Continuing in our series of exploring Asia, we have reached one of the hottest months in the year. Well… At least in some parts of the continent. I’m talking about spending May in Asia. As usual, we have reached out to other travel bloggers to put together a list of countries and places that you should explore in this particular season.
In case you have missed our updates on the other months of the year and need some inspiration for a different season in Asia, you can check out the following posts based on each month!
Table Of Contents: May In Asia
Since the list is particularly long you can navigate through our guide of places to visit in May in Asia with the help of the following links that will take you to the country that you want to explore. Each country has specific locations in it that has been suggested by travel bloggers that have spent May in that region and loved it.
Azerbaijan
Not many people talk about heading to Azerbaijan. In fact, I barely know many people who have been there. It is just the kind of location that Shawn and I would love to explore which is why I was so pleased when one of the travel bloggers suggested adding it to our list of places to spend May in Asia.
1. Baku
Baku is a great place to spend May in Asia.
LOCATION: Baku
GETTING THERE: you can either fly into Baku airport or take the night train from Tbilisi.
WHERE TO STAY: Baku old city hostel
Baku is a perfect destination in Asia to visit in May. The cold winter days are gone, and spring is in the air. Temperatures are still pleasant before the summer heat begins. It is a lovely time for this modern city full of history at the edge of Europe and Asia. Baku really is a mix of everything. When walking through the modern shopping street you could be in any city of Europe, while the city’s old town feels more Asian. The oriental influences, Soviet remains, and futuristic architecture speak of a dynamic and multicultural past.
Just outside of Baku you can find ancient petroglyphs and old Zoroastrian fire temples. Fire has always been a symbol of the city that is surrounded by oil fields and gas deposits. At some places gas escapes from the ground creating peculiar sights such as the burning mountain.
The oil wealth has also led to some of Baku’s most interesting architecture such as the flame towers and the carpet museum in the form of a rolled-up carpet. The boulevard along the Caspian Sea is the best place to see modern Baku in all its glory.
But Baku’s real charm still lies in its renovated old town with the beautiful Shirvanshah palace and the ancient caravanserai’s. Here you are truly in Asia and you can imagine what it was like in the days of the Silk road when Baku was an important trading city.
By Ellis from Backpack Adventures
Cambodia
Cambodia has become a popular tourist destination over the past couple of years. One of the places that really gets attention is Siem Reap because of its proximity to the famed Ankor Wat. Shawn and I did manage to visit this enormous complex and I was happy to see that someone added it to our list of places to spend May in Asia.
2. Siem Reap
Siem Reap is one of the perfect places to spend May in Asia.
LOCATION: Siem Reap
GETTING THERE: There are a few different ways to get to Siem Reap but most people chose to fly into the city from international destinations or catch a bus from within Cambodia.
WHERE TO STAY: We stayed at a budget hotel called the King Boutique Hotel
Siem Reap is a bucket list destination for many with Angkor Wat being at the top of the list for must see places but there is so much more to this beautiful city. Don’t get me wrong temple hopping is a must when you are there and even if it is a super touristy thing there really is nothing like seeing the sun rise over Angkor Wat. You can channel your inner Lara Croft as you wander Pra Thom and even have an ice-cold drink as you watch the sun set at Pre Rup.
But you can also wander the amazing night markets to find a magnificent bargain to take home, you can discover the history of the Khmer at the Angkor Museum, you can lounge by the pool in the heat, visit a butterfly garden or take a walk down Pub Street and watch the world go by. You can also learn about the impact the Khmer Rouge had on Cambodia during its regime.
Siem Reap can be a relaxing holiday destination, a history lovers learning place and a temple hopper delight…it just depends on what you want to do.
By Bec from Wyld Family Travel
China
China is such a large country and personally, I would not know where to start when it comes to planning an itinerary. While I haven’t visited China, I was glad to see that it was put on our list of places to spend May in Asia. With such a large and varied terrain, it actually should not come as a surprise!
