris , where you might as well see the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, right?

13. South Africa

Also known as the Rainbow Nation (the country has 11 official languages), South Africa is a beautiful country for touring or going on a safari. It’s also an affordable country (think $50 a day). If you like meat, you have to try to eat like a local and taste some game animals, like ostrich, zebra, springbok, kudu, and alligator. Perhaps the best way to get a lay of the land is to take a road trip , but if you’re short on time, you can also go on a short trek to experience the stunning natural beauty here.

It’s winter in South Africa in June, and the temperature ranges from 40 to 65 degrees F, depending on if you’re in the mountains or Cape Town , respectively. A safari could be a little more crowded, and prices are a little higher, but this is because the wildlife are out and about. 

Have you ever seen a gorilla in the wild? If not, you can go gorilla trekking in Uganda — and June is one of the best months to see them. Uganda also has chimpanzees and some rare bird species and is home to Africa’s Big 5: leopard, black rhino, lion, African buffalo, and African bush elephant.

If you want to see all this wildlife, definitely go in June! It’s the start of the dry season and the animals are on the move and looking for water; you can even catch the migration on the Masai Mara.

Temperatures are in the upper 70s and low 80s. Because it’s one of the more popular months for visiting, you can expect some crowds.

15. Mozambique

Mozambique has some really peaceful vibes. You can dive in Tofo , which is famous for manta rays and whale sharks, and also quad-bike through sand dunes, where you’ll see grass huts with children running around playing.

If you want to sit back and take in the culture, head to Vilanculos , where you can watch the fisherman and the waves, and gaze out at the ocean as far as the eye can see. You also stand a chance of witnessing the humpback whales on their migration.

June is the start of Mozambique’s cooler season, but the air and sea are both in the comfortable upper 70s. Here are some tips to help you plan a trip .

South America

16. argentina.

Did you know that Argentina ‘s Iguazu Falls are twice as big as Niagara? And if you’ve never trekked in Patagonia before, we’ve got you covered with this guide and these itineraries (plus, here are ten hikes you have to do ).

June marks the end of autumn in Argentina. It’ll be in the mid-50s and a beautiful time to visit this country, which is accessible for people on all kinds of budgets . This month is also not peak season, so you can avoid the crowds and find lower prices on tours and excursions. Check out our packing list before you go!

If you want to travel solo to South America, make Chile one of your first stops. It’s a very safe country, because of how prosperous it has become. If you’re a budget traveler, you can still expect to spend less than $20 a day exploring all there is to see and do, like Easter Island (one of the Wonders of the World), San Pedro de Atacama (the driest desert on earth), Valparaíso (possibly the globe’s most artistic city), and glacier trekking in Patagonia .

Winter sets in during the month of June, so the Andes will be snow-capped, and ski resorts will be opening up. The highs will be in the 50s, so you’ll want to bring warm clothes. It’s also shoulder season, which means both Patagonia and the slopes will be quieter.

Peru is such an iconic country for human civilization, because of the Incan Empire, Machu Picchu, and Caral-Supe, which is as old as Stonehenge. (Here’s an itinerary to help you experience it all.)

If you’re more interested in the Amazon rain forest, check out our pointers so you can make the most of your experience .

Some say May-September is the best time; others say July-December. So June — the start of the dry season and also winter — is a fair bet for minimal tourism, low rainfall (excellent for hiking), and wildlife gathering by the receding water lines. Expect Amazon temperatures to be in the 80s and coastal temperatures to be in the 60s.

Central and South Asia

19. maldives.

Calling all water lovers! The Maldives are an archipelago of over 1,000 islands, which means excellent snorkeling and opportunities to see wildlife, such as whale sharks, water skiing, surfing, and other water-related activities. The beaches are beautiful, and if you stay in a guest house, you’ll get to meet locals and other travelers (read why we recommend the guest houses here ). Of course, however, you can also spring for an overwater bungalow for an unforgettable stay.

Visiting the Maldives in June is one of the cheaper ways to experience the area , but it is also the rainy season. You can expect some showers for about 14 days out of the month, but they are quick, and if you’re already in the water, you may not even notice! Since the busy season is from December to April, you’ll likely avoid the tourists and the traps that accompany them.

20. Kyrgyzstan

Many nationalities, including Americans, do not need a visa to visit Kyrgyzstan , which could be considered the Patagonia of Central Asia . If you go in June, the countryside will be lush and green, because there will have been some rainfall since April. That being said, weather can be weird in June and July: sometimes it’s tank-top weather and other times it’s snowing!

June is the start of summer so it’s not yet terribly hot if you do decide to hike some summits . (Here are some pointers on how to prepare for a trek .) It’s also not quite the tourist season, which picks up in July, when the bazaars jump into full swing.

21. South Korea

If you’re looking for something a bit more interesting and unusual, you could find it in South Korea. For example: a sweet potato latte, K-pop concerts, spiders as big as birds, and Korean shirt phrases. You can also take a tour to the DMZ , which is the border between South and North Korea; explore some beautiful islands off the mainland’s coast, like Jeju; and enjoy some of South Korea’s most delicious foods (think BBQ, macarons and kimchi). Of course, there’s even more to do !

The last month of spring is June, so temperatures will be in the 70s. Come July, it will be hot and humid. Because the cherry blossoms are in March and April, June is a month that offers lower prices and fewer tourists. Even if there is a bad-weather day, there’s plenty to be done indoors!

22. Tokyo, Japan

Japan is a lovely place in the early summer, especially Tokyo ! Here you can find some incredible indoor activities, like Japanese fine dining (known as omakase ) at this all female-run restaurant , some crazy cafés, and also team lab planets . There’s also a small district called Harajuku, where you can find some more quirky indoor activities .

You’ll want to wear light clothing in June ! It could be a little rainy some days, but outdoor festivals still abound. Because many people like to come during the cherry blossom season in early spring, you’ll avoid a lot of the crowds at this time. 

If this is your first time in the country, check out this guide to exploring this island of healthy food, advanced technology, beautiful views, and the intriguing capital.

23. Australia

Australia has a lot of diversity in its geography, which means there’s a variety of things to do, like behold a pink lake, snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, search for pearls, and go on a spiritual trip to Uluru and Kata Tjuta National Park . In Sydney (which is not the capital!), make sure to see the Opera House and Harbour Bridge.

June is the start of winter here, which, depending on where you go, is the slow season, because it can be cool and cloudy. In the region of the Great Barrier Reef though, this is peak season, because visibility is high and rainfall is low. If you want to experience an Australian winter, June is the best time to go.

24. French Polynesia

French Polynesia has a variety of offerings depending on which islands you visit in this beautiful archipelago. If you’re looking for overwater bungalows and atolls galore, check out Bora Bora and Tahiti . If you want jungle and mountainous, go to the Marquesas Islands. No matter where you go though, you can expect spectacular diving and wildlife viewing opportunities , like those in Mo’orea . 

Depending on where you go in French Polynesia, June could be considered peak season, because of the mild temperatures and low rainfall. In general though, it is one of the most beautiful times to visit, and it’s still Tahiti’s shoulder season .

25. New Zealand

New Zealand has some very majestic mountains and breathtaking lakes, especially on the South Island . You’ll want to check out as many of the iconic New Zealand views as you possibly can, maybe even getting a little off the beaten path and visiting the springs in Golden Bay, where the winters are sunnier and more mild.

If you’re craving some beautiful snowy scenery, head there in June. It’s one of the cheapest times to travel, but the weather can be somewhat of a toss-up. You can expect a little bit of everything, but one thing is for certain: bring some warm clothes! Temperatures, on average, will be in the 40s.

Sometimes it can be overwhelming to visit a foreign country when you don’t even know the best time to go. Hopefully this list of 25 best places to travel in June helps you make some decisions.

Which is your top choice?

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05/03/2024 at 9:19 pm

Thanks for the post. I enjoy your writing style, honest and fun (I was like, “oh we’re at number 25 already?”, ready for more 🙂 ). June is a great time to France. In addition to what you said in this post, in Paris there is the French Open for tennis (starts in May but quarterfinals to the championship are in June). There will be a build up as well toward the Olympics later in the summer. May I ask, what is wrong with going to the west coast of Malaysia for snorkeling and scuba diving in June? It would be cool to experience winter in June in the Southern Hemisphere one day. Thanks again and looking forward to the next post!

Where to go in Asia in June

June might mean all the great things about summer have arrived in the UK and Europe, but it’s a beautiful time to visit Asia too. Here’s our round up of where we would head in Asia during June, including great opportunities to see wildlife, get active, explore the ocean and simply rest on a perfect sandy beach.

Click to view: ‘Where to go in Asia in…’ JANUARY – FEBRUARY – MARCH – APRIL  – MAY 

We’ll be back soon with our recommendations for where to go in July through to December. And as always just get in touch if you have any questions or need more tips.

Bali & Lombok

We suggest to combine Bali and or Lombok with a trip to Komodo . June is great month for a cruise around the Komodo National Park islands, just before the hassle of high season, mantas still around, Komodo getting ready for mating season… the green landscape almost gone, almost zero chances of rain.

Myanmar (Burma)

Take a peek at our Dive & Unwind itinerary for inspiration – you can certainly take full open water and advanced PADI qualifications in the Maldives, but this is designed for those looking for a more balanced trip. Spend a few hours each day on guided dives, but avoid classroom time while you’re on your luxury island holiday!

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• Places To Visit In June In Asia: Explore Asia And Fall In Love With Its Marvels

23 Mar 2023

While many of us think about taking vacations across the seven seas, the truth is, our continent is home to some of the top tourist destinations on the planet. Visitors from all over the world, and especially from Western countries in North America and Europe spend months exploring the beauty and cultures of Asia.

Being the largest continent, Asia is home to a variety of countries that display contrasting cultures and traditions but have one thing in common, a strong connection with their existing traditions and rituals. Apart from these, the natural beauty that blesses the continent comes in all forms, from the heights of Himalayas, to the biggest cave on the planet in Vietnam, from expansive beaches of Krabi to winter wonderlands in Russia, from desert safaris in Dubai, to metropolitan holidays in Singapore, there is no dearth of experiences for tourists in Asia.

While there is no best time to visit the continent, as the weather varies drastically between countries and regions; the summer months of May, June, and July see the highest amount of tourist activity in Asia.

If you too, are planning a holiday in June, this article will tell you everything you need to know in order to have a gala time at one of the many destinations in Asia.

Weather In June In Asia

By June, a lot of countries start experiencing their first monsoon showers of the year. Thanks to this, the tourist crowds start thinning in these areas. However, since the monsoon is only in its initial stages, the intensity and frequency of showers is quite low and manageable in countries like Vietnam, Cambodia, India, Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Laos.

With a bit of planning and research it is possible to visit these countries on a budget without compromising on the experience or a planned itinerary. Not to forget, with fewer crowds, your experience may well be better than a peak season experience in some extremely popular tourist destinations.

As some Asian countries struggle with rains, there are others that experience their best weather in June. Countries like Borneo, Indonesia, South Korea attract some delightful weather during June and as a result, are extremely popular among tourists during this time of the year.

Perfect for beach bums or for lovers of rich culture, these countries offer a host of summer-only experiences that you can’t afford to miss during a June holiday.

Must Read: 24 Best International Trips Under 50k For Your Bucket List!

5 Best Places To Visit In June In Asia

1. Bali 2. Singapore 3. Kerala 4. Borneo 5. Malaysia

Image Source

The most well-known island of Indonesia, Bali is an absolute delight during the month of June. Not only does the island host the Bali Arts Festival that we discussed in the previous section, but during June, the island is thriving with activity. From watersports to beach parties, Bali will satisfy the hedonist inside you like never before.

For the culture and history buffs, June is the best time to explore the temples and ancient ruins of Bali. If you are an adventure seeker, the extensive menu of watersports and a collection of some delightful hikes is sure to keep you engaged.

Best time to visit: April to September Ideal Duration: 5 Nights/6 Days Currency: Indonesian Rupiah Language: Balinese

Suggested Read: The Great Niah National Park Guide: The Birthplace Of Civilization In Southeast Asia

2. Singapore

Another brilliant Asian city, Singapore is a tourism paradise. During the month of June, the small country becomes extremely busy, thanks to the awesome June weather. The days aren’t too hot and the monsoon showers haven’t yet become frequent, creating the ideal conditions to explore Singapore.

Don’t let Singapore’s size fool you. The country may be small, but it is filled to the brim with surreal experiences that appeal to every kind of traveler. From watersports to a thriving collection of wildlife on display at the Singapore Zoo , from Disney World to ultra-luxurious hotels, the list of experiences to look forward to in Singapore in June is endless.

Best time to visit: February to April Ideal Duration: 2 Nights/3 Days Currency: Singapore dollar Language: Malay, Mandarin

Suggested Read: Here’s Why The Cleanest Village In Asia, Mawlynnong Deserves More Tourists

Better known as God’s own country, the Indian state of Kerala is abundantly blessed with blissful natural beauty that is in full bloom during the month of June. Misty mountain tops, lush green valley, quiet backwaters, and serene ancient ayurvedic treatments, Kerala is the perfect place for a relaxing holiday where you do nothing.

If, however, you do insist on doing something on vacations, Kerala won’t disappoint. From SCUBA diving sites to hiking on hidden mountain trails, there’s plenty of adventure nestled in Kerala.

Best time to visit: September to February Ideal Duration: 4 Nights/5 Days Currency: Indian Rupees Language: Malayalam

Suggested Read: 36 Best Places To Visit In Southeast Asia That Won’t Let You Put Your Camera Down!

June marks the beginning of the dry season on the largest island of Asia. The great thing is, the tourists have not yet started coming to the island in large numbers and thus, the month is not considered a part of the peak tourism season here.

Currency: Indonesian rupiah, the Brunei dollar Language: Bahasa Malaysia

Suggested Read: 3 Places To Visit Near Asian Civilisations Museum That Are Perfect For The Explorers!

5. Malaysia

Presenting the perfect mix of metropolitan amenities and natural beauty, Malaysia is a superb place to visit around the year. However, the weather during the month of June is especially pleasant, making it perfect for outdoor activities and exploration.

One can enjoy activities ranging from snorkeling and SCUBA diving to hiking in the Cameron Highlands in Malaysia in June.

Best time to visit: December to March Ideal Duration: 6 Nights/7 Days Currency: Malaysian ringgit Language: Malay

Further Read: 23 Romantic Honeymoon Destinations In Asia For Every Budget

Asia is a huge continent. For those willing to explore, there are always destinations that are perfect for different times of the year. The destinations and activities were just a short trailer of the amazing experiences Asia has put on offer in the upcoming summer season. Book a trip to Asia today and fall in love with the picturesque views.

Disclaimer: TravelTriangle claims no credit for images featured on our blog site unless otherwise noted. All visual content is copyrighted to its respectful owners. We try to link back to original sources whenever possible. If you own the rights to any of the images, and do not wish them to appear on TravelTriangle, please contact us and they will be promptly removed. We believe in providing proper attribution to the original author, artist or photographer.

Please Note: Any information published by TravelTriangle in any form of content is not intended to be a substitute for any kind of medical advice, and one must not take any action before consulting a professional medical expert of their own choice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit In June In Asia

Where in Kerala can I enjoy the backwaters?

The best spots to enjoy the backwaters of Kerala are in Kochi, Trivandrum, Kozhikode, Kasargod, and Kollam.

Do I need to be a swimmer to try Scuba diving in Malaysia?

No. Fortunately, no prior swimming experience is required to enjoy SCUBA diving. However, if you do have some experience of being in the water, it will surely be advantageous.

Which country does Borneo Island Fall under?

The Island of Borneo is shared by three countries- Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei.

How much does the pass to Bali Arts Festival cost?

The Bali Arts Festival is celebrated all over the island of Bali, and requires no entry pass or ticket.

Do I need a visa to visit Singapore?

Yes. Indians require a valid visa to enter Singapore. You can apply for the same online.

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June in Asia: 10 Awesome Locations You Should Consider

Categories Destinations , Asia

The more you travel, the more you begin to realize that there are times in the year which are the best suited for a particular location. It does depend on what you want though. Sometimes the best time for you could be in the non-peak season where you aren’t brushing arms with a hundred other tourists.

Some people choose to visit in the peak season because the weather is amazing or there is a particular attraction that can only be seen at a particular time of year. It is this that inspired me to start documenting the best places to visit in Asia by month. So, continuing with our series, today we will take a look at what seasoned travelers have to say about spending June in Asia.

If you are interested in exploring the other months that we have covered, you can take a look at the links below.

Table Of Contents: June in Asia

In order to help you navigate through our list of places where you can spend June in Asia, we have sorted all the locations based on the country they are located in. For your convenience, we have also placed links to the countries below. Just click on the country that you would like to explore, and you will be taken directly to that section. Not sure where you want to head to? Don’t worry! Just keep scrolling! There are a lot of options and I am sure you will find some inspiration here.

Philippines

South korea.

China has always been a place I have wanted to visit. My dad would carve Chinese paintings and figures into wood and he had numerous story books that centred around the beliefs and legends of the Chinese. It made me want to visit the country as a child and it still has an allure as an adult. That is why I was so pleased to see that it is a great place to spend June in Asia.

Beijing is an intriguing place to spend June in Asia.

LOCATION: Beijing

GETTING THERE:  Most travellers visiting Beijing fly into Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK), which is a little over 30 km away from central Beijing.  The easiest way to get from the airport to the city centre is the Airport Express Line which runs every 15 minutes. A one-way ticket costs 30 RMB for a 15-20 minute trip (depending on if you leave from Terminal 2 or Terminal 3).

WHERE TO STAY:  Budget Hotel:  Inner Mongolia Grand Hotel is only a 15-minute walk from Tiananmen Square, making it easy to get around the city sights. It’s a five-star hotel with a mix of modern and traditional décor.

Mid-Range Hotel: New World Beijing Hotel has all the convenience one could want in a hotel.  It’s located near a main subway stop as well as top tourist destinations including the Forbidden City.   Next door to the hotel is the Xinglong International Museum where you can exchange currency at a decent rate.

