Wow! I can’t believe that we have reached November in Asia. This season of blog posts was just a random inspiration that I had one day. You see, people kept asking what the best season is to visit which place.
Most of the questions were centered around Asia since that was where I have travelled the most. I can understand where everyone is coming from. You want to be everywhere at once, but you also really want to pick the right season to visit the place.
The decision is never easy. Luckily for me, I have been in touch with a lot of travel bloggers who adore travelling in Asia.
Time after time, they haven’t let me down and have shown me parts of the continent that I am itching to head to! Let’s take a look at what November in Asia has in store for us shall we?
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Table of Contents
Weather In November In Asia
November in Asia sees crazy fluctuations in weather across the continent. Think of it this way. The coldest regions are up north. So Russia, China, Mongolia and the other countries on that belt are blanketed with snow. The mid range countries are cold to cool.
Vietnam for example could see snow in Sapa (though that is more likely in Dec-Jan). Otherwise these places tend to be warm in the day and cold in the nights. Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines have the perfect climate.
The diversity in the climate allows you to choose what you want to do. What I mean is you could choose warm luxurious beaches or snow related activities and anything in between!
Cambodia
Cambodia is one of those destinations that is really hard to forget for so many reasons. It has a history that full of horror and yet it has a landscape that is as gorgeous as it as it gets. Cambodia is one of the countries that has made it onto our list of places to spend November in Asia.
1. Siem Reap
Siem Reap is a great place to spend November in Asia.
LOCATION: Siem Reap is located in the west of Cambodia, around 270 miles from the border with Thailand and 200 miles from Phnom Penh.
GETTING THERE: Travelers can reach Siem Reap directly via international flights can connect via flights from Bangkok, Phnom Penh, Hanoi (and other Asian cities), or can travel by bus from nearby Asian destinations such as Bangkok, Vientiane, Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville, and Kampot.
WHERE TO STAY: There are loads of great options of where to stay in Siem Reap and where you choose depends on your budget. The Royal Angkor Resort is a wonderful hotel that offers an oasis of calm in the city. The hotel features 5-star rooms, lush hotel grounds, and an on-site swimming pool and restaurant.
Siem Reap is the gateway to Angkor Wat, an incredible archaeological site that features an array of temples that have stood here for over a millennium. From the grand Angkor Wat itself to other famed temples such as Ta Prom and Bayon, this site has easily enough to keep you entertained for two days!
When visiting this impressive site, you’ll be amazed at the incredible structures that were built here so long ago and can really envision what this would have been like as an ancient civilization.
Elsewhere in Siem Reap, there are more modern temples, bustling markets, tasty restaurants, and lively bars to discover. Siem Reap is famed for the aptly-named Bar Street, a fun nightlife spot that features cheap drinks and dancing until the early hours.
As you would expect of a large Asian city, Siem Reap is packed with cultural attractions, quality shopping, sumptuous spas, and an excellent selection of local and international eateries. There is therefore something for every type of traveler to enjoy.
Siem Reap is a wonderful destination year-round, so it makes a great place to escape to during November. No matter whether you spend 5 days in Cambodia or a month, you will always find more than enough to do and Siem Reap is one place that absolutely should be on your list!
Boasting warm temperatures and nine hours of sunshine a day you’ll be able to enjoy the city, but you’ll want to pack a waterproof as Siem Reap does sometimes feature a heavy afternoon downpour.
By Chrissy from Travel Passionate
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to book your ticket to Angkor Wat online. That way you can skip the lines and head to all the locations without wasting time.
China
China has been on my bucket list ever since I was a little girl. Somehow, I have never managed to make it to the country yet.
China is a great place to spend November in Asia even though the temperatures drop markedly at this time of the year. Take a look at the locations that travel bloggers have suggested adding to your list.
2. Xian
Xian in China is a not a very well known destination that is great to spend November in Asia.
