Whether you’re a heat escapist or a coastal indulgent, sunny day person, we’ve got destinations that would fit every kind of traveller. (Left: Image by @reu.hotel.hoian. Right: Image by @leaguetravels.)
As June rolls around, the hot season kicks into high gear across Southeast Asia. It’s the time to put on your swimwear, bask in the sun, and dive into water adventures. Or, if you’re not a fan of the high temperatures, it’s time to look for places with cooler weather to escape to. Whether you’re embracing the tropical heat or venturing to cooler places, we’ve got some destinations lined up for you.
Escape the heat
Mount Nungkok, Kota Belud, Sabah
Average temperature: 15°C to 24°C
Mount Nungkok, also known as “the child of Kinabalu”, is located next to the better-known Mount Kinabalu. It is a part of Kinabalu Park, Malaysia’s first designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. From a distance, you’re most likely to spot Mount Nungkok before 8am during fair weather.
Mount Nungkok used to be off-limits, but in 2017, it was reopened. Climbing is now allowed for visitors with a permit and a licensed guide present.
Nungkok is also home to one of the best river tubing spots, located in Tambatuon Village. Adventurous travellers can opt for a longer 2km ride, complete with necessary gear and an experienced river guide.
Bario, Kelabit Highlands, Sarawak
Average temperature: 17°C to 26°C
Bario is a cultural and ancestral land of Sarawak with little known to the outside world. Getting there is where your journey starts—it involves taking a small private flight of about 50 minutes.
Bario’s year-round, chilly weather earned itself the title of “Genting of Sarawak”. With lots of mountains, lush greenery, rich culture, and history to explore, it is also the ancestral home of the Kelabit people. Accommodation options here are homes—from traditional longhouses to kampung (village) homes and chalets, with no luxurious options in sight.
Make the most of your time here by immersing yourself in a variety of activities. From traditional games to hands-on experiences like highland salt processing, making senepe (a glutinous rice treat), crafting Kelabit beadwork, planting paddy, and harvesting pineapples, these will become memories you’ll cherish. Perhaps you’ll also catch a glimpse of traditional performances using bamboo instruments.
Cameron Valley Tea House 1, Cameron Highlands, Pahang
Average temperature: 15°C to 24°C
Located in Cameron Highlands, this tea house is set against a lush green tea plantation which features a cascading waterfall and a little rocky, river trail. As you walk in the area, you’ll hear the soothing sound of water flowing in the background. If you prefer peace and quiet, simply follow the path uphill—just like everyone else—towards the peak of the tea plantation, where tranquillity awaits.
Comfy shoes, a full stomach, and plenty of water are a must. While there are a few wooden tables and chairs where you can sit or enjoy a light picnic, don’t count on having a big feast, especially during peak holiday seasons. Visiting on a regular weekday is always the better option!
Address: Cameron Valley Tea House 1, 34 Mile, 39000, Pahang, Malaysia
Cát Cát Village, Sapa, Vietnam
Average temperature: 16°C to 24°C
Cát Cát Village is situated among misty mountains, featuring wooden houses and lush waterfalls. Its Spirited Away vibes make it a popular tourist attraction. The village is built along a river that flows from Tien Sa Waterfall.
In the valley, you’ll find many activities, performances, and small stores selling handmade crafts, souvenirs, and textiles. You can also rent a traditional H’mong attire and take photos at scenic spots throughout the valley. If you feel like buying your own H’mong attire, you can simply purchase one on the spot.
The entrance fee to Cát Cát Village is 150,000 VND (approx. 25 MYR) for adults and 70,000 VND (approx. 12 MYR) for children.
Address: Cát Cát Village, Thôn, Cát Cát, Sa Pa, Lào Cai, Vietnam
Dantewada, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Average temperature: 29°C
About an hour from Chiang Mai, Dantewada Land of Angels Waterfall Park lives up to its name with its mystical mist garden, blooming flowers, and tall waterfalls. While this attraction is not on chilly high ground, sprinklers around the park create a lot of mist to keep the place cool.
Visit the cafés, stores, flower gardens, and pet some farm animals while you are here. It is recommended to allocate about half a day to experience everything. The heart-shaped crevices are signature photo ops at Dantewada—see if you can spot them!
The entrance fee to the park is 80 THB (approx. 11 MYR).
Address: 288, San Mahaphon, Mae Taeng District, Chiang Mai 50150, Thailand
Embrace & Sunbathe
Koh Lipe, Satun, Thailand
Often nicknamed “The Maldives of Thailand”, the resemblance lies in the beauty of its white sand beaches and emerald waters. The only way to reach Koh Lipe is by ferry or speedboat. Depart from Malaysia via Langkawi, or from Thailand via Pakbara Pier.
The island is part of the Tarutao National Marine Park, so you’ll need to pay a national park entry fee of 200 THB (approx. 26 MYR) upon arrival. It is valid only for the duration of your stay or visit, and if you do decide to re-enter at a later time, repayment of the entry fee is required.
Rêu Boutique Hotel, Hoi An, Vietnam
For a quiet and slightly luxurious stay, this boutique hotel might be what you’re looking for. The hotel sits amidst an emerald green paddy field, and the design of it’s interior reflects its natural surroundings.
Every stay here includes a delicious breakfast spread. Rent a bike and ride around the paddy fields, take a swim in the pool, lay on the poolside lounges, or just hang around and chill!
For restaurant options nearby – Đào Tiên Restaurant is recommended. It is a local open view restaurant serving delicious seafood dishes with a riverside view.
Address: 128/9 Lý Thái Tổ, Sơn Phong, Hội An, Quảng Nam 563820, Vietnam
Angnamtong View Resort, Vientiane, Laos
Lakeside getaway with views? Angnamtong View Resort features villas perched on stilts overlooking the calm borderless lake. The villa balconies look out onto the water and you can sit out admiring the surrounding nature.
There are long pedestrian docks at the resort you can walk on, and we’d suggest spending time at the floating pavilions to enjoy a picturesque view of the mountains and golden hour. You can also opt to ride paddle boats or kayaks on the lake in the early hours or evenings.
Address: Angnamtong View Resort Muang Fuang, HXHC+6CF, Vientiane, Laos
