12 of the best places to go in Asia in spring

If you're planning a trip to Asia for the springtimeyou'll find plenty of reasons to visit a multitude of locations. Whether you want to admire the cherry blossoms in Japango island hopping in the Philippinesor spot wildlife in Indiawe've got some great picks to help you choose what's right for you. Here are 12 of the best places to visit in Asia in the spring.

March

1. KyūshūJapan

Best for cherry blossoms

A cherry tree in bloom is a delightful sightsure. But 2000 cherry trees blossoming in the clear spring air – nowthat’s a mind-boggling spectacle. No wonder the Japanese celebrate sakura season with hanami (flower-viewing) outingsthronging parks to picnic beneath pink canopies. The warmer southwestern island of Kyūshū blushes before the better-known spots on Honshūits Somei Yoshino and Yamazakura trees blooming from mid-March in parks around Fukuoka and magnificent Kumamoto castlesand in Yoshino Park in Kagoshimaset against the dramatic backdrop of aptly named Mt Sakurajima.

Beyond cherry blossomsKyūshū makes an ideal destination for a spring breakcombining hanami with visits to the moving memorials of Nagasakihikes on volcanic slopessoaks in Oita’s hot springs and steaming bowls of Tonkotsu ramen.

Planning tip: Fukuoka is Kyushu's main transport hub linked by Shinkansen (bullet train) to TokyoKyoto and Hiroshima. From Fukuokaexplore Kyūshū using the JR Kyushu Rail Pass to reach NagasakiKumamoto and Kagoshima. Allow 5 days to visit the main sightsincluding Aso-san (Japan's largest active volcano)hikes in Unzen-Amakusa National Park and the ghost-island of Hashima.

2. AssamIndia

Best for wildlife spotting

Back in 1905just 12 "armored unicorns" remained in the area that was then designated Kaziranga National Park. Thanks to ongoing conservation effortstoday an estimated 3700 greater one-horned rhinoceros survive in northern India and Nepaland perhaps two-thirds of those graze the grasslands of this 430-sq-km (166-sq-mile) reserve flanking the mighty Brahmaputra River.

You’ve a good chance of spotting them in Marchtowards the end of the cooler dry seasonwhen orchids bloom and elephant grass has withered or been burned. With experienced guidesyou might also spy tiger (Kaziranga has one of the densest populations)leopardgaurelephantsloth bearhoolock gibbon and a host of birds including black kite and Pallas’ fish eagle. Boost your chances of a wildlife encounter by adding a visit to Manas National Parkin the foothills of the Himalaya on the Bhutanese borderwhich hosts many of the same big-ticket species.

Planning tip: Fly to Guwahati and either drive 5 hours to a comfortable lodge in Kaziranga or board a multi-day riverboat to cruise upstream along the Brahmaputra River to the park.

3. Eastern VisayasPhilippines

Best for sunbathing and island hopping

The Philippines is dauntingly vast – more than 7000 islands spread over some 300,000 sq km (115,830 sq miles) – so focus on the central cluster known as the Visayas to max your adventure and animal tally. Tourist numbers drop off in Marchbut this is a wonderfully dry and warm time to explore the islands of CebuBoholLeyteSiquijor and surrounding spots.

Between sun-worshipping sessions on the white-sand beaches of MalapascuaBiliranSumilon and Panglao islandsroam Bohol’s curiously domed Chocolate Hills and visit the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary to see these tiny primates. Underwater highlights include swimming with whale sharks at Sogod Bay (southern Leyte)diving with sardine schools at Moalboal (western Cebu)and spotting sea turtles around Apo Islandone of the world’s top dive sites. In this culturally diverse regionyou’ll also discover historic Spanish churches and older animist traditionsincluding the famed natural healers of Siquijor. Overheating? You’re never far from a waterfall beneath which you can take a cooling dip.

Planning tip: Cebu City is well served by international flightsand regular ferries link the islands. Allow seven to 10 days to explore the main islands.

4. Uzbekistan

Best for scenic train rides along historic routes

Though the moniker Silk Road was first coined in the 19th centurythat sleek textile was first carried along various routes between China and the Middle East at least 2 millennia earlier. Probably the most splendid reminders of those disparate trails’ glory days lie in Uzbekistan’s ancient cities: the majestic Registan of Samarkandthe holy city of Bukhara and Khiva’s Ichon-Qala (walled city)graced still with beautiful mosaic-tiled mosquesmausoleums and medressas (Islamic schools).