Luxury Hotel:  Hotel Nuo Wangfujing has plenty of luxuries to offer while still being close to attractions in the city.  The decor of the hotel is French-Orient and includes an indoor pool & spa. This hotel is only a 5-minute walk from Tiananmen Square.

June is a wonderful time to go to Beijing since the weather is nice and warm without being too humid.  The weather gets hotter the further into the month and the further south you travel.

The top thing to see near Beijing is the Great Wall of China.  It’s about a 90-minute drive to the Wall but it is worth it.  Many hotels can help you organize a trip or private transportation.  The wall is over 13,000 miles (21,000 km) in length though it is difficult to measure due to some of it being very remote.  There are people on the wall who can help guide you or hold your hand as you explore the wall so be sure to bring cash to tip them.

Beijing city is home to its own palaces and temples that are worth seeing as well. The Summer Palace is jaw droppingly beautiful.  Chinese culture is on full display throughout the architecture.  The Forbidden City, while less beautiful than the Summer Palace, is packed, literally packed, with history.  If you spent 1 day in each room, it would take you over 23 years to explore every palace.  Near the city is Jinghsan Park where you can take a break to enjoy nature!  The Temple of Heaven was visited by many Emperors to pray for good harvest.

Wangfujing Street Market is THE place to go for local food and souvenirs. While the market is open during the day, night time is when the market comes to life.  This street market is where you can find the craziest things to eat – including scorpions and spiders! While exploring at night, be sure to check out the Beijing Olympic Park. It lights up the night with a variety of colours.  The Beijing National Stadium – nicknamed the Nest – is one of the most unique modern buildings in the city.

By Pam from The Directionally Challenged Traveler

Japan has made it to our lists so often and I have to say that we are considering visiting the country soon. Between the gorgeous country and delicious food, you will find that it is becoming a popular tourist spot. In fact, a couple of travel bloggers have suggested spending June in Asia here. Take a look at the locations they added to our list.

Sapporo is another fun place to spend June in Asia.

LOCATION: Sapporo

GETTING THERE: Domestic flights from around Japan. International flights from around Asia.

WHERE TO STAY: Mercure Sapporo

The capital city of the northern island of Hokkaido, Sapporo is often referred to as the “Wild West of Japan”. A city of outcasts and wanderers, Sapporo is most famous as the jumping off point for Japan’s ski areas. Compared to other Japanese cities like Tokyo, Sapporo is a much more relaxed and slower paced city. The city features wide, tree-lined streets running throughout the city making it very pedestrian friendly. Odori Park sits in the middle of Sapporo providing a slice of nature amongst the city’s skyscrapers. Each June, the park hosts Yosakoi Soran, one of Japan’s largest street dance festivals featuring over 30,000 participants.

For sports lovers, no trip to Japan in June is complete without going to the Japanese baseball game. Much like throughout the rest of Japan, residents of Sapporo love their home team, the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters. A trip over to the Sapporo Dome to take in a game should certainly be on your list. Not many travellers think of heading to the beach when they plan a trip to Japan. Only 30 minutes from downtown Sapporo is Aso Beach and the perfect location to escape city life for an afternoon. Regardless of what the calendar reads, Sapporo’s food scene is reason enough to visit.

Hokkaido is the dairy producing area of Japan. As a result, many dishes, including the beloved ramen feature dairy products especially butter. There’s nothing better on a warm summer day than enjoying a famous Hokkaido ice cream cone. If you are looking for another city to explore in Japan during the summer, certainly consider adding Sapporo to your Japan itinerary . Afterall, come winter Sapporo is cold and snowy.

By Amber from Food And Drink Destinations

3. Kamakura

Have you ever thought of spending June in Asia at Kamakura?

LOCATION: Kamakura

GETTING THERE: Located just south of Tokyo, you can take the train to Kamakura .

WHERE TO STAY: Hotels in Tokyo could be quite expensive. It not, the room could be quite small that barely can fit an open suitcase on the floor!

Shiba Park Hotel is conveniently located between two subway stations, Onarimon and Daimon, with two convenient stores just around the corner. At a similar price range, the hotel offers a relatively bigger room at around 400 sq ft. Kamakura is an old capital of medieval Japan, with an abundance of impressive Buddhist Zen temples and Shinto shrines. Kamakura is merely 50 kilometers away from Tokyo, and it is also a prominent resort town by the Sagami Bay shoreline in the modern-day.

The most well-known and visited landmark is the Kotoku-in Temple’s Great Buddha – a 15th century made bronze statue and the largest of its type. The temples and shrines look even more beautiful in June because this is the time for Hydrangea blossoms. A couple of spots are named the most popular hydrangea viewing location in the country, from Engaku Temple, Meigetsuin, Kuzuharaoka Shrine to Hasedera.

The hydrangea bloom occurs during late May until the end of June during the rainy season. Therefore, don’t forget to bring an umbrella when you plan to have a 1-day excursion from Tokyo to Kamakura. While you are in town, take a hike in one of the walking trails in the hills, visit some of the shrines and attractions in the city, or enjoy the local food and delicacy in the main shopping street in Hase.

By Kenny from Knycx Journeying

The rugged nature of Kazakhstan is certainly alluring. If this country has been on your bucket list, then you are in luck. According to our fellow travel bloggers, Kazakhstan is a great place to spend June in Asia. Take a look at the locations in the country that made it to our list.

4. Arslanbob

June in Asia? I wish I could head to Arslanbob!

LOCATION: Arslanbob

GETTING THERE: Arslanbob is about 4 hours by bus from Osh in Kyrgyzstan.

WHERE TO STAY: In one of the homestays from the community-based tourism organization.

Arslanbob is a scenic village in the southern mountains of Kyrgyzstan near the border with Uzbekistan. What makes this mountain village so special is that it combines spectacular mountain sceneries with a range of interesting cultural and outdoor activities.  Arslanbob is a place like no other in Kyrgyzstan. First of all, it is an Uzbek village with a thriving community that has set up a nice network of cosy homestays for tourists to stay. The hospitality is heart-warming and the homecooked dishes are some of the best you will have in Kyrgyzstan.

Second of all, it is home to some of the largest walnut forests in Asia. The people of Arslanbob are very proud of this nut and most of their life revolves around it. You can visit the local walnut oil factory or taste some of the nuts in the local bazaar. 

Arslanbob is also a great destination for walking, hiking and horseback riding with spectacular views on the Baba Atash mountains everywhere. June is a good time because of the great weather. There are several trails to beautiful waterfalls and through the famous walnut forests of Arslanbob.

By Ellis from Backpack Adventures

Another interesting place that made it to our list of places to spend June in Asia is Kyrgyzstan. Located in heart of Asia, this country isn’t talked about much but when it is, you will find that people talk about its gorgeous landscape. To my ear, it sounds like a peaceful escape from the more popular places in the continent that generally suffer from overtourism .

If you are thinking of spending June in Asia, I would suggest considering Osh.

LOCATION: Osh

GETTING THERE: To get to Osh, you can travel via a marshrutka / shared taxi or take a flight from Bishkek. There are several flights a day from Bishkek and back. It costs from 30 to 50 euro

WHERE TO STAY: It is almost impossible to break your bank here as you can live with a nomadic family in their opulent circular yurts, a legacy of Genghis Khan for as low as USD$15 a night. There’s a yurt camp called Kyrgz-ata-yurt camp. The city has many historic footnotes that make you wonder about what it was like for merchants, traders and commoners to wander these inhospitable places and carry along goods, ideas and a variety of languages.

Imagine a place that has their nomadic cultures intact and where it is known to be one of the oldest cities along the Silk Road, almost 3,000 years old – this was Osh, a gateway to Central Asia’s culture and cuisine. I spent one month in Kyrgyzstan experiencing different modes of transport from bicycle touring to hiking and taking their local taxis (marshutkas) while living with the locals in their yurts.

Osh is specifically the second-largest after Bishkek and it takes you through some of the most remote corners of the world including stunning mountain passes, bustling bazaars, embarking on the Lenin Peak Base Camp trek and walnut forests in Arslanbob.

By Pashmina from The Gone Goat

Myanmar is another lesser visited country that made it to our list of countries to spend June in Asia. If you want to head to a place that has loads of temples and pagodas, this may just be the spot for you. The country is famous for its pagoda dotted landscape, quiet peaceful spots to relax in and the local culture.

Bagan is a great cultural spot to consider spending your June in Asia.

LOCATION: Bagan

GETTING THERE: The best and most cost effective way to reach Bagan is by road. Comfortable buses are available regularly from Mandaley and Yangon. For more adventurous souls, Irrawaddy river cruise to Bagan can be an interesting option. The fastest way is by air to Nyaung U Airport which is at 20mins drive from Bagan.

WHERE TO STAY:   Ostello Bello is a very prestigious chain of hostels originally from Italy and their hostel in Bagan, Myanmar is a true paradise for backpackers where one gets a real chance to mingle with world travellers.

Bagan with its Pagoda laden skyline is stunning to the core. On a hired scooter, when you explore it at your pace and hop from one Pagoda to other, you can actually traverse though stagnant time. Pagodas with age old architecture, River Irrawaddy with its beautiful sunsets and the snail pace of life with old traditions transport you to another world.

Bagan, formerly known as ‘Pagan’ was the capital of the present-day Myanmar between 9th and 13th century. With more than 2500 Buddhist sites and super dense presence of archaeological structure, Bagan is a treasure trove of well-preserved culture and traditions which makes this ancient town one of the fastest growing tourist attraction of the world. The colour of Bagan changes every hour and its landscapes in each direction present an overwhelming image of different shades and hues.

Some of the must visit sites are Shwesandaw Pagoda, Dhammayangyi Temple, Sulamani Temple and Pyathat gyi Temple. In the evening, a river cruise down the Irrawaddy is highly recommended. The best way to explore Bagan is to hire an electric scooter to hop around. The time to go there is now as it still presents a raw beauty untouched with commercialization.

By Himanshu from Everything Candid

Malaysia is one of our favourite destinations. Though we have travelled to the country many times, we somehow have found ourselves visiting places in Malaysian Borneo. Needless to say, we want to go back and explore the mainland more. It is also the perfect place to spend June in Asia.

7. Perhentian Islands

The Perhentian islands is a great beach location to spend June in Asia.

LOCATION: Perhentian Islands

GETTING THERE: You need to get to Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia or Singapore. From here, you can take a flight to Kota Bharu or travel overland via bus or the jungle railway. Once in Kota Bharu, you can take a taxi or local bus to Kuala Besut where it’s a 40-minute boat ride across to the Perhentian Islands

WHERE TO STAY: Perhentian Island Resort, a nice resort on the best beach on the islands which also has a pool and other facilities and a variety of room types.

The Perhentian Islands consist of two main islands – Besar and Kecil which translate to big and small. Both are fun and worth exploring with great beaches, jungle interiors and places to snorkel and dive. June is a great time to visit Perhentian Islands thanks to the monsoon season being well and truly over and it not being a peak tourist period.

Activities on the Perhentian Islands centre around nature. There is great snorkelling and diving and you can participate in many water sports. On dry land, there are many nature trails and you can track across both the islands. It’s easy to get around thanks to many boat taxis. If that all sounds too hard, there are many gorgeous beaches where you can relax. If your idea of the perfect vacation in June is about sea and sand, then this is a great choice!

By Sharon from Dive Into Malaysia

Nepal is another fun place to spend June in Asia. Based in the Himalayan range, this country has access to some of the most famous treks in the world. If nothing else, you can chill with the cool mountain air blowing in your face. It is totally something that I would love to do. As you can imagine, Nepal is another location that is on my bucket list.

8. Poon Hill

If you love mountains, Poon hill in Nepal is a great place to spend June in Asia.

LOCATION : Poon Hill Circuit

GETTING THERE: The Poon Hill Circuit is a trek that is best started in the small town of Nayapul, at about 2 hours drive from Pokhara. You can get there by private shuttle. Once there you will have to get permits for the trek in the local tourism office.

WHERE TO STAY: You will find plenty of small tea houses along the hike. These are very basic places to stay. You get a very basic room which usually has two beds with covers and pillows but no bed linen, so you will have to bring your own sleeping bag. Toilet and shower facilities are shared among the various guests. Tea houses usually also provide basic meals.

The Poon Hill Circuit is one of the best hikes in Nepal, and one of the easiest (at least compared to the Annapurna or Everest Base Camp ones). You start at an easy altitude and the highest peak you get to is Poon Hill, which is at 3200 meters above sea level.

Each day is a solid day of walking, with the second day being the toughest as you have to climb around 5400 steps to get all the way to Ghorepani, which is at around 2900 meters above sea level. From there, an early wake up call and a short hike will take you to Poon Hill from where, if the weather cooperates, you get to see the most incredible mountain peaks.

You can walk the Poon Hill Circuit throughout the year. Doing it between May and June means that you will have to put up with the beginning of the monsoon season, with rain that can at times be very heavy and leeches that infest the grass – stay on the trail and do not walk on grass to avoid them.

The good thing about walking the Poon Hill Circuit during the monsoon season is that there are significantly less people, which means that you won’t have to worry about not finding accommodation along the way (there is really no way to book the tea houses) and the temperatures are much milder.

By Claudia from My Adventures Across The World

Philippines is a gorgeous country which spans across a number of islands. Famed for its beautiful beaches, crystal clear water and a variety of water based activities, this country makes it way onto our list of great places to spend June in Asia.

Benguet is a perfect spot to spend June in Asia.

LOCATION:  Benguet

GETTING THERE:  Coming from Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila, take a bus going to Baguio City. Travel time from Manila to Baguio is around 4-6 hours. From Baguio, you can take a bus, van, and/or a jeepney to take you to various towns you want to go to.

WHERE TO STAY:  Benguet is a large province and it consists of thirteen municipalities. Hence, it is highly advisable to choose your accommodation in the area closest to the things you want to see. Camping is a great option for a more rural destination but there are some homestays too. Just be sure to coordinate in advance with the designated local tourism office of the town or municipality you are visiting.

Nestled in the northern part of the Philippines, Benguet is a sublime part of the mountainous Cordillera Administrative Region. It looms in the middle of a swirling tropical vortex, so it’s always raining somewhere. The start of the rainy season is in June and offers little to medium precipitation, but don’t let the June weather stop you from exploring its almost raw aesthetic as it has a lot to offer.

The best must-see spots include a lot of outdoors, so you’re in for an adventurous treat that extends a bunch of the most exquisite hiking trails, gorgeous waterfalls, pristine rapids, and stunning mountain peaks.

Hiking Mt. Pulag  is definitely one of the most popular activities in Benguet which will present you with an astonishing sunrise and a river of cotton candy clouds. Visiting the four mystical mountain lakes of Kabayan is also something that you need to see. Kibungan’s “Great Rocky Wall of Beauty” is one of the most astonishing sights for sore eyes.

If you’re into chasing waterfalls head to Bakun to satisfy your thirst for next-level adventure. Benguet awards you things and sights unlike no other and staying here for a few days might not be enough if you want to explore all its grand splendor.

By Charlotte from Charlotte Anne

South Korea is a great location to spend June in Asia. The country maybe small but there is a lot to explore. I am so glad that one of the travel bloggers thought to add it to our list. Hopefully Shawn and I will get a chance to visit it someday soon.

One of the places that really captured my attention when it comes to spending June in Asia is Seoul in South Korea.

LOCATION: Seoul

HOW TO GET THERE: Fly into Incheon Airport / Boat from China to Incheon / Ferry from Japan to Busan + train Busan – Seoul

WHERE TO STAY: Seoul is a big megalopolis with many different neighbourhoods, all worth checking out – we recommend: Insadong (close to most major attractions) Hongdae (bustling nightlife) Gangnam (for luxury accommodation)

The bustling capital of South Korea is a great destination to visit in June. The weather is warm with temperatures going from 17 to 18 C and an average of 25 sunny days!

Things to do in Seoul are plenty and so diverse. We spent 7 days here and we enjoyed every single one of them. Seoul ended up being one of our favourite cities in Asia. There are so many points of interest in Seoul, you just turn a corner and the city changes completely, but everything seems always perfectly framed. Besides the tourist attractions, this metropolis is really worth exploring, wandering randomly its diverse and mutable areas.

There are nice historical buildings to check out, although most have been restored after the war, they are still very interesting. Most of them host amazing museums about the history of the country (don’t miss the changing of the guard at Gyeongbokgung Palace). The contrast between ancient and ultra-modern is mind-blowing in Seoul, so be sure to visit also the skyscraper neighbourhoods (like Gangnam) to enjoy one of the best skylines in Asia.

June is also perfect weather for hikers, not everyone knows that Seoul has a lot of mapped hiking trail within reach of the subway network, most of these walks will give you the chance to enjoy beautiful views of the city. Another reason to visit in June is to enjoy the nearby islands for a swim in the ocean, the island of Muuido, for example, makes for a great day trip (or weekend) from Seoul, and with its nice landscapes and clear waters is a must to include in your  Korean Itinerary .

By Daniele and Elena from Cycloscope

Have you ever spent June in Asia? Which location did you pick? Let us know about your experience in the comments below. We love learning from other people’s travel experiences.

*This post contains Affiliate links

* * The photographs in this post are not the property of Globetrove and have been provided by the individual authors. The featured image is courtesy The Gone Goat .

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Best places to visit in asia.

From megacities to remote islands, Asia's top travel spots offer a hearty dose of adventure, ancient history and culture. And with most Asian destinations now fully open after years of pandemic restrictions, there has never been a better time to plan a trip. After considering local prices, accessibility and the variety of attractions in each destination, along with traveler feedback, U.S. News ranked the best places to visit in Asia. Contribute to next year's list by casting your vote below.

Sagarmatha National Park

Railay beach, guilin and lijiang river national park.