LOCATION: Xian
GETTING THERE: Xian is located over 1,000km away from the capital Beijing. The quickest way to get there is by a flight from Beijing, Shanghai, or another major transiting terminal. Alternatively, you can catch a bullet train. These are two great options to choose between.
WHERE TO STAY: Xian is an ancient walled city and most of the attractions are within the walls. For this reason, I would choose to stay in the middle of the city, near the Bell Tower.
Xian is a remarkable city with so much to see and do. With the introduction of the subway, it makes visiting the attractions quicker and easier. Although it is quite an easily walkable city.
One of the most popular attractions in Xian is the ancient city wall. It was built in the 14th century and is the oldest in China. The Xian Wall has been refurbished over the years, so you are able to either walk or ride around the top of it. It gives tourists a unique perspective on the city as you are looking at everything from above.
The next popular attraction is the Bell Tower, which stands proudly in the middle of the city. This is lit up spectacularly at night. Close to the Bell Tower is the Drum Tower which has the largest drum skin in the world.
Xian also has the oldest and largest mosque. The Great Mosque of Xian was built in the 8th century. This is located in the Muslim Quarter in Xian. When you’re in the Muslim Quarter, make sure you pick up a roujiamo, which is a Chinese hamburger. So delicious.
Probably the most visited site in Xian would have to be the Terracotta Army. While this site is quite a distance outside the city walls, Xian is the closest city.
The Terracotta Army is a UNESCO World Heritage site that contains over 8,000 terracotta soldiers and other army personnel in buried pits. The army is a sight to behold and it is worth the visit to Xian just to see this.
By Beth from Frugal Female Abroad
India
India is an intriguing country and it features on almost all our lists. Wonder why? Well, the country is huge, and it has a diverse landscape. From deserts to snow capped mountains, from plateaus to beaches and forests.
This means that the climate varies, and you can find the perfect spot to visit at almost any time in the year. Makes sense that it is featured in our list of places to spend November in Asia, right?
3. Darjeeling
Darjeeling is a gorgeous place in India that is perfect to spend November in Asia.
LOCATION: Darjeeling is located in the state of West Bengal in India and is at a distance of about 615 kilometres from Kolkata.
GETTING THERE: The nearest airport to Darjeeling is about 65 kilometres away at Bagdogra, which has flights from various cities in India. The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri at a distance of about 70 kilometres and is connected with major cities of India. One can hire a taxi to Darjeeling from both Bagdogra and New Jalpaiguri.
WHERE TO STAY: Muscatel Bhumsang is a 3-star hotel with a nice location and an outdoor pool and comfortable rooms.
Darjeeling is a picturesque hill station in India that is synonymous with one of its famous products, tea! The magic shrub makes its presence felt everywhere in Darjeeling, in tantalizingly sloping rows upon rows of tea plantations that grow the famous black tea of Darjeeling.
Darjeeling has a fairy-tale quality and an old-world charm that dates back to the times of the British Raj in India when it was developed as a mountain getaway.
For many Darjeeling at an elevation of 6700 feet in the Lower Himalayas is an escape from the heat of the plains. But the place assumes its fairy-tale charm in the winters when the nip in the air tinged with the fragrance of tea spins a web of irresistible charm.
There are many reasons to visit Darjeeling and one of the most endearing is the view of Mt. Kanchenjunga and possibly even Mt. Everest on a clear day. Sunrise at Tiger Hill is an ethereal experience, as the first rays of the sun caress the snow-clad Himalayan peaks.
The fairy tale setting of Darjeeling is complete with the presence of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, which has a narrow-gauge train running through it. The train dates back to the late 19th century and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A ride on the cute little ‘toy train’, is a beautiful experience.
The mystical mountainous aura of Darjeeling is heightened by the presence of Buddhist monasteries, the prominent one being the Ghoom Monastery. The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute where Tenzing Norgay was the first Director is a place one must visit when in Darjeeling.
No visit to Darjeeling would be complete without tasting its famed tea or visiting its tea gardens. The haunting fragrance of Darjeeling stays with you long after you have left it.