3. Shangri-La
Ever thought of exploring Shangri-La as part of your journey in May in Asia.
LOCATION: Shangri-La
GETTING THERE: To get there, most people will typically begin their journey in Kunming, traveling first to Lijiang and then taking the long-distance bus in Lijiang to get there. It’s about 175 kilometres from Lijiang to Shangri-La.
WHERE TO STAY: Shangajoy seasons Inn, Asha’s Inn or Bodhi Boutique Inn
If you’re travelling in May in Asia, Shangri-La in Yunnan province remains an unexplored region relatively known as offbeat destination in China steeped in Tibetan Buddhism in China’s northwest that borders Tibet. Shangri-La (Zhongdian) in China closely mirrors the culture of Tibet, with less red tape and serves as an alternative Tibet.
In the land of lost horizon ‘Shangri-La’, it is heart-warmingly mesmerising to watch the Tibetan minorities participate in an annual horse racing festival in the grand grasslands of China’s Yunnan province. Interestingly, each family member from Shangri-la, Tibetan autonomous prefecture of Diqing in southwest China’s Yunnan province, will set up tents on the mountain for a picnic during the festival and will be decked up in heavy adornments to participate in the festivities.
The next few weeks could be spent cycling to the nature reserve, staying in a yurt and even hiking the Tiger Leaping Gorge or the Shika Snow Mountain.
By Pashmina from The Gone Goat
4. Hong Kong
Hong Kong is a fun place to spend May in Asia.
LOCATION: Hong Kong
GETTING THERE: Centrally located, the Hong Kong International Airport is one of the best and busiest in the world. If you are looking to fly to Asia from most anywhere in the world, Hong Kong (and usually Bangkok) are going to be your cheapest options.
WHERE TO STAY: Hong Kong is super compact, so being centrally located is never a problem. If you are looking for the big city life and don’t mind spending more money, stay in Central or Wan Chai. If you are looking to save some money and want to have a more authentic experience, try Mong Kok or Jordan. As a full time Digital Nomad, I’ve lived in Hong Kong on and off for the past 5 years, and the city never ceases to amaze me.
For a dose of city-life – eat your way around Tsim Sha Tsui, then hop the ferry over to Central to see the city at its most modern. If you are craving some nightlife, skip the overrated LKF and instead head over to Wan Chai. While it can be a bit seedy (it’s definitely a red-light district), the vibe is great as both the live music and the booze are served until the sun comes up. Big Buddha is worth a go, but so is the vastly underrated Chi Lin Nunnery – which is much easier to get to and is 100% free 🙂
Fun fact! While Hong Kong is the concrete jungle you always read about, the truth is that there is also a never-ending amount of things to do here that will please nature lovers as well. If you are looking to see some of Hong Kong’s natural beauty, take a hike on Dragon’s Back, or check out one of the incredible beaches on the South Island (like Deepwater Bay) or the peaceful beaches of Sai Kung.
Note – Hong Kong has been the centre of a lot of political unrest recently. While this unrest has had its fair share of violent moments, truth be told it’s easily avoided, and is extremely unlikely to get in the way of your trip. But please do your research and be diligent.
By Aaron from Nomads Nation
India
We have spent most of our lives in India and the varied terrain of the country makes it rather perfect irrespective which month of the year you are travelling in. May is one of the hotter months of the year in this side of the world and people love to head up to the mountains and hills. That is why you will notice that the suggestions for our list of places to visit in May in Asia are just that… Hill stations!
5. Darjeeling
Darjeeling in India is a perfect place to spend May in Asia.
LOCATION: West Bengal
GETTING THERE: The nearest airport is Bagdogra. From there, you have to take a car that will drive some winding hilly roads to Darjeeling. The distance is 75 km. You can also take a train from most major cities of India to New Jalpaiguri. From there you have to take a car to Darjeeling, 74 km away.
