Asia’s Best Secret Season Holiday Destinations

"One of the greatest advantages of the winter season in Bhutan is the tranquillity. With fewer tourists around, you can immerse yourself in the slower pace of local life."

Winter wonders in Bhutan

Why visit Bhutan in the secret season?

Bhutan in winter is a magical time, often overlooked by travellers who assume the cold weather makes it unsuitable for a holiday. In reality, between December and February, the lower-altitude valleys remain pleasantly mild, while the higher Himalayan peaks are blanketed in snow, creating some of the most breathtaking scenery imaginable. The crisp, clear air during winter offers unparalleled views of the majestic mountains, making it a photographer’s dream.

Winter is the season after the harvest, a time when farming communities retreat to their villages to enjoy hearty meals and warm gatherings. Sharing time with locals around a Bukhari stove, and sipping traditional butter tea, provides a uniquely intimate glimpse into Bhutanese culture.

Winter is also the season of spectacular festivals. Celebrations such as the Druk Wangyal Tshechu held on the Dochu-La Pass, and the Trongsa Tshechu, hosted in the historic Trongsa Dzong, are vibrant displays of Bhutan’s spiritual and cultural heritage. These festivals, combined with the serene beauty of the season, make Bhutan winter vacations truly extraordinary.

Highlights of a winter vacation in Bhutan

For adventurers, winter in Bhutan offers opportunities like no other. Quiet trekking trails allow you to experience the Himalayas at their most pristine, with the snow-capped peaks towering above you and the crisp air invigorating your senses. While the nights can be cold, the peaceful solitude of these routes is well worth the chill.

In Phobjikha Valley, winter brings a rare natural spectacle. Black-necked cranes, migrating from the Tibetan Plateau, can be seen gracefully feeding and roosting in the valley, creating a unique wildlife encounter. Their arrival is celebrated locally, symbolising the deep connection between Bhutan’s people and nature.

Cambodia’s green season: a hidden gem

Why choose Cambodia in the secret season?

The green season, Cambodia’s so-called rainy period, is a truly underrated time to visit this stunning Southeast Asian country. In our opinion, the best time to visit Cambodia is from May to October, when the landscape transforms into a verdant paradise, with greenery and fresh air creating postcard-perfect scenery. Contrary to common misconceptions, the monsoon rains don’t last all day; instead, they come in short, heavy bursts, often in the evening, leaving the rest of the day bright and sunny. This makes it an excellent time for exploration and photography, with vivid colours and dramatic skies enhancing every snapshot.

One of the most magical aspects of green season travel in Cambodia is the tranquillity. With far fewer tourists, you can enjoy iconic attractions like the Angkor Temples in near solitude. Walking among these ancient ruins, surrounded by jungle and shimmering puddles, is an ethereal experience—one that feels as though you’ve stepped back in time. The absence of crowds makes the moment even more profound, allowing you to truly connect with the spiritual and historical essence of the temples.

Highlights of a Cambodian holiday during green season

Cambodia’s green season also brings unique opportunities to explore rich natural and cultural treasures. The rising water levels of the Tonle Sap Lake create the perfect conditions to visit its remarkable floating villages, where life revolves around the rhythm of the water. In the countryside along the Mekong River, the lush greenery and swollen rivers showcase Cambodia’s landscapes at their most dramatic and beautiful.

For wildlife lovers, the green season offers rare and unforgettable encounters. Taking a boat trip from Kratie to spot the endangered Irrawaddy dolphins in the Mekong is a magical experience, as is trekking through the jungles of Mondulkiri to hear the calls of gibbons echoing through the trees.

For a luxurious and relaxing end to your Cambodian holiday, consider spending a few days on Song Saa Private Island in the pristine Koh Rong Archipelago. This exclusive island retreat offers breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, especially during the green season when the skies are painted in hues of orange and gold. The gentle rhythm of the monsoon, combined with the island’s serene beauty, creates the perfect atmosphere for unwinding in ultimate comfort.