If your dream vacation involves posting up on a postcard-worthy beach, the Maldives is for you. This far-flung destination, which is located about 370 miles from civilization in the Indian Ocean, is made up of more than 1,100 idyllic islands (roughly 200 of which are inhabited). The Maldives feature lush tropical landscapes, unparalleled white sand beaches, crystal-clear ocean waters and coral reefs that prompt extensive exploration. The best way to experience this slice of paradise? Stay in one of many overwater bungalows , of course.

Tokyo is as fast-paced as cities come – it's the most populated city in the world, after all. Japan's capital features neon-lit skyscrapers and crowded streets that novice visitors may find dizzying, but its one-of-a-kind offerings can't be missed. Spend days touring quirky museums, exploring fascinating architecture or visiting Odaiba for its premier shopping scene. Or, take in some quieter, more peaceful moments at a holy site like the Meiji Shrine or Sensoji Temple. Tokyo's unrivaled gastronomic landscape (think: sushi, ramen, sky-high cocktail bars and more Michelin darlings than you could hope to visit) also makes it a bucket list destination for foodies.

Phuket, Thailand's elongated beaches and cerulean waters embody a paradise that few other Asian destinations can rival. Besides swimming and relaxing on the beach, visitors can take traditional, wooden longtail boat tours to James Bond Island in Phang Nga Bay to see the surreal limestone rock formations that rise from the sea. The towering Big Buddha statue is also a top attraction, while Phuket's buzzing beach clubs and nightlife options hold appeal for those looking to let loose. What's more, like most destinations in Thailand, travelers can find relatively affordable lodging options here.

This Nepalese national park is famous for housing the behemoth that is Mount Everest, the highest point on earth, and promises a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. However, it is important to know that Sagarmatha is not just Everest. The UNESCO-listed park also offers several other sky-high Himalayan peaks, as well as sweeping valleys, scenic glaciers, deep gorges and incredible wildlife, including snow leopards and red pandas. Just note, seeing the park's top attractions typically requires at least two weeks of trekking, and due to Sagarmatha's high elevation and rocky, steep terrain, a trip here isn't for the faint of heart.

A British colony until 1997, Hong Kong's strong Western influence sets it apart from China's mainland metropolises. Beyond Hong Kong's sleek, towering skyscrapers (best admired from Victoria Peak), visitors can find natural and cultural gems on the more than 250 outlying islands, such as Lantau Island, or shop the city's bustling street markets. Dim sum is a must, but Hong Kong's robust dining scene also offers everything from street food to Michelin-starred fine dining. And when the sun goes down, watch the Symphony of Lights laser show dazzle the skyline along Victoria Harbor.

Tucked among lush mountains in northwest Thailand, Chiang Mai offers a sized-down version of Bangkok's buzz paired with a tranquil culture and natural beauty. Your urban itinerary should include tuk-tuk rides, tours of breathtaking temples like Wat Chedi Luang Varavihara and Wat Phra Singh, trips to night markets and a cooking class to try your hand at pad Thai. Then, step outside of the city walls to visit an ethical elephant sanctuary or two and a wander through beautiful Doi Suthep-Pui National Park.

History lovers and Instagrammers alike will revel in the sites of Kyoto. The city, which used to be Japan's capital until imperial times, is awash with centuries-old shrines and temples, including the gilded Kinkakuji and Fushimi Inari Taisha, a shrine that dates back to A.D. 711. In addition to saving time for religious sites, be sure to visit the famous Philosopher's Path, preferably during cherry blossom season, and the mystical Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. When hunger strikes, treat yourself to kaiseki: a traditional multicourse meal native to Japan. For another essential Japanese experience, stay at one of the many ryokans (traditional Japanese inns) in Kyoto. 

From the moment you touchdown at Singapore Changi Airport (a tourist destination in itself), Singapore shows off its futuristic embellishment. But this Southeast Asia jewel is also unique for its amalgamation of cultures. This fusion takes form in the city's colorful neighborhoods, eclectic culinary scene and overall modern atmosphere. After shopping on flashy Orchard Road and chowing down in cultural enclaves like Little India or Chinatown, head downtown to take in the towering skyscrapers from Merlion Park, the Singapore Flyer or the sky-high Gardens by the Bay.

The island nation of Sri Lanka, located off the southern tip of India, boasts rainforests, beaches and ruins without the tourist crowds of other popular Asian destinations. Despite its small footprint, Sri Lanka features 26 national parks, many of which are ideal for a safari excursion to encounter elephants, leopards and sloth bears. Meanwhile, ancient sites like Sigiriya, a 600-foot-high fortress, and the temples of Polonnaruwa hold their own appeal, and the palm-fringed golden beaches that line the shores are never too far away for those seeking a more laid-back vacation.

Hanoi is perfect for first-time Vietnam visitors, with tranquil lakes offsetting its fast-paced bustle and darting motorbikes. The country's capital offers plenty in the way of history, culture, shopping, dining and natural splendor. Start your day off with a Vietnamese coffee, then head to Hanoi's central Old Quarter for a stroll through the many narrow, colorful streets and a taste of mouthwatering street food. After that, check out one of the city's many temples, including the ancient Temple of Literature, which dates back to the 11th century, or head to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, a must-visit for history buffs.

Bali's natural beauty is so profound, travelers have been known to refer to the Indonesian destination as "heaven on Earth." Here, lush rainforests, picturesque mountains, sweeping valleys and scenic beaches all sit side by side. You'll also find a handful of serene temples in this Southeast Asia hot spot, including Uluwatu and Tanah Lot temples – both excellent places to catch a sunset. And no first-time trip to Bali would be complete without on a visit to Ubud, Bali's cultural capital and home of the region's famous rice terraces.

Whether you visit in spring (for cherry blossoms), summer (for climbing), autumn (for foliage) or winter (for nearby ski resorts), Japan's highest peak and imposing attraction is sure to capture your attention. Mount Fuji lies about 60 miles southwest of Tokyo, perfect for a daytrip from the city or a glimpse from a train ride, but this active volcano is also worthy of deeper exploration. Base yourself in the Fuji Five Lakes area to enjoy picture-perfect views at Arakurayama Sengen Park or from one of Lake Kawaguchiko's onsens (hot springs), and don't leave without sampling local hoto noodles.  

If you only have time to go to one beach in Thailand, make it Railay Beach, one of the world's most beautiful beaches . Located in the country's Krabi province, Railay Beach features glistening white sands and is surrounded by limestone rock formations (covered in leafy green vegetation) that jut out from the sea. If you're feeling adventurous, explore the area's natural wonders with a rock climbing excursion or go for a nighttime kayak trip to see bioluminescent plankton. As if this beach destination couldn't get more alluring, you're only able to reach it by boat. Daytrips from nearby Ao Nang are popular among travelers.

Siem Reap is the home of Angkor Wat, an ornate Buddhist temple built in the 12th century that is believed to be the largest religious monument in the world. The impressive landmark is just one of many must-sees within Cambodia's UNESCO World Heritage Site of Angkor. The complex also includes the equally detailed Angkor Thom and Ta Prohm Temple. Because of the immense popularity of Angkor (the site receives millions of visitors per year), you may want to travel during a shoulder month like March or November to avoid bumping elbows with fellow travelers.

Travel to the capital of Indian state Rajasthan to marvel at the "Pink City's" incredible architecture. Hawa Mahal, a pink sandstone palace that was modeled after Hindu god Krishna's crown, is Jaipur's biggest claim to fame. The property's astounding 953 honeycomb-patterned windows allowed the original ladies of the royal family to view the comings and goings of the Indian city without being seen. Other structures worth seeing are the Jaigarh Fort, Panna Meena ka Kund and Jantar Mantar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that displays larger-than-life astronomical instruments.

Thailand's capital city is filled to the brim with eye-catching Hindu sites, nonstop nightlife and incredible Thai cuisine. Sacred sites like Wat Arun and Wat Pho are pockets of calm amidst Bangkok's skyscrapers. Shoppers can enjoy the Chatuchak Weekend Market, one of the world's largest street markets, or venture to one of the floating markets located outside the city. While in Bangkok, grab as much grub as possible from the street stalls, and at night, you won't want to miss the lofty views from one of the many rooftop bars.

This national park is so loved and respected, its image is featured on China's paper currency. Guilin and Lijiang River National Park is located in the Guangxi region in the southeastern part of China. The Lijiang River runs about 50 miles from Guilin to Yangshuo, passing stunning landscapes and towering green karsts (eroded limestone) along the way. The best way to take in the otherworldly scenery is by boat cruise, though you may want to splurge on a luxury option since the trip can take up to five hours. Tourists who prefer to travel on their own time can also hike or bike along the river.

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The 27 best holiday destinations in June

By Sarah James

The beer gardens are bursting and the piazzas are packed: it’s summertime in Europe . But where should you go on holiday in June; that magic time when the Med twinkles winsomely from dawn until dusk, and nights that resemble day urge spritzes on canals and sangrias in cobbled squares long after twilight? As the continent basks in the beginnings of busy season, it’s a fine time to be a pioneer – to find local beach scenes and hot nightlife in lesser-visited corners (many of which you can even reach by train). Or super-size it and strike out for North America , land of largesse, where vast landscapes are showing off their summer glow, and big cities crank up their festival calendars.

Is it cheaper to go on holiday in June?

In many parts of the world, June isn’t quite peak season – British schools don’t break up for the summer until July , which means flights are often cheaper, and there are deals to snap up. June is an appealing time of year for those without kids to travel, so venturing somewhere lesser-known is a great way to make your budget stretch farther while avoiding the crowds. May we suggest Sweden’s archipelagos or Warsaw? Read more on both below.

Where is hot in June?

June is the start of summer in Europe and North America, so you'll find many corners from these destinations below, including the Amalfi Coast , Croatia , the South of France , Quebec in Canada and Nashville in the USA. Ningaloo Reef in Australia, on the other hand, is in its winter season in June – temperatures hover around 24°C, making it a perfect time to visit.

1. Dolomites, Italy

Temperature: 20°C high / 7°C low Season: summer Travel time from UK: 2 hours Time difference: BST +1

Snow-covered slopes, cloud-piercing mountain tops and brilliant ice-blue skies – the Dolomites are truly one of a kind in the winter months. But come June, the bitter cold thaws, leaving lush green meadows carpeted with thick dark pine forests, unbelievable hiking routes and glittering sun-trap valleys. Spend days walking through craggy paths and hilly tracks to arrive at wooden-clad villages and mountaintop restaurants with some of Europe’s best views.

Where to stay: Forestis Dolomites rises high above the Alps, offering guests a serene escape among the clouds, with sweeping vistas and soothing spas to boot.

2. Biarritz, France

Temperature: 23°C high / 15°C low Season: summer Travel time from UK: 1 hour 55 minutes Time difference: BST +1

This blissful sandy stretch on France’s southwestern coast comes alive in June. While historically associated with glitz and glamour (it used to be a favourite hideout for royals and socialites in search of sophisticated sunshine), the city has been shedding its chi-chi reputation in recent years, moving towards a more subtle allure. One thing it has retained, though, is its epic surf scene – Biarritz is one of Europe’s oldest surfing spots, and those in search of epic waves and picture-perfect shores still flock to the region. Just over the border from foodie San Sebastian in Spain, Biarritz echoes the Spanish city’s culinary charm with a host of locally revered Basque restaurants, and a series of thoughtfully redesigned belle époque hotels beckoning in-the-know travellers.

Where to stay: At the Regina Experimental Biarritz , a century-old hotel with a vast atrium, sculpted frescoes and soothing tones of white, blue and mint green.

3. Mykonos, Greece

Temperature: 27°C high; 21°C low Season: summer Travel time from UK: 3 hours 50 minutes Time difference: BST +2

Those in the know flock to good-time Mykonos in June, when the nights seem to stretch into infinity and the sunshine bounces off the little white stone houses – and before the chaos of July and August . Forget ouzo: magnums of Champagne are more de rigueur in Mykonos as you spend the night dancing to international DJs at Cavo Paradiso, and the days recovering by the bluer-than-blue Aegean sea at one of the hot new beach clubs. If you need a culture fix, take the ferry to Delos, one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece .

Where to stay: Bohème , where guests laze around the kidney-shaped pool on grand super-loungers and bean bags; at night, bearded bartenders turn out flawless Negronis at the chic Bilo Bar, all just a two-minute walk from Mykonos Town. For large groups, takeover Villa Fleur – a beautifully designed, light space sleeping 12. Check our edit of the best hotels in Mykonos for more options.

4. Devon, England

Temperature: 19°C high; 10°C low Season: summer Travel time from London: 1 hour 10 minutes Time difference: BST +0

If sunshine in the UK were guaranteed, no one would ever need look further than Devon for a classic beach holiday (except perhaps Cornwall ). It's just lovely. The county has acres of sandy beaches , characterful fishing villages, rugged moors and coastal paths. For those who prefer the thrill of the great outdoors, Dartmoor is great for hiking, the north coast is the spot for surfing and along the south coast, sailing. The whole area is having a regeneration, from new cycle paths such as the Exe Trail and Drake's Way to Torquay 's shiny new seafront redevelopment and Exeter and Plymouth's cosmopolitan updates. Summer – particularly June, before the country lanes get too busy – is the time to while away an afternoon in one of Devon's best pubs or tinker around the seaside towns such as Salcombe, Budleigh Salterton, and inland Totnes.

Where to stay: Cary Arms & Spa , overlooking South Devon’s Babbacombe Bay, is made up of sea-facing guest rooms, a handful of meticulously renovated fisherman's cottages and eight fun beach huts. For more, see our pick of the best hotels in Devon .

5. Copenhagen

Temperature: 20°C high; 12°C low Season: summer Travel time from UK: 1 hour 50 minutes Time difference: BST +1

For such a small city, Copenhagen is seriously cool. In summer, good-looking Danes whizz around on brightly coloured bikes, drink craft beer outside and sip coffee by the sea. Eating is a national pastime; Noma is in its final run before closing for a second time, or if your tastes are more low-key, grab some organic street food at one of Papirøen's stalls. Mälmo in Sweden is a short 20-minute hop across the Øresund Strait and is great for an afternoon trip. Plonk yourself down in the town square and join in with After Work – the Scandi term for happy hour, which starts wonderfully early, at 4pm. The Danish capital is particularly green-minded – basically everyone here cycles and eats organic, farm-to-table – and that ethos extends to shopping . Check out Gågrøn! (sustainable designer homeware), BauBau (upscale secondhand menswear and interiors), Pure Shop (organic beauty and perfumes) and an embarrassment of vintage boutiques (Devantier, Carmen, Edison & Co).

Where to stay: Hotel Sanders . Comprised of three handsome 19th-century townhouses knocked together, the hotel has 54 bedrooms decked out with glamorous touches in an otherwise homely space. See more at our guide to the best hotels in Copenhagen .

6. Quebec, Canada

Temperature: 22°C high; 12°C low Season: summer Travel time from UK: 9 hours 35 minutes Time difference: BST -5

Summer is when Québécois finally feel safe to take off their thermals, having survived another winter of -40°C temperatures by the sheer, warming heft of poutine. And what a world they liberate their legs into. Festival-mad Montreal is warming well into the 20s and comes alive with outdoor amusements: Sunday dance parties at Electronik Picnic in leafy Parc Jean-Drapeau; and June’s annual Mural Festival, celebrating Montreal street art. Others may heed the call of the wild coasts of the Gaspé Peninsula, where heavily scented pine forests sweep across impossible promontories. Imagine a more rugged Maine, dotted with oh-so-French gîtes.

Where to stay: Green Key hotels – which are awarded Green Key ratings for efforts to reduce their carbon footprint – are generally self-assessed. The Corporation de l’industrie Touristique du Québec, however, verifies Green Key hotels within the province, so you can be reasonably assured they’re legit. Check out the complete lists of Green Key hotels in Quebec .

Temperature: 25°C high; 14°C low Season: summer Travel time from UK: 3 hours Time difference: BST +1

Imagine a Mediterranean island soaked in Italy ’s summer sun, only it’s eluded the season’s legions of solar-seekers. Actually, don’t imagine it – see it for yourself, on Corsica. A region of France anchored off the western coast of Italy, it is a tale of two islands: ritzy Porto-Vecchio’s superyachts and designer shops dominate the south, while isolated bays, hilltop stone towns and a growing crop of quiet, designer villas define the north. June comes just just before the crowds and still clocks in the second-highest sunshine hours of the year behind busy July – at a not-too-terrible 11.

Where to stay: U Palazzu Serenu , a 17th-century villa wedged into the hillside, this grey-and-white temple to minimalism resembles a Florentine palazzo except it has contemporary art on the walls, modern sculpture in the lobby and not a hair out of place.

8. Edinburgh, Scotland

Temperature: 17°C high; 9°C low Season: summer Travel time from UK: 1 hours 25 minutes Time difference: BST +0

A raucous city, Edinburgh has Georgian nooks to wander into and find a sing-a-long at an all-night piano bar and filthy comedians who take over town for a whole month every year. But while August’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe is a wonderful thing, it’s also a circus: prices are high and vacancies – in the hotels, pubs and restaurants – are scant. Come in June instead, when the Scottish summer is in full flow (it might even touch the 20s), and you can still get your culture fix (both the Leith arts festival and Edinburgh International Film Festival are on then). Sample the super-smart hospitality , too: seasonal Scottish ingredients meet classic French fine dining at Michelin-starred Martin Wishart ; Eden Locke , a millennial pink-brushed aparthotel, has its own third-wave coffee shop. Taking the Caledonian Sleeper train from London to the Scottish capital isn’t only more environmentally friendly, it’s a hell of a lot more fun. The smartest cabins come with their own private bathroom, and you can enjoy dinner and a wee dram in the lounge car then snooze your way to Scotland, arriving in time for breakfast.

Where to stay: The Dunstane Houses , a super-smart boutique hotel in Edinburgh's West End with huge fireplaces and ornate cornicing reflecting the building's solid Victorian past. See our pick of the best hotels in Edinburgh and the best Airbnbs in Edinburgh for more recommendations.