WHERE TO STAY: Darjeeling has a number of hotels, homestays and guest houses of all types of budgets. For budget stays, you can consider Capital Guest House for views of Kanchenjunga, The Revolver, a quirky Beatles themed hotel. If budget is not a constraint, then stay at Windermere Hotels, The Elgin Hotel or Mayfair Hotels.
Darjeeling is often known as the Queen of Hills. What better place can be visited in the summers of May than a charming hill station like Darjeeling? Located in the eastern Himalayan range of India, this beautiful hill station has a colonial look and feel. The climate always remains cold and salubrious here.
The main attraction of Darjeeling is definitely its unobstructed views of the Kanchenjunga ranges from strategic viewpoints. The Mall located right in the centre of the town and is an open area where no vehicles are allowed. You can sit at the benches, have a cup of steaming Darjeeling tea and see the Kanchenjunga ranges in all its glory.
There are a plethora of things to do in Darjeeling. Go and watch the sunrise at Tiger Hill. You will be mesmerized to see the first rays of the sun falls on the Kanchenjunga and Everest ranges. Visit the Darjeeling Zoo, the breeding centre of the elusive Red Panda. Also, take a train ride in the famous Darjeeling Toy Train.
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Visit the vast tea gardens of Darjeeling and take a visit to the tea factories to get a glimpse of how the tea is manufactured. Also, do not forget to get a sip of the famous Darjeeling tea. For the adventure and mountaineering enthusiasts, a visit to the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute is a must. The town is also the base camp for Sandakphu trek.
With a number of activities to do around the area, you will have a good time there. There is only one thing to keep in mind when you visit Darjeeling in May. Get your tickets and hotel bookings beforehand as a number of tourists visit Darjeeling during this time.
By Amrita & Agni From Tale Of 2 Backpackers
6. Dharmashala
Dharamshala is another gorgeous place to spend May in Asia.
LOCATION: Dharmashala
GETTING THERE: Dharamshala is well-connected by air with the major cities of India. You can also travel to Dharamshala by bus from various places in Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, and other nearby states.
Dharamshala doesn’t have a train station though. So, if you want to travel by train, take a train to Pathankot in Punjab, and then travel to Dharamshala from there by bus or taxi. The best way to arrive at the villages near Dharamshala is by hopping onto a local HRTC bus that runs from the Dharamshala bus stand.
The bus would drop you at the Mcleodganj bus stand. From there either take a taxi or an auto-rickshaw to the village you want to go to, or you can walk. Remember that even though you have taken a taxi to any of the villages, you might have to hike or walk a little bit at the end.
WHERE TO STAY: You can either choose to stay in the Dharamshala city or choose from one of the nearby villages. Bir Billing, Bhagsu Nag, Dharamkot, and Mcleodganj are some of the closeby villages that have small cottages or simple rooms in family-run guesthouses.
Finding a place in these villages is a matter of a few minutes of walk, and you don’t necessarily need to book a place beforehand. Dharamshala is a peaceful city in the heart of Himachal Pradesh, the home of Indian Himalayas. The city of Dharamshala is especially popular for it is the exile city of Dalai Lama and thousands of other Tibetans who came from Tibet.
As Dharamshala is the official residence of the Dalai Lama, the city has become a spiritual centre for people from around the world. Some of the travellers go to Dharamshala for doing meditation courses, some visit the city for the mountains, and a lot of tourists also travel there to see Dalai Lama temple and other historical Hindu temples.
Many travellers learn yoga in Dharamshala as over the years many yoga centres have opened up in Dharamshala and the surrounding villages. Irrespective of what you do in Dharamshala, you are bound to feel fresh and rejuvenated for that is the magic of Himalayas.
And oh, do not forget to pack your hiking boots for the Dhauladhar range in the region offers many easy and difficult hikes for the mountain lovers. The best time to visit Dharamshala is summer. The months of April to June are perfect as the temperature wouldn’t be too cold and the rainfall would be much less.
