In the States, cooler autumn weather brings shorter days, longer nights, and traditions like cider mills, hayrides, and warm sugared donuts. Personally, it’s always been a time for me to binge a great scary show while prepping my Halloween costume for the year. (And this year, I predict many K-Pop Demon Hunters will be running around subdivisions, trick-or-treating for sweet treats!)

Fall is undoubtedly one of my favorite times to travel abroad. You’ll avoid the summer crowds, and the comfortable, often sunny weather is perfect for exploration. Plus, there’s a wealth of autumn festivals and holidays, particularly in Asia, making for lively and vibrant experiences.

Here are a few of my suggestions for a fall getaway – from India to Japan – focused on unique, cultural excursions: 

Diwali

India and Hindu communities across Asia

The Festival of Lights transforms India into a dazzling spectacle of oil lamps, vibrant fireworks, intricate rangoli art, and bustling festive markets. Diwali typically occurs in mid-October to mid-November. This year’s celebration falls on October 20th, with Jaipur standing out as one of India’s most enchanting destinations for experiencing the holiday’s magic – the Pink City’s majestic palaces and historic architecture create an unforgettable backdrop as thousands of diyas (oil lamps) illuminate ornate facades, traditional homes, and vibrant bazaars throughout the ancient streets. 

Suggested stay: The Rambagh Palace, Jaipur, once the grand residence of the Maharaja, has been transformed into an extraordinary five-star heritage hotel that immerses guests in authentic royal splendor through its opulent suites, meticulously maintained Mughal gardens, and world-class amenities. Beyond luxurious accommodations, the palace offers an array of distinctive experiences including traditional kite flying sessions, guided heritage walks through the city’s historic quarters, outdoor movie screenings under the stars, rounds at the exclusive Rambagh Golf Course, and unforgettable camel or elephant safaris, all complemented by captivating cultural performances that create magical memories for travelers of every generation.

Mid-Autumn Festival

China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam

Typically falling in mid-September to early October, the “Moon Festival” celebrates the harvest with lanterns, sweets, and family gatherings under the full moon. Known as Tết Trung Thu in Vietnam, the holiday transforms the country into a luminous wonderland where families gather under the full moon to share mooncakes, children parade through streets with colorful lanterns, and ancient legends of the Moon Lady Chằng Nga come alive through traditional performances and storytelling.

Suggested stay: Nestled on Ha My Beach just outside historic Hoi An, Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai offers luxury beachfront villas with private pools and stunning ocean views, making it an ideal autumn retreat when the weather cools to perfect temperatures for exploring the region’s UNESCO World Heritage sites. Take advantage of cultural adventures from bicycle tours through ancient streets and rice paddies to floating paper lanterns on the Thu Bon River during the magical full moon festivities.

Loy Krathong

Thailand

Loy Krathong sees thousands of adorned floating baskets (made of banana leaves) released onto waterways under the full moon, creating magical nighttime scenes. This year, in Chiang Mai, Loy Krathong will coincide with the Yi Peng festival of flying lanterns on November 5th-6th. With floating lanterns on the river and flying lanterns gracing the night sky, Chiang Mai will transform into a breathtaking, fairytale-like spectacle.

Suggested stay: Anantara Chiang Mai Resort is situated on the banks of the Mae Ping River, providing a stylish base for exploring the historic Lanna Kingdom with its gilded temples and ancient relics, while offering luxurious accommodations and world-class amenities including the Anantara Spa with traditional Thai healing treatments. Enjoy exciting adventures like elephant trekking, white water rafting, and the Flight of the Gibbon canopy experience.

Autumn Equinox Day

Japan

As part of Japan’s deep reverence for seasonal transitions, Autumn Equinox Day involves visiting family graves and reflecting on nature’s delicate balance. This holiday typically falls on September 22nd or 23rd, which can be slightly early to witness Japan’s most spectacular natural display – the blazing reds and golds of autumn foliage. Consider extending your stay until October to experience peak fall colors in the stunning Oku-Nikko region, located just two and a half hours north of Tokyo, where ancient temples are framed by some of Japan’s most breathtaking autumn landscapes.

Suggested stay: The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko is hidden in Japan’s northern Kanto region and set along the scenic Lake Chuzenji, offering spacious accommodations with sleek, traditional décor, and porches with lake or mountain views, in a highland haven renowned for Kegon Falls and Japan’s highest freshwater lake. In autumn, enjoy bicycle rides through the striking red and yellow foliage reflected in Lake Chuzenji and meditative walks through protected wetlands and centuries-old sanctuaries.

Looking for autumn travel inspiration? Scroll my Virtuoso Wanderlist for curated destination suggestions and unique travel ideas. When you’re ready to finalize your plans, connect with the expert team at Winkaffe Global Travel to book your perfect itinerary, complete with exclusive upgrades and special perks available only through Virtuoso travel advisors.