Asia in winter?

November 12, 2007 6:26 AM

Traveling in Asia in January. What are some good places to go for a week?

I've got the 1st week in January off and I need some help deciding where to go. What are my best options in Asia in January for a week or so holiday? I'm based in Japan and will most likely be traveling alone.

I'm not big into winter sports (skiing, etc.) so that rules out Hokkaido. I was thinking about southern Japan, maybe Okinawa, or SE Asia -- Laos/Cambodia/Vietnam but I'm not sure to what to expect weather-wise. Any suggestions welcome!

posted by rsk to travel & transportation (7 comments total)

Look up Otagi Nenbutsu-Ji in northern Kyoto. May be my favorite place in Japan. Over 1,100 statues, most of them by amateur laymen (and many of them quite silly). If it's snowy, hey, all the better for a picturesque visit.
posted by DoctorFedora at 7:28 AM on November 12, 2007

You'll find some of the more hospitable weather you can expect in parts of Southeast Asia. I was in Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos about the time you mention last year and the weather was good--a cold snap in Laos had me shivering on the Mekong but also took care of malaria worries.

Check for specific information about specific places though. Parts of Malaysia tend to get pretty nasty rains at that time, for example.
posted by deeaytch at 7:42 AM on November 12, 2007

Is India too far? Goa is beautiful in January.
posted by nitsuj at 7:47 AM on November 12, 2007

Thailand is awesome. Friendly people, urban centers (e.g., Bangkok) as well as rural villages, kickass food, gorgeous sightseeing, tons of history that goes back forever, and dirt cheap.

Just do yourself (and your host country) a favor. Wherever you end up going, learn the 10 or so phrases in the native language that will keep you from looking like an arrogant Westerner (that is, if you are a Westerner-- I assumed from your post you're a Westerner living in Japan):

Please
Thank you
Where is (the bus, this street, etc.)?
Excuse me / I'm sorry
How much?
Is it OK to do this?
I don't speak (language) well.
My name is...
This is beautiful / delicious
Bottled water
Sir / Ma'am

I had the extremely embarrassing experience of going to Thailand with a bunch of Ugly Americans who went around speaking English everywhere. Fortunately, I had done my homework and learned these phrases in Thai, so I happily went my own way. It was a little intimidating at first, but everyone I met was most gracious with my attempts to communicate in Thai.

Oh yeah, if you get really stuck, in the urban areas almost everyone under 25 speaks excellent English.
posted by Rykey at 9:20 AM on November 12, 2007

And about the weather-- Thailand in January is fine. Hot by Western standards, but about as cool as it gets, and no rainy season or anything as far as I know.
posted by Rykey at 9:22 AM on November 12, 2007

ThailandThailandThailandThailandThailandThailandThailand!

I just got back from there last week (for the second time) and I cannot recommend it enough. It's a beautiful country. Cambodia is also amazing. I would recommend spending some time in Bangkok, Siem Riep (for Angkor Wat), Phnom Penh and, if you're into snorkling/beach holiday stuff, somewhere in the south of Thailand. I was at a gorgeous but affordable resort on Ko Phi Phi that was heaven on earth. Message me for the details if you're interested.

Actually, I just re-read your question. With only a week, you couldn't do all of these things. I vote for two to three days at Angkor Wat, one or two in Phnom Penh and the rest in Bangkok. You can get cheap flights with Air Asia.

If you give us a bit more of an idea of your interests, maybe we can narrow it down.
posted by Lucie at 6:52 PM on November 12, 2007

I've traveled in Thailand largely based recommendations by this site. Check out their survey, and Thailand info. A bit of the language does help. I used this, but you can get around just fine with English only.

With only a week, you'll have to make a choice: go north or go south? North=temples and jungle adventure. South=beaches and ocean adventure.
posted by sisquoc15 at 3:15 PM on November 14, 2007