By Sandy and Vyjay from IMVoyager
4. Hampi
Have you considered visiting Hampi? It is a great spot to spend November in Asia.
LOCATION: Hampi
GETTING THERE: Fly into Bangalore and then take a train to Hospet. Hampi is an hour away from the Hospet Railway station. You can also drive to Hampi from Bangalore. The drive takes about 6 hours.
WHERE TO STAY: If you are looking for a luxurious experience, try Evolve Back Hampi.
Hampi, the ancient capital city of the powerful Vijayanagara Kingdom of Southern India, is one of the best places to spend your November in Asia.
It is known for its ancient ruined temples from the 14th century, an eclectic collection of royal palaces and private baths, and a stunningly-amazing bouldered landscape. Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site today, is truly a historical treasure trove.
There are tonnes of interesting things to do in Hampi. You can experience local festivities and culture at the Virupaksha Temple, listen to the musical pillars of the Vijaya Vittala Temple (one of the most iconic attractions of Hampi), wander through a delicately-designed Lotus Mahal within the royal enclosures, or go bouldering if you are feeling adventurous.
If you are looking for something unique, try the coracle ride on Tungabhadra – definitely one of the most exciting experiences to have in Hampi.
In November, Hampi experiences a dry season and starts cooling down. Temperatures are lower than in summers and ideal for you to go out and explore. A cool breeze blows through the Tungabhadra which makes a walk by the river extremely pleasant.
It is ideal to spend 3-4 days in Hampi so that you can experience the beauty and history of this place to the fullest.
By Soumya from Stories By Soumya
5. Sikkim
Sikkim is a great place to spend November in Asia.
LOCATION: A mountainous State of India tucked in the lap of the Himalayas. On map, it is on the North Eastern side of India, landlocked by Nepal, China, Bhutan and West Bengal (Indian State).
GETTING THERE: One can deboard at Bagdogra (IXU), West Bengal or Pakyong (PYG), Sikkim. Direct international flights are unlikely to be available. The nearest International Airport is Kolkata (CCU), where domestic flights are available to IXU and PYG.
One can avail trains to New Jalpaiguri Junction (NJP) too and reserve a car from there. In case you are deboarding at IXU, you need to get a car to Gangtok.
WHERE TO STAY: Plenty homestays are available on AirBnB and Booking.com.
Bodhi Villa (West Sikkim), Eshab Honestly (West Sikkim), Mt. Narsing Village Resort (South Sikkim), Sonam Palgye and Hotel Mandala (Gangtok) are few of my top choices.
Sikkim will always be close to my heart. Ask me why? Because Sikkim was my first encounter with the mountains. The ones festooned with snow. While I visited it in the month of the monsoons, I had to wait till mid-October to get hold of the beautiful side of the State.
The first week of November is a good time to visit the Northern district. The first ten days are the best. The snow starts accumulating and the winter ballasts hurl in.
The Eastern district also emancipates the same nippy chills through the high-altitude villages of Zuluk and Gnathang valley. The Western and Southern district are draped in a different color by and large. An azure sky prevails through these districts with a clear view of the mountain range in the skyline.
This is not quite the view for the rest of the year, which is likely to be under the cloudy floats.
And the cherry blossoms burgeon through most of the greeneries. Come November and cherry blossoms are the pièce de résistance here. The majestic Kanchendzonga serenades the corridors of West Sikkim in an impeccably snow-covered view. In November Sikkim does become the Library of Nature’s handpicked Novels.
By Jayashree from DoiBedouin
6. Varnasi
Varanasi is a popular place in India to spend November in Asia.
LOCATION: Varanasi
GETTING THERE: You can either fly to Varanasi or take a train from other major cities in India like Delhi or Calcutta
WHERE TO STAY: Zostel hostel Varanasi
Varanasi is one of India’s most holy cities with its location on the sacred Ganges river. It is also one of the oldest. Varanasi was already mentioned as the city of Lord Shiva in ancient Hindu books like the Vedas and it was the capital of several Indian kingdoms.