Connor Sturges

Lauren Burvill

CNT Editors

María Casbas

Temperature: 27°C high; 16°C low Season: summer Travel time from UK: 2 hours 20 minutes Time difference: BST +1

Croatia 's surge in popularity has been meteoric, and it's not hard to see why. In the past 10 years it has gone from being considered a cheaper, quieter alternative to Italy to being one of the hottest destinations for summer. Take to the islands to dance with beautiful young things at one of the festivals hosted in June, such as Hideout on the island of Pag , or jump aboard a yacht to find a quiet stretch of the Dalmatian coast . If you need a little less beach and a bit more city, Dubrovnik has enough history and culture within its Gregorian walls to keep you busy for a weekend.

Where to stay: Villa Orsula , set in an opulent 1930s villa built of the creamy local stone used to build the ancient party of the city, with pretty terraced gardens tumbling down the hillside.

10. South of France

Temperature: 23°C high; 17°C low Season: summer Travel time from UK: 2 hours 15 minutes Time difference: BST +1

The French Riviera has always been film-star stunning. In June the temperature is just right to frolic on the beaches Bardot-style in your designer bikini, before the bulk of the summer tourists descend. On 21 June each year, the Fête de la Musique sees all-night dancing and concerts on the streets of Nice and larger towns along the riviera. For old-school glamour there are the grand dames: Cannes, Nice and St Tropez , packed full of character and charisma. For quieter pockets and a gloriously crowd-free coastline, head to the less well-known Languedoc, with its long sandy beaches, picturesque villages surrounded by vineyards and great little markets. Inland Uzes is laid-back and arty, and then there are Les Iles d'Or, Champagne-coloured- sand islands that seem a million miles from the flashy mainland.

Where to stay: Les Roches Rouges , a stylishly revamped Fifties waterfront retreat. Fifty rooms, some facing the sea, some the garden, all have whitewashed walls, polished-concrete floors, minimalist furniture and balconies. But the real star attraction is the 30-metre saltwater pool carved out of the rock, which spills over right into the sea.

11. Hudson Valley

Temperature: 28°C high; 12°C low Season: summer Travel time from UK: 8 hours Time difference: BST -5

Do as the New Yorkers do and escape Manhattan for the Hudson Valley this summer . After all, it’s only a quick train ride away. Though maintaining the leisurely pace of a pastoral idyll — dotted with apple orchards, farm stands and antiques stores – the valley has gone a bit Brooklyn , adding destination dining, spas , wineries and yoga studios to the mix. Hudson Valley is part of the Drive Electric movement, which means there are plenty of charging stations dotted about, so you can rent an EV with no fear of running out of juice. A thriving art scene includes the cutting-edge Dia: Beacon museum, housed in a former box-printing factory on the riverbank. For minimalist-chic, Rivertown Lodge is lovely, and its tavern does one hell of a brunch (spiced carrot pancakes; 'nduja and soft scramble).

Where to stay: Farmer and Sons , a plush and cosy boutique hotel with an excellent coffee shop, bar and restaurant.

Temperature: 25°C high; 4°C low Season: dry Travel time from UK: 10 hours 40 minutes Time difference: BST +2

This teeny East African nation is best known for one big activity: tracking mountain gorillas through its steamy bamboo forests. But there’s so much more to explore in plucky Rwanda , which has risen above past tragedies to become one of the continent’s most friendly and forward-thinking travel destinations. Capital Kigali is clean, super-green and on-trend: grab a table on the Choma’D terrace for dry-rub pork ribs, mac ’n’ cheese bowls and strawberry Mojitos in Mason jars. And a couple of hours’ drive-away is lovely Lake Kivu with inland beaches, boat tours and cycle trails. Follow up silverback tracking with luxury at nearby Bisate Lodge and its six thatched villas, plus contemporary design cues such as concrete floors and exposed brick walls. Trekking is at its best in June, when the climate is cooler and drier. Consider hiring a porter to carry your daypack when you’re gorilla trekking – even if your tour operator doesn’t recommend it. It won’t cost you much, but the difference it can make to a week’s wages is huge.

Where to stay: One&Only Nyungwe House , a nature lodge set in a delightfully peaceful tea plantation surrounded by rainforests that is home to 13 primate species and a startling array of strange and wonderful tropical birds.

13. London, England

Temperature: 21°C high; 13°C low Season: summer Travel time from UK: n/a Time difference: BST +0

London is great any time of the year, but by June the capital is at its most vibrant. Londoners have fully decamped outside to appreciate the long, light evenings on a summer terrace or in a pub garden . No one seems to work at all. Even on the mildest of sunny days, parks are overflowing with scantily clad urbanites hoping to feel some warmth on their skin. Stroll the streets and sample some food at one of London's legendary food markets , grab a coffee at one of the quirky cafés, have an ice cream from a gelateria (or if it rains – this is London, after all – take afternoon tea ). The city also has the most astonishing number of superlative hotels from which to explore its endless attractions.

Where to stay: In Covent Garden, Nomad London is a sexy option steps away from the Royal Opera House. Out west, we like Lime Tree Hotel in Belgravia, a small boutique hangout that feels like home. For more, see our guide to the best hotels in London .

14. Cappadocia, Turkey

Temperature: 27°C high; 10°C low Season: summer Travel time from UK: from 7 hours 20 minutes Time Difference: BST +3

You’d think it impossible to improve upon Cappadocia: a fantasy landscape of famed ‘fairy chimneys’, cave dwellings and underground cities. But come in June and you can add blooming wildflowers to that perfect picture, together with longer days for exploring (and the very best light for photographs). Sure, it’s busy season, but you can beat the hot-air balloon and crowds by hiking or horseback. This gets you onto trails others can’t reach, discovering tucked-away lookout spots and fantastically frescoed, stone-carved churches. Heart set on a cave hotel? Consider Ariana Sustainable Luxury Lodge, with its onsite vineyard, sun terraces affording ridiculous valley views and contemporary cave rooms with marble bathrooms and wood floors.

Where to stay: Olympos Lodge , a 12-room stylish escape among European expats and well-travelled locals, surrounded by four acres of lemon groves and ponds, palm trees and bougainvillea.

15. Menorca, Spain

Temperature: 26°C high; 17°C low Season: summer Travel time from UK: 2 hours 20 minutes Time difference: BST +1

Menorca is the most chilled-out and low-key of the Balearic Islands ( Mallorca , its big sister, features on this list below). Things are a lot quieter on Menorca, but all the better for taking a week out and totally relaxing on stunning beaches. Still, in the last few years a clutch of interesting openings have cropped up across the island. Hauser and Wirth opened an art gallery here a few years ago, while big-name brands such as the Experimental Group are among some smart places to stay that have finally opened on an island not previously known for its luxe hotel options.

Where to stay: Can Faustino , has the run of a sprawling 16th-century merchant’s palace in the city’s historic centre. The 24 bedrooms are crisp and pared-back, there’s a little spa and steaming hammam down in vaults, and a saltwater swimming pool in the garden. See our pick of where to stay in Menorca for more recommendations.

16. Basel, Switzerland

Temperature: 23°C high; 13°C low Season: summer Travel time from UK: 1 hour 35 minutes Time difference: BST +1

Synonymous with its world-famous art fair, this charming little Swiss town is heaven for art and architecture fans, particularly in June. Not just because that’s when ART Basel rolls in, but also because the arty party continues long into the summer twilight, at the city’s myriad waterside bars lining the Rhine. Building buffs have plenty to take in, from the 13th-century timbered houses of the old town to the bold modern designs by Frank Gehry, Zaha Hadid and Tadao Ando. Foodies should make a beeline for three-Michelin-starred Cheval Blanc: snag a table on the riverside terrace and prepare for an avant-garde take on classic French cuisine (macaron with foie gras and garam masala, for example).

Where to stay: Volkshaus Basel is a seductive boutique hotel is renowned for its shaded courtyard brasserie and understated rooms with sleek, sophisticated design.

17. Ningaloo Reef, Australia

Temperature: 24°C high; 11°C low Season: winter Travel time from UK: from 20 hours 40 minutes Time difference: BST +8

The Great Barrier Reef might get all the press, but Western Australia’s Ningaloo Reef is just as incredible – and, in June, it’s one of the world’s best places to swim with whale sharks. Plus, getting up close to these gentle giants doesn’t require a cage. Better still, Ningaloo’s dive and snorkel sites are way more accessible; many of its richest waters are only a few hundred metres off the beach. Choose a reputable tour company when it comes to swimming with whale sharks – getting up too close might not be dangerous for you, but it’s not great for them. Ningaloo Whalesharks , for example, is certified by Ecotourism Australia. Next, take a few days to discover the newly cosmopolitan-cool scene of WA’s isolated capital, Perth, with its al-fresco live-music venues, edgy late-night art shows and white-sand city beaches.

Where to stay: Sal Salis Ningaloo reef , a camp of five tents, each with a private deck and a bathroom with a solarheated shower.

18. Andaman Islands

Temperature: 30°C high; 23°C low Season: summer Travel time from UK: 16 hours 50 minutes Time difference: BST +5.30

Where do you go for a castaway-in-paradise fix with all the good looks and deluxe touches of the Maldives , but none of the other guests? A savvy few have been whispering about the Andaman Islands – a far-flung archipelago of white-sand beaches and tangled mangroves in the Indian Ocean, 150km off Indonesia – for a while. But, at last, the luxury hotels have caught up. First came eight-suite, teak-chic Jalakara, on Havelock Island, all private tropical splendour in a hilltop plantation. And now, brand-new Taj Exotica Resort & Spa beckons with its 72 glass-and-timber villas, also on Havelock – or, more precisely, Radhanagar Beach, said to be one of the most beautiful in Asia . Nip in just before heavy monsoon rains hit at the end of June – there will be none of the high-season people, so you can go full Alex Garland.

Where to stay: Taj Exotica Andamans was the islands’ first five-star hotel, with 72 villas set in 46 acres incorporating ponds, lawns and indigenous plants, an Olympic-length, infinity-edged pool, three restaurants and vegetable and herb gardens.

19. Peru and Machu Picchu

Temperature: 19°C high; 0°C low Season: dry Travel time from UK: 12 hours 30 minutes Time difference: BST -5

There's a reason Machu Picchu is one of the most-visited tourist destinations in the world. Set among the clouds, high in the Peruvian mountains, the old Inca city is awe-inspiring. In midsummer, the weather is dry and the light is perfect – beat the tour groups by getting up at the crack of dawn to see the sunrise. The rest of Peru is just as beautiful; the Amazon's dry season starts in June and is the best time for exploring the rainforest. The capital city, Lima , is a delicious mix of European and South American culture, with old colonial buildings jostling for space next to towering skyscrapers and a vibrant food scene .

Where to stay: The trailblazing Explora group are behind Explora Valle Segrado , a remote lodge tucked into a cleft at the base of the Urubamba mountain range overlooking Peru's Sacred Valley, designed to melt into the landscape.

20. Sweden’s archipelagos

Temperature: 21°C high; 16°C low Season: summer Travel time from UK: from 2 hours 15 minutes Time difference: BST +1

Summer in Sweden is a giddy time as locals strive to squeeze every last drop of al-fresco fun from the season’s long hours of sunlight. Midsummer Eve, in late June, is a bigger celebration for Swedes than Christmas: all-day, outdoor parties are veritable orgies of pickled herring, schnapps and May Pole dancing (forgive them, it’s a very dark winter). It’s also the time when the country’s archipelagos are at their most idyllic. As well as Stockholm ’s and Gothenburg ’s, there are the green isles of east coast Östergötland, plus white beaches and windmills on southern Öland.

Where to stay: The Arctic Bath hotel – a circular-shaped, log-covered floating spa-hotel just south of the Arctic Circle in Swedish Lapland – is an exciting bolthole for intrepid spa seekers.

21. Yosemite National Park, USA

Temperature: 28°C high; 10°C low Season: summer Travel time from UK: 11 hours 5 minutes Time difference: BST -8

The USA is all about scale: big dreams, big burgers and even bigger landscapes. And scenery doesn’t come much bigger than California’s Yosemite, that mighty meeting of granite cliffs, giant redwoods and towering falls, high in the Sierra Nevada. May might be a top time to make a beeline for California , but June is the sweet spot for Yosemite: the snow has melted enough to clear the scenic Tioga Pass driving route (inaccessible from November to late May), but the heat hasn’t dried up dramatic Yosemite Falls yet. Not to mention the June bloom, when wildflowers are at their brightest. Sometimes feeling small can feel pretty good.

Where to stay: The Ahwahnee , with its grand wooden rooms and stone fireplaces, is the perfect escape, hidden between towering cliffs, twinkling waterfalls and vast expanses of land.

22. Nashville, USA

Temperature: 30°C high; 19°C low Season : summer Travel time from UK: 9 hours 5 minutes Time difference: BST -6

The moniker Music City rings even truer for Nashville in June, when the Country Music Association’s annual four-day festival turns downtown into a bigger party than usual. But it’s not just the neon-lit honky-tonks that are fuelling the hippest city in the south (sorry, Austin), which is now growing at twice the national average. There are also the crowds at buzzing bars ( Pinewood Social has bocce and bowling lanes), flash-chilled coffee at Steadfast roastery (even better than cold brew, they say), and an argument about where to get the best hot chicken to wade into (you can’t do much better than Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack, where the dish was actually invented).

Where to stay: Hutton Hotel is within walking distance of downtown, but far enough away to guarantee a decent night sleep without screaming bachelorette parties outside your window at 2am. Our favourite thing about this handsome hotel is Analog, an intimate live music venue that hosts acoustic sets from big names and up-and-coming artists.

23. Warsaw, Poland

Temperature: 22°C high; 11°C low Season: summer Travel time from UK: 2 hours 25 minutes Time difference: BST +1

Krakow’s medieval, Christmas-card charm has always lured visitors at the expense of Poland ’s more industrial capital. But Warsaw ’s grittier edge is finally paying off. Artsy types have packed the place with galleries, studiously scruffy dive bars and craft brewpubs (one of which, Cuda Na Kiju, is in the old Communist Party headquarters). Warsaw is so hot now there’s a Google campus in a vodka distillery and a place locals call ‘Hipster Square’. June’s balmy temperatures are best for dipping into the city’s backyard bars. Try the graffiti-covered scene at 11 Listopada Street, where the last of the parties kick off before locals take off on their summer holidays.

Where to stay: A sensitive renovation has restored many of Le Royal Meridien 's florid Art Nouveau flourishes. Edvard Grieg lived here, more recent guests range from Charles de Gaulle to the Rolling Stones.

24. ABC Islands

Temperature: 32°C high; 24°C low Season: summer Travel time from UK: from 12 hours 20 minutes Time difference: BST -4

Thought June in the Caribbean couldn’t be done? Sitting niftily outside the hurricane belt, Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao differ from the region’s other islands by enjoying a relatively dry summer. But most people still believe this time of year is a no-go — so expect emptier hotels and more favourable rates. Each island caters to a different traveller: flashy Aruba is all-inclusives on beautiful beaches; wild Bonaire is a diving destination with smart, low-key hotels for recharging; and cultural Curaçao has a distinctly European feel, with its rows of colourful Dutch houses and upscale, colonial-style hotels.

Where to stay: Sandals Curaçao is an all-inclusive resort stretching out across a 44-acre estate. Think sparkling sea views, private pools and gorgeous white sand, all fronting mood-boosting, bright colourful architecture.

25. Mallorca, Spain

Temperature: 22°C high; 14°C low Season: summer Travel time from UK: from 2 hours 15 minutes Time difference: BST +1

Yes, there are two Balearic Islands on this list. But they really are that wonderful. Mallorca is Menorca's bigger sister and is wonderfully diverse, from historic Palma to arty towns such as Deià, and the pine-tree-lined hidden coves along the north coast. There are rugged mountains, bright blue waters and snoozy villages to explore. Plus, Mallorca has some of the finest restaurants and hotels in Spain – we love La Vieja de Jonay Hernandez in Palma for playful fine dining and adults-only DINS Santi Taura, also in the capital, for a chef's table experience.

Where to stay: Son Net , a gorgeous estate hotel in the foothills of the Tramuntana mountains, with verdant gardens, breathtaking pool and excellent spa.

26. The Amalfi Coast, Italy

Temperature: 27°C high; 22°C low Season: summer Travel time from UK: 2 hours 35 minutes Time difference: BST +1

A single visit to the Amalfi Coast is all it takes to understand the legions of love letters, poems and literature Italy has inspired. Confetti-coloured houses and ornate domes and spires jostle for space on sheer cliffs, looking out over the azure Mediterranean sea. And the light! June is busy, of course, but just ahead of the tour groups that clog the perilously winding road in their droves come July and August. Positano and Amalfi are the most famous villages, and although terribly touristy, they are also absolutely beautiful. Ravello , on top of the cliffs, has unquestionably the best views; while Cetara – our little secret – is quaintly cute with a pebble beach to bronze on.

Where to stay: Monastero Santa Rosa , a 17th-century former monastery dominates the shoreline about a kilometre from Amalfi. It has knockout terraced grounds and a swimming pool that seems to hover between sea and sky. For more, see our pick of the best hotels on the Amalfi Coast .

27. San Sebastian, Spain

Temperature: 21°C high; 15°C low Season: summer Travel time from UK: from 4 hours 30 minutes Time difference: BST +1

Summer in San Sebastian : is there anything more alluring? One of Europe’s greatest city beaches, Playa de la Concha, is awash with salty-haired surfers and tanned sunbathers. Bars spill out into cobbled streets, where residents and visitors clink glasses of txakoli, the local sparkling wine, which just so happens to pair perfectly with pintxos – the region’s artistic, avant-garde tapas. Pintxo-bar-hopping , in fact, is the thing to do; you might try sea urchin roe on toast in one spot, the ear of Iberian pig in a wild mushroom emulsion the next. The beginning of peak season has enough buzz to make this well-fed party town charming, without too much of the overcrowding that clogs things later in the summer – plus June has the smallest average rainfall after July.

Where to stay: Hotel Maria Cristina , the official hotel of the Film Festival and a local landmark. The impressive belle-époque building is filled with marble and chandeliers and there's a spa.

