August In Asia: 12 Stunning Places To Add To Your Wishlist

Wow! I can’t believe how long it has taken me to put these guides to Asia together. We have finally reached our detailed list of spots that you can spend August in Asia. As usual, we have reached out to a number of different travel bloggers who love to explore the length and breadth of the continent.

We have found that reading through their ideas always gives us a new perspective about Asia. It helps us think out of the proverbial box and we hope that it will help you in the same way that it helps us.

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August In Asia – Table Of Contents

As usual, I fully expect that our guide to places where you can spend August in Asia will be detailed and long. It can get a bit tedious to scroll through! I know largely because it is difficult to scroll through everything when I edit the article. Phew!

So, in order to make it easier, I’ve compiled a list of links that direct you to the country you wish to explore. You could choose to use them or just follow the traditional method and scroll through the article. Whichever way you choose, I hope you have a fun read.

• India
• Indonesia
• Japan
• Kazakhstan
• Malaysia
• Mongolia
• Sri Lanka
• Taiwan
• Vietnam

India

India is a large country and its diverse land mass makes it the perfect place to put on your bucket list for almost every season. That is why I was not surprised when I found out that a couple of travel bloggers wanted to contribute destinations in India to our list of places to spend in August in Asia.

1. Coorg

Looking to spend August in Asia in the hills of India? Consider visiting Coorg.

LOCATION: Coorg

GETTING THERE: The nearest airport is in Mangalore (135 km) whereas the nearest railway station from Coorg is in Mysore. Once you get down in Mangalore airport or Mysore railway station, you can hire a cab to reach Coorg via road.

Coorg is well connected with all major cities in Karnataka like Mysore (120 km), Mangalore (135 km), Bangalore (260 km), and Hassan (115 km).

WHERE TO STAY: I would suggest staying in homestays in Madikeri which is only 24 km away from Coorg. But you can also stay in one of the Coorg jungle camps, enjoying the nature up-close.

Coorg, often heralded as the ‘Scotland of India’, is a picturesque region known for its high-quality coffee and undulating green hills. Coorg has some of the most astonishing landscapes spanning verdant mountains, stout rivers, dense forests, and rocky waterfalls.

The top things to do include visiting Raja’s seat, Mandalpati trek, Omkareshwara temple, Dubare Elephant camp, Namdroling Monastery, and Abbey Falls. Coorg makes for a perfect destination for people of all age groups.

During the monsoon season, especially in July and August, Coorg’s weather becomes quite pleasant and cool due to the heavy rain, transforming the entire town into an opulent green paradise. August is the best time to witness the splendour of the seasonal waterfalls and is a perfect time to indulge in sports like river rafting.

By Anwesha from Going Places With Anwesha

2. Meghalaya

Consider spending your August in Asia in India’s gorgeous state called Meghalaya.

LOCATION: Meghalaya

GETTING THERE: Fly into Shillong, the capital city of Meghalaya.

WHERE TO STAY: There are a number of hotels, homestays and resorts in Shillong, the main city of Meghalaya. Hotel Pinewood and Hotel Orchid are the best luxury properties in Shillong and for budget stays, Café Shillong Bed and Breakfast is one of the best.

Meghalaya in India becomes a heavenly destination during the monsoon season. Located in the north eastern part of India, Meghalaya literally means “the abode of clouds” and is also the home to the wettest place on the earth.

Mawsynram is said to receive the maximum rainfall on planet earth and Cherrapunjee is the second wettest place on earth. How would it feel to be at the wettest place on the earth during the monsoon?

Meghalaya is one of the most beautiful destinations in India having cascading waterfalls, clear pools, living root bridges and people who have a close connection with nature. In August, Meghalaya has both rain and sun.

The waterfalls are in their best with water gushing down and there is greenery everywhere. Everything looks fresh and scenic everywhere around Meghalaya.

6-7 days are sufficient to cover the major attractions of Meghalaya. Shillong, Cherrapunjee, Mawlynnong and Dawki are the must-visit places in Meghalaya. Do not miss the beautiful waterfalls of Cherrapunjee. Mawlynnong is also said to be the cleanest village in Asia is a beautiful village.