For Hindus, Varanasi still holds an important religious significance. They believe that if they are cremated at the ghats of the Ganges river in Varanasi their soul will be released from the cycle of rebirth.
But it is not just death that people come to Varanasi for. People also come to seek their blessings for other major life events like marriage and a newborn child.
Therefore, the ghats in Varanasi are like an open-air temple where prayers and rituals are going on day and night. The ghats were built in the 18th century and a walk among the ghats is one of the best ways to see Varanasi. However, the narrow back alleys behind the ghats have their own charm with colourful houses and hidden temples.
November is a great time to visit Varanasi. Temperatures are pleasant and it’s also festival season. Diwali is celebrated throughout India in late October, but Varanasi celebrates it twice. 15 days after Diwali, Varanasi celebrates Dev Deepavali when the gods are believed to take a dip in the river.
By Ellis from Backpack Adventures
Indonesia
Indonesia has a certain charm that most people find particularly irresistible. Bali in particular lures tourists in by the troves. While we have made multiple trips to the country, we still feel as if we haven’t explored it properly. There is just so much to see. If you are looking for a rather exotic spot to spend November in Asia, consider Indonesia.
7. Bali
Bali has so many gorgeous spots to visit and it is considered one of the most popular destinations to spend November in Asia.
LOCATION: Bali
GETTING THERE: Bali is an island and the easiest way to get there is by plane. Denpasar International Airport is well-connected and there are many flights arriving daily. There are also a number of ferry routes to Bali, from Lombok, the Gili Islands and also from Java.
WHERE TO STAY: For very special occasions such as a honeymoon or wedding anniversary: the luxurious Watermark Hotel. For surfers and yoga lovers: the Chillhouse in Canggu and for budget travelers: Wisna House in Sanur
While Bali is definitely not an off-the-beaten-path destination, Bali is a dream destination for all kinds of travellers. There are tropical beaches, beautiful temples, lush jungle with hidden waterfalls and delicious food.
While it’s hard to narrow down a feasible Bali itinerary, as there is so much to see and do, some of the best places to visit are:
Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida
Getting to these neighboring islands from Bali requires a boat ride from Sanur, but it’s definitely worthwhile to spend a couple of nights on one of these islands (there is more accommodation available on Lembongan).
Go scuba diving to spot the famous manta rays and molas or rent a scooter to explore Broken Beach, Angel’s Billabong and Kelingking Beach on beautiful Nusa Penida.
Ubud and Sebatu
While Ubud is the famous name here, Sebatu is a lovely village close to Ubud that’s virtually undiscovered. Here you can see Bali life as it used to be, and still is in those hidden pockets where tourists don’t visit.
Rent a scooter and drive through endless rice fields. Head north and admire impressive Mount Batur and Mount Agung. Get off the main road and find hidden waterfalls, perfect for a swim. The possibilities are endless in the lush green interior of Bali.
Canggu
Canngu is the place to be for surfing. If you are an experienced surfer, ride the waves and marvel at the beautiful scenery. If you have never surfed before, take a class and learn the basics.
Canggu also has many yoga studios as well as lots of great restaurants and bars. Altogether, it’s a great place to relax and to meet other travellers.
By Lotte from Phenomenal Globe
8. Komodo Islands
The Komodo islands are an exotic place to spend November in Asia.
LOCATION: Komodo, Indonesia
GETTING THERE: You will need to get to Labuan Bajo first (you can do this either by flight or boat). From Labuan Bajo, you can get to Komodo via boat — there are plenty of local companies offering overnight boat tours that take you to all the best spots in Komodo.
WHERE TO STAY: I highly recommend staying on board a boat tour. It’s the best way to explore everything the island has to offer. The boat tours typically include all meals and snorkelling equipment too, and you can find plenty of cheap ones if you arrange them at the local tour offices (rather than booking them in advance!)
