The best destinations in Asia - and when to travel to them

Simon Calder's Travel Week

Sunday, November 5, 2023 The clocks have gone back and the gloom has set in here in the UK; but not everywhere is being battered by storms and hit by plummeting temperatures. Some of the most exciting travel destinations can be found in Southeast Asia Head to east to Asia during autumn and winter and you'll find a welcome escape with better weather, as well as a wealth of landscapes, from idyllic beaches and rice paddies to Unesco World Heritage sites and vibrant metropolises. Check out our pick of the best countries to visit for a holiday in southeast Asia, or get destination-specific with this selection of the top Malaysian holiday spots, our guide on when's best to visit Bali to avoid the rainy season, and the 10 most pristine Thailand beaches to recline on. Singapore escape Of all the fascinating islands decorating offshore Singapore, the most atmospheric is Pulau Ubin in the north east. Leave the high-rises behind and enjoy a more rustic experience with added wildlife. SINGAPORE REIMAGINED Restless earth Hakone hot springs is one of many attractions in Japan's most-visited national park, Fuji-Hakone-Izu. Access from Toyko is easy, including on the world's fastest narrow-gauge railway, Odakyu. JAPAN TRAVEL GUIDE Family break for £122 pp/pn at Disneyland Paris The deal applies to selected Easter school holiday dates. T&Cs apply* Wellness break on an idyllic Thai island Spend 12 nights at a beachfront resort in Khao Lak with a selection of spa treatments included   Vietnam and Cambodia on Mekong River cruise Included in the itinerary are 13 immersive excursions, hosted by local English-speaking experts Holidays Best of Bali The top trip options on the Indonesian isle, from romantic escapes to modern resorts. SEE OUR PICKS Focus on Thailand tips The best time to visit Thailand for a holiday – and when to avoid the rainy season. GO TO GUIDE Bali has become synonymous with beautifully varied landscapes, unique heritage and paradise-like beachess Natalie Wilson  Travel writer Hotels Winter sun Here's where to bed down in style while catching some rays, from Crete to Mallorca. BOOK NOW Destination Explore Vietnam Where to visit from north to south for lantern festivals, historic cities and island hikes. READ MORE Best hotels in the Maldives – from wellness retreats to watersports havens Shanghai city guide: Where to stay, eat, drink and shop in this gleaming metropolis Sri Lanka by train: Travel from laid-back Balapitiya beach resorts to the bustle of Colombo PICK OF THE WEEK: AUDLEY TRAVEL From bear watching along British Columbia's coast to food tours of Québec City, Audley's specialists can craft a trip to Canada matched to your interests and travel style. Keeping you warm while walking or in chilly conditions, Martin Lewis recommends heated gilets and hand warmers for keeping the cold at bay. Fancy a snow glove over a mitt for better dexterity? You won't get better for under £100 than Burton's IndyBest-approved gore-tex gloves. Ditch single-use plastics while travelling and at home with one of our favourite reusable water bottles.  READ NOW  From lightweight backpacks to waterproof rucksack designs, the right travel bag can make your trip.  SHOP NOW The Independent proudly partners with Refuge and the National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247 Join the conversation or follow us Download the free Independent app Please do not reply directly to this email   You are currently registered to receive The Independent's Travel newsletter   To unsubscribe from The Independent Travel newsletter, or to manage your email preferences please click here.   This e-mail was sent by Independent Digital News and Media Ltd, 14-18 Finsbury Square, London EC2A 1AH. Registered in England and Wales with company number 07320345 Read our privacy notice and cookie policy