I still remember the first time I set foot in Kyoto during cherry blossom season. The air carried a faint sweetness, petals drifted like snowflakes, and the entire city felt like a painting come to life.
Traveling through Asia in April offers an incredible mix of cultural festivals, perfect weather, and breathtaking landscapes.
Whether you’re seeking vibrant city life, tropical beaches, or mountain retreats, this is one of the best months to explore the continent.
In this guide, I’ll take you through the top destinations in Asia to visit in April, with insider tips on when to go, what to do, and how to make the most of your trip.
Why Travel to Asia in April?
April is a prime travel month for Asia. The weather is warm but not scorching, monsoons haven’t arrived in most regions, and cultural festivals fill the streets with energy.
Here’s why you should consider visiting:
- Pleasant weather – Spring blooms in Japan and Korea, while Thailand and Indonesia enjoy sunny days before the rainy season.
- Festivals galore – Celebrate Songkran (Thai New Year), Hanami (cherry blossom viewing in Japan), and Baisakhi (a Punjabi harvest festival).
- Fewer tourists – April sits between peak winter tourism and summer holiday crowds, making it ideal for a balanced experience.
Where to Travel in Asia in April
1. Kyoto, Japan – A Cherry Blossom Dream
🌸 Why Visit in April?
Kyoto in April is pure magic. The cherry blossoms (sakura) reach full bloom, temples glow under pink canopies, and traditional tea houses feel even more enchanting.
Hanami (cherry blossom viewing) is a cultural experience you shouldn’t miss.
✈️ Getting There
- Fly into Kansai International Airport (KIX) and take the JR Haruka Express (about ¥2,900 / $19).
- Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo: 2.5 hours, around ¥14,000 / $90.
💰 Costs
- Budget: $50–$100/day (hostels, public transport, street food)
- Mid-range: $150–$250/day (3-star hotels, restaurants, taxis)
- Luxury: $300+ (ryokans, fine dining, private tours)
🏯 Must-See Places
- Fushimi Inari Shrine – Thousands of torii gates winding through the mountains.
- Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) – A golden temple reflecting on a peaceful pond.
- Maruyama Park – One of the best places for hanami picnics.
- Philosopher’s Path – A serene walkway lined with cherry trees.
🍣 Food Recommendations
- Kaiseki (traditional multi-course meal) – Try at Gion Karyo.
- Yatsuhashi – A sweet Kyoto specialty made from rice flour.
- Ramen at Ippudo Nishiki-Koji – Perfect for a quick, flavorful meal.
🎌 Local Tips
- Book accommodations early – April is peak sakura season, so hotels fill up fast.
- Rent a kimono – Walking through Gion in traditional dress enhances the experience.
- Check the bloom forecast – Sakura bloom dates change yearly, so plan accordingly.
2. Bangkok & Chiang Mai, Thailand – Songkran Water Festival Fun
🎉 Why Visit in April?
If you love adventure, April is the best time to visit Thailand because of Songkran, the Thai New Year. From April 13–15, the entire country turns into a giant water fight! Bangkok’s Khao San Road and Chiang Mai’s Old City are the most exciting spots, where locals and tourists splash water on each other for days.
✈️ Getting There
- To Bangkok: Fly into Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) – Thailand’s biggest international hub.
- To Chiang Mai: Direct flights from Bangkok (1 hour, around $40).
💰 Costs
- Budget: $30–$50/day (hostels, street food, public transport)
- Mid-range: $70–$150/day (3-star hotels, nice restaurants, taxis)
- Luxury: $200+ (5-star hotels, private tours, fine dining)
🏙️ Must-See Places
- Bangkok
- The Grand Palace – Thailand’s most famous landmark.
- Wat Arun – Stunning temple by the river, especially at sunset.
- Chatuchak Market – One of the world’s largest weekend markets.
- Chiang Mai
- Doi Suthep – A golden temple on a mountain with amazing city views.