Komodo is one of the most dreamy destinations in the world, and definitely an amazing idea for November in Asia. Filled with beaches and snorkelling spots, this archipelago is perfectly warm during that time of the year and is also not as crowded as the high season of the summer months.
This makes it an ideal November destination especially if you’re a fan of nature and water activities!
One of the most fantastic things to do in Komodo is to hike up to Padar Island for sunrise. The landscape views from the top are absolutely spectacular — it’s definitely one of the best viewpoints in the entire archipelago!
Be sure to also visit the Pink Beach; the sand there does indeed look pink thanks to the red pigment produced by microscopic animals. You can also go snorkeling there as there are gorgeous fishes in the water, and it’s a great place for drone photography as well.
For the clearest white sand beach, head over to Taka Makassar, which is another gorgeous great place for diving and snorkeling too. Lastly, be sure to stop by Manta Point to swim with some beautifully elegant manta rays! It’s truly the experience of a lifetime (and don’t forget your GoPro!).
By Jiayi from The Diary Of A Nomad Girl
Japan
Japan is one of those countries that we have always wanted to visit but somehow never reached. A country known for its food, culture, cherry blossoms, landscape and more holds a lot of appeal, doesn’t it?
In fact, I’ve heard nothing but good stuff about it from everyone who has visited. Luckily for us, Japan is also one of the best places to spend November in Asia.
9. Kyoto
Kyoto is a great place to spend November in Asia.
LOCATION: Kyoto, Japan
GETTING THERE: The nearest international airport is in Osaka, which is only a few minutes away by train if taking the fastest shinkansen bullet train. Kyoto is easily reached by train from my other cities in Japan.
WHERE TO STAY: Vegan Minshuku Sanbiki Neko
Kyoto is a magical place at any time of year, but it’s especially enchanting in November thanks to its spectacular autumn foliage.
Japan has some of the best foliage in the world, and locals and foreigners alike plan their trips carefully around catching the trees at the right time to see them in all their glory. Foliage season starts early in Hokkaido, the most northern province of Japan, and gradually works its way down through the rest of the country.
In Kyoto, the changing colours usually peak around the third week of November, although this varies a bit from year to year depending on climatic conditions. And even within the city, foliage can vary from one spot to another.
Hotels even keep maps in their lobbies that show whether the leaves are mostly green, yellow, orange or red at various Kyoto attractions.
Tsutenkyo Bridge, within the grounds of Tofuku-ji Temple, is one of the best spots for viewing the dark red maple leaves.
It’s not far from Vegan Minshuku Sanbiki Neko, a traditional Japanese guesthouse that’s very welcoming and serves some of the best vegan food in Kyoto for breakfast. While you’re in the area, also stop in at nearby Sokushū-in, which is equally beautiful but much quieter.
By Wendy from The Nomadic Vegan
10. Tokyo
Tokyo is a simply amazing place to spend November in Asia.
LOCATION: Tokyo
GETTING THERE: As Japan’s capital and one of the world’s largest cities, getting to Tokyo is easy. Served by two international airports, Haneda and Narita, if you have a choice of which airport to fly into, always opt for Haneda as it is much closer to the city than Narita, which is approximately a two-hour bus ride from neighbouring Chiba prefecture.
WHERE TO STAY: Although most first-time tourists to Tokyo gravitate towards staying in the Shinjuku area, local residents and those in the know realize that it’s not the most convenient of areas to stay in as Shinjuku Station is horrendously busy and notoriously difficult to navigate with more than 200 exits!
If possible, try to stay somewhere along the JR Yamanote Line which serves most of the major stations in the city in a circular loop.
If you are looking for an area with some nightlife then Shibuya is the ideal location, whilst travelers who prefer a more traditional neighbourhood should consider areas such as Ueno and Asakusa.
November is one of the best months of the year to visit Tokyo, not only can you see stunning autumn colours in the vibrant red maple trees and golden avenues of ginkgo leaves, but the city also turns into a magical winter wonderland with its many winter light displays, featuring impressive illuminations and special events.
