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Traveling can bring out one of two personalities in people: Type A people are more structured, organized, and complete with the itinerary and other details. Type B people, on the other hand, are more laid-back, going with the flow of the trip, and are more relaxed throughout.
If you’re looking to spark some new life and joy for your traveling hacks, take a look at Klook’s latest campaign for some inspiration.
Klook’s “The Best You” Travel Campaign
Popular travel platform Klook has created a new campaign titled “The Best You,” which redefines travel as more than just a vacation, but a gateway to discovering the best version of yourself you didn’t know you were looking for.
Partnering with tidying expert and global personality Marie Kondo for their first episode, the campaign aims to position travel as a road to self-discovery and transformation.
Klook’s latest Travel Pulse study outlined that one in two Millennial and Gen Z travelers are more driven by the desire for personal transformation. They’re not just looking for picturesque getaways or temporary happiness, but for real experiences that spark joy, clarity, and wonder.
The best way to do that, according to nearly one in five travelers, is to go on nature retreats or take a short weekend getaway to chase meaningful moments beyond the miles.
“We’ve always believed experiences offer more than just activities — they’re a way to see yourself differently. When the world feels unpredictable, people look for moments that bring them back to who they are. 'The Best You' is our invitation to rediscover joy, connection, and personal growth through the simple power of travel and shared experiences,” said Marcus Yong, Vice President, Global Marketing at Klook.
“The Best You” is all about discovering experiences that bring you closer to who you want to be — whether it’s discovering your playful side at an amusement park or trying out something new with your loved ones.
To help future and seasoned travelers kickstart their journey to self-discovery, Klook has created an interactive online quiz that’s part personality decoder, part choose-your-own-adventure. Try out Klook’s Experience The Best You quiz here.
Travelers can discover one out of eight unique travel personalities that reflect their distinct travel aura, unlocking curated experiences designed to bring their best selves to life, wherever they go.
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Travel is one of the most refreshing ways to get your steps in. For those planning to go on a city break, Skyscanner just revealed nine of the best cities in Asia you can explore easily on foot!
In order to curate the region’s most walkable cities, the travel platform looked into their flight data to pinpoint 30 up-and-coming city break destinations outside America, skipping popular spots like Berlin and Dubrovnik. For this list, they wanted to highlight the hidden gems, destinations that are not only great to explore but also easy to navigate on foot. After all, city breaks are the best when you can walk from one attraction to another without needing to constantly hop on a taxi or catch public transport.
Skyscanner evaluated their data by considering 14 factors, including distances between attractions, the number of walking trails, average elevation, population density, safety, air quality, and wheelchair accessibility, among others.
Photo from Skyscanner/Website
The result? A walkability index featuring the best cities you should consider for your 2025 travel adventures. In Asia and Southeast Asia, nine cities reigned supreme, with Japan’s Nagasaki claiming the top spot. The city located on the island of Kyushu boasts gorgeous beaches and surrounding hills, as well as must-see attractions such as the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum, the man-made island of Dejima, and the Sasebo Yosakoi dance festival that happens during the autumn season.
Second on the list is another Japanese city, Hiroshima, which is a fantastic destination to explore, brimming with cultural attractions from memorial parks to museums and awe-inspiring sites such as the floating Tori gate. This bustling city is also very safe to walk in at any time of day and boasts delicious local delicacies such as the famed Okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancakes).
The list also included Panglao, located in the Philippines’ Bohol province. The destination ranked on the list for its low crime rate, low elevation, and a city limit of just 47 square kilometers. Panglao boasts several beautiful beaches where you can not only walk along the shores but also enjoy all sorts of adventures, from cliff-diving to island hopping. Additionally, you can also explore some of its nearby attractions, such as the famed Chocolate Hills and the Tarsier Sanctuary.
Another city that’s fairly easy to explore on foot is Macau, with limits of less than 10 square kilometers and over 517 attractions to see and enjoy. If you’re looking for the ideal cityscape, this bustling city has lots to offer, from unique dining experiences to thrilling activities like bungee jumping at Macau Tower!
