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Travel to Southeast Asia in Summer 2023: Places to Go, Costs, Weather
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Travel to Southeast Asia in Summer 2023: Places to Go, Costs, Weather

By Chris QuanUpdated Sep. 12, 2023

Looking for a wonderful summer trip with exotic scenery and culture? Come to Southeast Asia. There are excellent beaches and scenic areas, appetizing food, incredible Buddhist temples, lush rainforests, lovely elephants, welcoming people...

Compared with the peak season around the Christmas and New Year holidays, traveling for a summer vacation in Southeast Asia is cost-effective.

Content Overview

What's the Weather like in Southeast Asia in Summer

Koh Samui, Thailand Koh Samui, Thailand

Tropical Southeast Asia enjoys warm and hot weather in summer. The average temperature range is around 26–33°C (79–91°F).

The rainy season in most Southeast Asian countries comes in the summer. But Malaysia's east coast and Bali stay sunny and bright.

The monthly average for rainy days is around 15–18. It usually rains in the afternoon and at night, though, so rain doesn't have such a big impact on travel activities.

Compared with July and August, June is a better time for a trip due to relatively low rainfall and smaller crowds.

All in all, Southeast Asia is an underrated early-summer destination. As long as you plan properly and flexibly, and know the weather forecast well, the rainy season is not a big problem.

Just contact us to plan a hassle-free summer trip.

Check out more weather details on our Best Times to Visit Southeast Asia, Vietnam and Cambodia, and Thailand and Vietnam.

Your 1:1 travel consultant will reply within 1 working day. Over 50% of our clients complete their bookings within 10 days of submitting their inquiry.

Best Recommended Destinations in Southeast Asia in Summer

Here you can find some recommended destinations for your potential Southeast Asia trip in summer.

Thailand

Thailand Make a Thai floating lantern with kids

City exploring is good to do in Thailand in the wet season, especially in Bangkok and Chiang Mai, where many sheltered and indoor attractions are less affected by rainfall and fun to visit.

For beaches, we recommend Koh Samui. Koh Samui enjoys a sunnier time in summer, with only moderate rainfall, while Phuket (and most of the rest of Thailand) suffers from wet-season rainfall.

Since the monsoon rain usually falls in the afternoon or early evening, we recommend arranging sightseeing or outdoor activities in the morning, such as visiting the elephant camp and the floating markets.

Indoor activities are better to do in the afternoon, like learning to make traditional Thai lanterns or attending a cooking class.

China Highlights, Asia Highlights, and Global Highlights collaborate to provide families and couples with personalized and stress-free experiences in diverse destinations.

Vietnam

Hoi An, Vietnam Experience a basket boat in Hoi An

Central Vietnam remains dry and sunny in summer, making it the best region of Vietnam to visit, with beaches in Da Nang and Nha Trang particularly pleasant. Near Hoi An, which is perfect for kids, you could experience Vietnamese farming, make traditional Vietnamese clothes (ao dai dresses), and ride bikes in the countryside.

The north and south may suffer more rain in the wet season, but sightseeing in cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh is still good to do, for example visiting the Vietnam War Museum and street food hunting.

Wet season is also harvest time for the Mekong Delta's appetizing fruits. The floating markets there are also less influenced by the afternoon downpours.

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Cambodia

Angkor Wat, Cambodia Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Cambodia offers fresh and lush greenery and quiet temples in the summer holidays.

Temple visiting is the main activity in Cambodia. The rainy season shouldn't stop you visiting Angkor Wat. At the large temple complex, the freshness after the rain actually adds to the atmosphere.

The rainfall also makes wet season the best time to visit the floating villages around Lake Tonle Sap by boat. The air is especially clean and fresh after a cloudburst.

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Bali

Bali scenery view Tatiluwih rice terraces

In summer, the weather in Bali is at its best — brightest, driest, and sunniest. It is one of the few Southeast Asian countries not affected by the June–August rainy season.

So, if you're looking for a destination where you can get the most out of the sun and sea in (northern hemisphere) summer, Bali is definitely one of the best places to go.

Bali's best weather is ideal for various exciting wild discovery activities for both kids and adults, like white water rafting, paddy fields cycling, "monkey forest" exploring, vintage Volkswagen sightseeing, and more.

If you prefer relaxing and leisurely experiences, you could go on a sunset cruise, take part in a cooking class, enjoy a world-class spa,...