Even if you are touring other parts of Japan during this time, be sure to spend at least 4 days in Tokyo.
By Tanja from Ryokou Girl
Malaysia
I love Malaysia. We have been there so often and each time, we find new reasons to love the country more. Malaysia has a lot to offer. Gorgeous islands, delicious food, wildlife and mind-blowing cities. It is also a great place to spend November in Asia.
11. Penang
Penang is a fun place to spend November in Asia.
LOCATION: Penang
GETTING THERE: Most visitors will arrive via a flight at the Penang International Airport. From the airport, take buses, taxis, or ride-sharing options, such as Grab, to get to your accommodations.
WHERE TO STAY: It’s recommended to stay around the historic George Town area as you’ll be close to the street art and street food.
If you want to experience a place with fewer tourists in November, head to Penang, Malaysia. It is considered the low season due to the rainy season. While you’ll experience off-and-on showers throughout the day, a little rain shouldn’t deter you from exploring this island. The weather is otherwise warm and humid.
Depending on your Malaysia itinerary, you’ll need a minimum of 2 days in Penang to explore. You’ll love spending time around George Town, the UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized historic area.
Try cheap and delicious street food, explore multi-cultural areas such as Little India, and find interactive street art. It’s fun to explore the small side streets to discover hidden and popular artwork such as the boy on a motorbike and boy and girl riding a bicycle together.
A fantastic escape from the main city area is to visit Penang Hill. It’s a tourist attraction area on top of a hill so you’ll get breath-taking views of the island and the waters. You can take either a cable car or hike to the summit. If you decide to hike, start early due to the humidity.
Penang Hill has several attractions such as the “Locks and Love” fence, Owl Museum, Earthquake and Typhoon Simulator, and more. If you have additional time, head to the beaches for relaxation time or Penang National Park for more hiking and nature sightseeing.
By Jackie and Justin from Life Of Doing
South Korea
South Korea is another destination that has become really popular lately. I was glad to see that it also made its way to our list of November in Asia. It is an intriguing country that has many gorgeous locations that are bucket list material. Take a look at what made it to our list.
12. Nami Island
Ever considered spending your November in Asia on Nami island?
LOCATION: Nami Island
GETTING THERE: From Seoul you can get to Nami island by subway, bus or tour bus. It takes around 1h 30 minutes.
WHERE TO STAY: There are loads of pensions around Nami Island which you can stay at but as Nami Island is pretty small, most people just go on a day trip from Seoul.
Nami Island is a small half moon shaped island located on the border of Gyeonggi-do and Gangwon-do Province. It is a popular day trip destination as the island was featured on many Korean dramas and in music videos with the most famous drama being ‘Winter Sonata’.
The most beautiful time to visit Nami Island is during autumn season (October, November) when all the leaves have turned golden. It is truly magnificent and a wonderful place to take pictures. Try to avoid visiting the island during weekends as it gets super packed.
To get to the island, you first have to get to Gapyeong Wharf, which you can get to by bus, subway or a tourist bus. Once you arrive at Gapyeong Wharf, you can reach the island by boat or by zipline. A return ticket by boat is 13$ and this also includes entrance to the island.
You can definitely spend a whole afternoon or day on the island as it is filled with some restaurants, cafes and even small museums. It’s a great place for families, couples or friends to go to.
By Marie from Be Marie Korea
13. Jirisan National Park
Jirisan National park is an intriguing place to spend November in Asia.
LOCATION: Jirisan National Park, South Korea
GETTING THERE: Take a train from Seoul to Namsan and transfer to a local bus. Travelers from Busan should take a train to Hadong and transfer to a local bus. There are also tour buses that will take you directly there.
WHERE TO STAY: You’ll find plenty of hotels that offer spacious accommodation and incredible views of the national park. Stay in K Jirisan Family Hotel if coming from Seoul. For an authentic Korean stay, check out Buchongol Pension or Hadong Olive Pension, which both provide a more homely stay and are situated within the park itself.
