Where to go in December

December

If you’re looking for a festive escape, Thailand’s islands (and in fact, most of the country) are perfect, as are Vietnam’s southern beaches. India is cool (relatively!) and wonderful, especially in Rajasthan. Sri Lanka is at its best, and the Maldives is flawless for an end-of-year escape. Bhutan is cold but magical, with snow-capped peaks and a festive feel and in Japan, it’s all about the steaming onsens and snow. Avoid Indonesia—it’s full-blown monsoon season—but otherwise, December truly is one of the best months to travel in Asia.