Winter vacation in Asia: Top 10+ things to do & best places to visit in winter in Asia

Winter is coming, do you know where to go to enjoy the warm festive atmosphere, where to go in Asia in winter (November, December, January, February)? Let’s explore the guide winter vacation in Asia with 10 top things to do & best places to visit in winter in Asia that promise to make travelers fascinated!

Winter in Asia always has its own charm, when the streets are filled with sparkling lights, the mountains and forests are covered in white snow, and vibrant festivals are waiting for you to visit. From the romantic fairytale scenery in Japan and Korea, to the wild, peaceful beauty of Mongolia, each destination brings a different experience. Whether you love skiing, or just want to sip a cup of hot tea in a peaceful setting, winter in Asia will definitely captivate you.

Let’s explore 10 wonderful winter travel destinations in Asia with best things to do in Asisa in winter for travelers right below!

Best places to visit in winter in Asia: Skiing and Joining the Sapporo Snow Festival in Hokkaido, Japan

If you have the opportunity to visit Hokkaido in February, the Sapporo Snow Festival will definitely be an experience not to be missed. The event takes place from February 4 to 11, spanning three major locations: Odori Park, Susukino and Tsudome. Each location has its own nuances, bringing a colorful winter picture.

Odori Park stands out with giant snow sculptures, some up to 15m high and more than 25m wide, illuminated from sunset to 22:00. Susukino is a paradise of ice art, where dozens of works are delicately crafted, reflecting the night lights until 23:00.

For families, Tsudome is the perfect choice because it has a snow play area, tubing, outdoor games and many traditional food stalls. A suggestion for you is to visit the Sapporo TV Tower to see the brilliant panorama of Odori from above.

Hokkaido Biei Winter Blue Pond & Shirahige Falls Light-Up Day Trip | Departing from Sapporo

After feasting your eyes on the festival, take the time to explore the Nijo fish market to enjoy fresh seafood, visit the Sapporo beer museum or simply find a hot ramen shop to warm up in the cold weather. Don’t forget to prepare warm clothes, gloves and non-slip shoes to comfortably walk around and fully enjoy the bustling atmosphere of Hokkaido winter.

Admire the White Temples Covered in Snow in Kyoto in Winter

Kimono Rental (Kyoto Kiyomizu-dera Temple / Provided by Shiki Sakura)

If Sapporo is bustling with festivals, Kyoto brings a completely opposite feeling: quiet and calm. In winter, the ancient capital of Japan becomes especially attractive when snow covers the ancient buildings. The image of Kinkaku-ji Temple sparkling in a thin layer of snow, or the red steps at Fushimi Inari hidden in the cold mist, is enough to surprise anyone.

The period from December to March is a rare time when you have the opportunity to admire the snow scene in Kyoto, although not as thick as the northern region, but still enough to paint a poetic scene. A small tip is that you should go to Kinkaku-ji Temple in the early morning, when the snow is still intact on the tiled roof, not yet melted in the sunlight.

Kiyomizudera, Yasaka Shrine Discovery Walking Tour

After a day of sightseeing, you should go to the hot springs around Arashiyama or just soak your feet in ashiyu to feel the warmth spreading. Don’t forget to walk in the Arashiyama bamboo forest when it snows, and immerse yourself in the quiet space between the green bamboo trees mixed with white snow. Although Kyoto in winter is not too noisy, it is that silence that makes visitors fascinated and want to come back many times.

Where to visit in Asia in December: Skiing and Year-End Shopping in Seoul, Korea

Seoul in winter offers two seemingly opposite but complementary experiences: the excitement on the ski slopes and the bustling atmosphere in the shopping districts. From the city center, visitors can easily take a bus or train to famous ski resorts such as Vivaldi Park or Elysian Gangchon.

Among them, Elysian is popular because it is located right on the subway line, and has a free shuttle service from the station, very convenient for international visitors. Package tours often include entrance tickets, ski equipment, basic lessons and transportation, giving you complete peace of mind even if you are a beginner.

[ 40% off] Vivaldi Park Ski Resort One Day Ski Tour from Seoul

[Limited Offer] Elysian Ski, Snowboard & Snow Park Tour from Seoul

Another equally attractive option is to combine skiing with a visit to Eobi Ice Valley, where giant natural ice blocks create a magical scene like in a movie. After playing on the snow, you should return to the center of Seoul to shop in Dongdaemun, Myeongdong or enjoy street food in the night market.