By Priyanka Gupta from On My Canvas
Japan
Another really gorgeous country that made it to our list of places to spend May in Asia is Japan. Considering where it is located on the map, I can see just why May makes it the perfect climate to visit. In fact, it is on our bucket list of countries that we want to head to soon!
7. Tokyo
Tokyo is a great place to spend May in Asia.
LOCATION: Tokyo
GETTING THERE: Tokyo is served by two international airports: Narita International Airport (NRT) and Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND). Both airports are served by several major international airlines, making Tokyo an easily accessible city.
WHERE TO STAY: For a budget-friendly, no-frills option, consider staying at an APA Hotel, a chain of business hotels with locations all across the city. For a more traditional Japanese experience, consider staying at a ryokan or one of the famous capsule hotels.
Tokyo is an incredible city full of beautiful shrines, futuristic buildings, fascinating culture, and delicious food. There is no bad time to visit Tokyo, but May is one of the best months to spend in Tokyo. The one thing to keep in mind when visiting in May is Golden Week, which occurs during the beginning of May. During this time, flight and hotel rates may be considerably higher due to an influx of domestic tourists.
One of the most exciting festivals in Japan, Sanja Matsuri, occurs during the third weekend in May. This Shinto festival is held at Asakusa Shrine and celebrates the three founders of the Senso-ji temple: Hinokuma Hamanari, Hinokuma Takenari, and Hajino Nakatomo.
The festival is full of music, dancing, and parades of portable shrines. The festival area is full of food vendors selling delicious treats. This is definitely a celebration you won’t want to miss. The May Grand Sumo Tournament is also held in May, and the beautiful weather during the month is a great time to take a day trip from Tokyo to experience nature outside of the city.
By Sydney from A World In Reach
Malaysia
Malaysia never gets boring! I’ve visited this country so many times and I keep coming back for more. I have to admit that I have spent most of my time on the island of Borneo. There is so much on the mainland that I would love to explore. It is so great that so many places in Malaysia were added to our list of places to spend May in Asia.
8. Langkawi
Langkawi is a beautiful island to spend May in Asia.
LOCATION: The island of Langkawi in Malaysia
GETTING THERE: You can take a ferry from mainland Malaysia, or Penang. You can also fly in as there is an international airport.
WHERE TO STAY: The best area to stay in is Cenang beach, this is where all the bars, restaurants, hotels and nightlife is. It’s also the most touristic part of the island, but luckily, in May, you won’t have to deal with too many crowds.
Langkawi is one of those places you never think of visiting, but that you totally should. And May is the perfect time to visit. The high tourist season will be over, and the rainy season will just be starting. You’ll have clear skies in the morning and throughout the day, though you can get heavy rain for an hour or two once in a while, either in the late afternoon or late at night. Having spent the whole month of May in Langkawi, we can tell you the rain was a welcomed moment in our days, as it would bring the humidity and heat down immediately!
This calm little island has everything you could look for during a May getaway. You can go chasing waterfalls, go beach hopping, try some fun activities like scuba diving, parasailing, jet skiing and so much more. You can get some incredible views of the island by going on the Langkawi Skycab, the world’s longest free span mono-cable car.
The restaurants in Langkawi are quite affordable (if you stay away from the tourist traps), and they offer a great variety of meals. The best place to eat is still at the nightly market. The market travels around the city, setting up shop in a different location every night. There, you’ll find the very best in local fare.
We loved our time in Langkawi. There were not too many people, the weather was great, and the island had so much to offer. If you’re looking for a mix of adventure and chilling and affordable prices, this is the place for you!
By Carine & Derek from We Did It Our Way
9. Sabah
Sabah is an interesting place to spend May in Asia.
LOCATION: Sabah
GETTING THERE: Frequent flights to Sabah leave from Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. The main town and airport in Sabah is Kota Kinabalu, but there are also airports in Sandakan (convenient for Kinabatangan River), Lahad Datu (closest to Danum Valley) and Balang Tawau (most convenient for Sipadan) and Kudat.
