If you want to take a grand Southeast Asia tour, April is one of the best times. Most areas are dry, except for Malaysia and Singapore.
Being the hottest month in most of continental SE Asia, the average high temperature hovers around 34°C (93°F) in the daytime. Due to the heat, you would be rewarded with lower prices and smaller crowds in April.
Weather for Southeast Asia's Major Cities in April
| City | Average Daily Low Temp. | Average Daily High Temp. | Average Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bangkok, Thailand | 27°C (81°F) | 35°C (95°F) | 56 mm (2 in) |
| Phuket, Thailand | 26°C (79°F) | 33°C (91°F) | 114 mm (5 in) |
| Hanoi, Vietnam | 22°C (72°F) | 28°C (82°F) | 53 mm (2 in) |
| Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam | 26°C (79°F) | 34°C (93°F) | 32 mm (1 in) |
| Phnom Penh, Cambodia | 25°C (77°F) | 35°C (95°F) | 44 mm (2 in) |
| Siem Reap, Cambodia | 27°C (81°F) | 35°C (95°F) | 55 mm (2 in) |
| Bagan, Myanmar | 27°C (81°F) | 40°C (104°F) | 6 mm (0 in) |
| Luang Prabang, Laos | 22°C (72°F) | 33°C (91°F) | 47 mm (2 in) |
| Singapore | 26°C (79°F) | 32°C (90°F) | 153 mm (6 in) |
| Bali, Indonesia | 25°C (77°F) | 31°C (88°F) | 89 mm (4 in) |
| Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | 24°C (75°F) | 33°C (91°F) | 201 mm (8 in) |
| Manila, the Philippines | 26°C (79°F) | 34°C (93°F) | 39 mm (2 in) |
Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family's best-rated service across trusted platforms.
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Bangkok and Chiang Mai
In Bangkok, our guide Ann and driver "Mr. Ot" (I don't know how to spell his name) were very friendly and professional. You simply can't underestimate the value of having an English speaking guide to show you around, and a driver with a comfortable, sizeable, air-conditioned van take you from place to place. Ann taught us so much about Thailand's history, food, and religion. Mr. Ot always opened our door with a smile, and had cool towels and ice-cold bottled water for us. More
, Apr 2024
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Very great experience our driver D was…
Very great experience our driver D was never late and always had waters and a cold towel for us and our tour guide Som was very informative and had amazing English I recommend them both highly for anyone else traveling More
Rylan Coache, Feb 2024
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Excellent guide in Siem Reap
Our recent time spent in Siem Reap was made even more memorable by our expert guide, Som Piseth. Som was knowledgeable, attentive, flexible and super helpful - we learnt so much about Siem Reap and Cambodia in our 3 days with him. His English was excellent and his knowledge of, and pride in, his country was outstanding. We would highly recommend Som for anyone wanting an excellent guide in Siem Reap! More
Sharon Townshend, Feb 2024
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Countries with Dry Weather: Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia, Indonesia, and the Philippines
Songkran FestivalIn April, these countries generally stay hot and dry, with fewer than nine rainy days in a month. Vietnam and Myanmar offer the driest experiences, averaging 3–5 rainy days in April.
As a transitional month, early April brings drier weather to Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia, and the Philippines, before the monsoon rains in May, while Indonesia tends to dry up in May.
Accompanied by the heat, it's refreshing to celebrate the interesting Songkran Festival (renowned for its water fights) in Thailand and Laos. As well as that, you could benefit from shorter queues at attractions and better deals on flights and hotels than during the peak time (December to February).
Get some ideas about how to plan a trip to Southeast Asia >>>
Rainier Countries: Singapore and Malaysia
In April, both Singapore and Malaysia are characterized by higher rainfall, with one rainy day every 2 days, though in Singapore rainfall is at the country's baseline moderate level, whereas Malaysia sees its very high peak rainfall in April. Their temperatures remain relatively warm, providing a tropical backdrop to the frequent short-lived showers.
You could escape the rain with diverse indoor activities, such as indoor theme parks, foodie adventures, and art galleries/museums. With flexible itineraries, you could also take advantage of low-season prices and the fewest crowds.
Unlock expert tips for your Singapore and Bali trip planning>>>
The 6 Best Places to Visit in April in Southeast Asia
April is the perfect time to indulge in the islands and festivals of Southeast Asia. The Songkran Festival is lively and celebrated in Thailand, while those in Cambodia and Laos offer a more rustic experience.
For tropical getaways, Vietnam and Indonesia boast excellent beach options on their stunning islands.
Myanmar's hot-air balloon rides in Bagan offer a unique adventure, showcasing ancient temples and stunning landscapes during serene mornings or evenings.
