April

From Songkran water fights in Thailand to cruising along Borneo’s rivers, April in Asia is alive with movement, colour and wildlife.

April brings rising heat and high energy across Asia – with clear trails and blooming cherry blossoms in South Korea, and the Thai water festival in full swing. Plus, if you’re after wildlife in Borneo it’s a great time for an Easter break.


Vietnam’s central coast and northern highlands are in great shape for travel – with warm weather, blue skies and excellent hiking in areas like Pu Luong and Ninh Binh. Thailand is hot but still manageable with early starts, and the Thai New Year (13th–15th) adds a playful buzz to streets and temples. Malaysia’s east coast is back at its best with calm waters ideal for snorkelling, while inland highlands remain cool and accessible. Borneo enters one of its best seasons: forest trails dry out, rivers slow, and orangutan sightings spike in areas like Sepilok and the Kinabatangan. Blossoms sweep across Japan and South Korea but crowds rise. It’s best to skip southern India and Cambodia’s inland areas if you dislike heat – midday temperatures here can climb fast.

Vietnam

Best for northern hikes and beach time

April is one of Vietnam’s most travel-friendly months, with clear skies and warm weather from Hanoi to the Mekong Delta. It’s a great time for a cross-country trip (May is less so): hike dry trails in the north, laze on central beaches, or take in city life in Ho Chi Minh City before the rains arrive. The south is hot (often over 35°C), so early starts and shady breaks are a good idea. April also sees the Hung Kings Festival, with lion dances and traditional rice cakes filling city parks and public spaces. Late in the month, Reunification Day brings fireworks, flags and lots of locals travelling home, so it’s worth booking transport and accommodation ahead.

Malaysia

Best for combining city and coastal highlights

April is a great time to experience Malaysia’s mix of coast, culture and cool highlands. The east coast islands are in their prime: calm waters ideal for diving and snorkelling. In the Cameron Highlands, trails stay dry and daytime temperatures hover around 23°C – perfect for long walks. Tamil New Year adds colour to the month, with temple ceremonies and festive markets, particularly in Penang and Kuala Lumpur. While the west coast stays warm, humidity starts to build and short afternoon showers become more common as the month goes on – so pack light, and plan outdoor time for the mornings.

Borneo

Best for forest walks and wildlife spotting along rivers

April is one of the best times to be in Borneo. Drier conditions mean forest trails are easier to manage, river levels drop, and wildlife is more visible – especially along the Kinabatangan, where animals gather at the banks. It’s also prime season for climbing Mt Kinabalu, or exploring canopy walkways in Sepilok and Danum Valley. Off the coast, Gaya Island offers excellent snorkelling with clear water and calm seas. Inland, Batang Ai National Park is a good choice for staying in a traditional longhouses – learning how tribal life has been lived for centuries.

Thailand

Best for exploring the north – and Songkran water fights

April in Thailand is hot, festive and full of energy. Songkran, the Thai New Year (13th–15th), transforms cities and villages alike with temple rituals and lively, good-natured water fights. Northern areas stay dry enough for early temple visits and gentle treks, while the Gulf coast remains warm and dry for beach days. Bangkok is getting hotter and more humid – best explored in short bursts or with breaks back at your (air-conditioned) hotel. Mid-month holidays (around Songkran) can push up prices and crowd levels, especially in Chiang Mai and Bangkok, so booking ahead is a smart move.

April is when Borneo really opens up – the rainforest is drier underfoot, rivers are calmer, and the wildlife comes to you. It’s one of the best times to spot orangutans and proboscis monkeys from a boat, without needing to trek for hours."

Speak with a destination specialist

Friendly, dedicated people who care as much about your trip as you do.

The rest of the year