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The 13 best places to travel in June 2024

Looking for the best destinations for June? From cultured cities to the beaches of your dreams, we've got you covered

Every year, more and more people seem to choose to take their summer holidays a little earlier. Why? Well, you’ll have to ask them. Everyone is different, but the lure of fewer crowds, lower prices and slightly less-scorching weather is clear. Oh, and those enticing off-season prices. 

In the northern hemisphere, June is summer but not quite ‘July and August’ summer, while the temperatures in the south are also on the more bearable side of the ledger. We’ve compiled a collection of the best places to travel in June, although there is no such thing as a bad choice. How do the islands of Portugal , the seascape of Seattle and the beaches of Fiji sound? (You don’t need to answer that). 

RECOMMENDED: 🏖️ The best  places to travel in July 🌞 The best  places to travel in August   🌍   The best  things to do in the world 🌆   The best  cities in the world

This guide is by travel journalist Emma Sparks . At Time Out, all of our  travel guides  are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our  editorial guidelines . 

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Best places to travel in June

1.  Albania

With beaches to match Greece,  music festivals to match Glastonbury, prices to match, er, a happy wallet, and all without heaving crowds, Albania is gaining speed as the alternative beach hol destination, and for good reason. This year’s probably the final year to go before the masses get wind of this relatively untouched country with a fascinating history. Albania might still not be the most easily accessible place to visit, with only one major international airport in capital Tirana, but this offers an opportunity to travel along the coast or drive through the mountains and soak in its unspoilt and ruggedly beautiful landscape.

Discover the best places to visit in Albania 

2.  Langkawi, Malaysia

It’s technically the rainy season on Malaysia’s west coast in June, but showers on Langkawi are short-lived, and sunshine often prevails. The main benefits of coming here in the shoulder season? Deserted attractions and bargain hotel stays. Popular Pantai Cenang beach is much quieter in June, while pretty Tanjung Rhu (which is far from the tourist hubs) can be practically empty. Take the cable car to the Skybridge on a blue-sky day for unforgettable jungle views.

Discover the best  things to do in Langkawi

3.  Fiji

June is technically Fiji’s winter, but temperatures still hover in the mid-twenties (mid-seventies Fahrenheit), and this ‘cool’ weather makes for seriously epic sunsets. The archipelago’s turquoise waters are particularly clear at this time of year, ideal for snorkelling and diving. Viti Levu’s outer islands are a top choice for experienced divers looking for a liveaboard trip, while the Mamanucas boast calm seas and beautiful coral reefs. Resorts are getting busier, but you’re still likely to find a better deal than you would in  July  or  August .

Discover the best  things to do in Fiji

4.  Scottish Highlands

Time to get rugged. Nowhere in the UK does ‘rugged’ as naturally as the Scottish Highlands, but even the rough terrain of these northern behemoths takes a break in June. The sun even makes a brief appearance here during June, making it the perfect time to explore as much of the region as possible without having to make a break for shelter at every turn. The midges are yet to show up in force, and eagle-eyed visitors might even get to spot a dolphin or two frolicking in the waters.  

5.  Seattle, USA

Whether you come for a grunge pilgrimage, that gum wall or the incredible great outdoors, Seattle’s distinct identity draws crowds from far and wide. The city’s fun-loving side is usually on full display in June as the artsy Fremont Solstice Parade stops traffic with a naked bike ride, and Seattle Pride paints the streets all colours of the rainbow. Other highlights include orca spotting in Puget Sound or sniffing out the costly-but-coveted Copper River salmon at Pike Place Market (only available from  May  until mid-June).

Discover the best  things to do in Seattle

6.  Prague, Czech Republic

In the past, the cramped Old Town streets of Prague in summer have tended to provoke whispers of ‘overtourism.’ But the city is trying hard to reinvent itself –  fewer pub crawls and horse-drawn carts , more culture and food – and if you venture away from the main hubs, you’ll find there’s plenty to see beyond Charles Bridge and the (tourist-proofed) Lennon Wall (although they’re still worth an early morning gander). June is not yet the apex of tourist season, but benefits from beautiful weather and (in regular years) a slew of delectable festivals, including the largest ice cream fest in Central Europe and a microbrewery bonanza.

The best  things to do in Prague

7.  Zambia

Zambia’s dry and bright conditions in June are ideal for wildlife spotting in the 3500 square-mile South Luangwa National Park, and one big bonus; mosquito numbers dwindle as the landscape dries out. Walking safaris were first pioneered right here, allowing you to get up close to the region’s flora, identify the dusty prints of baboons, hyenas, or even leopards and see just how gargantuan African elephants really are. If that’s not enough of an adrenaline hit, make a beeline for Victoria Falls, where you can bungee jump over the Zambezi.

8.  Boston, USA

The Bruins probably don’t have many more years of contending left in them, but that doesn’t mean that June is going to all of a sudden become a quiet time of year in the Cradle of Liberty. America’s Walking City is at its most walkable during the summer, and the mass of street festivals attest to that, while concerts and other sporting events are a constant throughout the month. There’s also the small matter of whale watching, which is never a bad thing. 

9.  East coast, Sri Lanka

June is one of the wettest months of Sri Lanka’s southwest monsoon season (April to September) but on the east coast, it is a different story. In Arugam Bay, blazing sunshine and consistent waves mean this month is made for surfing… or lazing in a hammock with a smoothie, if that’s more your style. Nearby Kumana National Park sees far fewer visitors than its southern sister Yala, meaning you can spot leopards, elephants and crocodiles without an entourage of jostling jeeps.

Discover the best  things to do in Sri Lanka

10.  Azores, Portugal

As if the Azores weren’t idyllic enough already, in June, these verdant volcanic islands in the middle of the Atlantic burst with colour as copious wildflowers come into bloom. The island of Flores (meaning flowers) is the best place to spot them, but Parque Terra Nostra on the main island of  São Miguel  is just as captivating and a real treat for botany boffins. You also stand a decent chance of spotting whales and dolphins in the wild, as the widest variety of cetacean species is migrating through these waters.

Discover the best  things to do in the Azores

11.  Zadar, Croatia

Truth be told, you aren’t going to be able to avoid the crowds in Dalmatia during the summer. Heck, you can barely avoid them during the spring. If you want to visit the Croatian coast in quieter times, pack that windbreaker and head here in winter. Still, Zadar and June are a gorgeous combination, and what is sneakily the most exciting town in Dalmatia puts on its best face and puckers up for the visitors. The Salutation to the Sun is one of the region’s great attractions, accentuated by a gorgeous setting sun and a crisp Brlog craft beer.  

12.  Copenhagen, Denmark

June is a great time to make the trip to Copenhagen, as arguably Europe’s most stylish city comes alive in a blur of street festivals and shimmering class. The live music schedule is packed during the middle months meaning there’s plenty of choice for gig-hunters, while the Photo Festival showcases some of the finest photography from the other side of the lens. Copenhagen’s weather is arguably at its most enjoyable in June, which is reason enough to schedule a visit for this time.  

13.  Kyrgyzstan

Current events notwithstanding, central  Asia  is having a moment. Relaxed visa regulations mean the region is more accessible than ever, and its unparalleled combo of rich history, dazzling architecture and rugged landscapes are starting to draw a savvy crowd. From mid-June, Kyrgyzstan’s low-altitude hiking trails start to thaw out, the whitewater rafting season starts, and remote yurt camps welcome travellers looking for a digital detox. In mountainous Naryn, make time for the Kyrgyz Shyrdagy Festival, a celebration of the ancient Kyrgyz art of felt carpet making.

Need more travel inspiration?

11 incredible places you should travel in 2021 (when you can)

We’re pinning our hopes on this year bringing back travel – and if it does, these are the destinations you should hit up first

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Southeast Asia Weather in June 2024, Where to Go

If you are planning a summer trip to Southeast Asia, June is a great time to travel. In June, Southeast Asia experiences a slight drop in temperature in the south and where it is rainier, with an average daily high of 32°C (90°F).

However, because of the rainy season, this month marks the start of the off-peak travel period for many countries in the region, Thailand included. Despite the rain, you could still carve out your own rainy season escape in drier countries, such as Indonesia, Singapore, and Malaysia.

• Weather of SE Asia's Major Cities
• 5 Best Places to Visit SE Asia
• Costs and Crowding
• What to Pack

Weather for Southeast Asia's Top Cities in June

Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family 's best-rated service across trusted platforms.

Countries with Dry Weather: Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia

With dry and sunny weather prevailing, June is an ideal time to explore Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia.

Whether you're drawn to the modernity of Singapore, the tropical paradise of Indonesia, or the diverse landscapes of Malaysia, these countries promise a memorable journey under the drier skies of June.

Get some ideas about how to plan a trip to Southeast Asia >>>

Countries in the Rainy Season: Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia, and the Philippines

June brings heavy tropical downpours to Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia, and the Philippines. Early June tends to see less rainfall compared to later in the month and temperatures cool on average by the end of June (though the sunny periods in between the downpours are in fact hotter).

Due to the rain, this season offers a quieter travel experience and more potential for budget-friendly prices.

Further reading: Best & Worst Times to Visit Southeast Asia

The 5 Best Places to Visit in June in Southeast Asia

If you're looking for drier experiences, you could delve into the islands of Indonesia, explore futuristic Singapore, experience Malaysia's cultural richness, enjoy the laid-back vibe in central Vietnam, and delve into adventures in central and northern Thailand in June.

Check our hand-picked itinerary suggestions for  12 days ,  2 weeks , 3 weeks , 4 weeks , 5 weeks or 6 weeks ...

1. Indonesia

As one of the driest months, June means guaranteed sunny days, calm seas, and pleasantly warm southern-hemisphere "winter" temperatures of around 30°C (86°F). The most favorable weather makes Indonesia a great summer destination, particularly for families with school children.

Your Indonesia trip would not be complete without its iconic experiences in Bali: yoga retreats, jungle adventures, and excellent beaches as well as high-quality water activities. You could also extend your trip to Yogyakarta, for its huge UNESCO-listed Borobudur and Prambanan temples.

Read more about planning a couple's trip to Southeast Asia >>>

2. Singapore

June is the second driest month in Singapore. The moderate precipitation averages around only 120 mm (5 in) and the daily high temperatures are in the low 30s. Diverse indoor activities and robust air-conditioning make your Singapore trip less susceptible to weather influences.

Your kids would be amazed by the Instagram-worthy skyscrapers along Marina Bay and Singapore's enchanting Night Safari. Watching sunsets from the SkyPark Observation Deck or rooftop bars would add a romantic touch to your Singapore trip. You would also have a chance to catch the Dragon Boat Festival, which usually falls in June, featuring exciting boat races.

Unlock expert tips for your Singapore and Bali trip planning >>>

3. Malaysia

In June, Malaysia enjoys its dry season, making it an excellent time to discover the diverse beauty of the country.

You could immerse yourself in the cultural crossroads of Kuala Lumpur, a melting pot of modernity and tradition. For a nature escape, you could venture to Malaysian Borneo to spot the lovely orangutans. You could also await the most enchanting sunset and explore the mesmerizing underwater world of a glass-like sea in Sipadan.

Check out how to plan a family trip to Southeast Asia >>>

In June, Vietnam experiences two weather patterns, with the northern and southern regions being hot and humid while the central part enjoys excellent dry weather.

Weather-wise, you could encounter ancient Vietnam in Hoi An and Hue, while Dalat is a great summer retreat. Whether you're traveling with your kids or your partner, don't miss the Danang International Fireworks Festival (DIFF). The grand fireworks shows create lifelong memories.

Learn more ideas about How to Plan Your First Trip to Vietnam

5. Thailand

As the driest month of the summer wet season (May to October), there is only moderate rain in June on about 1 in 2 days. Phuket experiences the highest precipitation, while Bangkok and Chiang Mai have the least. Therefore, traveling in June, you're advised to focus on the central and northern regions.

Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Chiang Rai are highly recommended. Beyond their splendid temples, you could indulge in a foodie adventure and floating markets in Bangkok, take part in a friendly elephant sanctuary in Chiang Mai, and trek through a Karen Long Neck hill tribe's village.

If you're looking for a picture-perfect beach vacation, Bali in Indonesia is the best alternative to Phuket in Southeast Asia. Also quieter, more-exclusive Koh Samui on the opposite coast in Thailand has similarly moderate rainfall and temperatures.

Read on for your handy guide to planning a trip to Thailand .

Costs and Crowding in June

June is in the low season for most Southeast Asian countries (the northern ones). While heavy afternoon showers are likely be encountered, the budget-friendly and less crowded vacation experience is worth considering.

However, in June, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore experience different weather patterns and slightly drier or much drier days. June is one of the best times to bask in Bali's dry season. With favorable weather, it's advisable to make reservations in advance and prepare for crowds in such destinations.

Read more about the Top 10 Kid-Friendly Destinations in Southeast Asia >>>

What to Pack in June

Breathable and quick-drying fabrics are essential to stay comfortable during your June trip, including shorts, T-shirts, and sundresses. Don't forget sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to shield yourself during sunny intervals.

Particularly if you travel to the wetter Southeast Asian countries, pack a waterproof jacket and footwear. Opt for light layers and take a compact umbrella for unexpected rain.

For outdoor adventures, insect repellent is helpful to protect yourself from the mosquitoes.

>>>Read about how to plan a trip to Thailand, Singapore and Bali

Monthly Weather and Travel Information for Southeast Asia

Learn about the weather in Southeast Asia for 12 months and find out the best places to visit each month.

Exploring Southeast Asia with Us

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Best Time To Visit Asia

Asia through the seasons

The best time to visit Southeast Asia depends on which country you are planning to visit. You may wish to explore UNESCO-listed heritage sites such as Angkor Wat or Borobudur Temple, or meander down the Mekong in Vietnam aboard a luxury cruise ship. Relaxing on the golden beaches of Thailand or Bali are undoubtedly some of the best things to do in Asia , as are visits to Japan’s ancient shrines and temples, or China’s Great Wall. To help you make the most of your time in Asia and plan the perfect trip that matches all your interests, our experts provide an overview below on the best time for your Southeast Asia tours.

Travel to  Bhutan  during springtime, between March to May, when the rhododendrons and jacarandas in full bloom and many  festivals  are celebrated. Winter is an excellent season for birding enthusiasts and you can also indulge in rafting adventures in Southern Bhutan. With pleasant temperatures and excellent visibility, the autumn months between late September to the end of November, are ideal for traveling to Bhutan.

BEST TIME TO VISIT BHUTAN

Cambodia experiences similar temperatures throughout the year, although rainfall can very greatly depending on which region you choose to visit. The dry months, between November and April, are the best time for  Cambodia  tours, when the humidity is low and daytime temperatures are below 30 ° C on an average.

BEST TIME TO VISIT CAMBODIA

Spread over a vast expanse, the 17,000 islands of  Indonesia  naturally experience varied climates between regions. Indonesia experiences rain throughout the year, although in the dry season between April to October, rainfall occurs in short bursts. The monsoon season lasts from November to March. Therefore, it is best to travel to Indonesia between mid-April and the end of October, especially if you wish to visit Bali, Java,  Lombok  and  Sulawesi .

BEST TIME TO VISIT INDONESIA

Traveling to  Japan  is especially recommended during the springtime months of March to May, when the cherry trees are in full bloom, especially towards the end of April. In autumn, between September and November, the weather is mild and pleasant as well.

BEST TIME TO VISIT JAPAN

The best time to travel to  Laos  is during the dry season between October and April. In the summer months of March and April, temperatures can rise as high as 40 ° C. As the Mekong river dries up considerably in summer, river cruises are not possible.

BEST TIME TO VISIT LAOS

This paradise islands are blessed with amazing tropical weather throughout the year, and usually experience moderate climatic changes owing to their location on the Equator. Monsoon comes to the  Maldives  twice a year although there are no major cyclones as such. Rainfall and humidity levels are relatively low between December and April, making this the ideal time to visit The Maldives.

BEST TIME TO VISIT THE MALDIVES

The dry months from November to March are ideal for your trip to  Myanmar . Although the dry season lasts until May, it can get quite warm and humid from April onward. Although traveling to Myanmar is possible in the rainy months of June to October, this time is not suitable for beach holidays or hiking.

BEST TIME TO VISIT MYANMAR

The monsoon lasts from late June to mid-September in  Nepal , although the rest of the year is rather dry. Traveling to Nepal in the rainy season is not recommended. The country is beautiful between October and November after the rains, with lush green landscapes, refreshing mountain breeze and mild temperatures.

BEST TIME TO VISIT NEPAL

This teardrop shaped island experiences varied climatic conditions, with at least one region in the country dominated by rainfall at any given time of the year. In the west and south of the country, dry season begins in November and lasts until the end of March. Traveling to  Sri Lanka  is not recommended during the monsoon months of April to October.

BEST TIME TO VISIT SRI LANKA

Thailand tours are best between November and February, when the temperature ranges between 30 to 35 ° C and humidity levels are at their lowest. From March to May, temperatures can rise up to 40 ° C, however, the climate also depends on which region you choose to visit. The months of April to June, September and October are not recommended for traveling in  Thailand .

BEST TIME TO VISIT THAILAND

Travel to Tibet between the months of April to October. Once the snow begins to melt in April, the country experiences pleasant weather, gentle breezes and the occasional spell of rain. Many parts of  Tibet  that are inaccessible during the winter due to frozen roads, can be visited at this time. The winter months of October to March are not recommended for travel as it is freezing cold and many roads are blocked.

BEST TIME TO VISIT TIBET

You can travel to  Vietnam  all year round, although the best time for travel depends on the region you visit. Travel to Northern Vietnam between October and April. Central Vietnam is most pleasant between February and April while Southern Vietnam is ideal for traveling in the months of December to February.

BEST TIME TO VISIT VIETNAM

Best time to visit Asia

There are often drastic differences in climatic conditions between individual regions of Southeast Asia. Deciding on the best time to visit Asia can be challenging, especially if you wish to combine a visit to several countries in your itinerary.

