The Best Places to Travel to Southeast Asia in July
July brings the summer holidays for everyone. Most places in Southeast Asia are hot and wet during summer unless you head to milder climates at higher elevations. Urban heat in big capital cities can become oppressive. July – This is a good month for taking advantage of the monsoon season’s lower prices with less crowd of tourists. If you want to get away from the heat and crowds in popular European holiday destinations, you may spend the Summer in Southeast Asia. Here are some recommendations for places to visit in July in Southeast Asia.
1. Koh Samui Archipelago, Thailand
While it is the rainy season throughout a lot of Thailand during July, there is a slice of paradise off the East Coast where you can enjoy sunny days in July. This is the Koh Samui Archipelago and it consists of Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao.
By travelling to Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao in July, you can get wonderfully sunny days as well as cheaper accommodation prices.
There are plenty of things to do on these islands such as the ever-popular Full Moon party held each month in Koh Phangan. This massive event is super popular with backpackers in Thailand. I am not so much of a partier so instead, I hired a scooter to find the top beaches in Koh Phangan. Though, if you love discovering life underwater Koh Tao provides plenty of opportunities for snorkelling, diving and free diving.
Either way, the gorgeous Koh Samui Archipelago in Thailand has some impressive islands with plenty of things to keep you busy. So, if you are looking for where to go on holiday in July and looking for a cheap holiday destination in July, I highly recommend either Koh Tao, Koh Phangan or Koh Samui.
2. Sapa | Vietnam
The summer months are the perfect time to visit Sapa in Northern Vietnam. Sapa’s elevation high up in the Hoàng Liên Son Mountain Range keeps it nice and cool during the summer months, which is rare in Southeast Asia. Due to its unique climate and location, this region only gets one rice crop per year and the terraces are bright green and full of life in July & August. The extensive rice terraces that cover the tall hills and mountains are a photographers dream!
Hikers too will love trekking through the lush paddies, however, you should bring some gear that can withstand a few raindrops. Even though the temperatures are pleasant it does rain more than in the winter months. One of the best ways to experience Sapa, Vietnam is to hike to and sleep in a local village in a homestay with a Hmong family to get a glimpse into local life here. A trip here in the summer is one you won’t soon forget.
Source: Lux Travel DMC
3. Vientiane and Luangprabang | Laos
While Vientiane, the capital city of Laos, in general, is a laidback city, without the chaos of the other Southeast Asian Cities. In July and August, the crowds are much less on the streets of Vientiane. The weather isn’t that bad during these months with the low season bringing a little more rainfall and the rise of humidity. Therefore, if you want to go to a major city in Asia without chaos, no significant high-rise buildings and plenty of cultural attractions to visit. Surely that’s reason enough to put Vientiane on the list when organising your holidays in Asia during the Summer.
In addition to Vientiane, Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng are also good places to visit in Laos in the Summer. Here you can explore the beautiful culture and nature of Laos.
Source: Lux Travel DMC
4. The Royal Belum| Malaysia
Located in the state of Perak in Malaysia. This is one of the oldest rainforests in the world. It’s the perfect place to see tropical plants and wildlife, including monkeys, elephants, wild boards, cobras. Although chances are slim, you may get a glimpse of Malaysian tigers and threatened gigantic Rafflesia! Another reason we recommend Belum is that unlike other National parks in Malaysia, it remains largely unknown to tourists. Not to worry though, there are a number of decent resorts nearby the state park to stay in and most resorts offer tour packages that include accommodation, breakfast and excursion. July is the coldest and driest month in Perak. it suitable for many types of activities such as river cruises, trekking, visiting the local tribe or bamboo rafting, fishing.
5. Gili Islands | Indonesia
The Gili Islands in Indonesia are idyllic year-round but for the best weather on the Gili Islands, I would recommend visiting in July as I did. The days are warm and sunny and perfect for relaxing on the beach or snorkelling. The Gili Islands are a small group of islands in the northwest of the Indonesian island of Lombok. The archipelago consists of the three sister islands Gili Meno, Gili Air and Gili Trawangan.