Remember to prepare thermal clothing, waterproof gloves and warm shoes because the weather can drop below 0°C. The combination of winter sports and the atmosphere of the year-end shopping festival will make your trip to Seoul more complete and memorable than ever.

Beautiful Winter Seascape in Jeju Island

Winter in Jeju Island brings the peaceful beauty of white snow on Hallasan Mountain, and at the same time opens up a very special winter seascape. Jeju sea this season has a clear emerald green color, stronger waves, mixed with cold winds blowing from the North.

Walking along the coast of Seongsan Ilchulbong, a volcano recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site, you will encounter the image of the sunrise in a thin layer of mist, reflecting on the clear water, a scene that makes any visitor stop for a long time to admire.

Jeju South & West / East One Day Authentic Tour

Jeju also attracts visitors with its brilliant red camellia fields in December – February, standing out against the white snow and black lava rocks, bringing a very unique visual experience. Joining the winter tour, you can also visit the tangerine gardens to pick and enjoy the sweet fruit typical of Jeju, or enjoy the warmth when sipping a cup of green tea at O’Sulloc in the cold weather.

In the evening, stroll through Seogwipo Olle night market to enjoy local food and feel the bustle in the winter air. In addition to the natural beauty, the Jeju winter journey is also associated with cuisine, culture and peace that is hard to find anywhere else.

Ice Skating on Houhai Lake – A Unique Experience in Beijing

If in the summer, Houhai Lake in Beijing is an ideal place for tourists to go boating and sightseeing, then in the winter, this place turns into a skating paradise. Usually from mid-December to early March, the lake surface freezes thickly and firmly, forming a giant natural skating rink in the heart of the capital.

The lake space is divided into many areas: a traditional skating area for those who love exercise, and a playground with three-wheeled toboggan and sled chairs for the whole family. The feeling of gliding on the frozen lake, amidst the scenery of ancient houses and surrounding willow trees, will definitely leave an unforgettable memory.

Beijing Private Transfer to/from PEK Airport

In addition, the Houhai area is also famous for its hutong ancient streets, where visitors can stroll, admire the quadrangle houses and enjoy traditional Beijing cuisine such as roast duck or hot baked cakes. During the day, visitors can combine visiting the Princess Palace, the Forbidden City or the Temple of Heaven Park, then return to Houhai to enjoy the bustling atmosphere when the lake is lit up.

In the evening, the bars and teahouses along the lake are brightly lit, becoming an ideal meeting place to sip drinks and listen to live music in the winter weather. Ice skating tickets at Houhai Lake range from 70 to 80 yuan, and you should dress warmly and prepare waterproof gloves to comfortably enjoy this outdoor activity.

Where to visit in Asia in January: Participate in the Brilliant Ice and Snow Festival in Harbin, China

The Harbin Ice and Snow Festival is one of the top winter events in the world, attracting millions of visitors every year. Taking place from late December to mid-February, the festival brings a magical space created from millions of tons of ice taken from the Songhua River. A series of castles, palaces and structures simulating world-famous symbols are carved from giant ice, when lit up with brilliant LED lights at night, turning the whole city into a fairytale world of ice and snow.

The highlight is the “Ice and Snow World” with a castle up to tens of meters high, where visitors can climb up, slide down and explore each work of art. In addition, the festival also has an ice sculpture area, where artisans perform sophisticated techniques in front of visitors.

Visitors who love sports can participate in games such as skiing, tobogganing, or try the thrill of a hundred-meter-long ice slide. Harbin also owns countless cultural destinations such as St. Sophia Cathedral, Central Street pedestrian street or European-style cafes, reflecting the historical imprint of Russia in this land.

7-Day Northeast China Harbin Changbai Mountain Ice

To make your trip complete, choose a combination tour to Snow Town or the famous Yabuli ski resort. With temperatures often falling below -20°C, visitors should prepare thermal jackets, non-slip shoes and accessories such as woolen hats and thick gloves to fully enjoy this “largest ice and snow world on the planet”.