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Singapore

Singapore Experience duck boats

Singapore also offers its nicest weather in "summer", when most of the rest of SE Asia is having .

Though it is a small country, there are still many things to do, especially for kids.

There you can experience a special duck boat (an amphibious tour craft), see various marine life in one of Asia's largest aquariums, and have fun in Universal Studios (with your kids).

Explore its melting pot of ethnic cultures, hawker food centers, modern night views, and find parks — wonderful for adults and kids.

Further reading: How to Plan a Trip to Singapore and Thailand>>>

Malaysia

Malaysia Semporna

Malaysia's east coast also promises an ideal dry-and-sunny summer holiday for you and your family.

Semporna on the east coast is the place to go. Whether you're looking for a private island to relax on, snorkeling with your kids, visiting a marine park, or exploring the mysterious sea gypsy lifestyle and culture, Semporna has it all.

Find more itinerary ideas for 10 days in Southeast Asia.

Summer Itinerary Options — The Best 2

Here are two recommended itineraries for a summer trip in Southeast Asia. Choose according to your own needs... All our sample schedules can be adjusted based on your group size, travel length and dates, and other needs.

1. Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia

In addition to experiencing the food and scenery of Southeast Asia, if you and your family want to experience its history and culture as well, including some handmade craft experiences, then we recommend a combination of these three countries.

Although there will be rain, it should have little impact on the overall tour. The biggest consideration is the choice of Thai islands... Koh Samui is easily the best choice. Phuket (and Thailand's west coast) is not recommended because the rainy season interferes with beach activities there.

You would need about 2 to 3 weeks to explore these three countries. Here's a sample itinerary:

  • Days 1–8: Vietnam sightseeing with a Halong Bay cruise and discovering Vietnam War relics
  • Days 9–11: Cambodia sightseeing with the famous Angkor Wat
  • Days 12–19: Thailand sightseeing with an elephant park, temple visiting, a Thai-lantern-making experience, and beach time in Koh Samui

If you are interested in the itinerary, you can find more details on our 19-Day Highlights of Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam page.

Or check out the weather details of summer in Vietnam and Cambodia>>>

Your 1:1 travel consultant will reply within 1 working day. Over 50% of our clients complete their bookings within 10 days of submitting their inquiry.

2. Singapore and Bali

If rainfall is to be avoided for you and your family, then you should consider Bali and Singapore. The good weather conditions there ensure a sunny and bright (northern hemisphere) summer holiday.

You should set aside 10 to 14 days for a trip to Singapore and Bali. Here is a sample itinerary:

  • Days 1－6: Singapore sightseeing with food exploration, cycling experience, and local culture discovery.
  • Days 7－13: Bali relaxation with a cooking class, Monkey Forest visiting, temple tours, and, of course, beach time.

If you would like a trip like that, see more on our 13-Day Private Singapore and Bali Journey of Discovery.

China Highlights, Asia Highlights, and Global Highlights collaborate to provide families and couples with personalized and stress-free experiences in diverse destinations.

The Cost of a Summer Trip in Southeast Asia

You'd get savings of about 50 to 100 percent on airfares and hotel rates for summer travel in much of Southeast Asia, compared with its peak season from November to February, especially instead of the Christmas and New Year holiday period.

An adult's daily expenses for a private tour would be around US$200–250, including air fares within Southeast Asia, 4- or 5- star hotels, authentic lunches, attractions, guiding, and transfers. Kids under 10 would get 30–50% off.

Booking early may secure still better discounts. You could enjoy the security of a 100% refund of any payments made to Asia Highlights for any cancelations made up to 3 weeks before departure (see more on our booking policy).

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Crowding in Southeast Asia in Summer

Although Southeast Asia is in the rainy season in summer, Southeast Asia is still the choice of many families, especially from neighboring countries during summer vacation.

But you can still expect smaller crowds than in its peak season (winter season), especially in June, when most countries haven't started their summer holidays.

If you have any concerns or requirements, just contact us. Our consultants will listen and answer your inquiries carefully, and prepare the best plan for you.

We truly understand that every single big trip planned for our clients is not just for the good memories, but also for joyful celebrations, forming milestones in their lives.

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Popular Summer Tours in Southeast Asia

All our tours can be adjusted. You are warmly welcomed to have us customize your trip based on your interests, budget, and other needs through our Create My Trip service.

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