Having traveled extensively in the continent, our Travel Consultants use their vast destination knowledge to advise you on the best time to travel to Asia according to your schedule and preferences. Customize one of our sample Asia vacation packages to match your preferences or contact us today for a tailor-made, obligation-free itinerary.

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Southeast Asia Travel Guide

Last Updated: November 27, 2023

Backpackers have been traveling through Southeast Asia since the late 1960s and early 1970s, leaving a well-worn trail around the region.

Starting in beautiful Thailand, the trail makes its way to up-and-coming Laos, through Vietnam, and to the temples of Angkor Wat. It then winds back into Thailand, where people head south to party in the Thai islands before moving down to Malaysia and Singapore.

There are a few variations to the trail, but this is what it mostly covers.

I’ve been visiting this region since 2004 and spent years living in Thailand . I love backpacking Southeast Asia and have written extensively about it as I know it like the back of my hand.

It’s an especially great region for new travelers because it’s easy to travel around, it’s safe, and there are lots of other travelers you can meet. But it’s also perfect for veteran travelers too as there are tons of off-the-beaten-path destinations that the standard backpacker trail doesn’t cover.

In short, Southeast Asia has something for every traveler — and every budget.

This Southeast Asia travel guide will help you travel the region like a pro, ensuring you save money and make the most of your time in this fun, gorgeous, and lively corner of the world.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Southeast Asia

Click Here for Country Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in southeast asia.

1. Admire Angkor Wat

One of the greatest human creations in history, the Angkor Wat temple complex is best explored over the course of a few days. The area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site created by the Khmer Empire and absolutely enormous. Temples to visit include Angkor Wat, Bayon Temple which has 216 gigantic stone face carvings, and Ta Prohm. I spent three days here and that simply wasn’t enough. A one-day pass is $37 USD, while a 1-week pass is $72 USD. If you’re here for multiple days, be sure to hire a driver and see some of the more out of the way ruins away from the main temple complex (and the crowds).

2. Explore Bangkok

Bangkok is the hub of travel activity in Southeast Asia. You can get anywhere you want from here. Though I hated it at first, the more I’ve spent time here the more I love it. Bangkok is like an onion whose many layers need to be peeled back. Some things not to miss include the spectacular Bangkok Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Chatuchak Market and Asiatique, and a canal trip on the Chao Phraya River. This is a city for foodies and wild nightlife.

3. Relax on some tropical islands

No visit to Southeast Asia would be complete without a visit to at least one of the thousands of tropical islands in the region. My top five include the Perhentian Islands (Malaysia), Rabbit Island (Cambodia), Ko Lanta (Thailand), and Boracay (Philippines). Lombok Island (Indonesia) has a chill vibe with unspoiled, perfect “desert island” beaches. There’s so many islands to visit. Be sure to add at least one to your trip. The country guides will have more information for you.

4. See Ha Long Bay

Sailing trips to this island-filled bay with stunning emerald waters, limestone formations, and marine life give you an appreciation for the natural beauty in Vietnam. Tours from Hanoi start at around $110 USD for two-day trips and increase from there. I love the colorful grottoes, hanging stalactites, and stalagmites of Surprise Cave (Sung Sot), Fairy Cave (Tien Ong), and Heaven Palace (Thien Cung). Make sure you go with a reputable company though as some of the cheaper boats are less than ideal. If you’d rather just visit for one day, day trips from Hanoi cost $55 USD.

5. Wander Kuala Lumpur

Other things to see and do in southeast asia, 1. go jungle trekking.

This region of the world is covered in amazing jungles with diverse wildlife, plentiful camping opportunities, and cool waterfalls. The best jungle treks are found in northern Thailand, Western Laos, and Malaysian Borneo (the latter are also the hardest and most intense). Some of my favorites include Danum Valley (Borneo) for its incredible wildlife; Ratanakiri (Cambodia) for its pristine wilderness and thousand-year-old trees; and Pu Luong Nature Reserve (Vietnam). Costs vary but jungle trekking generally costs $30-50 USD per day.

2. Attend the Full Moon Party

The biggest one-night party in the world welcomes up to 30,000 people with a party that stretches until dawn. Cover yourself in glow paint, grab a bucket of booze, and dance the night away with new friends on the island of Ko Phangan in Thailand. As the name would suggest, the party is on the night of the full moon. If you miss it, there’s always the half-moon party, quarter-moon party, and black-moon party. Really, every night is a party on Ko Phangan . Just avoid the flaming jump rope that occurs — I’ve seen people get burned badly!

3. Learn to dive

There are many great dive sites around the region for those interested in underwater exploration. You can learn to dive here at a fraction of what it would cost back home too. Some of the best places are Ko Tao (Thailand), Sipadan (Malaysia), as well as Gili Islands (Indonesia) and Coron, Palawan (The Philippines). A typical diving course is completed in three days. A PADI course typically runs $275 USD in Thailand, including three nights’ accommodation, though at smaller schools you can often negotiate down to $250 USD. Day trips for certified divers start at $165 USD. For information on Ko Tao, check out this blog post .

4. Eat street food in Singapore

Singapore is a foodie’s heaven. Try the hawker stalls of Singapore as well as Little India and Chinatown for some of the best and cheapest food in Asia. If you’re looking for a nice place to sit down and eat, eat at Singapore’s famed restaurants during lunch when restaurants offer discounts, making them a great deal. You’ll also find the most affordable Michelin-starred restaurants here (Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice and Hawker Chan), offering world-class meals for just a couple of bucks!

5. Overload on temples

You can’t turn a corner without seeing a Buddhist temple in this part of the world. You’ll get temple overload at some point but visit as many as you can as each is unique to the country and region of the temple. There are so many places with high concentrations of ornate and beautiful temples. Check out Chiang Mai’s Wat Doi Suthep Temple and hike up the 300 steps to the golden Chedi that’s 600 years old!; Bagan’s Shwesandaw Pagoda from the 11th century with its stunning golden dome; Angkor Wat’s Ta Prohm is covered in iconic vines and enveloped in ancient jungle roots; Hue’s colorful Thien Mu Pagoda is perched atop a lush green embankment; Hoi An’s Quan Cong Temple with incredible Chinese architecture with hand-carved beauty and skill, and Luang Prabang’s Vat Xieng Thong with its golden, canopied roof. Most are free to enter, however, dress codes are enforced (you need to have your shoulders and legs covered).

6. Dive Sipadan

Located off Malaysian Borneo, Sipadan is one of the best dive sites in the world. If you have your dive certificate, make sure you venture out here. I absolutely love this area because it’s teeming with live turtles, diverse cave systems, sharks, dolphins, colorful coral, bright fish, and everything in between. Not a lot of people make it to this part of Malaysia, but it’s worth it to go the extra mile and make your way off the tourist trail a bit. Don’t miss Barracuda Point and The Drop-Off. Keep in mind that only 176 permits to dive at the island are issued each day, costing 140 MYR per person. The resorts on the neighboring islands each get a specific number of permits per day and require divers to stay with them for a few days. So you’ll need to stay at those resorts and dive into the surrounding areas before they can get you a Sipadan permit.

7. Fall in love with Bali

Bali is the most popular destination in Indonesia, and its famous Kuta beach is known for its wild parties and surfing ( though I think it’s overrated ). However, there is much more to Bali than just wild nights and sun-soaked days. If you’re a thrill seeker, hike up to the top of Mount Batur, an active volcano, for a breathtaking sunrise. Paragliding and white water rafting are also super popular here, as is surfing (it’s an affordable place to learn if you’ve never done it). There are also lots of hot springs to enjoy, the Ubud Monkey Forest (a popular temple and nature reserve home to hundreds of monkeys), and numerous places to scuba dive, including the Liberty wreck and Manta Point.

8. Take in Ho Chi Minh City

Frantic, chaotic, and crazy, Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam is the embodiment of the controlled chaos that rules Southeast Asia. You can’t quite figure out how this teeming mass of people and cars work together, but it does. Highlights here include touring the tunnels used by the Viet Cong in the 1960s, taking in the view from the Saigon Skydeck, eating your way through the street food scene, and seeing the city’s numerous temples.

9. Admire the sunrise over an Indonesian Volcano

One of the most popular tourist attractions on Java is Mount Bromo and its National Park. Don’t miss out on getting a photo of the smoldering Bromo volcano as it lies surrounded by the almost lunar landscape of the Sea of Sand. Get up early to catch one of the most memorable sunrises of your life. If you’re there in mid-August, you’ll be just in time to see Upacara Kasada, the traditional Hindu ritual of the Tenggerese, a Javanese tribe of the region.

10. Hike in Khao Sok National Park

Located in southern Thailand, Khao Sok National Park is constantly rated as one of the best parks in Thailand, with incredible trekking, camping, limestone karsts, cooling rivers, and a glistening lake. Visit for semi-challenging hikes, tons of wildlife, walking paths, and breathtaking sunsets. Park entrance costs around $6 USD while full-day guided tours are $95 USD. I highly recommend spending at least one night here to get the full experience.

11. Visit Kampot

Most people come to Kampot to enjoy the scenic riverside views, as well as the rolling hills that surround the city. Since you can explore easily enough on foot or by bicycle, Kampot is a great place to slow down and relax. There’s not much to do here but have lazy days by the river, chill, and eat (don’t miss the famous Rusty Keyhole for BBQ!). Don’t miss the pepper farms, as this region of Cambodia is filled with pepper farms where you can learn about the history of the spice, see how it is grown, and pick up what is considered some of the finest pepper in the world. Tours are usually free.

12. Take a cooking class

Food from this region is as varied as the countries themselves and learning how to cook a few dishes is a great souvenir of your time here. Even if you don’t plan to cook back home, you can still spend a day making and eating scrumptious food. Most big cities have cooking schools offering classes of 2-6 hours, often including a trip to the local market beforehand to select ingredients. I absolutely love cooking classes and urge you to take one at least once. They are a fun experience!

13. Take a food tour

If you’d rather eat instead of cook, taking a food tour is a fun way to gain insight into the region’s amazing noodle dishes, fresh seafood, sweets, and street food while learning about the history and culture behind the cuisine. Most major cities in Southeast Asia offer food tours. These include tours around local markets, street stalls, and tours to locally-owned restaurants and cafes where you can sample the local cuisine and connect with a local chef. If you’re nervous about street food, this is a great way to try some in a controlled setting. Tours usually last 2-4 hours and include multiple stops and several different dishes, with prices costing $40-75 USD per person.

14. Visit an elephant sanctuary

While riding an elephant is on many a Southeast Asia bucket list, once you know how much the animals suffer from abuse in order to provide these rides, you might think twice about taking one. An even better way to interact with elephants is to volunteer at or visit the Elephant Nature Park near Chiang Mai in Thailand. It’s a phenomenal place, allowing you to give back to the community and these magnificent animals all at once. After coming here, you will understand why you should NEVER ride an elephant. A one-day visit costs $70 USD.

15. See The Killing Fields

A visit to Choeung Ek, also known as the Killing Fields, may not be the most cheerful way to spend an afternoon, but it makes for an educational and memorable experience. Over 3 million people were killed by Pol Pot’s regime, including countless women and children. I recommend getting a guide so you can really understand what you’re seeing as you explore the area. Also, this horrific tragedy took place less than 50 years ago and is still very present so please be respectful as a visitor.  The site is located 10 miles from Phnom Penh. Half-day guided tours start at $66 USD.

16. Swim with Whale Sharks in Donsol

If you’re in the Philippines, check out the Donsol Whale Shark Interactive Ecosystem Project because there are not many experiences quite as adrenaline-inducing as swimming with a whale shark for the first time in crystal waters. These incredible creatures are around 45 feet (14 meters) long and yet incredibly gentle and curious. I loved floating at the surface being able to look below and see them slowly swim below me. Get some people together and rent a boat for a half day, explore the area, and go ‘shark-seeing’ for a good cause.  

  For a ton more information, visit my country specific travel guides for more detailed information on each place:

• Cambodia Travel Guide
• Indonesia Travel Guide
• Laos Travel Guide
• Malaysia Travel Guide
• Singapore Travel Guide
• Thailand Travel Guide
• Vietnam Travel Guide

Southeast Asia Travel Costs

Accommodation – Accommodation in Southeast Asia is really cheap, making it the perfect place to travel if you are on a budget. Hostels are plentiful, as are budget guesthouses and hotels. It’s also very cheap to splash out here if you’re in need of some luxury.

Generally, you can find hostel dorm rooms for as little as $6-8 USD in Cambodia and $3-6 USD in Laos. In Thailand, 4-6-bed dorm rooms are $8-12 USD, while in Vietnam you can expect to pay $5-7 USD. In Indonesia, prices range between $5-10 USD for a 4-6-bed dorm room. Expect to pay at least $15-20 per night for a private room with air conditioning. Free Wi-Fi is standard in most hostels, free breakfast is common, and many hostels even have pools. In more remote areas, hot water isn’t common so make sure to check in advance if that’s an issue for you.

Simple guesthouses or bungalows throughout Southeast Asia generally cost $12-20 USD per night for a basic room with a fan (sometimes air conditioning) and hot water. If you want something nicer that includes a more comfortable bed and a TV, expect to pay $25-35 USD per night.

For backpackers, budgeting around $10 USD per night for accommodation is pretty safe no matter where you go in Southeast Asia. If you’re looking for a higher-end hotel room with more amenities, expect to pay $20-50 USD per night for a room. Anything over that is luxury territory.

Camping is available in certain areas, usually for just a few dollars per night for a basic tent plot without electricity. However, this is about the same price as hostels so it’s not really any cheaper.

Food – While each country’s cuisine varies, overall, Southeast Asian food is aromatic, spicy, and flavorful. Typical spices and herbs include garlic, basil, galangal, cilantro, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, chilies, and fish sauce. No matter what region you’re in, you can expect to find a variety of curries, salads, soups, noodle dishes, and stir-fries.

Rice and noodles are central to Southeast Asian food, while the meat is usually pork, chicken, fish, or seafood, which is everywhere on the islands and coastal areas.

While traveling Southeast Asia, street food is the most popular food and cheapest option. On average, these meals cost $1-5 USD. You find these stalls throughout this region lining most streets and every market. They are ubiquitous in the region. In Singapore, street food (from “hawker stands” as they’re known there) costs around $4-5 USD for a meal. Even if you go into small local restaurants, the price doesn’t increase that much.

Food that costs $2 USD at a street stall generally only costs $4-6 USD at a local restaurant. If you went into a restaurant in Thailand, you’d pay around $3-4 USD for a pad Thai that would have cost $1-2 USD on the street.

In Cambodia, street food is around $1-2 USD, while restaurants charge around $3-5 USD for a dish like amok (a coconut milk dish) or luc lac (pepper gravy beef).

Western meals, including burgers, pizza, and sandwiches usually cost around $7-10 USD. But these generally aren’t that great. If you want something that actually tastes as it does back home, expect to spend at least $10-12 USD for your meal.

While cheap, alcohol can take a bite out of your budget if you’re not careful. Those $1-2 USD beers add up! Wine and cocktails are more expensive, generally around $3-5 USD. A cappuccino is typically around $2 USD. Bottled water is plentiful and costs less than $1 USD.

There’s a growing cutting-edge foodie scene in the region and, if you want to splurge, you can do so on some really good meals. Big cities like Bangkok, KL, and Singapore, all have world-class Michelin star restaurants as well some incredible fusion restaurants.

Since dining out is so cheap in the region, there’s no point in grocery shopping unless you’re looking to get some pre-made salads or fruits. Additionally, a general lack of kitchens in most hostels and hotels makes it difficult to cook even if you wanted to. If you do purchase your own groceries, expect to spend around $25 USD per week for basic groceries like local produce, rice, and some meat (while avoiding expensive imported items like cheese and wine).

Backpacking Southeast Asia Suggested Budgets

On a backpacker budget of $45 USD per day, you can stay in hostel dorms, eat out at local markets and street stalls, limit your drinking, do mostly free activities, minimize paid activities, and use public transportation to get around. You’re not going to be able to splash out but you’ll be able to live the typical backpacker experience without really stressing over expenses.

On a mid-range budget of $85 USD per day, you can stay in budget hotels or private hostel rooms, eat more restaurant meals, do more paid activities like cooking classes, take some taxis, and enjoy a few more drinks. You won’t live large, but you won’t be missing out either.

On an upscale budget of $150 USD or more per day, you can stay in nicer hotels with more amenities, eat out as much as you want, do more paid tours including private tours, hire a driver, fly between destinations, and basically do whatever you want. The sky is the limit with this kind of budget!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in USD.

Southeast Asia Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Backpacking Southeast Asia is cheap. There’s little opportunity to spend a lot of money since everything is already so inexpensive unless you intentionally are trying to splash out on fancy meals and high end hotels. The two reasons why most travelers end up overspending is that they eat a lot of Western food and drink way too much. If you want to save money while traveling in this part of the world, cut down on your drinking and skip the Western food. While country guides have more specific ways to save money, here are some general ways to save money in Southeast Asia:

• Stay with a local – Accommodation is cheap in Southeast Asia but nothing’s cheaper than free! Use Couchsurfing to stay with locals who have extra beds and couches for free. You’ll also meet great people who can show you around and share their insider tips and advice.
• Book tours and day trips as a group – You have more negotiation power when you’re with a group of people buying multiple spots or tickets. Traveling alone? Meet a friend at a hostel and see if they want to join the same tour as you. I’ve met some great friends over the years doing this and highly recommend it.
• Don’t book in advance – Don’t book any tours or activities before you get to your destination. They’ll be much cheaper when you arrive as you’ll be able to negotiate a lower price as you’ll find companies are often offering the same tour and competing. Anything you see online is more expensive than you need to pay!
• Eat on the street – The street food is the best food. The food is the best and cheapest you’ll find. It’s a great way to try new foods and get to chat with locals as well. This is where locals eat so if you want insight into local culture, good food, and savings, eat the street food. Look for where locals are eating to ensure that it’s safe to eat.
• Bargain hard – Nothing is ever at face value here. Bargain with sellers as most of the time, the price they’ve quoted is way higher. There’s a haggling culture in the region so play the game and save some money. It’s important not to convert it in your head to your own currency because it will usually sound cheap even though you might still be getting ripped off. You’ll never get the local price, but you might come close!
• Minimize your drinking – Drinks really add up. Even with cheap drinks, if you’re not aware, you’ll end up spending more money on beer than on food and accommodation. If you want to drink, head to the supermarkets, drink at the hostel, or check out the local happy hours.
• Pack a water bottle – A water bottle with a purifier comes particularly in handy in Southeast Asia since you can’t usually drink the tap water. Save money and thousands of plastic bottles and get a bottle that can purify the tap water for you. My preferred bottle is LifeStraw as it has a built-in filter that ensures your water is always safe and clean.