- Elephant Nature Park – Ethical sanctuary where you can see rescued elephants.
- Sunday Walking Street – The best place for local crafts and street food.
🍜 Food Recommendations
- Pad Thai – A must-try in Bangkok, found at Thip Samai.
- Mango Sticky Rice – Sweet, creamy, and addictive.
- Khao Soi – Chiang Mai’s famous coconut curry noodle soup.
🏮 Local Tips
- Be prepared to get wet! – During Songkran, no one stays dry. Waterproof your phone and wear quick-drying clothes.
- Respect temple dress codes – Cover your shoulders and knees when visiting religious sites.
- Take a tuk-tuk ride – It’s a fun way to explore, but negotiate the fare first.
3. Bali, Indonesia – Perfect Beaches and Nyepi Festival
🌴 Why Visit in April?
April is one of the best times to visit Bali—just after the rainy season, when everything is lush and green. The island isn’t too crowded yet, and the weather is sunny but not too hot. If you’re lucky, you might also experience Nyepi, the Balinese Day of Silence, where the entire island shuts down for a day of reflection and peace.
✈️ Getting There
- Fly into Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in Denpasar.
- Many direct flights from major Asian cities (Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok).
💰 Costs
- Budget: $30–$50/day (hostels, local food, scooter rental)
- Mid-range: $70–$150/day (3-star hotels, private transport, nice restaurants)
- Luxury: $200+ (beachfront resorts, spa treatments, fine dining)
🏝️ Must-See Places
- Uluwatu Temple – Cliffside temple with breathtaking ocean views.
- Tegallalang Rice Terraces – Iconic green terraces perfect for photos.
- Ubud Monkey Forest – A sacred jungle filled with playful monkeys.
- Nusa Penida – A short boat ride away, with stunning beaches like Kelingking Beach.
🍛 Food Recommendations
- Nasi Goreng – Indonesian fried rice, simple but delicious.
- Babi Guling – Balinese-style roasted pork (not for Muslim travelers).
- Bebek Betutu – Slow-cooked duck in Balinese spices.
- Smoothie Bowls – Found in Ubud and Canggu, these are fresh and healthy!
🌅 Local Tips
- Rent a scooter – The best way to explore, but always wear a helmet.
- Respect Nyepi – If you visit during this festival, stay indoors and enjoy the quiet.
- Avoid tourist scams – Be cautious of overpriced taxis; use apps like Grab or Gojek.
4. Seoul, South Korea – Cherry Blossoms and Street Food
🌸 Why Visit in April?
April in Seoul is breathtaking, thanks to the cherry blossoms in full bloom. Parks and palaces are covered in soft pink, and the weather is just right—cool but comfortable. It’s also a great time to explore the city’s night markets, trendy neighborhoods, and rich history without the summer heat.
✈️ Getting There
- Fly into Incheon International Airport (ICN).
- Take the AREX express train to Seoul Station (₩9,500 / $7).
💰 Costs
- Budget: $40–$70/day (hostels, public transport, cheap eats)
- Mid-range: $100–$200/day (3-star hotels, taxis, restaurants)
- Luxury: $250+ (5-star hotels, fine dining, private tours)
🌆 Must-See Places
- Gyeongbokgung Palace – Wear a hanbok (traditional Korean dress) for free entry.
- Bukchon Hanok Village – A preserved area with beautiful traditional houses.
- Yeouido Park – One of the best places to see cherry blossoms.
- N Seoul Tower – Amazing city views, especially at night.
🍢 Food Recommendations
- Tteokbokki – Spicy rice cakes, found in street markets.
- Samgyeopsal – Korean BBQ, best enjoyed in groups.
- Hotteok – Sweet, syrup-filled pancakes, perfect for snacks.
- Bibimbap – A classic rice bowl with meat, veggies, and egg.
🏮 Local Tips
- Use the subway – It’s the easiest and cheapest way to get around.