Check our hand-picked itinerary suggestions for 12 days, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, 4 weeks, 5 weeks or 6 weeks...
1. Vietnam
April brings a mere 3–5 days of rain to Vietnam. The temperature cranks up to about 31°C (88°F) in central Vietnam, and if you're exploring the northern and central regions, you would catch a bit of a cooler breeze.
During your April trip, you could venture into untouched corners of Halong Bay via our thoughtfully chosen 3-day cruises. For a laid-back escape from the heat, the Mekong River cruise is an ideal way to travel from Vietnam to Cambodia. If you're active, dive deep into the mountains in Sapa and hike through the hill tribe villages.
Wondering when to go? Explore the ideal times to visit Vietnam and Cambodia>>>
2. Indonesia
April signals the start of Indonesia's enticing dry season, bringing dwindling rainfall. For a captivating and rain-free adventure, late April beckons.
Bali is the top pick for an April getaway in Indonesia, featuring boutique hotels, breathtaking sea views, and world-class yoga experiences. Whether you crave a romantic sunset from seaside cliff hotels or seek a thrilling jungle adventure with your children, contact us and we'll create the perfect tailored escape for you.
Check out how to plan a family trip to Southeast Asia>>>
3. Thailand
In April, Thailand experiences relatively high temperatures. The overall precipitation averages about 7–8 days, gradually increasing over the month, with Phuket the first to enter its rainy season, experiencing moderate rainfall.
As the islands are big draws of a Thailand trip, you are highly recommended to visit the drier east coast islands, such as Koh Tao and Koh Samui, instead of the west coast counterparts, Phuket and Krabi.
April is also an excellent time to partake in the Songkran Festival, Thailand's New Year celebration. If a lively water fight sounds appealing, Chiang Mai is the place to be.
Read more about how to plan a trip to Thailand>>>
4. Cambodia
Slightly hotter than March, average temperatures in Cambodia peak at 35°C (95°F) in April — the hottest month, though low to moderate rainfall adds a cooling effect to 7–9 days. Outdoor activities are suggested in the early morning or late afternoon.
The heat creates a serene haven at Angkor Wat, free from bustling crowds. Cooler Tonle Sap Lake whispers tranquility, revealing its pristine charm and local life.
April also marks Cambodia's Khmer New Year. Join locals in spirited water fights, witness traditional performances, and savor festive cuisine.
Find out the best time to visit Southeast Asia>>>
5. Myanmar
April in Myanmar brings dry weather and temperatures soar to their peak. Hot spots like Mandalay and Nay Pyi Taw are especially warm, so it's best to plan your outings for the cooler parts of the day — early morning or late afternoon, which is the classic time anyway for Bagan ballooning.
Of course, you could consider the cooler areas, such as the Mekong River valley, Inle Lake, or the mountainous Karen Hills.
Read more about planning a couple's trip to Southeast Asia>>>
6. Laos
In April, Laos experiences continued high temperatures, accompanied by an increase in rainfall from low to moderate levels, averaging 6–8 days per month.
Surprisingly, this hot weather presents the ideal conditions for participating in one of the most classic local New Year activities — water fights. In contrast to modern Thailand, Laos maintains a more traditional and rustic approach to its festivities.
Overwhelmed by the logistics of your Southeast Asia trip? Leave your interests and requests, and your travel expert will personalize a private tour for you within 24 hours!
Read more about the Top 10 Kid-Friendly Destinations in Southeast Asia>>>
Costs and Crowding in April
In most SE Asian countries, the busy season is winding down as the hot season reaches its peak and the rainy season starts. You would have the opportunity to enjoy a quieter and more budget-friendly travel experience.
In Singapore and Indonesia, the peak tourist season hasn't quite hit yet, so you could savor a relatively peaceful travel atmosphere. But prices might start inching up as the peak season approaches.
You can also check out more options for 2 weeks in Thailand and Vietnam.
What to Pack in April
Traveling in the hot weather, T-shirts, shorts, skirts, and summer dresses are essential for staying cool amid the high temperatures that are characteristic of the region.
Don't forget to include swimwear in your luggage, as Southeast Asia boasts stunning beaches and islands.
Given that April marks the onset of the rainy season in some areas, it's prudent to pack compact and lightweight rain gear, such as an umbrella, rain jacket, or poncho, to stay dry during unexpected downpours.
With the intense sun in mind, take sun protection essentials, such as high SPF sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses.
>>>Read about how to plan a trip to Thailand, Singapore and Bali
Monthly Weather and Travel Information for Southeast Asia
Learn about the weather in Southeast Asia for 12 months and find out the best places to visit each month.
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