Where to beat the summer heat in Asia

Asia’s summer months are notoriously hot and humid. But you don’t need to leave the region to find relief. We’ve handpicked destinations that stay in the milder 20°C range – often by virtue of being located at high altitudes or in a rain shadow (a sheltered mountainside). Find out where to steal away for a refreshing summer getaway in Asia.

Malaysian Borneo

Rare wildlife, world-class diving, distinctive Chinese-Malay-Dutch architecture and contemporary urban perks – Malaysian Borneo has it all. Its gateway cities Kuching and Sandakan exude vintage charm and offer multicultural food scenes. The best action, however, happens outside city limits. For tropical rainforest trekking and orangutan sightings, head to Sarawak’s Semenggoh Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre or Sabah’s Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre . Serious adventurers can scale the 4,000-metre volcanic spires of Mount Kinabalu or explore the labyrinth caves at Gunung Mulu National Park . From Kuching, sail through rainforests and experience tribal community life with an indigenous Iban family. For snorkelling and diving, head to Sipadan or Mabul islands off Sabah’s southeastern coast. 

Urumqi, the Chinese Mainland 

Encompassing a mix of distinct regional character and incredible natural scenery, this gem of a city in the Chinese Mainland’s remote northwest is always worth a visit. But summers in Urumqi are particularly delightful, with long hours of daylight, warm, breezy weather and mild temperatures at night. A 50km drive out of the city will bring you to Tianshan Tianchi Scenic Area, where you can cruise around Heavenly Lake, stroll along forest paths, and take in magnificent views of snow-capped mountains. Evenings are best passed at the city’s Grand Bazaar, home to stalls and eateries that remain abuzz with activity late into the night. 

Bali, Indonesia 

From May to October, Bali’s dry season promises clear blue skies during the day that are ideal for sunbathing along the island’s idyllic southern coast, alongside fresh, cool mornings and evenings that are perfect for volcano hikes and waterfall chasing amid Bali’s lush, green interior. Those keen to get out on the water for snorkelling, diving and surfing will find excellent conditions during the summer season: cool sea temperatures, calm waters and high visibility. This is also when Bali is at its liveliest, with plenty of options for dining and dancing. Be sure to pack your favourite beach essentials and light, loose layers.  

Lhasa, Xizang Autonomous Region, the Chinese Mainland 

Lhasa, one of the world’s highest cities and the spiritual heart of Xizang Autonomous Region, is surrounded by formidable Himalayan peaks. It comes to life in summer, when urban pursuits include strolling the incense-filled prayer halls of the seventh-century Jokhang Temple and haggling for silver and turquoise amulets at Barkhor Square. A growing restaurant scene celebrates Tibetan favourites like thukpa, a noodle soup, and momos, dumplings stuffed with yak meat or vegetables. To immerse yourself in the region’s natural beauty, head east to the Kham region of glacier-fed rivers and rolling grasslands. In Dzongsar, artisans produce bronze Buddha sculptures, lacquerware, ceramics and colourful thangka paintings. Visit Dege township, just over the border in Sichuan province, where Dege Parkhang Sutra-Printing House produces traditional texts using wooden printing blocks. 

Komodo, Indonesia 

Komodo National Park is the only place you can see the komodo dragon, the world’s largest monitor lizard, in the wild. The protected marine area lies between the islands of Sumbawa and Flores, the latter of which is the preferred base of dragon-seekers. Most visitors transit through its west-coast town of Labuan Bajo, which has seen an influx of newly opened boutique hotels and phinisi charters (traditional Indonesian liveaboard boats) that make day or overnight sails around Komodo National Park. Take a guided tour with park rangers to spot the namesake dragons; picnic on a beautiful beach with pink sand; and snorkel among coral, green sea turtles and mild-mannered manta rays. 

Central Highlands and Eastern Sri Lanka 

Hop aboard the Sri Lankan rails to time-travel through dewy central highlands and stop at old-world tea estates. The quaint hill stations of Kandy, Ella and Nuwara Eliya encourage taking it slow. You might spend one afternoon quaffing gin on a veranda and the next touring plantations such as Pedro Tea Estate, established in 1885. The five restored tea planters’ bungalows that make up Ceylon Tea Trails provide a luxurious base for exploring the area. Those who enjoy staying active can climb Adam’s Peak, hit the golf links, or embark on a hiking route in one of the waterfall-filled national parks. Meanwhile, the white sands of Arugam Bay, a six-hour drive away on the east coast, entice surfers and sunbathers seeking a low-key vibe. 

Ladakh, India 

Tucked between snow-capped Himalayan and Karakoram peaks, the high-desert Indian city of Leh enjoys temperate summers without the monsoons that inundate much of the rest of India. Nimmu House and Stok Palace , which once housed royalty, now welcome all-comers for overnight stays and culinary experiences that delve into the region’s Silk Road-inspired cuisine. The Ladakh Festival, held annually in September, is also a wonderful introduction to the Tibetan-influenced culture, cuisine and music. Homegrown trekking outfits offer great day and overnight experiences to the breathtaking Nubra and Suru valleys, peppered with timeless Buddhist monasteries. 

Chiang Rai, Thailand 

Thanks to its jade-green paddies, misty mountains and glistening temples, there’s never really a bad time to be in the northern Thai city of Chiang Rai. Though monsoon showers come and go until late September, the rain cools off the town quickly – and makes café-hopping along the Ping River or visiting elephant sanctuaries a pleasant affair. At Locus Native Food Lab , chef Kong bases his modern cuisine on indigenous meats and traditionally foraged mushrooms, herbs and forest greens. Chiang Rai is also a good base for forays into the Lanna hinterland, including Mae Taeng, Thailand’s upland tea country; Mae Hong Son, an energetic frontier town; and, Pai, a retreat for yogis keen on perfecting their asanas and exploring waterfall-lined hiking trails. 

Pyin Oo Lwin, Myanmar 

Summer is not the preferred time to visit Myanmar, with most of the country beset by heavy rainfall and hot temperatures. But one refreshing exception is the hill station of Pyin Oo Lwin, set amid strawberry fields and tidy gardens. Here, the eco-friendly Hotel Pyin Oo Lwin combines classic heritage architecture and a central location by the National Kandawgyi Botanical Gardens. Horse-and-buggy taxis are still the best way to get around. To explore the area with local insights, join one of Pyin Oo Lwin Trek ’s sustainable winery and wildlife treks. You can combine a stay in town with a visit to sister property The View Resort’s bungalows, scattered across a forested hillside overlooking Mandalay Valley; a 30-minute trek leads to Dat Taw Gyaint Waterfall.

This story was first published in August 2019. It was updated in April 2026 and accurate at the time of publishing.