WHERE TO STAY: In Sandakan, I stayed in the Sepilok Nature Resort. It’s a five-minute walk to the orangutan sanctuary, has cabins set in jungled gardens around a lagoon and a lovely outdoor restaurant and lounge area.
On the Kinabatangan River, there are several river lodges. I stayed at the Sukau Rainforest Lodge. It was all inclusive, with a speed boat transfer from Sandakan, a riverside restaurant, a guided boardwalk tour through the jungle and morning, evening and night river cruises to see wildlife. In the Danum Valley, I stayed at the Borneo Rainforest Lodge. The rate included transfers from Lahad Datu, all meals (served in an open-sided restaurant), a double room, guided hikes and a guided night drive.
Sabah has several major highlights. The Kinabatangan River has a narrow line of jungle in each side with a high concentration of wildlife. River lodges include small-boat cruises in the early morning, twilight and night time to see proboscis monkeys, macaques, crocodiles, hornbills and more.
This is also a good place to see pygmy elephants, which are endemic to Borneo. In May, these amazing animals come down to the riverbank to drink in the late afternoon. The nearby Gomantong Caves are also a common place to visit. In the twilight, millions of bats stream out of the caves, creating ribbons in the sky.
The Danum Valley is a nature preserve of virgin rainforest. This is a great place to see orangutans (though this is not guaranteed, of course). There are guided hikes to a viewpoint above the lodge, to a waterfall where fish nibble the dead skin off your feet, and into the canopy on a walkway, where you may see red leaf monkeys and rare birds. A guided night hike features flying frogs and a guided night drive with a powerful spotlight gives you a chance to see nocturnal animals like giant red flying squirrels, lemurs and other shy creatures.
If you want a greater likelihood of seeing orangutans, then stop off at Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary. There is a nursery with babies and adults come swinging in from the surrounding jungle at feeding time. The orangutans here have been rescued from captivity and are rehabilitated to be released permanently into the wild. The nearby Sun Bear Conservation Area has a large area where sun bears are similarly rehabilitated.
If you are a diver, some of the best diving in the world is off the coast of Sabah. Sipadan Island is perhaps the most famous, but other sites like Layang-Lyaang are possibly even better. Huge schools of jack fish, barracudas, olourful tropical fish and more are sure to captivate. This is just a small taste of what Sabah has to offer. This is a GREAT vacation destination for the nature lover.
James Ian at Travel Collecting
10. Sarawak
Sarawak is a lovely spot to spend May in Asia.
LOCATION: Sarawak
GETTING THERE: Kuching is just a 1.5-hour flight away from Kuala Lumpur. To get from the airport, it’s just a 9-minute taxi ride into the city.
WHERE TO STAY: We used the Check In Lodge as our adventure base! It’s easy to walk anywhere in Kuching, and the hostel itself was incredibly welcoming. Once you’re based in the Kuching, you can quickly get to Santubong, Semenggoh, Bako, and most other spots in Sarawak using public transport or Grab (it’s super affordable here!).
Sarawak is a place of dense forest. It’s wild, unstructured land that has been protected against becoming another palm oil field. It’s home to the Semenggoh orangutan sanctuary. The rugged Bako National Park. The unexpectedly charming city of Kuching. The beach resorts of Santubong. The massive rafflesia flower. An incredibly delicious cuisine. And a kind of Sarawakian hospitality you won’t know until you’ve experienced it for yourself.
While many of Borneo’s highlights tend to appear in Sabah, skipping over Sarawak would be a real shame. It’s a region filled with secret spots, and because it hasn’t become a major tourist destination, it’s still incredibly special. You can choose Kuching as your adventure base and make day easy day trips. Sarawak is very compact and navigable, so you don’t need to plan too far ahead to enjoy your trip fully.
So why go in May? It’s when the weather is best in Sarawak – hot but not rainy. The beaches are at their driest, as are cities. Since you’re traveling outside of the fruiting season, your chances to see an orangutan are better. All the wildlife is out in droves now that rainy season has passed. And best of all, the peak season crowds haven’t yet arrived.