If possible, go for the Nongriat Trek. It will take you to the Double Decker Root Bridge, a natural wonder found exclusively in Meghalaya. But for the trek, you have to take almost 3500 stairs downhill and uphill at one leg of the trek!

For foodies, Meghalaya is known for its pork preparations. Do try the Khasi local food “Jadoh”, coloured rice made from pork fat. It tastes heavenly.

By Amrita from Tale of 2 Backpackers

Indonesia

Indonesia is one of our favourite countries in south east Asia. From the volcanoes in Java to the beaches in Bali, there is just so much to see and do.

In fact, other than those two islands, the country has a number of others that could definitely fit your bucket list. Let’s take a look at what has been suggested as a great destination to spend August in Asia shall we?

3. Bali

Indonesia’s Bali is always a great choice when it comes to spending August in Asia.

LOCATION: Bali

GETTING THERE: Ngurah Rai International Airport is the hub of the region and is located about 15 km from Bali’s capital city, Kuta.

Most international flights arrive and depart from here. Alternatively, you can take the ferry from Lombok or the Gili Islands if you are traveling from other parts of Indonesia.

WHERE TO STAY: There are lots of great places to stay in Bali. Ubud is the perfect spot for travelers interested in spirituality and cultural sites.

Canggu is a surfer’s paradise with a hipster crowd. Seminyak is a more refined destination which is good for families and couples, while Candidasa is perfect for those coming to Bali to scuba dive.

In August, Bali is experiencing its dry season which makes it the ideal time to visit the island. The days are warm and sunny with temperatures hovering in the mid to high twenties.

The island is sprinkled with great beaches, forests, rice terraces, and local towns that charm visitors from around the world. With so much natural beauty and countless things to do, it’s no wonder that Bali has become one of the modern world’s top tourist destinations.

For conscious foodie travellers, sustainable and vegan food are abundant.

Uluwatu is one of the island’s top destinations. Located on the island’s southernmost point, you’ll find massive cliff lookout points and popular, idyllic surfer beaches. Near Ubud, the magical Rice Terraces of Tegalalang are a lush green wonderland and another popular tourist attraction. It is also home to a great number of yoga studios – Yoga Barn stands out.

For mind blowing views of the sun coming up over eastern Bali, we suggest a hike to Mt.Batur at sunrise. However, if you would prefer to check out marine life. Then, diving in Bali is some of the best in the world. Whatever you are interested in, there is something for you to do in Bali in August!

By Oksana and Max from Drink Tea & Travel

Japan

One of the countries that has been on my bucket list for ever is Japan. I was thrilled to see it added to our list of countries to spend August in Asia largely because I have been brainstorming over all the spots I could visit in the country.

The food, landscape and the people are all reasons that have drawn me to it. Unfortunately, all that I have been able to do is travel to it virtually. Hopefully, some day soon that will change.

4. Kanazawa

Kanazawa in Japan is a great option when it comes to spending August in Asia.

LOCATION: Kanazawa, Japan

GETTING THERE: There are 3 main ways you can get to Kanazawa. The most popular way of getting there is via the Shinkansen. The Kagayaki Shinkansen is the fastest train service, covering the distance between Tokyo and Kanazawa in 2 hours and 30 minutes.

A return trip will cost around USD $140.00 per person. You will find similar travel times from Osaka, which is also means you can catch it from Kyoto.

Kanazawa is serviced by one of the largest regional airports in Japan. Komatsu airport is south of Kanazawa and about a 40-minute drive away. The airport is connected with frequent direct flights from Tokyo’s Haneda Airport, as well as to Narita Airport, Sapporo, Sendai, Shizuoka, Fukuoka and Naha. Additionally, there are regular international flights from Seoul, Shanghai and Taipei.

The third way of getting there from Tokyo would be to hire a car. The drive is just under 6 hours. Kanazawa and its surrounds are best accessed by car so you could just rent a car for the whole trip.

WHERE TO STAY: Like all cities in Japan, they have very distinct districts you can stay in. Each district has its own distinctive characteristics so it truly depends on what sort of experience you may prefer.

Kanazawa Station Area: If you’re arriving by shinkansen, this is where you will arrive. It is extremely convenient with shopping areas, lots of restaurants and where majority of the hotels are located.