March marks the arrival of spring and the colorful Nowruz festival (March 21)celebrating the new year with feasting and dancing. The train’s the way to travel todayoffering comfortablesustainable and economical transport between the main centersparticularly with the modern high-speed Afrosiyob trains. Recent visa reforms have made Uzbekistan more accessiblewith many nationalities now enjoying visa-free entry.

Planning tip: From Tashkenttravel by train to SamarkandBukhara and Khiva. Allow 10-14 days for the main citiesplus side trips to Shakhrisabz (near Samarkand) and the Kyzylkum Desert fortresses. 

April

5. South Korea

Best for history (and late cherry blossoms)

Think cherry blossom only means Japan? Think again. South Korea puts on equally dazzling displays come springtime. Several flower-related festivals are held in capital Seoul in April (when temperatures average a pleasant 17°C/63°F). See dreamy blooms at Seokchon Lakeon Yeouido Island and around 15th-century Changgyeonggung Palace. Further southaround Busanthe port city of Jinhae is pretty as a picture – stroll over Romance Bridge to see petals reflected in the stream below. Gyeongju hosts an annual Cherry Blossom Marathon in early April. The cityformer capital of the ancient Silla dynastyis also home to more templestombspagodas and palaces than anywhere else in the country. Explore Gyeongju National Park’s scenic and historic gemsand walk out to sacred Namsan to follow trails used by Buddhist monks amid temples and 180 peaks.

Planning tip: With 10 daysstart in Seoul and ride the bullet train to Busan to explore Gyeongju and Gamcheon Culture Village. Add about 3 or 4 days to head over to Jeju-do Island.

6. ShikokuJapan

Best for sightseeing pilgrimages

Walking around an entire islandticking off visits to 88 temples on a journey of around 1200km (750 miles) is hard enough without worrying about the weather. Which is why coolclement April (highs of 17°C/63°F; pre-cyclone season) is one of the best times to embark on the ancient Shikoku Pilgrimagea sacred stroll between temples associated with Kobo Daishifounder of Shingon Buddhism. You don’t have to do the whole route at onceof courseyou could walk kugiri-uchiwhich means completing the trail in segments. Try the section between valley-tucked Fujii-dera (Temple 11) and mountain-top Tairyū-ji (Temple 21). Other key spots to visit include gorge-perched Iwaya-ji (Temple 45) and Zentsū-ji (Temple 75)where Kobo Daishi was born in CE 774.

Planning tip: A full pilgrimage takes 6 to 8 weeks on foot. Many start at Ryōzen-ji (Temple 1)  in Tokushima and walk clockwise to complete the 88 temples on the pilgrimage; it’s easier to follow waymarks in this direction. It is also possible to complete the route by bikeorganized bus tour or taxi.

7. Bhutan

Best for wildflowershiking and festivals

Bhutana country that gauges its prosperity in terms of Gross National Happiness rather than material wealthis always a jolly place to visit. But springtime is extra cheery. Pre-monsoonthe weather is dry and clearideal for comfy sightseeing and uninterrupted views of the snow-dusted Himalaya. Plus the birds are in song and the valleys are radiant with rhododendrons. The flower even has its own festivalheld at Dochula’s Lamperi Royal Botanical Garden in April.

Early April is also when the country’s biggest shindigParo Tshechuis usually helda colorful flurry of masked dances held at the Rinpung dzong (fortress). Combine festival fun with explorations of Bhutan’s great outdoors: hike to cliff-teetering Tiger’s Nest Monastery; take day-hikes in the pristine Punakha Valley (perhaps to Chimi Lhakhang Monastery); or try a longer route such as the 7-day Jhomolhari Trekwhich ventures deep into the mountains.

Planning tip: Bhutan requires booking through licensed tour operators. Allow 10-12 days to include ParoThimphu and Punakhalonger to head to Bumthang or include a multi-day hike.

May

8. UbudBaliIndonesia

Best for relaxed vibes and a thriving food scene

Bali in May? Delicious. Dryhot and sunny dayspeak season crowds yet to descend andas alwaysa relaxed vibe. Nowhere is the latter more true than in Ubudthe artsyhippie highlands town with a good line in galleries and museumsancient temples and a thriving food scene. Ubudwhich is surrounded by lush forestspaddy fields and leafy plantationshas several world-class restaurants and fancy cocktail lounges as well as low-key food stalls and cafes serving Balinese specialities: gado gado saladsatayinjin porridgebabi guling (suckling pig). It’s a great place to take a cookery course; as well as learning how to create zingy dishesyou might head to the market with a chef to select the best ingredientsplay with exotic spices and find out more about Balinese food culture.