Ready to get those steps in? You can see the full list of destinations here.
Most Walkable Cities in Asia and Southeast Asia According to Skyscanner:
Nagasaki, Japan
Hiroshima, Japan
Siem Reap, Cambodia
Sendai, Japan
Haiphong, Vietnam
Panglao, Bohol, Philippines
Thiruvananthapuram, India
Coimbatore, India
Macau, China
Book your next adventure with Skyscanner and follow them on Facebook, X (Formerly Twitter), and Instagram for more information on the best destinations.
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One of the best things about this bright, sunny season is that it’s the perfect weather for outdoor activities. If you’re not big on hiking or beach adventures, perhaps a more leisurely workout walking through serene parks or learning more about wildlife animals is more your scene? If yes, then we’ve got you covered!
There are several national parks, safaris, and sanctuaries located across Asia that are dedicated to safeguarding precious wildlife animals. Not to mention some of these places are UNESCO-protected sites, containing breathtaking scenic views and exotic animals that provide visitors with a raw and authentic wildlife experience.
Spend this season discovering Asia’s diverse ecosystems and encountering rare and endangered species. From exciting safari parks to awe-inspiring sanctuaries, here are some of the best destinations that provide a glimpse into the natural beauty and conservation efforts that make Asia a haven for wildlife lovers.
Taman Negara National Park (Malaysia)
Website/Taman Negara Asia
With a vast jungle spanning across three states, this destination has been deemed as Malaysia’s premier national park. Taman Negara is one of the world’s oldest rainforests, estimated to be 130 years old, which is older than the Congo and Amazon rainforests!
It has been a popular ecotourismdestination since it was established in 1938, providing nature lovers a chance to experience various outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain climbing, cave explorations, and animal watching. The park is home to several rare mammals like the Malayan Tiger, Asian elephant, and Malayan gaur, as well as birds such as hornbills, red junglefowl, and the Malayan peacock-pheasant.
Other fantastic activities you can experience here are the Canopy Walk, where you can enjoy spectacular views on a 40-meter-high and 530-meter-long suspension bridge — the longest in the world! For the adrenaline junkies, you can do rapid shooting along Sungai Tembeling or go jungle trekking through their nature trails. If you’re looking for moderate adventures, visiting the Aborigine settlement is a must, as well as boat cruising on Lake Berkoh.
The park also provides various accommodations from hotels to resorts and offers ready-made and customized tours. It's free to wander around the property but you can also book one of their tour packages, which you can learn more about here.
This nature haven is only 240 kilometers away from Kuala Lumpur, and can be reached via a three-hour bus journey for RM15. You can then take a taxi to Taman Negara (RM150), which will take about an hour, or to Kuala Tembeling jetty for RM20, and then continue the journey by boat to your resort.
Location: Asia Camp, Kuala Tahan, Taman Negara Pahang
Khao Kheow Open Safari (Thailand)
Photo from Website/Klook
This family-friendly safari adventure is located in Chonburi Province, which is only an hour and a half drive from Bangkok. The massive open zoo first opened to the public in 1978 and houses both domestic and international species such as elephants, hippopotamuses, gibbons, zebras, giraffes, tigers, lions, leopard deer, cranes, and many more.
This wildlife destination offers a range of activities from interactive experiences, such as animal feeding, to more leisure activities, such as watching animal shows and having a picnic.
The zoo is located within Khao Chom Puo Wildlife Sanctuary, so you’ll be surrounded by rainforest-covered hills, providing the perfect backdrop for your wildlife adventure. We recommend taking the tram ride or one of their guided tours to better explore the vast landscapes and get up close with the animals, as well as learn valuable insights about them.
Entrance fees are priced at THB350 (Adult) and THB120 (Child) which is inclusive of access to all the shows. For more information on show schedules and other activities, click here.
And ICYDK, the internet sensation pygmy hippopotamus, Moo Deng, actually lives here!