Higashi Chaya Area: Higashi Chaya is the epitome of Old Japan. You’ll find old preserved geisha houses and is the traditional entertainment district. The area however is quite busy as it’s the main tourist attraction of the city.

Omicho Market Area: This is a thriving food market area with lots of restaurants around it.

Kanazawa Castle/Kenroku-en/Museum Area: This district is the historical district of Kanazawa where you’ll find the beautiful Kenroku-en Garden, Kanazawa Prefectural Museum of Art and the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art as well as the Kanazawa Castle.

Kanazawa is the capital of the Ishikawa Prefecture on the western coastline of Japan. For many who visit Japan, Kanazawa is often overlooked as a destination and thus making it one of the most underrated spots to visit.

During World War Two, Kanazawa managed to escape destruction by air raids. As a result of that, the city is incredibly well preserved and a wonderful way to explore old Japan. Home to the Nagamachi samurai district as well as the geisha districts, these are some of the most accessible and beautiful parts of the country.

The surrounding countryside of the city offers some spectacular experiences. Southeast of Kanazawa is the village of Shirakawa-go famous for its traditional thatched roof houses. In August, you’d be able to be able to enjoy the whole area in warmth and bask in the sun.

To the north of Kanazawa is the stunning Noto Peninsula and you can drive the entire peninsula in one day. The views are stunning as you drive through the lush green mountains.

You can visit Wajima town, go to Chirihama beach where in August you can actually drive on the beach if weather permits, see Keta Taisha Shrine and go to the Senmaida, a hillside of terraced rice fields along the Sea of Japan.

Kanazawa should be on everyone’s Japan itinerary, especially if you’re concentrating your visit in the middle of the country. Kanazawa represents quintessential Japan and certainly not to be missed!

By Amy from Family Globetrotters

Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan has popped up on many of our lists lately and if you have been following many of the travel blogs, you will probably have noticed that a lot of people have been travelling there. Who could blame them?

The gorgeous landscapes, high mountain ranges, lush fields and more beckon any nature lover. It definitely made my day to see it added to our list of places to spend August in Asia.

5. Almaty

Almaty is a great place to spend August in Asia.

LOCATION: Almaty

GETTING THERE: Several companies fly to Almaty international airport.

WHERE TO STAY: Almaty backpackers’ hostel or European backpackers’ hostel

Almaty used to be the capital of the Soviet Union Republic of Kazakhstan until after independence the new president created its own city. The brand new shiny Nursultan with its futuristic architecture is now the administrative capital, but the heart of Kazakhstan is still in Almaty.

Almaty remains the liveliest and most dynamic city in the country with its mixture of Soviet history and modern buildings. In summer its café terraces are full with the city’s young population and increasingly with travelers from abroad, because Almaty is also a great city for those that love the outdoors.

Almaty is surrounded by spectacular nature. The snow-capped peaks of the Tien Shan mountains are visible from the city. August is a perfect time to go to these higher altitudes and escaping the summer heat is as easy as taking a public bus to Shymbulak. In 30 minutes, you are high up in the mountains with lots of hiking opportunities.

Beautiful big Almaty lake is also less than an hour from the city and if you are willing to go a bit further there is lots of nature to explore such as the red rock formations in the Charyn canyon, the alpine mountain lakes of Kolsai and the singing sand dunes in Altyn Emel.

By Ellis from Backpack Adventures

Malaysia

One country that Shawn and I have found ourselves returning to again and again over the past couple of years is Malaysia. Granted, we have spent more time on the island of Borneo than on mainland Malaysia.

Still, the flavors, the culture and the people are just a few things that draw us back to the country again and again. It isn’t a wonder that it got added to our list of places to spend August in Asia.

6. Perhentian Islands

Consider spending August in Asia at the Perhentian islands.

LOCATION: Perhentian Islands

GETTING THERE: Fly to Kota Bharu Airport (KBR) and take a taxi to Kuala Besut Jetty. From the jetty take a boat to the Perhentian Islands.

You can also get to Kuala Besut by bus from any city in Malaysia, if you are coming from Kuala Lumpur the bus leaves from Kuala Lumpur TBS (Terminal Bersepadu Selatan).