- Learn basic Korean phrases – Even simple words like “Annyeonghaseyo” (hello) help.
- Visit a jjimjilbang (Korean spa) – A great way to relax after sightseeing.
5. Kyoto, Japan – Magical Cherry Blossoms and Temples
🌸 Why Visit in April?
April is sakura (cherry blossom) season in Japan, making Kyoto one of the most beautiful places to visit. The city’s ancient temples and gardens look even more magical with pink petals floating in the air. The weather is mild, perfect for long walks through historic districts and peaceful gardens.
✈️ Getting There
- Fly into Kansai International Airport (KIX) in Osaka.
- Take the Haruka Express Train to Kyoto (50 minutes, around ¥3,000 / $20).
💰 Costs
- Budget: $50–$80/day (guesthouses, local food, buses)
- Mid-range: $100–$200/day (3-star hotels, nice restaurants, taxis)
- Luxury: $250+ (ryokans, kaiseki meals, private tours)
⛩️ Must-See Places
- Fushimi Inari Shrine – Famous for its endless orange torii gates.
- Kiyomizu-dera Temple – A stunning wooden temple with great city views.
- Philosopher’s Path – A dreamy walkway lined with cherry blossom trees.
- Arashiyama Bamboo Forest – Walk through towering bamboo groves.
🍣 Food Recommendations
- Yudofu – Kyoto’s famous hot tofu dish, found in temples.
- Matcha Desserts – Kyoto is the best place for green tea sweets.
- Kaiseki – A traditional multi-course meal (expensive but worth it!).
- Ramen at Ichiran – A famous ramen chain with private booths for solo diners.
🏯 Local Tips
- Book hotels early – April is peak season, and places fill up fast.
- Use an IC card – Suica or ICOCA cards make public transport easy.
- Respect local customs – Be quiet in temples and don’t touch cherry blossom trees.
6. Hanoi, Vietnam – Cultural Wonders and Blooming Landscapes
🌿 Why Visit in April?
April is one of the best months to visit Hanoi. The weather is warm but not too humid, and the northern landscapes—like Ha Long Bay and Sapa—are at their greenest. It’s also a great time to explore the Old Quarter, where history, street food, and local culture blend perfectly.
✈️ Getting There
- Fly into Noi Bai International Airport (HAN).
- Take a taxi or airport bus #86 to the Old Quarter (₫45,000 / $2).
💰 Costs
- Budget: $25–$50/day (hostels, local food, buses)
- Mid-range: $70–$150/day (boutique hotels, nice restaurants, taxis)
- Luxury: $200+ (5-star hotels, private tours, fine dining)
🏯 Must-See Places
- Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple – A peaceful escape in the city center.
- Train Street – A narrow alley where trains pass within inches of cafés.
- Temple of Literature – A historic temple dedicated to Confucius.
- Ha Long Bay – A UNESCO-listed bay with limestone islands (2–3 hours away).
🍜 Food Recommendations
- Pho – Vietnam’s famous noodle soup, best at Pho Gia Truyen.
- Bun Cha – Grilled pork with rice noodles, a Hanoi specialty.
- Egg Coffee – A creamy, sweet coffee found in hidden cafés.
- Banh Mi – A crispy Vietnamese sandwich filled with meat and fresh veggies.
🚲 Local Tips
- Cross the streets with confidence – Traffic never stops, just walk slowly!
- Bargain in markets – Vendors expect you to negotiate.
- Take a cyclo ride – A traditional bicycle taxi for a slow-paced city tour.
Nearby Places to Visit
If you have extra time, consider visiting these destinations near the places we covered:
- Pai, Thailand – A peaceful mountain town with waterfalls and hot springs.
- Ninh Binh, Vietnam – Known as “Ha Long Bay on land,” with stunning landscapes.
- Jeju Island, South Korea – A volcanic island with beaches, caves, and waterfalls.
- Nara, Japan – Famous for its friendly deer and historic temples.