The Best Trips in December to February
Mirissa is a laid-back beach town that also happens to be one of the best places in the world to see blue whales.
From December to April, they pass by here on their annual migration. February and March are peak season, with calm seas and sightings almost every day. In between whale trips, you’ve got golden beaches, fresh seafood and nearby Galle for an easy day trip.
TIP
Think of Chiang Mai as the Goldilocks of getaways — not too touristy, not too raw.
Whether you're with toddlers or a group of friends, there's something for everyone: ethical elephant sanctuaries, sky temples, sticky waterfalls, bustling night markets and remote hill villages.
Dec to Feb is the best time to go — dry, cool and breezy before the burning season begins.
TIP
If you're looking to relax with a few things to do on the side, go on a luxe boat cruise in UNESCO-listed Halong Bay.
The views are iconic, but the real highlight is the boats. They're basically floating luxury hotels with private balconies, sunset cocktails, and bathtubs overlooking the karst peaks.
From Dec to Feb, it’s dry, cool and calm — perfect weather for cruising.
TIP
Ho Chi Minh is usually sticky and sweaty, but Dec–Feb is the exception. This time brings slightly cooler temps, less humidity and a great buzz around the city with Tet prep in full swing.
In the day you can cycle to mini Mekong for your nature fix, and in the evenings you can check out secret bars hidden in local apartments. It's raw, charming & there's so much heart here.
TIP
Mekong Delta is just a short drive from Ho Chi Minh City, and the perfect chill getaway. The main thing to do here is to stay in charming homestays overlooking the delta, with yummy home-cooked meals.
Dec–Feb is the most comfortable time to explore. The weather is cooler and drier, which matters when you’re biking through rice fields and taking a sampan through dawn markets.
TIP
Hoi An is a gentle, walkable town which at first glance seems like there's not a lot to do. The Old Town can feel touristy, but head out to hidden villages and you’ll find a more local side where traditions (like fish sauce making) still run deep.
From Dec to Feb, it’s dry and cool. Perfect for cycling through rice paddies, tailoring outfits, & soaking in riverfront sunsets.
Da Nang is a laid-back coastal city with surf beaches, great seafood, and seriously underrated nature.
Most people go for the touristy & overrated Hand Bridge, but Monkey Mountain is the real star. Wild, forested, and full of jaw-dropping views. From Dec to Feb, it’s dry and breezy - perfect for hitting the waves, hiking mountain trails, and eating your way through town.
People think of Da Lat like the Australia of Vietnam.
You'll get cool air here, fresh farm-to-table produce, and some seriously good coffee. Stay in a homestay, visit a coffee farm, hike Dalat's tallest peak and sip hot chocolate in the mountain air.
Dec to Feb is dry and cool, which means you can hike without sweating and catch dreamy cloudscapes in the early morning.
Yala is Sri Lanka’s most popular safari destination, for good reason. It’s one of the best places in Asia to see wild leopards, along with elephants, crocodiles, and sloth bears.
The landscape is part savannah, part jungle, and from Dec to Feb, the dry season draws animals to open areas, making them easier to spot. It's popular though, so expect some jeep traffic jams.
TIP
Udawalawe is the easiest and most reliable place in Sri Lanka to see wild elephants - often in herds, and usually within minutes of entering the park. It’s smaller and less crowded than Yala, so it’s ideal for first-time safaris or families.
From Dec to Feb, the dry season draws elephants to the open plains and waterholes, making sightings almost guaranteed.
Krabi is for when you want easy island vibes without the Phuket crowds. It's touristy but not so bad that you'll need to travel for miles to find anywhere with heart.
Here you can go on longtail boats that take you to secret beaches, kayak to mangroves and walk with rescued elephants. Dec to Feb is the best time to come: it’s dry, sunny, and the sea is calm.