WHERE TO STAY: The Perhentian Islands have a variety of accommodation ranging from camping to luxury accommodation. Perhentian Kecil attracts more budget travellers that want to dive around the Perhentian Islands.

The smaller Kecil island is more developed with a chilled-out backpacker vibe with many dive centers. If you want to have a budget stay and do a dive course, for a nice chalet very close to a private beach check out Perhentian Chomel Chalet.

Perhentian Besar is less developed with more expensive resorts and restaurants, this is a better island for a romantic breakaway or honeymoon. For a more luxury stay Suhaila Palace offers beachfront accommodation in Perhentian Besar Island.

The Perhentian Islands are a great diving destination located approximately 20 km off the coast of North East Malaysia, close to Thailand. We travelled to the Perhentian Islands in July and had fantastic weather and great diving conditions.

The islands are surrounded by beautiful coral reefs rich in marine life, the surrounding archipelago is accessible by small boat with plenty of different sites to dive. The islands offer more than just diving with nice snorkelling from shore, trails to hike and beautiful sandy beaches.

The two main islands are the big island, Pulau Perhentian Besar and Pulau Perhentian Kecil, the Small Perhentian Island.

By Campbell and Alya from Stingy Nomads

Mongolia

A lesser visited country that made our list is Mongolia. Honestly, I have never really thought about visiting the country other than to take he trans-Siberian train through it. Mongolia has a lot of great sights to see and the lack of tourists makes it an ideal destination to spend August in Asia.

7. Gobi Dessert

The Gobi desert is one of the intriguing places to spend August in Asia.

LOCATION: Gobi Desert

GETTING THERE: Roads in Mongolia are in poor condition and often not even really roads, so driving to the desert yourself is not advisable. Most visitors join a small group tour organized by one of the many guesthouses in Ulaanbaatar.

WHERE TO STAY: Gana’s Guesthouse in Ulaanbaatar. They will arrange for you to camp or sleep in a ger (Mongolian yurt) in the desert.

While many Asian destinations are unbearably hot in August, in Mongolia this is the perfect time to visit. Since the winters on the Mongolian steppes are bitterly cold, summer is definitely the high season here. Although it’s still quite an off-the-beaten-track destination, so even in high season you’ll still feel like you have Mongolia’s vast landscapes almost all to yourself.

While the domestic tourists tend to head up north to the blue waters of Khuvsgul Lake, the most popular destination for foreign visitors to Mongolia is the Gobi Desert.

If you’ve already visited another desert, such as the Sahara in northern Africa or the Atacama in Chile, you might think you don’t need to see another one. But the Gobi is not like most deserts, and what you see here will completely blow you away!

The landscapes within the Gobi are incredibly diverse, and there’s also a lot more plant and animal life than you would expect. There’s one strip of rolling sand dunes, called Khongoriin Els, that offers the quintessential desert scenery you’re probably expecting to see.

But elsewhere in the Gobi you’ll find huge boulders, rock formations created by natural erosion, and multi-coloured hills tinted by the minerals in the rock. There’s even a surprisingly green gorge, called Yolyn Am, where you’ll see horses and yaks grazing!

By Wendy from The Nomadic Vegan

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is another great location that you should consider spending August in Asia. There is so much to do in the country. From the ancient ruins that country is famous for to the gorgeous coast that borders the island nation, Sri Lanka has a lot to offer.

The tropical weather makes it a great place to spend August in Asia. The only problem is narrowing it down to just a single destination.

8. Sigiriya

The central highlands of Sri Lanka are amazing and spending August in Asia here is quite the treat.

LOCATION: Sigiriya

GETTING THERE: If you’re coming from the airport, it’s best to a minibus from the airport, which will take you  6-7 hours. The closest train station is Habarana, which is 15km away. However, the train service to Colombo Airport is problematic since you have to travel into the city to catch a train.

WHERE TO STAY: August is the low season for Sri Lanka. All across the country, it’s very warm and wet. You can get amazing deals on luxury properties this time of year. We stayed at the Mahagedara Wellness Retreat, which had air-conditioned rooms and was surrounded by cool, green jungle.