From Taylor of Travel Outlandish
Nepal
If you want to escape from the heat in Asia, heading to the mountains should be on your agenda. What better country to explore the countryside than Nepal. Nepal is famous for its treks into the Himalayan range and even the famed trek up mount Everest!
11. Kathmandu
Kathmandu is an interesting city to spend May in Asia.
LOCATION: Kathmandu
GETTING THERE: All major flights arrive at the Kathmandu International (KTM)
WHERE TO STAY: The area of Thamel is a popular choice
May is one of the best times to visit Nepal. The country warms to a pleasant and comfortable level. Kathmandu in particular really starts to come vibrant at this time. The lively city is home to a large number of world heritage sites that include the Durbar Square, Boudanath Stupa, Pashupatinath temple, among others. These sites go back to the 12th century and are worth a visit, providing a look into the culture of the city and the district in general.
May has better visibility compared to the previous months, and most of the trails throughout the country are accessible during this time, making this a good time of year to explore the region’s surrounding landscape and beauty. It is also a good time to go for hiking and camping trips due to the good weather. There are chances of rain during this month, but the real downpours of the rainy season does not start until the end of June. A highlight of a visit in May is the festival of Rato Machchhendranath, celebrated to welcome the coming monsoon rains.
By Rai from A Rai Of Light
12. Singapore
Singapore is a lovely city to spend May in Asia.
LOCATION: Singapore
GETTING THERE: Air travel is the best way to arrive in Singapore. Changi Airport is a destination in and of itself, with an indoor waterfall, butterfly garden, hedge maze, and the world’s tallest slide in an airport!
WHERE TO STAY: Bliss Hotel Singapore, in Chinatown, is where to stay with family on a budget. Their family rooms sleep 4, with 2 bedrooms and 1 bath.
Singapore is fabulous for those who have never experienced the wonderful cultural differences Asia has to offer, including families. It’s a great entry point to southeast Asia and beyond! As Singapore is very close to the equator, the year-round climate is fairly warm and humid. In May, there are many sunny days, but always be ready for an out-of-nowhere rain shower.
Staying in Chinatown will allow you to be close to many resources helpful for families. Chinatown Point shopping mall, besides shopping opportunities, includes a full grocery store (Fairprice) and many food options. Toast Box is very family-friendly, and even the adults can enjoy a traditional breakfast of kopi-C and kaya toast. The Chinatown station is also a major stop on the MRT, so it is very convenient for getting around Singapore.
Public transportation, specifically the MRT, is quite possibly all you will need to traverse Singapore. It even extends out to the Changi Airport, so forget high taxi prices, and take the MRT. It’s part of the Singapore experience! That said, another great way to see some of the iconic attractions is to take a Singapore river cruise. View the Merlion, Marina Bay Sands, the Esplanade, Helix Bridge, and Singapore Flyer from your bumboat. Then, decide where to take a closer look after disembarking.
Complete your trip around the island by fuelling up with world-renowned street food and cooling off with an “ice lemon tea.”
By Nicolette from Semi Budget Travel
South Korea
Another fabulous place to put on your list of places to visit in May in Asia is South Korea. The country has become increasingly popular in the past couple of years, so I am glad that one of the travel bloggers added a spot in the country to the list.
13. Jeju
Ever thought of spending May in Asia in Jeju.
LOCATION: Jeju Island
GETTING THERE: Jeju is accessible by ferry from mainland South Korea or plane. Fun fact: the flight from Seoul’s Gimpo Airport to Jeju’s International Airport is the most flown route in the world!
WHERE TO STAY: If you have limited time to explore Jeju, I’d recommend basing yourself in downtown Seogwipo, a city on the southern coast of the island. Less than an hour from the airport by bus, Seogwipo is easily navigable by public transport, and has some of the most affordable accommodation on Jeju. The spot I always return to is Mido Hostel, a 2-minute walk from the main bus stop and right in the centre of downtown Seogwipo.