As the Philippine’s first world class marine theme park, there’s no better place to see and learn about various marine species than in this wildlife destination located within the city’s capital!
The Manila Ocean Park boasts a massive oceanarium home to over14,000 marine creatures from around 277 species that are all indigenous to the Philippines and Southeast Asia. Here you’ll also find the country’s first penguin park and be able to experience an entertaining bird and sea lion show, as well as encounter mysterious creepy crawlies.
This expansive destination has been integrated into a resort with an aqua-themed hotel, Hotel H2O, that features rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing stunning views of the bay and aquarium walls. If you’ve ever dreamed about sleeping with the fishes like a true merfolk but with the bonus of a luxurious bed and amenities, this is the place!
Tickets and package bundles can be purchased on their website and are priced between P400 to P1,400.
Operating Hours: Open weekdays from 10 AM to 6 PM; from 9 AM on weekends and public holidays.
Photo from Website/Manila Ocean Park
Mandai Wildlife Reserve (Singapore)
Photo from Website/Mandai Wildlife Reserve
Singapore's premier nature destination is the place to be if you want a one-of-a-kind wildlife experience packed with outdoor activities, animal observations, and just a whole lot of fun. The reserve is home to five wildlife parks, namely the Singapore Zoo, Bird Paradise, River Wonders, Night Safari, and Rainforest Wild ASIA.
Each park highlights unique experiences such as how the Night Safari is the first of its kind in the world, offering visitors a glimpse into the nocturnal animal kingdom. Rainforest Wild ASIA, on the other hand, is the newest addition to its roster of parks, which allows guest to experience an immersive rainforest setting filled with wildlife wonders below and above ground. The park is home to thirty-six species within several animal zones, where you can get up close and personal with them.
Some activities you can enjoy within this massive destination includes forest treks, ranger talks, and adventure playgrounds. There’s even a resort in the area as well as the country’s first-ever cave restaurant with tasty international delights that will surely make your visit worthwhile.
Mandai Wildlife Reserve offers single ticket passes as well as bundles, so make sure to check them out and see which best suits your visit. Single ticket passes can range from S$33 to S$44.80. You can view the complete list of prices here.
Planning to come back and explore more? Annual memberships start from S$275, and give you access to all the parks, as well as a 20% discount on dining, shopping, and adventure experiences. You can also get 25% off on bookings at Mandai Rainforest Resort and get access to exclusive member events and promos.
Now you might be wondering, what’s a theme park doing on this list? According to CEO Ivan Wong, before anything else, Ocean Park HK is a conservation education institution and wildlife hub with ongoing programs that support conservation efforts for various breeds and species. Although it mainly caters to marine animals with an impressive aquarium as one of its main attractions, the park is also home to several land animals such as pandas and foxes.
The park also showcases several live animal shows and interactive experiences, such as feeding the animals or stepping into the shoes of their caretakers for a day, which can give you valuable insights into the conservation work they do. Apart from the educational aspect, Ocean Park HK is the ideal place to have fun with the entire family, with rides and attractions such as the cable car and Ocean Park Tower, offering fantastic views of the sea and outlying islands.
General admission tickets are priced at HK$498 (Adult) and HK$249 (Child). If you’re planning to return and try everything the park has to offer, you’ll save more by availing their annual membership for HK$1,380 (Adult) and HK$980 (Child).
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As it gets warmer across Asia, more and more people are making their way to the beach to cool down. From relaxing retreats to thrilling underwater adventures, there are a ton of things you can fill up your holiday itineraries with, making coastal destinations a top choice among many travelers this season.
Asia has long proved itself as a top destination when it comes to water sports, being the home to some of the best diving hotspots around. Southeast Asia, specifically, invites thousands of scuba diving enthusiasts from far and wide each year, attracted by its clear blue waters and gorgeous marine ecosystems that earned it the title as scuba diving haven.
