Climate change is altering travel patterns. Holidaymakers are seeking out cooler getaways to escape not only baking heat but wildfires and drought. Destinations in Scandinavia, for example, have soared in popularity as travellers discover the benefits of a “coolcation.”
Of course, Northern Europe is a long way from Macao. But fear not. There are some great options nearby if you want to flee the SAR summer, which – let’s face it – can feel like an endurance test sometimes amid the humidity, the typhoons and temperatures that can exceed 35°C.
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Here are our picks of regional travel destinations that offer cooler temperatures and a much-needed change of scenery.
Hokkaido, Japan
Japan’s northernmost and largest island offers a refreshing climate and stunning natural beauty – think volcanoes, lavender fields and charming hot spring towns.
The cool summer temperatures, ranging from 18°C to 25°C, make it perfect for outdoor adventures, including hiking in the unspoiled wilderness of Hokkaido’s national parks.
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Visitors can also explore the picturesque lavender fields in Furano, particularly at Farm Tomita, where a sea of purple bloom against the spectacular backdrop of the Tokachi mountain range from mid-July to early August. Shikisai-no-oka, the flower garden hill in Biei, is another breathtaking marvel of colour.
Da Lat, Vietnam
The mountain resort town of Da Lat, tucked away in the Central Highlands of Vietnam, was once a favourite summer getaway for French colonists, who have left their mark on the charming city through Gallic architecture and artificial lakes.
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Known as the “City of Eternal Spring,” Da Lat has a mild climate, ranging from 16°C to 24°C during the summer. Datanla Waterfall, the surrealist Crazy House and the iconic Xuan Hong Lake are must-sees in this idyllic city.
Qinghai, China
Qinghai, which translates to “blue-green sea,” is a vast, grassy, inland province located in Northwestern China. So why is it named after the sea? That’s because Qinghai has many saltwater lakes, and is home to Qinghai Lake, the largest saltwater lake in China. To put that into perspective, the lake is about 149 times larger than Macao!
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Although located in China, Qinghai has a distinctly Tibetan-Muslim culture, and monasteries like the Kumbum Monastery and mosques such as the Dongguan Mosque are beautiful places to visit.
The average summer temperature ranges from 15°C to 25°C. You might even need to pack a jacket.
Inner Mongolia, China
With its rippling grasslands, vast deserts, and rich historical sites, Inner Mongolia feels worlds away, yet remains fairly accessible. The area has a refreshing climate with average temperatures ranging from 16°C to 27°C.
You can try out yurt stays, camel riding, sand-sledding, and horse riding while immersing yourself in its rich history through visiting the Inner Mongolia Museum and Mausoleum of Genghis Khan.
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Breathtaking natural sights include the Mo’ergele River, known as the “first curved water under heaven,” which curls gracefully through the grasslands, and the Hulunbuir Grassland, known aptly as the “purest prairie.”