Sigiriya is located in the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka. Its primary draw is the ancient Sigiriya Fortress, also known as Sigirya Rock or Lion Rock. It’s so beautiful that it has been called the 8th wonder of the world.

August is a perfect time to visit Sigiriya Rock because the crowds were very light. I went early in the morning and was able to get open frames of the famous Lion Staircase that lead up to the summit. It’s also the best time of day to beat the heat climbing the 1200 stairs to the top.

Sigiriya Rock is also one of the vertices of the Cultural Triangle in Sri Lanka. From your base in Sigiriya, you can take day trips to Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura. All three of these locations were capital cities in ancient Sri Lanka. The Dambulla Cave Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are close to Sigiriya and have been a continually operating monastery for over 2000 years.

My favourite activity in Sigiriya didn’t have all these accolades, but it was every bit as spectacular – climbing Pidurangala Rock. During the construction of the Sigiriya Fortress, the monks who lived there were relocated to the adjacent Pidurangala Rock, and they still live there today.

For a small fee, they will let you visit their temple and climb to the summit of Pidurangala Rock, which is perhaps the best view of Sigiriya Rock in all of Sri Lanka. What’s more, by going in August without all the crowds, there is plenty of wildlife, particularly monkeys, playing in the jungles around the monastery and nearby ruins.

By Jenn and Ed from Coleman Concierge

Taiwan

Taiwan is another country that has found its way onto many people’s bucket list. The island country has a lot of nature that is worth exploring. It has been on our agenda for a long while, but we haven’t really gotten around to visiting it yet. From what I have heard, it is a great place to spend August in Asia. Read on to find out why.

9. Taipei

Taiwan is a wonderful place to spend August in Asia.

LOCATION: Taipei

GETTING THERE: Although Taipei is served by two airports, it’s highly likely you will fly into Taiwan’s capital city via Taoyuan International Airport. From here, getting to town is easily achieved by MRT (subway), bus, taxi, or private transfer.

WHERE TO STAY: Taipei is a huge city with no shortage of excellent hotels and hostels. It’s best to stay somewhere central to access all of the city’s best gems easily. The best areas to stay in Taipei include Ximending, Xinyi, or near Taipei Main Station.

Taipei is an excellent destination to visit in Asia – brimming with history, culture, beautiful architecture, and of course, excellent street food. Some of the city’s most famous historical landmarks include Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, the National Palace Museum, Longshan Temple, and Sun Yat-Sen.

All of these offer a unique glimpse into the country’s rich history, accompanied by magnificent architecture. For the best views of the city, make sure to visit the tallest building in Taipei – Taipei 101.

Afterward, head out to Maokong Mountain, where you can take a lovely cable car ride over dreamy tea plantations. It’s a unique experience offering a stark contrast over the bustling streets you just witnessed.

While there’s plenty to do during the day, Taipei also has a fantastic nightlife scene. Among the most popular things to do in Taipei at night, watching the mind-blowing sunset at Elephant Mountain and eating your way through Raohe Night Market is obligatory. 

August in Taipei can be rather sultry, so make sure to stay hydrated. It’s also important to know that typhoons aren’t uncommon during this month. Keep an eye on the weather forecast and always carry an umbrella. On most days, though, expect beautiful sunny skies.

By Mariza from Hop On World

Vietnam

Vietnam is one of my favorite countries. We spent three weeks exploring it from north to south and believe me, it was just not enough. From the mouth-watering delicacies to gorgeous landscapes, Vietnam has something for everyone.

You could choose to chill and let the world go by you or you could choose to be active and explore. Interestingly, it makes a great location to spend August in Asia. If you are thinking of heading this way, take a look at the spots in Vietnam that made our list.

10. Bao Loc

Bao Loc in Vietnam is a lovely place to spend August in Asia.

LOCATION: Bao Loc

GETTING THERE: Bao Loc is between Ho Chi Minh City and Dalat, so it’s recommended to have a car or a motorbike to get to the various attractions. There is a sleeper bus that travels between Ho Chi Minh and Bao Loc.

WHERE TO STAY: Most of the accommodations are guesthouses. You can get a private room with air conditioning for $7-$20 USD.