Looking to plunge into the deep on your next summer escape? Digital travel platform Agoda just unveiled insights from its 2025 Scuba Deals Survey, which sheds light on the preferences and motivations of scuba diving enthusiasts across Asia. Conducted last February among 850 scuba divers across 11 markets in the region (Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam), this survey illuminates trends shaping the underwater travel scene,giving potential travelers a chance to shape their own adventures.
“Asia is home to some of the world’s most popular diving destinations and remains a favorite among divers,” said Gede Gunawan, Senior Country Director Indonesia at Agoda. “At Agoda, we’re passionate about helping travelers access these amazing experiences. By offering great deals on accommodations, flights, and activities, we aim to make exploring the underwater world easier and affordable for everyone.”
Ready to plan your underwater adventure? Here are some of the notable insights to consider:
Indonesia is the top diving destination
Known for its gorgeous beaches, volcanoes, and rich biodiversity, it’s no surprise that Indonesia topped the list as the most desired scuba diving destination. It even ranked ahead of some of the most popular coastal spots such as the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam.
So, if you’re hoping to witness magnificent underwater sights, Indonesia is the place to be. Since this Southeast Asian country is mostly dry, with temperatures averaging 28 to 29°C, diving is year-round. Some of the best spots for diving there include Pulau Weh, Bunaken MarinePark, and Raja Ampat.
Travelers are motivated by relaxing underwater retreats
Nearly one-third (30%) of respondents cited relaxation as their primary reason for diving, proving that the ocean offers a sanctuary from the stress of daily life. This motivation is prevalent among divers from other Southeast Asian countries, including the Philippines, Malaysia, and Thailand.
Another motivating factor is exploring marine life, with over 24% of divers drawn to the allure of ocean creatures.
Affordable, but with bigger budgets
While many respondents put affordability high on their priority list, ranking it as the most important factor when choosing accommodation for the trip, divers are willing to spend more on their underwater escapades.
The survey showed that two-fifths (40%) of respondents spend 15 to 30% more on scuba trips compared to regular vacations. So yes, divers want to be on budget, but won’t hold back on spending a little bit more for a good dive.
Scuba diving trips range from 4 to 7 days
If you ask travelers how long the perfect vacation should last, answers will most likely vary depending on what kind of trip they’re taking, and their motivations and plans. Diving enthusiasts prefer short getaways according to the survey, with nearly half of the respondents (48%) preferring their diving trip to last four to seven days.
Many also prefer weekend trips (41%), underscoring that travelers find appeal in quick and immersive experiences that they can easily squeeze in between their busy schedules.
Reefs are the preferred dive sites
As to what kind of diving travelers in Asia prefer, Reef diving emerges as the winner with over 75% of respondents expressing interest in these areas.
It’s no secret that dive spots in the region boast rich ecosystems and colorful coral that continue to inspire and captivate divers from all over the world, cementing its status as a must-visit destination for witnessing and exploring marine wonders.
ICYDK, Agoda’s Scuba Deals program is offering an additional 10% discount on participating hotels in diving destinations across Southeast Asia, including spots in Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam. For more details, click here.
Follow Agoda on Facebook, X (Formerly Twitter), and Instagram to learn more about how you can maximize the fun on your trips with fantastic travel deals.
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Songkran in Bangkok is a whirlwind of splashes, laughter, and full-blown street parties. For a few days, the city turns into a giant waterpark, and avoiding a drenching is about as likely as finding an empty BTS train at rush hour. With the festive chaos in full swing, a luxurious retreat is essential, somewhere to recharge, dry off, and sip on a cocktail far from the water guns. Here are six hotels that guarantee indulgence, comfort, and prime locations for the ultimate Songkran experience you won't forget.
Chatrium Grand Bangkok
Chatrium Grand Bangkok
If you’re looking for a hotel that puts you right in the heart of the city without sacrificing peace and quiet, Chatrium Grand Bangkok is a winner. Located near Siam Paragon, it gives you front-row access to the Songkran festivities without requiring a lifejacket. Spend your mornings dodging water pistols and your evenings lounging in the infinity pool, enjoying world-class dining, and embracing the kind of comfort that makes you forget you were soaked just hours ago.