Most often compared to Hawaii in the USA or Okinawa in Japan, Jeju Island is a young volcanic formation just south of the mainland. Jeju’s natural beauty is renowned within Korea, but relatively unexplored by non-Asian tourists. The island is laid back and relatively small, with warmer weather than the rest of the country, making summer an early & extended event.
May is the best time to visit Jeju because it’s shoulder season for tourism, weather is warm and breezy, and it’s the beginning of summer blossoms. You’ll see bright yellow canola flowers covering the countryside, and plum trees just starting to bear fruits if you look closely enough. The ferries to neighbouring Udo Island are also more frequent, while businesses are just beginning high season hours— without high season prices.
Head just outside of Seogwipo to see some of the waterfalls, lava caves, and spectacular short hikes which made the island so popular with honeymooners and families. In spring, my favourite thing to do on Jeju is visit O’Sulloc Tea Fields for a fancy tea latte, and then watch sunset from one of the outdoor saunas in the west. The only drawback about May is that the beaches aren’t open for swimming. But you can still go scuba diving and snorkelling or take a boat ride around the eastern part of the island. Plus, abandoned beaches are the best kind of beaches for a photo shoot!
By Max from Dame Cacao
Taiwan
Taiwan is a gorgeous country. There is so much to explore both in the cities and in the nature reserves. That is why I was delighted that a couple of locations in Taiwan were added to our list of places to visit in May in Asia.
14. Sun Moon Lake
Sun moon lake is a great spot to spend your next May in Asia.
LOCATION: Sun Moon Lake, Nantou
GETTING THERE: The easiest way to get to Sun Moon Lake is by bus from Taichung. First, you’ll need to get yourself to the Taichung HSR Station. High-speed trains frequently run along the west coast of Taiwan, which makes getting here very easy. Then head to the bus terminal located on B1 from where you can catch the Nantou Tourist Bus. The journey takes about 1h30 and costs NT$195 (USD$6) for a single trip.
WHERE TO STAY: Sun Moon Lake is a popular tourist spot in Taiwan, so there is no shortage of excellent accommodation options. The two most popular areas to stay in are Shuishe Village and Ita Thao Village. Budget travellers might find cheaper accommodation in Ita Thao Village, while those looking to stay in the heart of the main village should opt to stay in Shuishe Village.
No visit to Taiwan would be complete without visiting dreamy Sun Moon Lake. Tucked away in central Taiwan with jaw-dropping mountain ranges as a backdrop, this beautiful area offers visitors an excellent nature retreat. There are so many incredible things to do in Sun Moon Lake. From ducking into hidden temples, hiking beautiful mountains, cycling around the lake, or trying out some of the many adventure activities – there’s something for everyone in this gorgeous area.
Start your trip by visiting the largest temple in the area, Wenwu Temple. Built in 1938, this beautiful temple is devoted to the God of Literature, the God of War, and Confuscious. Further afield, you can trek up a 700m trail to the top of Shabalan Mountain where you’ll find Ci’ En Pagoda – one of the best places to get a bird’s-eye view of the lake and surrounding mountains. Foodies shouldn’t miss stopping by Ita Thao Village, an aboriginal settlement, where you can try all kinds of delicious local treats such as millet wine, black tea ice cream, and wild boar snacks. While adrenaline seekers won’t be disappointed either – activities such as SUP and canoeing are easy to join and cheap.
Sun Moon Lake is the largest natural lake in Taiwan and one of the island’s top attractions, so it’s best to plan your trip well in advance. While May marks the end of spring, and temperatures do heat up, the weather in central Taiwan can be rather unpredictable. Quick rain showers and high humidity levels aren’t uncommon. Therefore, always pack a light jacket and an umbrella. And, remember to check the weather forecast before your trip.
By Mariza from Hop On World
15. Taipei
Taipei is another gorgeous location to explore in May in Asia.
