Best Holiday Destination Asia – December is a wonderful time of year to visit Asia, as many major cities celebrate the holidays with colorful festivals and elaborate decorations. Even better, you can expect mostly pleasant weather around the region during the month of December.
From sophisticated Singapore to laid-back Hanoi, culture-rich Bangkok and electric Hong Kong, Asia’s top destinations have their own unique appeal and charm.
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A cosmopolitan oasis with a strong emphasis on green spaces and gardens, nature blends seamlessly with city life in Singapore.
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A multicultural hot spot, Singapore has a mix of Malaysian, Indian, British and Chinese cultures that come alive in the city’s food, architecture and even its unofficial language, Singlish, a fusion of English, Chinese and Malay.
It is one of the best places to visit in Southeast Asia, with its stunning cityscape, modern buildings and impressive skyscrapers with lush greenery.
Singapore’s crown jewel is the Singapore Botanic Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back to 1860. Inside, you’ll find dense rainforest filled with rare flora, as well as an orchid park with the largest tropical collection. Orchids of the world.
One of Singapore’s most popular landmarks is the Gardens by the Bay, a massive nature park spread over 250 acres. Bridging nature with technology, the park is filled with breathtaking sights and exciting attractions, including a 4-D ride in its blooming Floral Fantasy Garden, an icy cloud forest and the iconic Supertree Grove with towering tree structures that light up at night. .
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Sitting close to the equator, Singapore experiences hot and humid temperatures throughout the year. If you’re looking for warmth and sunshine in December, you’ll find it when you visit this Southeast Asian city.
Bangkok is one of the top destinations in Asia due to its exciting metropolis, rich history and delicious culinary treasures. From skyscrapers and ancient temples to golden palaces and floating markets on the water, you can find everything here.
For a dose of history, stop by the Grand Palace, an extravagant complex of buildings that has housed the kings of Siam and Thailand since 1782. Admire the golden statues, intricate murals and gilded pillars of the grounds and end your visit by entering. The Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the most sacred statue Thailand is known for, is considered the ultimate protector of the country.
Fashion lovers will want to visit the Jim Thompson House, a museum of the late American silk merchant who mysteriously disappeared in the late 1960s. The house now serves as a museum exploring the history of Thai silk and displaying Thompson’s eclectic art collection, which includes Chinese porcelain figurines, Cambodian art and Thai artifacts.
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Don’t forget to stop by one of Bangkok’s many floating markets. Not only will you find plenty of Thailand souvenirs and handmade artefacts to bring back home as gifts, it’s worth it to experience its full range of colours, scents and bustling atmosphere.
As with Southeast Asia, Bangkok is hot all year round. This is one of the best places to visit in December in Asia, as the rainy season (which lasts from May to November) is just around the corner and the temperature is slightly cooler than usual.
Located along the Perfume River, Hue is a beautiful city that was once the cultural and political capital of Vietnam. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hue has several stunning temples and monuments, including the Temple of Literature and the Esplanade of Sacrifice to Heaven and Earth.
Among its most popular sites is the 19th-century Citadel that surrounds the Imperial City, the Forbidden Purple City and a replica of the Royal Theatre.
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In nearby Da Nang, visit Marble Mountain, a cluster of marble and limestone hills, where you can step into caves and tunnels and discover Buddhist sanctuaries throughout the mountains, considered places of worship.
The best place to travel in Asia in December is Hong Kong, where cool weather, clear skies and low humidity are the norm at this time of year.
Take advantage of the perfect weather and board the funicular tram that takes you to the top of Victoria Peak. At the summit, enjoy a 360-degree view of the city as you gaze in awe at the picturesque hills, sparkling harbor and skyscraper-filled skyline below.
As one of the world’s best culinary destinations, there are plenty of amazing restaurants to explore. Hong Kong’s foodie scene offers everything from Cantonese, Sichuan, Japanese and French restaurants, as well as several Michelin-starred establishments to tick off your list.
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Visit Man Mo Temple, one of Hong Kong’s most popular landmarks. Built in 1847, it is the oldest Taoist temple in the city and is dedicated to the gods of literature and war. Once you step inside, you will be amazed by the thousands of yellow incense scrolls hanging from the ceiling that emit fragrant smoke throughout the halls of the temple.
Hong Kong is one of the best places to go on New Year’s Eve. Grab a seat on the Avenue of Stars and enjoy the spectacular fireworks display that takes place over Victoria Harbor every year.
Known as the “Pearl of the Orient”, Manila is a bustling tropical destination that enjoys plenty of sunshine and warm weather, making it one of the best places in Asia to visit in December. The city is sprawling and vibrant, with striking urban architecture, museums, meticulously manicured parks and gardens, and the world’s oldest Chinatown.
The food scene in Manila is legendary, treating the taste buds with savory and sour spices and seasonings. From mincemeat and veggie kikiam sticks at Quiapo Market to upscale dining at the popular Spiral Restaurant on the waterfront, you’ll find the perfect fit for any taste.
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Take a tour of Fort Santiago, a nearly 500-year-old Spanish citadel that served as a vital defense against the colonial British, Americans and later the Japanese during WWII.
Don’t miss a visit to the National Museum of the Philippines, which houses some of the country’s most historic artefacts and artifacts. It features ancient archeological finds, botanical exhibits, and masterpieces by the famous Filipino artist Felix Resurrection Hidalgo.
East meets West in the Vietnamese capital of Hanoi, where Vietnamese culture blends with French tradition. Head to Hanoi’s Old Quarter, where you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time as you navigate its lively labyrinthine streets.
For stunning examples of architecture, visit the Opera House, built by the French in 1901 and inspired by the beautiful opera houses of Paris.
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One of the few examples of Vietnamese architecture to survive the war is the Temple of Literature, which pays tribute to Vietnamese scholars and eventually became the country’s first university.
Another very popular attraction in Hanoi is the Ho Chi Minh Complex, which houses the burial of Communist leader Ho Chi Minh and the Ho Chi Minh Museum, which celebrates his life.
Hanoi is a great jumping off point to explore Ha Long Bay, a stunning archipelago of green limestone pillars and islands scattered in emerald green waters. Sail around the UNESCO World Heritage Site and explore its coves, caves and lush mountains.
Old and new are closely intertwined in Ho Chi Minh City, a destination steeped in history but firmly focused on the future. Feel the vibrant energy of the city as you explore its local markets and hip restaurants.
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If history interests you, visit Notre Dame Cathedral, which serves as an enduring symbol of French colonial occupation.
In the Cu Chi Tunnels outside the city, explore a network of underground passages once used as an escape route by the Viet Cong during invasions. Stop by the Reunification Palace, the famous site where the Vietnam War ended after a Communist tank burst through the government building’s iron gates.
If you’re looking for a more tranquil experience, visit Cao Dai Temple, a shrine to Codaism that respects all religions and promotes peace around the world.
Celebrity Cruises travels to some of the best places to travel in Asia in December. A luxury cruise to Asia makes it easy to explore the continent’s vibrant capitals, tranquil beaches and cultural hubs during a single trip.
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On cruises with overnight stays in various ports and guided shore excursions, you’ll be able to immerse yourself in each destination.
If you’re ready to cruise to some of the best places to visit in December in Asia, start browsing all of our Asia cruises and shore excursions on our website.
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