Beitou Hot Springs in Taipei

Beitou is an indispensable winter destination when visiting Taipei. Located at the foot of Yangmingshan Mountain, this area is famous for its natural sulfur mineral water that has the effect of relaxing muscles, improving blood circulation and helping the body recover after many long days of traveling. In particular, Beitou is the only hot spring in Taiwan that can be reached by MRT.

Beitou: Water Land Spa – Hot Spring Experience in Double Room・Outdoor Public Bath

Just 30 minutes from the city center, you will arrive at the “mineral spring village” with a quiet space, steam rising all over the path. Visitors have many different options: bathing in public outdoor pools like Millennium Hot Spring, private services in traditional hotels like Phoenix Pavilion Hot Spring Hotel, or luxury resorts at Spring City Resort.

Taipei: Hot Spring Experience at Phoenix Pavilion Hot Spring Hotel

In addition to bathing, you can visit the Thermal Valley, where white smoke and turquoise lakes create a fairy-tale scene. The Beitou Hot Spring Museum is also an ideal place to learn about the history and culture of hot spring bathing in Taiwan. After relaxing, you should move to Tamsui to stroll along the beach and enjoy street food.

Winter Trekking in Bhutan – Journey to Discover the Beautiful Mountains

Bhutan in winter offers visitors a different trekking experience. The weather is dry, the sky is blue, and snow covers the majestic Himalayan peaks. This is the ideal time for those who want to try their hand at famous trekking routes. For beginners, the 5–6-day Druk Path Trek will take you through ancient monasteries, pine forests and alpine lakes.

If you love a challenge, you can check out the Jomolhari Trek, an 8-day journey that takes you to an altitude of nearly 5,000 m, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the sacred Jomolhari. Most experienced trekkers dream of conquering the Snowman Trek – one of the world’s most difficult treks, lasting nearly a month, crossing 11 mountain passes and the remote Lunana region.

All Inclusive Bhutan tour (3 to 7 days Multiple Options)

In winter, Bhutan also hosts the Black-Necked Crane Tshechu festival in the Phobjikha valley. Trekkers can also admire flocks of black-necked cranes soaring in the snow and enjoy traditional masked dances. Trekking in Bhutan is an opportunity to connect with the culture, meet the locals and feel the simple pace of life in the happy kingdom.

Experience the Cold Season Nomadic Life in Mongolia

Mongolia in winter evokes images of vast steppes, clear blue skies, white snow and herds of cattle wandering across the endless land. This is the right time to experience the nomadic life with the local people. Visitors are often taken to stay in traditional round wooden tents (ger), warmed by wood stoves and enjoy typical dishes such as lamb stew, fermented mare’s milk.

Some 10-day tours also take you in the footsteps of the Tsaatan people – a reindeer herder in the North. You will learn how to ride reindeer, care for the herds, and explore the Taiga forest in the thick snow. Winters here are harsh, with temperatures dropping below -30°C. Outdoor activities include horseback riding across the steppe, eagle hunting with the Kazakhs, or walking on the ice of Lake Khuvsgul to see the crystal clear lake.

5-Day tremendous moment in Mongolia

The nomadic life of Mongolia helps visitors gain a deeper understanding of the culture of attachment to nature, resilience in the face of harsh climates, and the free spirit of the people here.

Enjoy the Cool Climate and Special Winter Festival in Chiang Mai

Loy Krathong Festival 2025 at Horizon Village Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai in winter (November to February) offers a pleasant atmosphere, with temperatures ranging from 15 – 25°C, ideal for exploring Northern Thailand. In addition to being famous for its natural mountains and forests, Chiang Mai is also home to many winter festivals that are brilliantly lit. The most prominent is Loy Krathong, a lantern festival that takes place in November, when thousands of flower lanterns are released into the Ping River, reflecting shimmeringly under the moonlight.

At the same time, the Yi Peng festival, with tens of thousands of sky lanterns released into the sky, creates a magical scene, attracting tourists from all over the world. At the end of 2025, Chiang Mai will have two major events: the sky lantern festival at Rock n’ River and the Loy Krathong festival at Horizon Village. In addition, winter is also a good time to trek up Doi Inthanon, the highest mountain in Thailand, watch the sunrise over the sea of ​​clouds and enjoy the rare cold weather in the tropics.