Where to Stay in Southeast Asia

I’ve been traveling Southeast Asia since 2005 and have stayed in hundreds of places. Here are some of my favorite places to stay in Southeast Asia:

• The Siem Reap Pub Hostel (Siem Reap)
• Onederz Siem Reap (Siem Reap)
• Mad Monkey Siem Reap (Siem Reap)
• Onederz Sihanoukville (Sihanoukville)
• Monkey Republic (Sihanoukville)
• Onederz Phnom Penh (Phnom Penh)
• Sla Boutique Hostel (Phnom Penh)
• The Magic Sponge (Kampot)
• Indigo House Hotel (Luang Prabang)
• Sa Sa Lao (Luang Prabang)
• Sanga Hostel (Pakse)
• Nana Backpackers Hostel (Vang Vieng)
• Dream Home Hostel (Vientiane)
• Traveller Bunker Hostel (Cameron Highlands)
• De’Native Guest House (Cameron Highlands)
• Kitez Hotel & Bunks (Kuala Lumpur)
• Sunshine Bedz Kuala Lumpur (Kuala Lumpur)
• Ryokan Muntri Boutique Hostel (Penang)
• Mad Monkey Hostel (Bangkok)
• D&D Inn (Bangkok)
• Kodchasri B&B (Chiang Mai)
• The Royal Guest House (Chiang Mai)
• Green Leaf (Khao Yai)
• Lonely Beach Resort (Ko Chang)
• The Sanctuary (Koh Phangan)
• Na-Tub Hostel (Koh Phangan)
• Pineapple Guesthouse (Phuket)
• Dream Lodge
• The Pod Capsule Hostel
• The Scarlet
• Under the Coconut Tree Guesthouse (Hoi An)
• Fuse Beachside (Hoi An)
• Pretty Backpackers House (Da Lat)
• Hanoi Old Quarter Hostel (Hanoi)
• Luxury Backpackers Hostel (Hanoi)
• The Hideout (HCMC)
• City Backpackers Hostel (HCMC)

How to Get Around Southeast Asia

Public transportation – Public transportation costs from a few pennies to a few dollars, with Singapore and Malaysia offering the most comprehensive public transportation systems. In Thailand, local buses cost around $0.25 USD per trip, while the Metro and Skytrain in Bangkok cost $0.50-1.50 USD per trip. In Cambodia, a bus ticket in Phnom Penh costs just $0.40 USD per ride.

Major cities generally have subway systems but mostly you’ll be using the bus or shared taxis to get around.

Tuk-tuks (small, shared taxis with no meter) are available around much of the region and require a bit of haggling. They usually have 3-6 seats and generally cost more than public transportation but are faster. To find a reputable driver, ask your accommodation as they usually know someone. Tuk-tuk drivers can often be hired for the day for a discounted rate (this is what a lot of people do to visit the Killing Fields and Angkor Wat in Cambodia, for example).

Taxi – Taxis in the region are generally safe, though it’s not uncommon to have to haggle. Scams to rip you off aren’t uncommon either, so always ask your accommodation to call you a taxi whenever possible so you know you’ll get a reputable company.

In Singapore and Indonesia, taxi drivers do put on the meter. In Bangkok, you can get taxi drivers to use the meter, but if you’re hailing one in a tourist area, he might try to avoid using it. In Vietnam, the meter is sometimes rigged, but if you can get a reputable company like Mai Linh, you won’t have any problems.

Ridesharing – Grab, DiDi, and Gojek are Asia’s answer to Uber. They work the same way: you hire a driver to take you somewhere via the app, and you can pay via the app or in cash. It’s often more affordable than a regular taxi, though drivers are a bit unreliable as the practice is not as widespread here as in other parts of the world.

Just keep in mind that some drivers are driving motorcycles so be sure to double check what kind of vehicle is picking you up if you don’t want to ride on the back of one.

Bus – The easiest and cheapest way to travel around Southeast Asia is by bus. The backpacker trail is so worn that there is a very well-established tourist bus system to take you anywhere. Buses costs vary between $5-25 USD for a 5-6 hour journey. Overnight buses cost $20-35 USD depending on distance (they often have reclining seats so you can get a decent sleep).

You can check ticket prices and book tickets for all the different bus companies across Southeast Asia at 12go.asia.

Train – Train service is limited in the region and not something to really consider when you travel Southeast Asia. You can take a train up and down the coast of Vietnam and there’s some limited scenic rails in Malaysia. Thailand is the only country that has an extensive train system that lets you travel all its regions (and onward to Singapore) from Bangkok.

The train prices in Southeast Asia are determined by distance and class. Night trains with sleeper cars are more expensive than day trains. The night train to Chiang Mai from Bangkok takes twelve hours and costs $27 USD for a sleeper seat. However, that same train during the day is $8-9 USD. In Vietnam, trains run up and down the coast and cost $60 USD from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City.

Flying – The cost of flying around Southeast Asia has come down in recent years due to the rise of low-cost airlines. Scoot, Jetstar, and AirAsia are the biggest. Nok Air has a lot of flights within Thailand , and VietJet Air is popular in Vietnam . Lion Air serves Indonesia , but its safety record is really spotty and I personally would not fly them. If you book early, you can save on fares, as most of the airlines offer deeply discounted fare sales all the time, especially Air Asia.

Just make sure that the airport these budget airlines fly into isn’t too far out of your way (transportation from the secondary airport sometimes negates the savings from using the budget airline itself).

Also, keep in mind that you usually must pay to check your baggage on these cheap flights. If you wait to pay for your luggage at the gate, you end up paying almost double. Travel carry-on only to avoid this added cost.

All in all, I only recommend flying if you are pressed for time or find a super cheap deal. Otherwise, stick to the bus.

Hitchhiking – Hitchhiking in Southeast Asia is safe, though popularity of the practice varies by country (it’s more common in Malaysia, but not so much in Cambodia). Dress respectably, smile while making eye contact with drivers, and use a cardboard sign to tell people where you’re headed. Be prepared for long bouts of no pick-ups, especially if you’re traveling through more rural areas. Pack plenty of water and food. Also, make sure the people picking you up understand you’re hitchhiking and not flagging down a taxi.

Hitchwiki is a great resource for hitchhiking tips.

Car rental I don’t recommend renting a car in Southeast Asia. Rental cars are expensive ($40 USD per day or more) and the roads here are in poor shape. I would never drive around the region.

When to Go to Southeast Asia

The best time of year to visit Southeast Asia is from November to April when temperatures are milder (though temperatures vary drastically by region). It may be mild in Thailand in January and hot in Malaysia but in Northern Vietnam, it’s cold! Also, one of the biggest mistakes people make is not taking into account the rainy season. In some cases it won’t make a big difference but definitely does if it’s a beach trip.

In Indonesia, the best time to visit is April to October. Temperatures average 24-30ºC (75-86ºF), and the weather is mostly dry. July to September is the peak holiday season and when you can expect to pay the highest rates. December to February is the rainy season.

In Malaysia, January-March and June-September are the best time to visit, as these months have the lowest average rainfall. It is still hot and humid during this time though. The rainy season is from October to December. Singapore’s climate/weather is much like Malaysia’s.

In Vietnam, the weather varies by region. In Central Vietnam (including Hoi An and Nha Trang), January-May is the best time to visit because it is dry and the temperatures average 21-30°C (70-86°F). June to August is also a decent time to visit. If you want to stick around Hanoi, March to April is great, or October to December (for mildest temperatures). The rainy season is May-September.

Thailand has three seasons: hot, hotter, and hottest. It’s always warm, though the weather is nicest between November and February (which is also peak tourist season). Bangkok is “coolest” and driest during this time (but still averaging a hot 29°C/85°F each day). April and May are the hottest months, and the rainy season is June-October. The gulf islands get pretty rainy from August to December.

The dry season in Cambodia is from November-May and the cool season is from November-February (and when most people visit). Temperatures during this time are still high, but humidity is lower. Laos has the same cool season as Cambodia, with the dry season running from November-April.

In the Philippines, it’s mostly warm all year long with an average daily high of 26°C (80°F). There are rainy and dry seasons and temperatures are hot and dry from March-May and cooler December-February. The best time to visit is between January-April when it’s less humid. Monsoon Season is July-October.

For more information on when to go to places, visit the specific country guides.

How to Stay Safe in Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia is an incredibly safe place to backpack and travel — even if you’re traveling solo and even as a solo female traveler. Violent crime is super, duper rare. Petty theft (including bag snatching) is the most common type of crime in Southeast Asia, especially around popular tourist landmarks. Always keep your valuables out of reach on public transportation and in crowds just to be safe. Never leave your valuables unattended while at the beach and always keep a hold of your purse/bag when out and about as bag snatching is common.

That said, outside touristy areas, theft is really rare. Heck, it’s pretty rare in touristy areas too! But a little vigilance goes a long way and it’s better to be safe than sorry.

There are some common scams around that you’ll want to be aware of, such as the motorbike scam. This involves a bike rental company trying to charge you for damage to the bike that you didn’t cause. To avoid this, always take photos of your rental before you leave so you can protect yourself from baseless claims.

Another common scam involves a tuk-tuk driver taking you somewhere you didn’t want to go in hopes you’ll buy something from the shop/restaurant he dropped you off at (he gets a commission if you do). Simply refuse to buy anything and demand to go back to where you were — or find another driver.

For other common travel scams, read this post about major travel scams to avoid in the region .

Solo female travelers should feel safe here, though it’s generally a good idea to avoid walking around alone at night just to be safe. It’s always a good idea to carry some extra cash to get home in a taxi if you need to. Additionally, always keep an eye on your drink at the bar and never accept drinks from strangers. Be sensible when it comes to dating while traveling and meeting people in public places. As I’m not a woman, please check out some solo female travel blogs to get the best insight.

Overall, the people who get in trouble here tend to be involved with drugs or sex tourism. Avoid those two things and you should be fine. Keep in mind that it’s not always obvious how old someone is or if they’re a sex worker so be mindful when getting involved in romantic interactions. Also, penalties for drug use in this region are stiff so even if you’re here to party, skip the drugs.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.

For more in-depth coverage of how to stay safe in Southeast Asia, check out this post that answers some frequently asked questions and concerns.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Southeast Asia Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Agoda – Other than Hostelworld, Agoda is the best hotel accommodation site for Asia.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.

Get the In-Depth Budget Guide to Thailand!

My detailed 350+ page guidebook is made for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guidebooks and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel around Thailand. You’ll find suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on and off-the-beaten-path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, bars, safety tips, and much more! Click here to learn more and get your copy today.

Southeast Asia Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Southeast Asia travel and continue planning your trip:

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June in Moscow: Weather, What to Pack, and What to See

The capital of Russia, Moscow is as famous for cold as the rest of the country, whether because of historical reasons (Napoleon's army didn't fare well here, if you'll recall) or contemporary news reports. Global warming notwithstanding, Moscow can be cold well into the spring and even the summer, as people who've spent June in Moscow can attest.

Of course, June is a lovely month to visit Moscow, even if you don't luck out with sunny skies and warm temperatures. Whether you come for special or annual events, marvel at annual Russia Day festivities or simply plan your visit to proceed the extremely busy tourism months of July and August, here's what you need to know about visiting Moscow in June.

Must-Know Facts About June in Moscow

As is the case in the rest of the northern hemisphere, June is technically the month where spring ends and summer begins in Moscow. However, while high temperatures in June average around 22 C or 72 F, some days can struggle to get out of the 50s and 60s, while nighttime temperatures can occasionally dip below freezing.

As a result of the weather in Moscow at this time (improving, but not reliably excellent), June in Moscow is a relatively quiet time for events. The only regular exception is Russia Day, which takes place on June 12 every year, although the Moscow International Film Festival has taken place in June at certain points during the past.

June Weather in Moscow

The average temperatures for June in Moscow are as follows:

• Average temperature: 17 C / 63 F
• Average high: 22 C / 72 F
• Average low: 12 C / 54 F

As you can see, June weather in Moscow is relatively pleasant, at least in terms of average temperatures. However, there are some other factors you should keep in mind:

• You can expect 10 centimeters or 3.93 inches of rain to fall on Moscow in June
• Moscow in June typically experiences 12 days of rain, though other days can be cloudy
• You can enjoy around 17 hours of daylight in Moscow in June
• Moscow's June winds are typical westerly, and blow at just over 8 mph
• Moscow is not very humid in June, with only a 3% change of a day that is muggy

What to Pack for Moscow in June

Because June (especially) early June in Moscow can be cool, it's best to dress in layers when you travel to Moscow. You can bring t-shirts, polos and other light weight tops, but it's a good idea to have a hoodie or another light jacket with you, and to be wearing long pants or a long skirt to avoid a fashion faux-pas if you have to layer up. Since rain can occur up to 40% of days in June in Moscow, always carry an umbrella in your bag, and wear shoes that are water-resistant.

June Holidays and Events in Moscow

June is not an extremely busy month for events in Moscow, in general, though certain annual or bi-annual events do take place at this time.

• Russian Gaming Week : Curious about innovations and trends in the gambling industry? This exhibition brings in industry experts and vendors to discuss all things gambling.
• Moscow International Film Festival began in 1935 and features work from local and international filmmakers.

Although some holidays may take place on different days throughout June, depending on the year, June 12 is always Russia Day, which sees many businesses closed, and lots of parades and pageantry in the city center, including in Red Square .

June Travel Tips for Moscow

In general, neither June's weather nor typical event schedule requires vigilance for would-be travelers, though there are a few things you should keep in mind:

• June marks the beginning of summer, which means that crowds can increase in size, particularly at the end of the month
• As a result, if you plan to visit Moscow in June, you should book hotels early to avoid high prices
• Russia Day festivities welcome foreigners, though you should be prepared for wild crowds

Flexible about when you can travel to Moscow, and not afraid of the cold? Check out TripSavvy's guide to visiting Moscow during the winter months.

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Oriental Land, the operator of Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea, showed off the new Fantasy Springs area to journalists on Tuesday.

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Europe to China via Kazakhstan

Central asia by train.

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Train travel UK & Ireland...

Train travel in europe..., train travel in asia..., train travel in africa..., train travel in america..., train travel in australasia, through central asia by train.

The most usual (and easiest) route from Europe to China is via the classic Trans-Siberian Railway , shown in blue on the map below.  But there is another route now open to foreigners, the so-called Silk Route via Kazakhstan, shown on the map in yellow.  Let's be clear, if you want to travel between Europe and China, the main Trans-Siberian route is faster and easier to arrange, both in terms of visas and train tickets - for a start, just one Trans-Siberian train will get you all the way from Moscow to Beijing.  The Silk route will take a little more thought and organisation, with more visas, train tickets and stopovers to arrange.  However, this page will explain routes, train times, costs and how to buy tickets.  You can also use trains to reach Central Asia from Europe and Moscow.

Important update 2024 :  All trains between western Europe and Russia are suspended, originally due to Covid-19, now due to the war in Ukraine & sanctions.  Travel to Russia is no longer advisable.  International trains between the Stans and China are also remain suspended since the pandemic.  This route is currently not viable.  Nor is a route via Iran feasible, given the difficulty in getting visas.

London - Moscow

You can travel from London to Moscow by train, for times, fares, how to buy tickets and Russian visa information, see the London to Russia page .  Direct sleeper trains run to Moscow from Paris, Vienna, Prague, Warsaw, Berlin, Budapest, Helsinki and many other cities, go to this page and select your starting city, then select Moscow .  You will usually need a Belarus transit visa as well as your Russian tourist visa, see the visa section on the Russia page . 

Trains to Russia were suspended due to Covid-19 and remain suspended due to sanctions .

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Moscow - Almaty & Astana (Kazakhstan)

Trains link Moscow with both Almaty and Astana in Kazakhstan.  A direct train links Moscow with Astana every 2nd day.  The time-honoured direct Moscow-Almaty train Kazakhstan was sadly discontinued in June 2017 (nobody knows what RZD is playing at here), but it's still possible to travel between Moscow and Almaty with a change at Saratov as shown below.  Or you can travel from Moscow to Astana then Astana to Almaty, which may be better.

The best place to confirm days of running & times, including times of border crossings (and therefore entry dates for visa purposes) is at the Russian Railways site www.rzd.ru .

The Saratov times shown above are Moscow time.  Local time is one hour head of Moscow time. 

UPDATE:  After decades of running to Moscow time, from 1 August 2018 trains are shown in local time on Russian timetables, usually with the difference from Moscow time shown in brackets, for example (MCK +5) .

Train 7 & 8:   Kupé (4-berth) and platskartny (open plan berths).  There are no 2-berth sleepers.  Southbound, train 8 departs Saratov on even dates (2nd, 4th, 6th etc of each month).  Northbound, train 7 departs Almaty also on even-numbered dates.  The train passes from Russia into Kazakhstan, but briefly transits another part of Russia before re-entering Kazakhstan.  However, it is reported that you just need single-entry visa for Russia to travel on this train.  Multiple-entry visas are not required for this.  In fact, this Kazak visa question may have been resolved completely, as Kazakhstan has removed the need for UK & some other nationalities to get a visa from 2014 onwards -please check the latest Kazak visa situation.  Moscow to Almaty is 4,017 km in total.