LOCATION: Taipei
GETTING THERE: Fly to Taipei in the Taoyuan Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, or Songshan Airport. Taoyuan Airport is about 40 kilometers away from Taipei city center and conveniently connected by public transportation including airport limousine, Taoyuan Airport MRT, or taxi. If you start your journey in other cities in Taiwan, take Taiwan High-Speed Rail to reach Taipei.
WHERE TO STAY: Home Hotel is a popular boutique hotel chain in Taipei and the hotel could be found in various locations in the city. My favourite is Home Hotel Da-An because of its convenient location to many attractions; It is also a Michelin Travel Guide Recommended hotel that has a trendy design and thoughtful services.
Taipei, the capital city of Taiwan, has so many to see, do, and eat that I always go back for more. I have a lot local tips that many tourists may not know, and there is one place I went that’s the best to visit in May – check out the calla lilies blossoms in Yangmingshan National Park.
Yangmingshan National Park is one of the nine national parks in Taiwan and it’s Taipei city’s backyard. The park is well-known to not only the locals and tourists for its famous spots like sulphur deposits, fumaroles, and volcano, being the origin of the Beitou Hot Spring in Taipei.
It is a great time to visit Yangmingshan in May because the weather is pleasant, with plenty of sunny days and not a lot of rain. It is also the season for calla lilies and hydrangea to blossom. Visit Zhuzihu area where the local farmers open their farming villages to the public with a small fee. Apart from calla lilies, some farms will grow hydrangea and the vibrant colors of the flowers are simply exciting.
Spend a day in Zhuzihu in the flower farm, try local food in a restaurant – don’t forget to visit the Zhuzhihu Ponlai Rice Foundation Seed Field Story House and learn about Yangmingshan’s rice plantation history and development. Traffic control could be enforced in the weekends due to the crowd in high season.
By Kenny from Knycx Journeying
Vietnam
Vietnam is one of my favourite countries in South East Asia. Its gorgeous coast line, brilliant mountains, delicious food and friendly people are just a few reasons why the country should be on your list of places to visit in May in Asia.
16. Quy Nhon
Quy Nhon is a lovely spot to spend May in Asia.
LOCATION: Quy Nhon
GETTING THERE: If you are coming from Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, or Hai Phong, you can take a domestic flight to Quy Nhon (Phu Cat Airport). Otherwise, you can take a train or an overnight bus.
WHERE TO STAY: Stay at one of the guesthouses or resorts along Bai Dai Beach as you’ll be close to the city centre to try local foods.
Quy Nhon is one of our little secrets in Vietnam. As a coastal beach city in central Vietnam, it’s often overlooked as a tourist destination. Yet, it’s one of the best places to visit if you’re looking for a more relaxed environment and some beach time. Plus, you won’t see other tourists around the area.
May is a time frame that is hot and humid (around 33℃/91℉) in the daytime. You’ll see many locals visit the Bai Dai Beach to do their morning exercise and also go swimming at 5:00am before the heat arrives. It’s also a great spot to see the sunrise. In the mid-morning or afternoon, head to one out of many chic cafes to cool you off and enjoy a delicious iced beverage.
Other top things to do in Quy Nhon include checking out the Banh It and Twin Towers Cham Towers, watch the sunrise at the Stone Egg Beach, and snorkel at the Ky Co Beach and surrounding areas. Since Quy Nhon has easy access to seafood, try the fresh seafood at one of the local seafood BBQ restaurants. Many of the attractions aren’t close to each other so you’ll need to rent a motorbike from your accommodation. We hope you consider visiting Quy Nhon in the future!
By Jackie and Justin from Life Of Doing
Have you spent May in Asia? Are there any spots that you would add to the list? We would love to hear about your opinions in the comments below.
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** The photographs in this post are not the property of Globetrove and have been provided by the individual authors.
Dulcie Horn
Saturday 21st of December 2019
Ahhh so many places so little time!! Thanks for sharing x