Bao Loc, located in Vietnam’s Central Highlands, is a quiet and laid-back mountain area known to grow tea and coffee. While it’s typically not on a Vietnam itinerary, it’s a fabulous weekend spot to explore if you’re close to Dalat city.

Many visitors make a day trip here to visit the Dambri Tourist Area. The main attractions are the two gorgeous waterfalls – Dambri and Dasara. You’ll love seeing the large and impressive cascades surrounded by the luscious forest.

This place also has an amusement park vibe with riding a Ferris Wheel, riding a swan paddle boat, playing traditional outdoor games, swimming in the pool, and enjoying a picnic. It’s a fabulous spot to spend the day outdoors.

Other things to do in Bao Loc include visiting the Linh Quy Phap An Pagoda to see the sunrise or sunset with the clouds. You can also wander through the main downtown area as there are shopping malls, a lake to walk around, and plenty of local Vietnamese restaurants and dessert places to try.

In the evenings, stop by one of the local vendors selling hot and beverages such as soy milk and sugarcane juice and watch the people and cars pass by on the road.

By Jackie and Justin from Life Of Doing

11. Hanoi

Hanoi is a popular place to spend August in Asia.

LOCATION: Hanoi

GETTING THERE: The best and easiest way to get there is by booking a flight directly to Hanoi. If you’re flying from any bigger city in Asia, there are many cheap flights daily.

WHERE TO STAY: A first-timer in Hanoi? Head over to one of the hostels or hotels in the Old District to indulge yourself in Vietnamese culture. If you’re looking for an upscale accommodation to relax and avoid tourist crowds, head over to Tay Ho district next to beautiful West Lake.

You can expect pleasant weather and experience in Hanoi during August. The temperature is still high, but not as hot as during the summer. It averages from 24 to 28 degrees Celsius, and when you add the fact that everything is blooming, it just gives a sweet vibe while exploring hidden places around the city.

August is the month that features a high humidity rate and the probability of rainfall, but don’t judge it fast. I’ve been in Hanoi during July and August, and I’ve been caught by a rain a few times during these two months.

You can expect short, but heavy showers, and if you’re driving a motorbike, it’s mandatory to bring a raincoat. Once it starts to rain, people just stop, put their raincoats on, and everything continues as usual.

In August, you can expect lower prices and fewer tourist crowds as it’s not the peak season, which will give you a chance to explore the majority of places without sharing with thousands of other tourists. That’s by far my favorite.

While in Hanoi, don’t forget to explore tiny streets of the Old Quarter, do some shopping, indulge in delicious cuisine, and of course, get drunk with locals drinking their cheap bia hoi (fresh beer). If you’re running out of ideas, a balanced Hanoi itinerary will give you some refreshing ideas for things to do in Hanoi.

Once you get bored with Hanoi, there are many options for excellent day trips. I suggest heading to breath-taking Halong Bay or Ninh Binh area to experience stunning nature far away from the busy city.

By Antonio from Vietnam Chronicles

12. Ninh Binh

Location: Ninh Binh

Getting There: You can take a bus to Ning Binh

Where To Stay: Lalita Boutique Hotel & Spa Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh is one of my favorite places in Vietnam. Not only is the city pretty laid back, you can also stay on the outskirts and chill at one of the numerous luxury resorts.

Ninh Binh isn’t only known for its luxuries. It also is home to some fascinating natural and manmade attractions. We rented a scooter and wandered around the area. Some of the natural wonders that should be on your bucket list are the Van Long nature reserve, Tam Coc and Trang An. 

These are amazing waterways. You can sit on a boat and take in the landscape and head into the caves which is definitely something that you should try. If you have time to pick just one, I highly recommend Trang An. The lines are so much shorter here!

Make sure to add Bai Dinh temple to your itinerary too. This temple is very pretty and so quiet. We spent a long while just sitting in a quiet spot here. 

And there you have it. Our extensive list of places that you can spend August in Asia. Trust me, I understand that it is really hard to choose but these places come highly recommended by people who travel Asia frequently.

I hope that this helps. If you have other locations that you think should be on the list, let us know in the comments below!

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** The photographs in this post are not the property of Globetrove and have been provided by the individual authors.