Train 17:   A Russian domestic firmeny (quality) train with spalny vagon (2-berth), kupé (4-berth) and platskartny.

Trains 83 & 84:   Train 84 leaves Moscow's Kazanski station on even-numbered dates (2nd, 4th, 6th etc of each month).  Train 83 leaves Astana on even-numbered dates.  The train has kupé (4-berth sleepers) & platskartny (open plan dormitory cars) plus restaurant car.  There are now no 2-berths, but you can book 4 tickets in a 4-berth to have sole occupancy for one or two of you.  Moscow to Astana is 3,105 km.

Fares:   Moscow to Astana costs around £247 in kupé.

How to buy tickets:   You can book train travel in Russia, including this train, through several reputable Russian agencies, including:

You can make arrangements for trains, hotels and tours in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan through local agencies such as www.tourasia.kz .  You will need Russian tourist visa for this journey (by all means double-check, but at the time I write this Kazakhstan no longer requires UK & some other nationals to get a visa.  For information on Russian visas, see the visa section on the Russia page .

What are the trains like?

Moscow-Almaty better via Astana than direct?   Traveller Chris Nuttall suggests going Moscow-Almaty via Astana:  "I travelled from London to Almaty (Kazakhstan) and back last autumn (2009). On the return journey I travelled via Astana and as a result made the journey from Almaty to London in under 5 days, about 13 hours quicker than using the (then) direct train from Almaty to Moscow.  I departed Almaty 2 station at 19:28 on the daily Talgo overnight train to Astana (train number 1/2) and travelled in Platskartny which consisted of 4 berth compartments, the same as the 'Tourist class' on the Spanish railways own Talgo sleeper trains, rather than the usual Russian semi-open carriages.  According to my sister, who lives in Almaty and has used this train on a number of occasions, this service has a reputation for arriving punctually, unlike many other trains in Kazakhstan.  I then used train 83/84 to Moscow as shown on your site.  As well as being quicker and giving me the opportunity to explore Astana for a few hours, this route only crosses the Russia / Kazakhstan border once. I know you mention that only single entry visas are required for train 7/8, but I couldn't find further information on this, so my chosen route gave me added peace of mind."

Moscow - Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan )

A train called the Kirgizia links Moscow with Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan, with 4-berth sleepers & restaurant car.  No 2-berth sleepers.

The best place to confirm days of running & times, including times of border crossings (and therefore entry dates for visa purposes) is at the Russian Railways site www.rzd.ru

Fares: Moscow to Bishkek costs £295 in 4-berth kupé.

How to buy tickets:

Moscow - Tashkent (Uzbekistan)

There is a train running 3 times a week from Moscow to Tashkent in Uzbekistan.  This is the Uzbekistan , with Spalny Vagon (2-berth sleepers), kupé (4-berth sleepers) and platskartny (open plan dormitory car) plus restaurant car.  The train passes from Russia into Kazakhstan then it enters Uzbekistan.

The best place to confirm days of running & times, including times of border crossings (and therefore entry dates for visa purposes) is at the Russian Railways site www.rzd.ru . 

Fares:   Moscow to Tashkent costs around £415 in 4-berth kupé or £461 in 2-berth spalny vagon.

Visas:   You will need a Russian tourist visa and Uzbekistan tourist visa for this journey.  For information on Russian visas, see the visa section on the Russia page .  By all means check the latest Kazak visa situation but at the time I write this Kazakhstan no longer requires UK & some other nationals to get a visa.

You can make arrangements for trains, hotels and tours in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan through local agencies such as www.tourasia.kz or www.advantour.com .

Travellers' reports

Traveller Jeff Mortelette travelled Tashkent to Moscow in 2016:  " The boarding arrangements were crazy.  We arrived an hour early and made our way to the security check.  There were tons of people pushing to get in.  I think there was another train leaving right before us, so a lot of people were trying to get on that train.  We waited in line for about half an hour before we realized we needed to start pushing our way to the front if we wanted to catch the train.  We finally got through with about 10 minutes to spare and hustled to the platform.  We got on our car with a few minutes to spare.

The train left Tashkent at 18:50.  About half an hour later we spent 80 minutes at the border while Uzbek border patrol went though.  They had me open some bags and answer some questions about where I was going and why.  They spoke no English.  We went for 20 more minutes and did the same thing with the Kazak border control.  It was pretty similar when we left Kazakhstan/entered Russia.  We only entered Russia once. 

On the train there were a few power sockets.  One at each end and one in the middle, but none in our cabin.  A nice feature is each car had shot water dispenser people used for noodles or tea.  We also had one employee of the train assigned to each car and ours was really helpful, especially when crossing borders.

There was a restaurant car that served Uzbek staples:  plov, lagman, and dumplings.  In addition sometimes people would go by our cabin and sell the food the restaurant cooked.  My friend and I got two bowls of plov and scopula beers for around $7.  It was pretty good for plov, but there was not much variety.  We paid in Kazak Tenge, but you could also pay in som or rubles.  It would help to not carry big bills;  I couldn't use my 10,000 Tenge note.  In addition to he food on the train, many stops of at least 20 minutes had places you could buy food.  Mostly crackers, potato chips, candy bars, water and soda, and uncooked ramen noodles.  Each car of the train had a place where you could get hot water that many people used for tea and ramen noodles.  In Samara, we could find more food for sale:  cheese, bread, sausage.  In general the closer we got to Moscow the more choices we had when we stopped."

Tashkent - Samarkand - Bokhara - Urgench (for Khiva):  See the Uzbekistan page

For train service within Uzbekistan, linking Tashkent, Samarkand, Bokhara & Urgench, see the Uzbekistan page .

Tashkent - Almaty

There is now a train every few days between Tashkent and Almaty, using a modern Talgo train.  You can buy tickets at tickets.kz .

Almaty & Astana (Kazakhstan) - Ürümqi (China)

Direct train twice a week.

Two trains per week link Almaty in Kazakhstan with Ürümqi in China, one using the original route through Druzhba/Alashankou, the other via the new much shorter route through Horgos/Altynkol.  One train per week carries through cars Astana-Ürümqi.  One set of carriages is Kazak with 2-berth and 4-berth sleepers, the other set Chinese with modern air-conditioned soft class 4-berth sleeper compartments and hard class open-plan bunks.  A Kazak restaurant car runs Almaty to the border, and a Chinese restaurant car runs from the border to Ürümqi.  If you use this route, please let me know !

Update:  International trains to/from China remain suspended due to Covid-19.

One train is operated by Kazakhstan Railways, the other by Chinese Railways.  Astana is now also known as Nur-Sultan.

Which station in Urumqi?   There are two main stations in Urumqi, plain Urumqi which opened in 2016 just northwest of the city centre ( see map ), and Urumqi Nan ( see map ) which is the original Urumqi station, south of the city centre, and confusingly called plain Urumqi until 2014.  These trains use the new Urumqi station.  Urumqi has an unofficial local time 2h behind normal Chinese time, but the times shown above for Urumqi are all the official Beijing time zone used by the railways.

Check your train times & dates carefully as times and days of running have changed regularly over the years, and there is much conflicting information online depending where you look .  You can get more definitive info at the Kazakhstan Railways online timetable at epay.railways.kz but you need to be clever with cutting and pasting Cyrillic place names алматы for Almaty and урумги for Urumqi.

Fares:   Almaty to Ürümqi costs around £123 in 4-berth or £138 in 2-berth.

How to buy tickets:   You can book these trains for westbound journeys at www.chinahighlights.com/china-trains (click International Train from China above the journey planner) for westbound journeys.

Traveller's report

Traveller Tom Earwaker reports:   "Departure was 23:14 on Monday 14/10/19, Beijing time.  Note that there's an unofficial local time in Urumqi, 2 hours behind Beijing, but train times are all in Beijing time. The train had around 10 carriages, I only counted about 18 people getting on! I had a 4-berth compartment to myself up to the border crossing and there was a nice German couple in the next compartment.  It was an old train, but clean and comfortable, with bedding and hot water provided.  Got to the China side of the border around 9am where security checked passport, looked around compartment and asked some questions about reason for travelling, where we went in China, etc. Got off the train 09:30 with luggage, more questioning (about purpose of visit, my job, and whether I liked China!), luggage search and they took fingerprints.  They also looked though the photos on my phone for quite a while and the books on my kindle.  It was quite thorough, but they weren't unfriendly about it.  Back on the train and left the station around 11:00, reaching the Kazakh side of the border at 11:20 (09:20 Kazakh time) There was 1.5hr of security checking passport, checking bags, questioning and waiting, all carried out on the train. Then we had to get off the train for another 1.5hr and wait at Druzhba station while they changed the wheels over.  There was a small cafe at the station serving typical Russian/Kazakh food (Borscht, Samsa, Plov etc.) and I was able to exchange Yuan for Tenge at the station's convenience store (also a bank nearby with similar exchange rate).  We left at 12:40 Kazakh time, and the train very quickly filled up over the next few stops. Arrived in Almaty 2 station at 05:50 next morning (16/10/19)."

Ürümqi - Xian - Beijing

All these trains have soft & hard sleepers and most have a restaurant car, see the Train Travel in China page for general information about trains in China.  There are other trains available between Ürümqi and Xian and between Xian and Beijing, see the Train Travel in China page .

Fares: Ürümqi to Beijing costs around RMB 901 ($146) in soft sleeper or RMB 566 ($92) in hard sleeper, if bought at the station.  Ürümqi to Xian costs around RMB 768 ($124) in soft sleeper.

You can check times & buy tickets at www.chinahighlights.com/china-trains .  Not all trains are shown here!

* Trains Z179/Z180 use Beijing main station, not Beijing West.

Planning your trip

Probably the best way to plan a trip like this is to start by reading up on all the possible routes, trains and stopovers, then plan out an itinerary and budget using a simple table or spreadsheet:  How to plan an itinerary & budget .

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The top 10 visa-free countries for Indian passport holders in 2024

Visa-free countries for indians in 2024: discover the top 10 best global destinations that indian passport holders can travel to visa-free in 2024..

Many countries worldwide are currently offering visa-free entry to enhance their tourism industry and attract more visitors, including those from India, ensuring a seamless travel experience and eliminating travel obstacles. This initiative has led to a surge in new explorers eager to venture out and discover these countries.

Thailand and Sri Lanka have recently extended their visa-free entry provisions for Indian visitors. Thailand’s extension is in effect until November 11, 2024, while Sri Lanka’s lasts until May 31, 2024. However, in some instances, it is crucial to note that travel to visa-free countries is usually limited to a specific duration and additional documents, such as proof of onward travel or payment of airport taxes might be required.

Indian passport holders currently benefit from visa-free access to 62 countries, simplifying travel and exploration. Visa-free travel allows entry into a country without the need for a prior visa and only requires a passport to clear customs, eliminating the complexities of visa procedures and associated fees.

So, as the summer vacation season approaches, it’s an ideal time to travel. If you hold an Indian passport, there are several destinations you can visit without the hassle of obtaining a visa. Below is the list of the top 10 best global destinations that Indian passport holders can travel to visa-free.

1. Bhutan: 14 days

Bhutan is a neighbouring country of India and is considered one of the top visa-free destinations for Indian passport holders. They can travel for up to 14 days without needing a visa. Often referred to as the Land of the Thunder Dragon, the country is located in the Himalayas and is renowned for its snow-capped peaks, vibrant monasteries, and spiritual culture.

Nepal is a country famous for having Mount Everest, which is the highest mountain in the world. The country is an ideal destination for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers as it offers a unique and enriching experience with ancient temples, breathtaking landscapes, and amiable locals. Indian passport holders do not require a visa to enter Nepal, as the country shares a friendly relationship with India.

3. Mauritius: 90 days

Mauritius, an island nation surrounded by the Indian Ocean, is a picturesque tropical paradise famous for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and coral reefs. While many visitors come to Mauritius to experience nature and indulge in luxury resort stays, it can also be an excellent destination for Indian solo or group travellers who want to explore the cities, visit tourist attractions, and try delicious local cuisine. Furthermore, Indian travellers can stay in Mauritius for up to 90 days without a visa, making it an attractive option for those seeking to travel hassle-free.

4. Kenya: 90 days

Starting January 1, 2024, Kenya will allow visa-free travel to Indian passport holders to promote tourism through its electronic travel authorization programme. Exploring its vibrant wildlife and marine reserves, with over 50 national parks to choose from, Indians can travel to Kenya visa-free for 90 days to experience its world-renowned safari experience.

5. Malaysia: 30 days

Malaysia is a magnificent travel destination that offers a blend of ancient rainforests and a multicultural city-life experience. The capital, Kuala Lumpur, boasts the iconic Petronas Twin Towers, one of the tallest buildings in the world. The country is renowned for its exceptional food, historical vibe, gorgeous beaches, and wildlife-packed national parks. Indian passport holders can now travel to Malaysia visa-free until December 31, 2024, as per the latest update. It permits a stay of up to 30 days for each entry and visit to the country.

6. Thailand: 30 days (till November 11, 2024)

Thailand, a gem of Southeast Asia, is famous for its exquisite beaches, delicious cuisine, and lively culture. From the busy streets of Bangkok to the grand temples of Chiang Mai and the tranquil beaches of Phuket, Thailand offers a perfect combination of cultural immersion, adventure, and relaxation. As per the latest update, Thailand has extended its visa-free travel for Indian passport holders until November 11, 2024, which was previously May 10, 2024.

7. Dominica: 6 months

Dominica is a mountainous Caribbean island nation, also known as “Nature Island.” It boasts tropical and balmy weather, natural hot springs, and tropical rainforests. The Morne Trois Pitons National Park is a must-visit place, where you can find a 1,342-metre-high volcano. The country’s best features include the 65-metre-tall Trafalgar Falls and the narrow Titou Gorge. Indian passport holders can easily book flights to Dominica from India to enter this beautiful country. The good news for Indian nationals is that they do not require a visa for either tourism or business purposes for six months.

8. Qatar: 30 days

Qatar is a Middle Eastern country known for its impressive infrastructure and futuristic capital, Doha, with its towering skyscrapers. The country is also recognised as one of the wealthiest nations in the world and is currently in the spotlight for hosting the FIFA World Cup 2022. Indian passport holders can enjoy 30 days of visa-free travel in Qatar.

9. Sri Lanka: 30 days (till May 31st, 2024)

Sri Lanka is the latest addition to the list of visa-free countries for Indians. This South Asian island is rich in history and boasts stunning landscapes, diverse cultures, and incredible wildlife. Visitors can experience beautiful weather and indulge in delicious cuisine. Indian passport holders can travel visa-free to Sri Lanka until May 31st, 2024, as per the latest update. The hospitality of the locals is great, and the country is famous for its sweetmeats.

10. Seychelles: 30 days

The Seychelles are renowned for their stunning waters, coral reefs, sea turtles, and underwater rock formations teeming with beautiful fish, whale sharks, and shipwrecks. The beaches in the Seychelles offer a calm, peaceful, and secluded environment, and Indian passport holders can visit visa-free for 30 days.

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IMD announces light to moderate showers in Thane starting Saturday, with a yellow alert for thunderstorms and gusty winds on Sunday. Light rain and thundershowers expected in Mumbai between Sunday and Monday. Maharashtra experiencing rain due to interaction of different winds. Temperatures may see a slight dip but another heatwave likely to hit the city.

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China’s tourists are traveling again but they are spending less than before COVID as economic worries keep their wallets shut

Chinese tourists hit the road in greater numbers during a recent five-day Labor Day holiday but kept a tight grip on their wallets, reflecting still-weak sentiment in the world’s second-largest economy .

Travelers made 28.2% more trips but spending only rose 13.5% from the 2019 break, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism said in a  statement  Monday. This translates to a 11.5% drop in spending for each traveler over the holiday ending Sunday, according to banks including Societe Generale, Goldman Sachs Group Inc. and Citigroup Inc.

“Spending per head softened and was again below the pre-pandemic level, owing partly to more tourist flows towards lower-tier cities, and suggesting continued consumption downgrading,” said Goldman economists including Lisheng Wang in a note late Monday, adding that more policy support is needed to sustain the recovery of the services sector. The 2019 holiday was one day shorter.

The figures add to evidence showing Chinese households remain cautious with consumption despite a recent rebound in economic growth driven by a pickup in industrial activity. Less than one in four residents wanted to spend more while an growing share of the urban population wanted to save in the first quarter, according to a  survey  by the People’s Bank of China.

Travelers made a total of 20.7 million trips by rail across the country on May 1, a new high for any single day on record, state broadcaster China Central Television  reported  late Sunday, citing government data.

The holiday season also showed a  shift  in how Chinese travelers spend since the country reopened from pandemic isolation. While big cities like Beijing and Shanghai remained popular, many more opted for cheaper destinations and small towns, online travel agency Trip.com Group said in a Sunday  statement .

“Lower-tier market made a relaxing holiday possible for tourists, and they had better value for money as accommodation and dining costs spiked in tier-1 and tier-2 cities during the break,” Wang Yalei, an analyst with Trip.com, said in the statement.

Social media accounts promoting tourism in  small towns  have blossomed as tourists look for cheaper,  off-the-beaten-path  attractions. China’s expanding high-speed rail network and rising car ownership have also enabled travelers to get to more places within hours.

Bookings for hotels and tourist spots in tier-3 or lower-ranked cities in the country’s northwest and west more than doubled during the break from the same period a year earlier, according to data released by Tongcheng Travel Holdings, another tourism agency.

Inbound and outbound tourism also gained momentum during the holiday as China restored more air routes and  expanded  visa-free arrangements to more countries, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism said. Chinese travelers made 1.9 million trips abroad while 1.8 million visitors entered the country, it said, without providing last year’s numbers.

The US, Australia and the UK were the main long-haul destinations and Hong Kong, Macau, Southeast Asia, Japan and South Korea were the most popular for short-distance trips, according to Trip.com. Middle Eastern countries including Oman, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait saw more than 300% surge in bookings, it said.

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