Jirisan National Park is one of the most incredible places to visit in November in Asia. Home to some of the tallest peaks in Korea, and one of the three ‘mountains of God’, you’ll certainly be impressed by the views here.
The name Jirisan means ‘even a fool becomes wise’ and you’d definitely make a wise choice by visiting here. Make sure you have a camera, a good pair of walking shoes, and get ready for an adventure in the best place to visit in November in Asia.
Korea’s largest national park is thickly populated with an array of magnificent trees showing off their fall foliage as November arrives. Witness star-shaped maple leaves shifting through green, to amber, and finally bright red.
There are plenty of other trees here also displaying their colorful wares in their final flourish. With plenty of dry, sunny days, getting into Korea’s nature is a must-do, and Jirisan is the epitome of late-autumn beauty.
There are plenty of options for experiencing these incredible sights no matter what level of exercise you want. Stroll around the outside of the park on one of the 16 tranquil trekking paths or brave the heights and head to the peaks.
You can do some of them in one day or spend the night at the top in a lodge and wake up early for a spectacular sunrise view.
Pass by gentle streams and waterfalls, ascend to cloud-covered peaks and look all the way out to the coast, meditate and marvel at ancient Buddhist temples, and experience some of Korea’s most amazing traditional foods.
I’d definitely recommend trying haemul pajeon (Korean seafood pancake) and makgeolli (Korean rice wine) – they’re the perfect combo after a pleasant day in the warm afternoon sun.
By Joel from Joel’s Travel Tips
14. Seoul
Seoul is a popular place to spend November in Asia.
LOCATION: Seoul
WHERE TO STAY: If you are staying in Seoul its two main palaces, Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung, are also excellent places to see fall foliage. They will also be considerably less busy than at their peak times.
GETTING THERE: Seoul is the capital of Korea and Incheon International Airport has many options for international flights both in and out of the country.
November is a wonderful time to visit Seoul South Korea. The days are cool – the high single digits in Celsius – but the sky is wonderfully clear and bright. The monsoons have finished and the air is dry rather than humid, making it a much more comfortable temperature for exploring South Korea’s capital.
If you are visiting Seoul in early November, you may be able to see the last of the stunning fall foliage. Take a day trip to nearby Nami Island to really experience Seoul’s autumnal colours at their best.
One of the highlights of visiting Seoul in November is the Seoul Lantern Festival. The festival runs from the first Friday in November to the third week of November. Every evening lanterns light up along the Cheonggyecheon Stream until Cheonggye Plaza and Supyogyo Bridge. Make sure you have your camera!
The cooler evenings make this the perfect time of year to end a day of sightseeing with a visit to a Jjimjilbang or a Korean bath house. These public bath houses have both hot and cool tubs and are also well known for their common rooms which are filled with activities like gaming and reading areas.
By Amanda from The Boutique Adventurer
Thailand
Another lovely that has cropped up on many of our lists is Thailand. This country was my first experience when it came to international travel and it won my heart. While I haven’t had the chance to make it back there again, one thing that I can say for certain is that the yearning is real.
I mean you could have a whole 1 month itinerary in Thailand planned out and still want to head back to the country to see more. It is that beautiful!
15. Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is a great spot to spend November in Asia.
LOCATION: Chiang Mai
GETTING THERE: Getting to Chiang Mai is very easy – there is an international airport (that serves several budget airlines), a large bus station and a train station where you can take the overnight sleeper train to and from Bangkok.
WHERE TO STAY: The best place to stay in Chiang Mai is in the old town where there is a great choice of accommodation for all budgets which are close to many attractions. If you are looking for luxury try the beautiful 99 The Heritage hotel, and if you are a backpacker, there are a number of highly rated hostels.
Chiang Mai is a charming and laid-back riverside city located in northern Thailand, known for it’s beautiful ancient temples and mountainous landscape. It is the perfect place to visit in November as the famous Yee Peng festival is held this month.
This is the festival where you release floating lanterns into the sky to symbolize letting go of all the ills and misfortunes in the previous year.