If the idea of Songkran sounds fun, but you also appreciate the option of a dry, elevated viewpoint, Crowne Plaza Bangkok Lumpini Park has you covered — literally. Just above the lively Silom district, this hotel lets you dive into the festival at your own pace. When you’ve had your fill of water fights, escape to the rooftop pool, order a drink, and enjoy the city skyline while others continue their battle below.
Siam Kempinski feels like a well-kept secret — an oasis of tranquility tucked behind the buzzing streets of Bangkok. While Songkran rages on outside, you can slip into one of the resort’s lagoon pools, sip a cocktail under the palm trees, and pretend you're on a tropical island. But when you’re ready to rejoin the fun, direct access to Siam Paragon means you’re never far from the action (or a fresh, dry outfit).
Bangkok might be going full water-war mode, but inside The Sukhothai, it’s all about calm, elegance, and lotus ponds. This hotel is perfect for those who want to experience Songkran on their own terms — splash around in the daytime, then retreat to the hotel’s spa for a well-deserved massage. Bonus points for the Michelin-starred restaurant, where the only thing being thrown around is world-class flavors.
Tucked away in Sukhumvit, Mövenpick Hotel offers a stylish sanctuary where you can enjoy Songkran and keep your hair dry when needed. Start your day getting drenched in the lively streets, but when it’s time to take a break, head to the rooftop Rainforest Bar for a sundowner and panoramic city views. It’s a great mix of fun, relaxation, and Swiss hospitality (which, fortunately, includes some seriously good chocolate).
For those who believe the best way to experience Songkran is at full volume, Centara Grand at CentralWorld is the place to be. Sitting atop one of Bangkok’s largest shopping malls, this hotel places you at the very heart of the city’s biggest water fights. Need a break? Dry off at the Red Sky rooftop bar with a cocktail in hand while watching the crowds below. And if you run out of dry clothes, CentralWorld's got you covered.
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We have many things to thank the Internet for, among which is connectivity and access to information. While the world may have seemed huge and intimidating before, it now feels easy and accessible. Proof of this is “Film Tourism,”a term coined to describe how films and shows inspire audiences to explore destinations popularized by what is seen on the screen. While this is a rising trend in the 2020s, researchers had already noticed the tendency years ago, calling it “movie-induced tourism.”
While there had been questions as to the validity of “movie induced tourism” in the 1990s, today, researchers confirm that the impact of the film and movie industry on travel is “massive.”
“Mission Impossible 2” has been said to have increased tourism to Sydney National Park by 200%. “The Lord of The Rings” has also impacted New Zealand’s tourism so much so that the word “Tolkien tourism” was born.
Recently, the release of “The White Lotus” put the spotlight on Thailand, with travel agency, Agoda, reporting a 12% increase in accommodation searches. According to Agoda, interest from the United States also grew by 65% compared to the last month’s average. Whereas past searches for Koh Samui accommodations had previously been from Malaysia and countries nearby Thailand, now tourists from Israel, Germany, France, and the UK have shown growing interest in visiting.
Pierre Honne, Country Director Thailand at Agoda shared, "The third season premiere of 'The White Lotus' has been a highly anticipated event in Thailand as it has across the rest of the world. The potential positive effects on Koh Samui and Thailand's tourism are undeniable.”
Past seasons of “The White Lotus,” filmed in Hawaii and Sicily, had also impacted the aforementioned destinations positively, with people flocking to the locales after seeing the show. Associate Professor at UQ Business School, Monica Chien, shared that “film tourism” is a strategic tool for destination marketing, and therefore, economic growth.
"Film tourism is a multifaceted phenomenon that encompasses a wide range of activities and cultural experiences, all of which can significantly influence a destination's image and drive visitation," she told ABC News.
