With winter coming on and northern China already getting below freezing, the few alternatives seem to be either spending most of your time indoors or braving the cold. If you plan on heading south for a taste of the heat instead, southern China and Southeast Asia are the nearest options. The locales here for relaxing or exploring range between well-established and often crowded islands and the newly-emerging vacation spots. Whether its beaches, jungle or local culture you are looking for in this region, it’s usually possible to find something for all budgets. 

Here are six warm-weather getaways you might think about for the coming winter. I’ve included several which are veritable hotspots for vacationers and a few which are just becoming known. I’ve also noted the price range of the accommodations as well as the nearest travel hub for air, bus or boat arrival. As usual for travel in tropical or sub-tropical climates, think ahead about getting immunizations for illnesses such as hepatitis, typhoid and Japanese encephalitis. For heavily-forested areas, malaria medication is usually recommended.

Phu Quoc (Vietnam)
Once a heavily militarized island Vietnam’s Phu Quoc in the Gulf of Thailand has gradually developed into a traveler’s paradise, popular for its white sand beaches, scuba diving and quiet fishing villages. When not enjoying the miles of beaches and warm, shallow waters, you can explore the interior of the island which is heavily forested and mountainous in the north. Phu Quoc also stands out for its lively riverside market, its Su Muon Pagoda, and the An Thoi Islands which lie off the southern tip of Phu Quoc.

Hotels: $20 - $450

Transport: You can fly in from Tan Son Nhat airport in Ho Chi Minh City or from Rach Gia airport in more southerly Rach Gia city. You can also take a speedboat from Rach Gia port.

Ko Samui (Thailand)
Ko Samui has for decades now been one of Southeast Asia’s top spots for beach vacations. Despite its popularity and heavy development in parts, you can still find tranquil stretches of coastline and inexpensive bungalows. Large enough for its own international airport and replete with many comforts of home, Samui is an easy destination for a short voyage to the tropics. However, being Thailand’s third largest island and nearby to the smaller isles of Ko Phangan, Ko Tao and Ko Kra, it also attracts visitors to stay for months.

Hotels: $16 - $250

Transport: You can fly in nearly every hour from Bangkok, and somewhat less frequently from Chiang Mai, Phuket, Singapore and Hong Kong. You can also take a boat from the small coastal city of Surat Thani, which will take between 3 and 7 hours.

 Vientiane (Laos)
Long considered the most laid-back capital city in the region, Vientiane, Laos has in recent years
begun to see more building and more tourism. Nevertheless, it still retains its small town feel and its idyllic setting on the banks of the Mekong. While there is plenty to explore inside the city, such as Buddha Park and Wat si Saket, most visitors spend their time in the nearby environment, taking trips for jungle hiking or white-water rafting. If you’re here for a longer stay, a short plane ride or a bus ride of 8 to 10 hours will take you to the historical town of Luang Prabang.

Hotels: $6 - $125

Transport: Fly into Vientiane at Wattay International Airport.

Sihanoukville (Cambodia)
Sihanoukville on the southern coast of Cambodia is another formerly war-torn area which has begun to attract sun and beach lovers. Eight beaches line the town’s long peninsula, and just offshore lie several small islands popular for diving and snorkeling. Nearby Reem National Park to the east offers a chance to explore Cambodia’s protected jungle and mangrove forests which are teeming with diverse wildlife.

Hotels: $8 - $140

Transport: You can reach Sihanoukville in 3 – 4 hours by bus from Phnom Penh.

Cebu (Philippines)
Cebu Island in the Philippines is as notable for its history as for its beaches. It was the location of Ferdinand Magellan’s landing in the country and experienced centuries of Spanish and Chinese influence. Cebu is home to an abundance of classical architecture, as well as the historic sites of St. Nino Basilica and Fort San Pedro. Multiple beaches line narrow Cebu, and popular islands such as Mactan, Camotes and Malapascua lie nearby.

Hotels: $8 - 400

Transport: You can fly in to Cebu City from Manila in about an hour.

Xishuangbanna

Xishuangbanna (China)
Xishuangbanna prefecture in China’s southwesterly Yunnan province is about as close to tropical as China comes outside of Hainan. With its main center at Jinghong city, this small lush region is home to minority Dai ethnicity and is filled with small villages and beautiful areas for hiking. The highlights of the region include Mandian waterfall, Yiwu old town and Manfeilong Village with its ornate Buddhist Pagoda. Xishuangbanna’s virgin forest and great biodiversity set it apart from much of the rest of China where industry is broadly encroaching.

Hotels: $18 - $54

Transport: Fly into Jinghong from Kunming, Chengdu or Bangkok.
 

Related links
Zhangjiajie - China's Avatar Mountains through Western Eyes
China Travel Necessities: Seven Forget-Me-Nots for China
Crucial China Travel Tips: Don’t Leave Home without Them

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