India’s secret season: safari and serenity

Summer holidays in India

Summer in India, while hot and dry, is one of the most rewarding times to embark on a tiger safari. As the scorching temperatures drive animals to watering holes and thin the forest canopy, your chances of spotting the elusive Bengal tiger significantly increase. I’ve had some of my most thrilling wildlife experiences during the summer months, including a remarkable game drive in Bandhavgarh National Park where I was fortunate enough to spot eight tigers in a single outing.

Early morning tiger safaris are particularly delightful during the summer. The cooler dawn air and golden light create an atmospheric setting, and with fewer tourists visiting during this season, the experience feels far more exclusive and immersive. Tiger safaris in India allow you to truly connect with the wilderness, uninterrupted by crowds, as you track tigers and other wildlife in their natural habitat.

Highlights of a summer vacation in India

If you prefer cooler temperatures or a different pace of travel, India’s secret season offers a variety of alternatives. The mountainous regions in the north, such as Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, provide a refreshing escape from the heat. With pleasant weather and clear skies, these areas are perfect for walking and hiking holidays, where you can explore alpine meadows, ancient temples, and charming hill stations.

If rejuvenation and relaxation are your priorities, the monsoon season in South India presents an ideal opportunity. Kerala, in particular, comes alive during the rains, with lush green landscapes and the rhythmic sound of falling rain creating a serene backdrop. This is also the best time to experience authentic Ayurvedic wellness retreats, as the damp, cool weather enhances the effectiveness of traditional therapies. Indulge in massages, herbal treatments, and yoga sessions designed to balance the mind, body, and soul.

Discover Japan’s hidden seasons

Summer holidays in Japan

Japan’s secret seasons are a treasure trove of tranquillity, offering an alternative to the bustling cherry blossom and autumn foliage periods. The time between mid-May and the end of June is particularly enchanting. As spring transitions into early summer, Japan’s gardens burst into a colourful display of flowers, creating a spectacular visual feast. During this period, temples and shrines are notably quieter, allowing for peaceful exploration and reflection. Hotels and ryokans often provide more attractive rates, making it an ideal time for a luxury holiday in Japan.

The Noto Peninsula is a standout destination during this season, blending history, nature, and cultural charm. Here, you can witness the awe-inspiring Kiriko Festivals, where towering lanterns are paraded through the streets, embodying Japan’s unique summer traditions. Away from the festival scenes, the rugged coastal fishing villages and lush mountain terraces invite you to immerse yourself in the slower pace of rural life. Cycling and hiking through this pristine countryside offer an intimate connection to Japan’s natural beauty and local culture.

The Kyotango region, just north of Kyoto, is another gem to visit from May through September. Its dramatic coastline along the Sea of Japan provides breathtaking scenery, while the quaint town of Ine captivates with its preserved Funaya, or boat houses, that line the waterfront. This area is also ideal for exploring Japan’s craftsmanship, indulging in local cuisine, or practising forest bathing, a deeply restorative experience amidst the region’s serene forests.

Winter holidays in Japan

If you prefer a quieter and more intimate experience, early winter is an excellent time to visit Japan. The cooler months between November and February offer a slower pace of travel and exclusivity. While urban areas like Tokyo and Osaka invite exploration through world-class museums and private ateliers, the countryside promises restorative escapes.

Kyotango remains a winter highlight, with its rugged coastal scenery enhanced by moody skies and the comforting warmth of local hospitality. Indulge in the region’s spas and onsens, or explore the area’s artisanal traditions, from weaving to culinary craftsmanship. Winter in Japan also provides the perfect opportunity for private cultural workshops, from partaking in traditional tea ceremonies to practising calligraphy.

The secret season offers a rare opportunity to experience Asia’s most captivating destinations in an intimate and exclusive way. With its combination of privacy, authentic immersion, and enhanced value, it is the perfect choice for discerning clients seeking extraordinary travel experiences.

If you feel inspired to discover the magic of secret season travel, we invite you to contact us to create a bespoke itinerary tailored to your preferences.