With this at stake, the Thai government pulled out plenty of stops to ensure that they would be the main feature for the third season of “The White Lotus.” They offered generous tax rebates for the production company, ultimately wooing showrunners to choose Koh Samui over Japan, which had been the original choice for production. This shows the government’s awareness of the power of “film tourism,” and how major bodies are willing to show leniency in order to promote their destinations.
"That Thing Called Tadhana" | Instagram/Antoinette Hilario Jadaone
But, as with anything, film tourism has its downsides. In fact, some researchers say that the negative impacts far outweigh the positive ones, especially for places that are ill-equipped to handle the influx.
First and foremost, is the damage that the natural environment may have to face when accommodating more than the usual amount of people. There will likely be an increase in pollution, trash, and waste. For locales that don’t have the proper infrastructure to manage this, the problem could become critical.
More than that, there is also the tension between locals and tourists. Displacement could happen – locals and tourists may have to compete for resources such as parking space or rent. An increased number of visitors would also likely encourage local businesses to raise prices in order to capitalize and turn a profit. This could negatively impact the lives and routines of people who have called the area home way before it became “popular.” Of course, problems also arise when tourists are uninformed or deliberately disrespectful.
A perfect example of this is the case of Sagada, an idyllic mountain town located in the Philippines. The locale was popularized by the 2014 movie “That Thing Called Tadhana” starring Angelica Panganiban and JM de Guzman. After its release, local tourists began taking notice of the quaint mountain town, flocking to its hills for beautiful views and refreshing mountain air. However, residents of Sagada noted increasing crises in congestion, water scarcity, pollution, and cultural disrespect (i.e. tourists disrespecting the hanging coffins, which is a traditional burial practice for the Igorot tribe).
An influx of people at Kiltepan, Sagada | Instagram/Jake Bustos
However, the research paper did touch upon the agreement that both tourists and locals have in the perception that “film tourism” is an income generator for Sagada. Locals are also in favor of the government collecting fees (i.e. environmental fees) from tourists in order to supplement income for infrastructure as well as to serve as a deterrent for increased signs of pollution.
While tourism is fun and exciting – definitely an advantage to many locals who find jobs in the sector – it becomes clear that some etiquette has to be followed in order for it to be beneficial to both locals and tourists. This is by no means the start or end of “film tourism;” in fact, we’re sure that it’s only the beginning. As future productions choose to take advantage of cheaper travel and picturesque locales, “film tourism” is sure to find a boost in even the most remote destinations.
The most important thing for people to do when partaking in “film tourism” is to research the culture. Make sure that one’s behavior aligns with what is allowed in a certain place. While one may not fully agree with a destination’s beliefs or practices (i.e. religious practices), it’s important to realize that respect for the locals must take precedence over anything else.
Aside from that, practicing basic politeness should be a baseline. Visitors should be sure not to litter, and not to cause any kind of pollution, including noise pollution. Working together with local governments to protect resources and infrastructure can turn “film tourism” into an enjoyable experience for the people who live in an area, as well as the people who choose to visit it.
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Spring is the season of new beginnings and with it comes the transformation of mountainsides and city parks into breathtaking seas of pink and white. While Japan is known for its Sakura season, there are other destinations in Asia boasting stunning cherry blossom views — often with fewer crowds and coupled with unique cultural experiences.
From breathtaking valleys to charming urban parks, here’s where you can experience a pink-and-white spring day in Asia.
Northern Thailand’s Chiang Mai enjoys cool temperatures ideal for cherry blossom trees. There are several viewing spots in the district with various types of cherry blossoms that will surely make your gaze twinkle with awe.
The Khun Chang Kian Highland Agriculture Research Centre boasts the prettiest pink blossoms from the Nang Phaya Suea Krong trees, which are known as the fresh pink Sakura of Thailand. It’s also the closest viewing spot from town, has long been a popular spot for lovers, and is a great spot for your next IG post.
You can also check out Khun Wang Royal Agricultural Research Centre in Doi Inthanon National Park and witness the flourishing Wild Himalayan cherry blossoms in a deeper shade of pink or drive up north to visit Phu Lom Lo,specifically the Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park where you can see an entire mountainside and valley covered in an enchanting pastel pink!
