Top 3 Best Asian Winter Sun Destinations in February

Asia offers a great destination for snowbirds and 50+ visitors looking to escape chilly winter weather. If you are looking to be away over February, Bangkok is typically warm and sunny during this period.

Ho Chi Minh in Vietnam and Goa in India are the next best locations.

These are the results from our survey where we asked our visitors for the top 3 best Asian winter sun destinations in February.

#1. Bangkok, Thailand, Winter Sun Destination in February

Bangkok is Thailand’s capital city and one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in South East Asia. Ornate shrines and temples, floating markets, spectacular beaches, and vibrant street life are some of the city’s key attractions.

Let’s discuss why we picked Bangkok as our top destination in more detail next.

Why Stay in Bangkok in February?

Bangkok’s weather is pretty amiable in February, as the region is typically dry and sunny dry. Overall, it’s neither too hot nor too cool, with temperatures between 23-33 °C (73.4- 91.4°F).

Bangkok is considered the primary entry into SE Asia for a reason. As a visitor, you get to experience its rich history and the exceptional hospitality of the Thai people. This, paired with beautiful Thai architecture, paintings, massages, and mouthwatering authentic Thai cuisine, will make your trip a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

And the best part? Bangkok is relatively affordable, with accommodation options to suit all budgets.

Next, we take a look at some of the must-see places and the kind of activities you can look forward to engaging in.

What to See in Bangkok

Snowbirds and 50+ visitors are spoilt for choice when it comes to what to see in this beautiful and exotic city teeming with tourist attractions. Here are some helpful suggestions:

• Bangkok city tour. Bangkok is a charming city with lots of delightful things to see. A typical walking tour includes a visit to the Erawan Shrine and the Grand Palace for a glimpse into the king’s royal life.
• Floating market tour: This offers an unequaled adventure. The charming floating markets consist of boats piled with veggies and tropical fruits from Bangkok. There are also floating restaurants with local Thai cuisine.
• Cultural experiences: There’s a whole load of these. You can visit the Bangkok Art & Culture Centre, Bangkok National Museum, and Princess Mother Memorial Park. You can also visit famous shrines like Wat Pho to view the statue of the Reclining Buddha, Wat Arun and Wat Hua Lamphong temples, Chinatown, and the Rose Garden for cultural exhibitions.
• Coral Island tour: For the perfect day trip, take a boat ride to this idyllic island.
• Underwater world tour: A mesmerizing peek into the ocean’s underbelly. Up to 30,000 creatures are on display here.
• Food tour: This offers a chance to sample Thai delicacies from street stalls with the assistance of a local guide. The food is fresh, cheap, and tasty.
• Safari World: Home to exotic wildlife, it features a marine park where you get to enjoy spectacular live shows.
• Suan Pakkad Palace: This pottery museum holds priceless treasures with Thai antiques on display dating back 4,000+ years.
• Madame Tussauds. For movie buffs,theworld-famous wax museum offers a rare chance to meet your favorite celebrities.
• Museums: Visit Ancient City, the largest open-air museum in the world, and Art In Paradise, for illusional artworks.

Activities in Bangkok

Bangkok has a wide range of snowbird-appropriate activities. Examples include:

• Swimming and sunbathing: This is the best time to venture into the sea. The beaches are particularly welcoming.
• Shopping: Night shopping at the Indra Market makes for a memorable experience. If you enjoy a good bargain, add Chatuchak Weekend Market for the ultimate shopping experience.
• Riding the Skytrain. This is quite exciting as it happens at night.
• A trip across Chao Phraya River: This is a popular waterway in Bangkok.
• Lumphini Park: For a tranquil escape to nature. Entry is free.
• Thai Massage: Enjoy a traditional massage. They are heavenly and quite affordable.
• Chinese New Year Festival. This occurs between January and February.

Additional Things to See and Do in Bangkok in February

• Bangkok Flower Market: This is the largest flower market in the country.
• Wat Traimit: While in Chinatown, look out for the Golden Buddha, the world’s largest Buddha statue of solid gold.
• Thai Cooking School: If you are a fan of Thai cuisine, you should definitely take a cooking class and surprise your family and friends once you get back home.
• Jim Thompson House: This home-turned-museum is rich in traditional Thai art and architecture.
• Ayutthaya: This is an expansive UNESCO World Heritage Site. It hosts several temples.

Accessing Bangkok

You can get flights to Bangkok from most locations in the US and Europe, landing at Suvarnabhumi Airport or Don Mueang international airport. To get into the city, grab a taxi, use the airport bus, or the Airport Rail Link train.