Heritage Sky lantern 2025 at Rock n’ River Chiang Mai

After outdoor activities, visit night markets such as Night Bazaar to enjoy local cuisine or shop for traditional handicrafts. Chiang Mai offers relaxation with a cool climate, creating opportunities for visitors to immerse themselves in the unique culture and customs of the Thai people during the festival season.

Tips for winter vacation in Asia

To make your winter trip to Asia feel both new and romantic, you should “pocket” a few small tips below:

• Prepare thermal clothing, gloves, and non-slip shoes: The temperature in Japan, Korea, or China can drop very low, even with ice and snow. Warm clothes and non-slip shoes will help you move comfortably and safely.
• Book a ski tour and Shinkansen/KTX train tickets on Klook: This is a way to save time queuing and costs, while ensuring you have a seat during peak season.
• Check the festival calendar to book tickets early: Winter is the season of light festivals, Christmas, and Lunar New Year, which are very crowded with tourists. Booking tickets and accommodation in advance will help you fully enjoy the festival atmosphere without worrying about running out of tickets.

Frequently Asked Questions When Traveling to Asia in Winter

How cold is the winter weather in Hokkaido, Kyoto or Seoul?

Hokkaido sometimes drops to -10°C, covered in thick white snow. Kyoto is colder than Northern Japan, usually fluctuating at 0–5°C. Seoul is also very cold, can be below zero and windy. Therefore, you definitely need to prepare warm clothes, scarves and gloves.

What to wear when traveling to Asia in winter to be both warm and comfortable?

You should wear a thermal shirt inside, add a sweater and a windproof, waterproof jacket outside. Combine with warm pants, non-slip shoes, gloves, woolen hats and scarves. Wearing many layers makes it easy to adjust the temperature, both convenient to move and keep warm.

What are the prominent winter festivals in Asia?

There are the Sapporo Snow Festival in Hokkaido with its magnificent ice sculptures, the Nabana no Sato Light Festival in Japan, or the Ice and Snow Festival in Harbin (China). In Korea, the Hwacheon Salmon Festival and night skiing are also very attractive to tourists.

Which ski destinations in Asia are suitable for beginners?

Niseko (Japan) is famous for its soft, easy-to-ski snow, with a dedicated area for beginners. In Korea, Vivaldi Park and Yongpyong Resort also have gentle slopes and coach rental services.

Is winter travel suitable for families with young children?

It is completely suitable if you prepare your clothes and schedule carefully. Children will love watching the snow, participating in outdoor games or indoor amusement parks. You should choose a destination with family facilities, convenient transportation and book tickets in advance to avoid long waiting times.

When winter comes, Asia suddenly turns into a beautiful picture with majestic snow-capped mountains, quiet ancient villages and warm hot springs. From Japan, Korea to Mongolia or Southeast Asia, each place brings its own color, turning a winter trip into an experience that is both romantic and adventurous, suitable for both discovery and relaxation.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, to and from Tokyo you can refer to

• Mt Fuji & Hakone Day Tour: Lake Ashi & Ropeway Day Trip from Tokyo
• Nikko Cultural Day Tour from Tokyo
• Tokyo Subway Ticket (24, 48, or 72 Hours)
• Shuttle Bus Transfers (One Way/Round Trip) from Shinjuku/Ikebukuro to Tokyo Disneyland or Tokyo DisneySea
• Tokyo Disney Resort Park Ticket
• Klook Pass Greater Tokyo
• SHIBUYA SKY Ticket
• Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo – The Making of Harry Potter Ticket
• Skyliner Narita Airport Express Ticket
• TeamLab Planets Ticket
• TOKYO SKYTREE® Ticket
• Limousine Bus Narita or Haneda Airport to Tokyo
• Skyliner Narita Airport Express With Tokyo Subway Ticket
• JR Tokyo Wide Pass
• Sky Hop-on and Hop-off Bus Pass
• 4G Prepaid Sim Card (JP Airports Pick Up) for Japan
• JR Pass for Whole Japan (7, 14, or 21 Days)

Are you looking for more Tokyo travel guide and top things to do in Tokyo: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Read more: Tokyo itinerary 3 days — What to do in Tokyo in 3 days?