Believe it or not, there are actual cherry blossom trees planted in Philippine territory and are thriving.Located in Atok, Benguet, Sakura Park (a.k.a. Benguet-Kochi Sisterhood Park) boasts cherry blossom trees that bloom around March. Over a hundred trees were initially planted in 2015 in commemoration of strong ties between the province of Benguet and the Kochi prefecture of Japan.
Unfortunately, only a few of them survived, which you can still view at the park. It was reported that there were two types of cherry blossoms planted there namely the Yakiwari Sakura, which has pink blooms, and the Sindaya Sakura, which bears white blossoms.
Additionally, the park boasts gorgeous flower fields of various shapes, colors, and sizes, and is close to the Northern Blossom Flower Farm, which is a stunning flower haven in bloom all year round!
Alternatively, the Philippines also has its own version of the Sakura blossoms which thrives in various parts of the country. The Palawan Balayongs with their light pink and white blooms are just as beautiful as the Sakura flowers and can grow in urban settings. Some of the places you can spot them are in Cavite, Pangasinan, and Puerto Princesa in the Palawan province. It was also reported that Salinggogon, which are known as the country’s native cherry blossoms, can be found in Rizal’s Masungi Georeserve.
Due to its tropical climate, Singapore doesn’t have native cherry blossom trees. But they do have their own version called “Trumpet Trees.” These trees flower in March and April, coinciding with Japan’s cherry blossom season, and then again between August and September.
The Tabebuia rosea tree blooms pretty pastel pink flowers mimicking the romantic Sakura blossoms. If you’re looking for a Hanami (flower viewing) experience on a budget, these trumpet trees are only an MRT ride away! You can catch them in bloom across the green city including Gardens By the Bay, Bishan-AMK Park, and the Jurong Lake Gardens.
Speaking of Gardens By The Bay, you can witness actual cherry blossoms at their annual Sakura event! You can learn more about it here.
Best time to visit: March to April and August to September
You can find a ton of cherry blossom spots across Japan’s closest neighbor, South Korea. Live your K-Drama dreams by walking along a stream filled with pink flowering trees on each side and witnessing the native King Cherry Blossom trees, which are known for their larger and brighter blooms.
The South Korean tourism page releases an annual Cherry Blossoms forecast, so make sure to check it before you visit. They’re usually in bloom around late March starting from Jeju Island, followed by Busan, Seoul, and Gangneung in early April.
South Korea also celebrates several cherry blossom festivals across the country where you won’t only get to see the iconic trees in bloom but also get cherry blossom-themed treats and souvenirs.
You can visit Yeojwacheon Stream where 350,000 cherry trees line both sides of the stream or the historic Gyeonghwa Station where the trees are lined between a railroad, making for a unique and picturesque photo spot. These two places are part of the Jinhaedistrict where an annual cherry blossom festival is held.
Some other spots include Nami Island’sCherry Tree Lane, which is famous for its stunning nature views and Jeju Island Cherry Blossom Festival held in Seogwipo’s downtown area.
Another Asian country boasting these spring blooms is Taiwan, where the cherry blossoms season lasts from mid-January to early April. Much like in Japan and South Korea, Taiwan also publishes a yearly forecast, making it easier for tourists to know which part of the country the trees are in full bloom at a certain period.
Check out Pingjing Lane Cherry Blossom Street at the heart of the capital to see blooms as early as the third week of Januaryor head up north to Yangmingshan National Park where the park transforms into a stunning canvas of pink and white for its annual cherry blossom festival. Not only does this celebration provide the perfect viewing spot for Taipei’s gorgeous blooms, but it also features the country’s rich cultural tapestry, offering visitors a glimpse into local traditions.
If you’re looking for a more remote spot, Wuling Farm is a small mountain resort in Taichung famous for flower viewing all year round! During spring, however, the cherry blossoms take the spotlight until late March before they’re replaced by peach blossoms.
Best time to visit: Mid-January to early April
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