Planning tip: You could spend a daya week or a month in Ubud. As well as cooking classesit’s a popular place for yoga and wellness retreats. More active possibilities include countryside hikeshilly bike rides and whitewater rafting.

9. Upper DolpoNepal

Best for switching off

Upper Dolpotucked into Nepal’s northwestbetween the Tibetan Plateau and the Dhaulagiri rangeis about as remote as the country gets. One of the last remaining enclaves of pure Tibetan culturethe region only opened to outsiders in the late 1980s and still requires a special permit to visit. Treks here are longtoughhigh and wild – but worth it. You’ll see few other trekkers but perhaps wolvesvulturesblue sheep and snow leopard tracks.

From the airstrip at Juphalhikes lead through Shey Phoksundo National Parkhome of the nomadic Dolpo-pa people. You can take in sacred Phoksundo Lake800-year-old Shey Gompa monasteryremote villages and multiple passes topping 5000m (16,404ft). This is why May is an ideal month – by late springthe snows have melted at higher altitudesallowing easier access to this inaccessible-seeming place.

Planning tip: Allow 25-30 daysincluding transfer and contingency time. Most trekkers fly in to Juphal and out of Jomsomin the Lower Mustang region. Independent trekking is not allowedso trek with registered agencies and secure a permit.

10. Karakoram Highway and the Hindu KushPakistan

Best for classic backpacking adventures

Pakistan offers fascinating cultureextraordinary mountainsoverwhelming hospitalityfew tourists and epic journeys – not least the drive up the legendary Karakoram Highway (site of the original ’60s Hippie Trail) to lush Shangri-La-like Hunza Valley. May is a fine time to take to the road. Warming temperatures see apple and apricot trees in bloomprovide clear views of the astonishing peaks andhopefullyensure a snow-free Shandur Pass (3700m/12,139ft)in order to travel west between Gilgit and Chitral. The month also heralds the Chilam Joshi Festival in the Kalash Valleyswhen the pagan Kalash people celebrate spring with musicdance and wine.

Planning tip: For an overland loop north of capital Islamabadincluding the Karakoram HighwayHunzaGilgitChitralthe Kalash ValleysSwat Valley and the ancient archaeological site of Taxilaallow 2 weeks. A guided trip with a knowledgeable tour operator is recommended. Secure your visa in advance.

11. East CoastThailand

Best for wellness

May in Thailand is marvelous for crowd-free beach escapesso long as you pick wisely. The west coastincluding Phuket and Krabican be dampas the southwest monsoon starts. But over on the eastthe likes of Ko SamuiKhanom and Ko Pha-Ngan are hotlargely dry and free of crowds: just right for a restorative break. Thailand in general and Ko Samui in particularwith its gentle vibespiritual heritagehealthy food and glorious naturehas garnered quite a reputation for quality wellness retreats; the offerings vary but range from Pilates and meditation to Thai boxing and sleep therapy. In mid-season May you might find cheaper prices at high-end places. Or book a simple bungalow and put together your own wellness stay: visit the Big Buddha at Bo Phut; swim at Na Muang waterfall; cruise around Ang Thong Marine National Park; and do yoga on the beach.

Planning tip: Flights from Bangkok to Ko Samui take from 1hr 15min. Alternativelytake a sleeper train to Surat Thani and a bus to Don Sakfrom where ferries run to the island.

12. MeghalayaIndia

Best for culture and traditions

It rains a lot in the northeast Indian state of Meghalaya (aka the abode of clouds). The towns of Cherrapunjee and Mawsynram are among the wettest places on the planetespecially when the monsoon really kicks infrom July to September. Things are getting damper by Maybut that means impressive waterfallsluxuriant hillsatmospheric mists and experiencing a taste of what makes Meghalaya tick. It’s not too hoteither (15-25°C/59-77°F)so a welcome respite from the soaring temperatures elsewhere in India.

Plot adventures into the the butterfly-filled Balpakram National ParkKhasithe stone monoliths of Jaintia hillsand soak up the culture of the Khasi people – although largely converted to Christianitythey’ve retained many old traditionsnot least spirited festivals and the creation of living bridgeswoven from fig-tree roots.

Planning tip: Guwahatiin neighboring Assamis a handy access point. A week-long trip might include the lively city of Shillong (don’t miss frenetic Iew Duh market)Sohra (for cliffs and cascades)the Khasi Hills and the living root bridge of Nongriat.