As the holiday season approaches, the weather in Bangkok mercifully starts to cool. Of course, 26°C is no snow-capped winter wonderland, and if the winter collections at Zara, Uniqlo, and H&M have you filled with envy, you may start to plan for a trip somewhere cooler.
Where to begin? Locations like Switzerland, Germany, and Japan are instinctive, but there are cooler climates closer to home—say, a three-hour flight away. If you’re looking for an itinerary that keeps you close to Bangkok and won’t break the bank, look no further.
Six hours north of Hanoi, near the Chinese border, sits the misty, mountainous town of Sa Pa. One of the few places in Vietnam that potentially sees snow, this escapade involves a one-hour and 40-minute flight to Hanoi, followed by a six-hour journey by bus. The trip is well worth it for the chilly temperatures and panoramic views from Fansipan, rising to nearly 10,000 ft.
Getting there: After flying into Hanoi, you have two choices. Low on cash? Book a sleeper bus and arrive in Sa Pa in six hours. Prefer slow, scenic travel? Take an overnight train and then a shuttle bus or taxi from Lao Cai. Travelling with family or hate long journeys? Opt for a mid-sized limo or private taxi.
Itinerary: Sweeping mountain views aren’t all Sa Pa is known for, but it would be criminal not to conquer the famed Fansipan Summit, also called the “roof of Indochina.” Hate hiking? There’s a gondola that takes just 20 minutes to reach the top. For an even more picturesque journey, ride the Muong Hoa Train to the cable car station.
Sa Pa isn’t all hikes and high peaks. For an authentic experience, visit Cat Cat Village, one of the oldest villages in the region and home to the H’mong ethnic group. Wander among quaint houses, enjoy the waterfall, shop for H’mong handicrafts, and sample local cuisine. In winter, mist—and sometimes snow—adds to the magic.
Be sure to pack warm. Winter in Sa Pa is worlds away from Bangkok.
What sets Nuwara Eliya apart from most hill stations is that it doesn’t need to be northward to boast Sri Lanka’s coolest climate. Known as “Little England” by British colonists, it sits at nearly 2,000 metres and is shadowed by Pidurutalagala. It sounds straight out of a Rudyard Kipling original.
Getting there: Fly from Bangkok into Colombo, then choose between a five-hour drive or a scenic nine-hour train journey through the highlands.
Itinerary: With an average temperature of 16°C, Nuwara Eliya already feels like Christmas. Step out of your colonial-style hotel and tour one of the local tea plantations. Would it really be Sri Lanka without Ceylon tea? We recommend the Labookellie Tea Lounge or the Bluefield Tea Factory.
After tea, stroll around Gregory Lake, a recreational hub for boating and cycling. For adventure, head to Horton Plains National Park. To catch sunrise at World’s End, leave by 5 AM. Prefer something shorter? The steep hike to Lover’s Leap Waterfall offers views worthy of its legend.
Indonesia and Thailand share a time zone—and a shared love for cooler escapes. Where Thailand has Chiang Mai, Indonesia has Bukittinggi, a charming town in West Sumatra. Colonial remnants remain, and the mean temperature of 19°C makes it an idyllic getaway.
Getting there: Fly to Padang with a layover in Singapore or Malaysia, then take a taxi for the 90 km journey to Bukittinggi.
Itinerary: No visit is complete without Jam Gadang, the iconic clock tower at the city’s heart. For nature lovers, Sianok Canyon offers dramatic cliffs overlooking a lush gorge.
Continue on to Koto Gadang, known for its silversmiths and a historic wall refashioned by Dutch colonists. End the day at Panorama Park, where Japanese caves overlook the canyon with Mount Singgalang in the distance.
Known locally as Bukit Fraser, Fraser’s Hill lies about 100 km north of Kuala Lumpur. Chosen by British colonists as a cool retreat, this forested hill resort is perfect for walking shoes and warm layers.
Getting there: Fly into Kuala Lumpur International Airport, then take a taxi for a two-and-a-half-hour drive.
Itinerary: The mock Tudor architecture evokes English hamlets at a fraction of the price. Explore hiking trails like Bishop Trail and Hemmant Trail, or challenge yourself with Pine Tree Hill, a 7–8 hour hike requiring a Forestry Department permit. Don’t forget to photograph the vine-covered clock tower at the town centre.
For those who want cool weather with city-style entertainment, Genting Highlands delivers. Built at 1,800 metres, this hill resort—dubbed the “City of Entertainment”—enjoys crisp air and daytime temperatures around 25°C.
Getting there: Fly directly to Kuala Lumpur, then take a taxi to Genting, or ride an express bus to Awana Bus Terminal followed by the Awana Skyway.
Itinerary: Start with shopping at SkyAvenue, home to over 100 brands and a dazzling light-and-sound atrium show. For family fun, visit Skytropolis Indoor Theme Park or Genting SkyWorlds Theme Park—all without leaving the resort centre.