Asia early December - where's good?

[Travelobsessed91]

I'm looking for ideas where to go in Asia for the first 2 weeks in December solo. I have been to Asia a good bit and happy to go back to places I've been before but looking for ideas - Bali is the only place I don't want to go as been several times the last few years.
Flights are affordable to pretty much every major hub- Hanoi, Bangkok, Shanghai, HK, KL, Singapore.. Looking to stay in nicer hotels but still on a bit of a budget! Probably max £1000 for 2 weeks accommodation. I don't want to travel loads, main priority is some really nice food, some stuff to do (walking, snorkelling, cycling or the like) and a good place to relax by the pool. Happy to do a few nights in a city too. Where would you recommend?

I'm restricted to UK summer holidays so my first reaction was 'everywhere' as most are rubbish in UK summer.

Laos, Thailand (went years ago on Dec) or Cambodia?
South and West Sri Lanka (loved the north east in summer, 1st on my list once retirement hits) - awesome, fab food, plenty of opportunities to chill or explore.
India - anywhere but maybe Kerala if you want more relaxed.

I’d go west coast of Thailand, perfect then

Thanks - that's currently top choice! Anywhere you recommend? I have been looking at Khao lak and Ao Nang in Krabi and both look fairly nice.

I haven’t been to that side, it’s on my wish list! But I know people who go to Ko Yao Noi off Phuket which sounds lovely.

Hierarchy of 'ease' in my opinion...

Singapore. Clean, cultured, good for shopping and sightseeing.

KL. Nice middle of the road Asian place. Pretty clean, good food, good for shopping.

Bangkok. Bit more gritty, great food, pretty good shopping. Lots of temples and sights.

Hong Kong. More polluted, busy, like New York but Asian. More of that business city vibe.

Laos/Cambodia/Vietnam. Nice all-rounder for stuff, better to go on tours though as cities are a bit naff.

Manilla, Jakarta, Beijing... so so polluted and busy. Only for the die-hard visitors.

Thanks, I've been to a few of these and totally agree. Any beach areas you would recommend in December that can be done easily from Singapore/KL/Bangkok/HK? With good weather in december ideally 😀

For just beaches, I'd be looking up the 'Kohs' (islands) around Thailand. So many to choose from. It's a shame these are gradually going downhill since word has gotten out about them. Like Bali, bit of a rubbish dump these days. Koh samui, lanta, (chang) etc are well known. So I'd look a bit away from these. Don't go to Phi Phi (James Bond islands), as these are tourist traps.

Actually the beaches and islands of Cambodia have good weather then and are a bit less discovered than Thailand. Some gorgeous beaches. Have a look at Selective Asia and Travelfish websites - although travelfish is a bit out of date I find

Thanks! Having done a bit more research I'm leaning towards a few days in Bangkok then fly to Phuket and do a few days in Karon beach and then a few in Khao Lak..

We really didn’t like Ao nang when we went; can’t put my finger on why! We went to Borneo last November, 2 hours from KL and so much to do. We’re off to Ko Chang this December. Never been to Laos but on my list, how about Cambodia? Not sure whether good time for the islands there but we really loved it. Oh and as per pp Sri Lanka was fantastic, esp the food! Happy planning.

I've seen a few people say that about Ao Nang hence why I'm rethinking it. I didn't realise Borneo was so close to KL so will look into that! I've been to Cambodia before but not a beach resort, I've always had in my mind that the beaches were more backpacker party scene? That's why I never bothered to go the first time but I could be totally wrong! Would love to go to Sri Lanka too - was just concerned about going there as a solo female?

I think the Cambodia beaches have smartened up a fair bit, especially on the nicer looking islands.

Cebu in Philippines can be nice in December. Maybe break the journey in HK and Macau if you don't fancy a city break in Manila (I wouldn't...)

@Travelobsessed91 I went to Sri Lanka as single mum + 3 kids, oldest 15. So not a lone female as such. We had no hassle. Only mis-directed once in 3 weeks (told bus was cancelled and we'd need a taxi - that's it). People were so kind and helpful.
I'll definitely be returning on my own.

@Travelobsessed91 @2025istheyeari what time of year did you go to Cambodia?

Laos. I love Laos and have been there about 5 times solo. Either trekking / exploring in the north or chilling out in the south.
I went there again last December as I was put off Thailand by the likelihood of rain.