If you’ve been craving an epic travel experience and looking to see the world in a whole new way, it might be time to consider booking a trip to Asia. Fall is a wonderful season to experience many different places across the continent because of the weather, colorful foliage, festive events, and crowds. Fall is right around the corner, so now’s the time to start dreaming!
To inspire your next trip, here are the best fall season destinations in Asia to start planning for.
Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto is a wonderful place to visit in the fall for nature, culture, and a peaceful ambiance. One must-visit spot for fall travel here is the Komyo-ji Temple, which is a prime place to view colorful autumn leaves. There are lots of maple trees in the area and also opportunities to learn about Buddhist traditions. The Tofukuji Temple also really comes to life in Kyoto with the fall foliage. October and November are great months to visit Kyoto’s top attractions. Meanwhile, nearby Arashiyama is a lovely place to visit in the fall to be surrounded by nature in the fall.
Taipei, Taiwan
Taiwan is a popular Asian destination in the fall as well. Taipei is a hot spot for fall foliage to visit between mid-October and the end of November. Yangmingshan National Park is easy to get to from downtown Taipei and a welcome retreat from city life. There are some fun places to explore here and a lot of opportunities to view autumn leaves. There’s also a gondola here, as well as hot springs. Other places in Taiwan to check out in the fall include Wuling Farm in the Alpine Valley and Fushoushan Farm in Taichung because of the magically colored leaves that are so festive for the season. Hualien, Taoyuan, and Chiayi are other places to see in Taiwan if you visit in the fall and have more time to explore.
Nepal
If you want to go on some epic hikes in the fall, then look no further than Nepal. Many people plan to climb Everest after the monsoons are over and during the fall season. The Annapurna circuit is ideal in October and November. The Annapurna Conservation Area is a protected region and popular trekking spot where you’ll find lots of tourists flocking in the fall because of the colorful trees and nice weather. There is nothing quite like experiencing the Himalayas for yourself, whether you do the full Everest climb or just explore the lower altitude regions at your own pace.
Seoul, South Korea
We also love Seoul as a fall travel destination, especially because of all the colorful autumn trees along scenic drives. One recommended area is the Asan Gingko Tree Road because of its golden hues and walkway that becomes covered in brightly colored leaves as they fall from the trees. Deoksugung Doldam-gil is another place in Seoul worth checking out during this time of the year because of its colorful leaves and easy access to nature without having to go too far outside the city. Changdeokgung Palace is a big highlight in the fall as well here, and so is Bomunho Lake, for lovely tree views reflected in the water.
Bhutan
Bhutan is an off-the-radar travel destination in the Eastern Himalayas that is lovely in the autumn. The weather is typically sunny and dry in October and November, and there are some interesting festivals to check out here. Bumthang is a historic area that has national parks and farming villages to explore. The Jambay Lhakhang Festival takes place in November and lasts for several days, featuring costumes, dances, and a fire ritual. There’s also a Coronation Day Festival in November with multi-day celebrations that include games, dances, and cultural activities.
Sri Lanka
A fall-season beach vacation in Asia? Yes, please! Sri Lanka is a perfect destination in Asia for a fall beach trip along the Indian Ocean. The southern coast is an ideal spot in late autumn, starting in November. Here, you can go diving, surfing, and whale watching at Tangalle. It’s also possible to see native turtles nesting here and have plenty of time for relaxation on your trip. A few places to visit in Sri Lanka in the fall include World’s End in Horton Plains National Park and the Mulkirigala Rock Temples, which is a Buddhist monastery that’s peaceful and tranquil.
Hanoi, Vietnam
Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi is an awesome place to be when the fall season rolls around. The weather has cooled off by this time of the year, and the lake provides a perfect backdrop for admiring the fall colors of red and yellow on the trees. It’s a romantic place to be to enjoy nature and also get in some great people-watching. Fall is a fun time to sample the local street food because of the recent harvests. There are also flower gardens in the area that make perfect photo ops. Mu Cang Chai is another destination in Vietnam to check out in the fall, especially in September, to experience the romantic vibe of the rice fields in this rural area.
Myanmar
If you’ve been curious about visiting Myanmar, book your trip for November for an awesome cultural experience. Bagan and Mandalay have better weather to visit starting in November than other times of the year. There are also some great fall festivals to check out here, including the Kyaukse Elephant Dance Festival. This is still a hidden travel gem in Asia and a place you’ll never forget after your trip.
Tibet
Tibet is amazingly beautiful, and you can really appreciate this natural beauty on a fall vacation here. There are clear skies and colorful foliage in Tibet during this time of year, as well as cooling temperatures that are nice for long treks in the mountains. Tourism is popular in early October in Tibet because the weather is mild and everything is more colorful. The Washing Festival is typically held in October, and the Golden Star Festival is another interesting event that is held in Gyantse and Damxung. Trekking routes for autumn in Tibet include the route from old Tingi to Everest Base Camp and around Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar.
Laos
You can also plan a trip to Laos in the fall to avoid the high amounts of rainfall during other times of the year. Vang Vieng in the heart of Laos is great to visit in the fall to check out caves, the lagoon, and rock formations. This is a fun spot to go up in a hot air balloon and try water activities to get out and active. Luang Pragang is another Laos destination that offers museums, waterfalls, hiking, mountain biking, kayaking trips, and lovely mountain scenery in the autumn.
Mongolia
Gorkhi Terelj National Park is a must-visit place in Mongolia if you plan your trip for the fall. Starting in September, you’ll find yellow foliage here that adds life and texture to the landscape. The park has interesting rock formations and is great to explore on horseback. There are festivals held in the area in the fall, such as the Golden Eagle Festival in the Altai Mountains. Archery is popular in Mongolia and a fun sport to try while you’re here. Ejin Banner is another lovely place in Mongolia in the fall because of its scenic landscapes.
Chiang Rai, Thailand
Chiang Rai is an interesting city to visit in Thailand that has a lot to offer for tourists at any time. There are lots of attractions here to check out in the fall when the weather is pleasant, including Wat Rong Khun, Wat Huay Pla Kang, and the Baandam Museum. Peak tourism season starts to pick up in October because the wettest months are over and the temperatures cool down. Foodies love visiting this area because of the culinary delights, and the nightlife scene is fun too.