The festival is celebrated on the full moon of the twelfth lunar month every year, which is normally around mid-November and the celebrations last for several days with many concerts, parades and activities taking place all over the city.
The weather in Chiang Mai is also very pleasant in November as it is the cool and dry season. You can enjoy a range of fun activities in the area such as visiting the elephant nature park, jungle trekking and shopping at the epic Chiang Mai Sunday walking street market.
Culture lovers will enjoy exploring the old town and visiting the many temples, whilst foodies will love the endless street food options in the night markets, plus a variety of excellent cooking classes located in the countryside.
By Caroline from CK Travels
16. Koh Phangan
Searching for a place to spend November in Asia? Consider visiting Koh Phangan.
LOCATION: Koh Phangan
GETTING THERE: Fly to Surat Thani, then take a ferry to Koh Phangan
WHERE TO STAY: Seaflower Bungalows, a great mid-range option
Koh Phangan is a wonderful Thai island to head to anytime of year. Truth be told, November is the rainy season there. However, since I spent two Novembers there, I can tell you it is still a great time to visit, especially if you like smaller crowds and more chilled vibe.
Heavy rains do come, but mostly at night. Having a small raincoat with you will serve as a good backup if a tropical storm comes unexpectedly.
There are less events going on, but the Full Moon party still takes place, of course. Beaches are wonderfully empty and so are the cafés. You can hike Koh Phangan’s numerous trails without sweating like crazy.
November is also a time when waterfalls are at their best. Go see e.g. the Phaeng Waterfall, the largest waterfall on the island. In November it’s also a lot easier with accommodation.
Hotels in Koh Phangan charge a lot less and you can rent a house more easily too. Just make sure it’s not located up a steep path, where the road could get dangerous after a heavy rain or at a vast flat area where water holds up and serves as a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
By Veronika from Travel Geekery
Vietnam
It is hard not to fall in love with Vietnam. The country has a varied landscape to explore, amazing cuisine that is famous the world over and has activities for all ages.
We spent three weeks in the country and quite frankly they were not enough. That’s one of the reasons why this country on our list of places to spend November in Asia particularly intrigues me.
17. Hoi An
Hoi An is an amazing place to spend November in Asia.
LOCATION: Hoi An
GETTING THERE: Hoi An is 30 kilometres from Da Nang airport, which receives daily flights from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and several other large cities. Private transfers, taxi or shared shuttles are available to Hoi An.
WHERE TO STAY: Home style villas are a great way to experience the friendly culture of Hoi An. The Golden Bell is a beautiful boutique villa which is well situated within an easy bike ride of both the center and the beach.
With wonky Japanese merchant houses still lining the tiny laneways of Hoi An, the popularity of the central Vietnam town has not lost any of its dreamy laid-back atmosphere. It has a timeless and sophisticated – yet crumbling – aesthetic which has stood the test of time.
While the cute lanterns dangling on the worn facades may be required by law, this strange intervention by the government does nothing to dampen the atmospheric glow reflecting on the Thu Bon River.
Hoi An is a beautiful city. Spend your time lazing in friendly lounge bars and cycling dreamy backstreets. Snap up a bargain at one of the many tailors in town. Walk around the old town at night or learn to cook delicious Vietnamese cuisine.
Whatever you choose, no trip to Hoi An would be complete without admiring the Japanese covered bridge – famous for its ornate carvings of monkeys and dogs.
Coffee has a big presence in Hoi An. With tiny independent roasters occupying even smaller charming spaces, it’s one of the best places in Vietnam to café hop.
Once you’ve explored the charming centre, cycle out to An Bang Beach with white sand and palm trees as far as the eye can see and relax with a Vietnamese Mojito from one of the boutique resorts.
Paul from Anywhere We Roam
November in Asia has so many great options when it comes to choosing a holiday location. It is so hard to choose. I hope this list has narrowed down your list a bit. I’m really tempted to book a couple of trips for myself too!
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