As for getting around while in Bangkok, you can use the BTS Skytrain or the underground train (MRT). They are pretty efficient, helping you save time. Additionally, the Skytrain stops at popular tourist sites, making it super convenient to use. Also available are Tuk Tuk and taxis, making it easier to explore the city.

Your Safety While in Bangkok

Bangkok is a remarkably safe tourist destination, though, like any big city, pick-pocketing is not uncommon. Take standard precautions like zipping up your bags, avoiding leaving luggage unattended, and generally staying vigilant.

Need to see a doctor? No worries. There are many private hospitals providing affordable, comprehensive medical treatment. Also, as a top medical tourism destination, Thailand boasts multiple top specialists.

Still, get comprehensive travel insurance to cover you for any emergencies (medical, lost valuables, etc.) during your stay, and only consume bottled/pristine filtered water.

Helpful Tips When Holidaying in Bangkok

Below are some practical guidelines to follow while in Bangkok:

• Always wear sunscreen, a hat, and carry a pair of sunglasses.
• Always dress decently when visiting religious sites (carry a sarong to cover up if necessary).
• Remember to bargain when taking a taxi or shopping at the market – you could get scammed.
• Wear pants and long sleeves and use mosquito repellant.
• People take things a bit slow here (schedules, food service), so get with the flow.

#2 Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam Winter Sun Destination in February

Ho Chi Minh (Saigon) is an enchanting yet modern city with pleasant weather in February. On average, the nights are cool, humidity is low at 70%, and daytime temperatures lie between 23°C and 34°C (73.4°F and 93.2°F).  

Like Bangkok, Saigon boasts rich cultural roots. Historical attractions such as ornate temples and shrines dot the city alongside trendy restaurants and shopping malls. 

What to See and Do in Ho Chi Minh Over Winter

• Tet: The Lunar New Year, the largest festival in Vietnam, is typically observed in February (it falls between late January and early February). The city comes alive with holiday decor and spectacular fireworks, while markets fill with goodies.
• Cu Chi Tunnels. For a step back into history, visit these remnants of the Vietnam War.
• Saigon Opera House: This dates back to the French occupation and showcases classical French architecture.
• Ben Thanh market. A food and shopping haven. Choose from a broad array of textiles, bric-a-brac souvenirs, handicrafts, and diverse street food.
• Jade Emperor Pagoda: This stunning Taoist shrine built in 1909 plays host to mythical statues.
• Mekong Delta: Take a boat trip here and view floating markets, rice paddy fields, colorful orchids, and charming villages.

#3. Goa, India Winter Sun Destination in February

Goa is a small coastal state located in western India. A former Portuguese colony, Goa boasts a vibrant culture, well-preserved 17th-century churches, spice plantations, and endless beaches. Its ethereal beauty makes it a blissful spot for snowbirds and 50+ visitors to travel over winter.

In February, you can expect pleasant, sunny weather. Temperatures fall between 70 and 85°F (21- 29°C) with minimal rainfall.

What to See and Do in Goa Over Winter

Here is a sampling of what you can see and do while visiting Goa in February:

• Explore historical sites: Old Goa sports stunning churches while the Basilica of Bom Jesus holds St. Francis Xavier remains. There are also heritage sites like Fort Aguada, Chapora, and the Forts of Terekhol. Fort Chapora is grandiose; from here, you will catch magnificent glimpses of the Arabian Sea.
• Visit Goa Chitra Museum: The museum contains 4,000+ traditional Goan artifacts and artworks, offering a unique peek into Goan culture and heritage.
• Spice plantations: Here, you get to understand the behind-the-scenes details about spice production and purchase some to take with you.
• Attend local festivals: Theseinclude the Goa Food and Cultural Festival, the Goa Carnival featuring music and dance, and the Procession of All Saints, a solemn parade of statues. The latter two could also fall in March, depending on the Islamic calendar.
• Visit the beach: Swim or sunbathe on pristine beaches like Baga, Anjuna, and Calangute. Enjoy spicy food from the beach-side restaurants, shop at the markets/stalls, spot dolphins, or just relax under the cool breeze and warm winter sun as you take in the spectacular views.
• Sample local cuisine: Goa has delectable dishes like fish curry, bhaji, and diverse seafood.
• Shop at the flea markets: These present an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in the fascinating Goan culture.
• Explore nature and the picturesque landscapes: Take a river cruise or banana boat ride, and visit the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary or Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary. Crown this with a visit to the spectacular Dudhsagar Falls. It is surrounded by a forest teeming with elephants, leopards, and tigers.

How this Top 3 list was made

The top 3 list was derived from a survey where we asked about their top destination for a particular month and region. From these results, we made each month a top 3 for North America, the Caribbean, Middle/South America, Europe, and Asia (including the Middle East). Sometimes, we have combined several individual destinations from a single country into the country itself.