Asia Holidays

Of course, the tropical climate of Asia boasts glorious sunshine all year round, but depending on where you wish to stay, it’s best to know about the rainy, monsoon seasons. If you’re travelling to Bali, the best time to visit is during the dry season, between April to September. These months boast the perfect weather conditions for all beachgoers and sun seekers, with hovering temperatures of 28°C characterised by high humidity. The rainy season spans from October to March. October is still a great month to visit, thanks to the lower humidity and great holiday deals!

Thailand offers endless sunshine with hot and dry weather from November to April. Arguably, this is the best time to visit the land of smiles as the temperatures can reach 35°C, boasting clear-blue skies and striking clear-blue waters to snorkel in. The monsoon season begins in June and ends in September: the sultry weather increases with humidity and rainfall and may experience strong downpours.

From canopy-covered beaches of almost luminous waters to sensational temples coloured in gold, Asia hosts an arcade of possibilities for things to see and do. Last time we checked, Ubud, in the heart of Bali, is a great destination to admire the beauty of the Tegalalang rice fields, its intense art culture at the market, and most importantly, the spectacular wildlife in this region. Home to many animal sanctuaries, the Ubud Monday Forest is one of our all-time favourites. This 12.5-hectare jungle is positioned around the village of Pendategal and was created to preserve the welfare of graceful creatures.

In the north of Bali, you’ll find the rustic village of Sekumpul, boasting two sister waterfalls of the name Sekumpul. Tucked away in a pistachio-green forest, the cascading falls reach a high point of 80 metres, and its dramatic scenery complements the lush experience. In Bali, it’s almost criminal not to visit some of its ancient temples enriched in history and culture: Uluwatu Temple, Besakih Temple, and Tanah Lot are only a fraction of many. In the Besakih Temple, you’ll learn about the Balinese Hindu Traditions, while Tanah Lot boasts picture-perfect sunsets perched on edgy rock formations.

An array of adventures waits for you in Thailand. Bangkok is a cultural melting pot with pockets of colour, a must-visit for those seeking a taste of Thai culture. Visit the Grand Palace, marvel at the Wat Phra Kaew Temple, or take a romantic boat tour along the Chao Phraya River. In the city of Ayutthaya, you’ll step back in time to the footsteps of King U Thong, who once ruled the ancient city of Siam. This UNESCO World Heritage Site hosts every crumbled remain of the city. No matter where you stay, island hopping in Thailand is a pot of gold for all curious travellers, and we cannot forget to mention the tranquil islands of Phi Phi and the magical ambiance of Krabi and Phuket. Each exudes its charm and pristine settings, the kind of stuff that dreams are made of (and a Hollywood movie or two).

Wish to visit a sweeping bay that even Leonardo Dicaprio couldn’t resist? - Yes, we are not exaggerating. The snow-white sands surrounded by leaf-encrusted rock formations on Maya Bay make this beach a drool-worthy asset of Thailand. Relish a boat ride from the nearby island of Koh Phi Phi Don, and immerse yourself in the utopian settings of the iconic bay that debuted in The Beach movie in 1999.

If you’re after the next thrill in the Ocean, Hat Tham Phra Nang Beach in Krabi welcomes all adrenaline-seekers with open arms. Last time we checked, the turquoise lagoon offered guided rock-climbing tours, infinite caverns, and chambers underwater, and an abundance of water sports to conquer its waters. Opposite the beach, Western Rock a unique shape, rises out of the sea – the daredevils that commit to the climb will be rewarded with scenic views of Ko Kai Island.

Sanur Beach Is a lovely alternative to escape the hustles and bustles of Bali. Located right by the sleepy fishing village of Sanur, the beach stretches its vanilla sands for five kilometres boasting serenity and a Piccadilly circus of corals. Although this intimate beach provides peace and seclusion, early risers can benefit from seeing its majestic sunrise light up the nude-toned sands.

Welcome to a rich culinary experience In the Far East of Asia. Tropical Bali offers traditional dishes that blend Indonesian, struck by influences from China and India. Nasi Campur Bali is a staple platter - a rice-based dish composed of steamed rice and served with delicious meats of grilled chicken, satay, tempe, tofu, sambal, and bean sprouts. Those vibrant food scenes get even better: don’t miss out on Babi Guling (a suckling pig), Lawar (spice-covered mince meat), Jimbaran seafood, and an array of Sate, or satay, varieties.

Those gorgeous jungle landscapes and blindingly white beaches are a looker, but it’s the delicious Thai cuisine that completes the scenes in the land of smiles. Thailand is spoilt with the opulence of flavour-full platters like Pad Thai (sweet-savoury noodles), Tom Yum Goong ( a spicy shrimp soup), and of course, green curry. One thing about Thai culture, they consist of an undeniable love for cold refreshments: indulge in an ice-cold peach iced tea then relish a sticky rice pudding for dessert! Whether you’re staying in Bali or Thailand, both offer diverse menus of culinary experiences to cater to all tastes.

The unique histories and traditions have influenced the rich, distinct cultures of Thailand and Bali. Bali is a predominantly Hindu Island in Indonesia, hosting vibrant ceremonies, traditional dance performances, such as Barong, intricate temples like Tanah Lot and Uluwatu, and beautiful art forms, including Batik Woodcarving. In Thailand, you’ll have a ball discovering its Theravada Buddhist Heritage. Temples, or wats, are scattered all around the country, with the main stars of Wat Arun and Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok, there is so much more on the menu. When it comes to the cuisine, the Thai sink in aromas of flavours and spices, likewise, Bali boasts Babi Guling- otherwise known as a suckling pig, grilled on an open fire. Dating back, Babi Guling was the main dish of festive celebrations and special occasions, and now you may find this succulent delight in many restaurants in Bali.

Both, Bali and the Land of Smiles are home to some of the world’s most striking landscapes. Ancient temples, like Pura Dalem Agung and Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, are encompassed by luscious foliage and endless rice terraces of Bali. Thailand is a utopia of lush jungle forests, stunning beaches, and incredible hospitality. Both destinations host mind-boggling scenery of tumbling waterfalls, exotic beaches, and a wealth of history to discover. Although, it’s how the locals embrace tourism with warm welcomes and first-class hospitality that makes those popular destinations for holidaymakers seeking to immerse themselves in its rich culture.