THE BEST PLACES TO TRAVEL THIS AUTUMN
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Fall is a season that calls to mind a range of vivid images, sounds and smells. Picture the crackle of red and orange leaves under feet, the golden glow at dawn followed by the auburn sheen of the afternoon sky or the sound of trees rustling in the wind. It's fair to say that it's one of the most evocative times of the year. Yet this classic autumnal tableau is only part of the palette for travelers venturing to Asia. Destinations such as Armenia, Georgia, Japan, and Korea offer the colors and atmosphere most commonly associated with fall, but less traditional conditions in tropical destinations around Southeast Asia also spin plentiful autumn gold.
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SOUTHEAST ASIA’S STUNNERS
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Local Hmong gather at Meo Vac's Sunday Market, Ha Giang
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Fall comes in many different shades around Southeast Asia. For those in thrall to classic autumn conditions, north Vietnam is an appealing prospect. As temperatures cool down from their sweltering summer peak, the beauty of the landscapes reach heady heights. Rice harvesting season in mountain destinations such as Sapa and Ha Giang means beautiful shades of green and gold in the fields and a bustling, celebratory atmosphere in the traditional villages that dot the area. Hanoi, Vietnam’s 1000-year-old capital, is also at its best at this time of the year with perfect weather and beautiful red and yellow colors in the trees that flank the city’s tranquil lakes. Elsewhere in Southeast Asia, fall is a great bridge season for destinations such as Thailand and Bali. In Thailand, the peak winter season and the best weather of the year are just around the corner. But fall offers favorable weather conditions and plenty of room in prime destinations such as Bangkok, Phuket, and the Gulf islands. In Bali, meanwhile, the high season ends in fall, which means dwindling crowds at draws such as Ubud and Seminyak.
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Dobongsan Mountain, north of Seoul
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For timeless fall tableaus in Asia, it's hard to look past Japan and Korea, with the former’s gorgeous autumn landscapes regularly rated among the most beautiful in the world, rivaling even New England. And it's easy to see why so many travelers are entranced. Diverse beauty abounds in Japan — from Mt. Hakkoda and Mt. Hachimantai in lush Tohoku, to forested Iya Valley in Shikoku, and serene Lake Kawaguchi in Yamanashi. First-timers should not miss the ancient city of Nikko and former imperial capitals of Nara and Kyoto, where the season runs into late October and November. Prime spots to observe autumn colors in Kyotol include Komyo-Ji Temple and Tofukuji Temple. The enclave of Arashiyama is filled with temples, shrines, and the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, blessed with an abundance of foliage. Like in Japan, Korea's spectacular countryside is imbued with certain extra magic during fall. Hiking is an especially good way of getting up close and personal with nature. Suggested options include Seoraksan National Park and Naejangsan National Park, which offer spectacular seasonal scenery and walking paths carpeted with deep red and yellow leaves.
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Haghartsin Monastery, Dilijan, Armenia.
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Located at a crossroads between Europe and Asia, Georgia and Armenia count fabulous panoramas among their myriad wonders. These scenic attributes reach a dazzling peak during fall, while cultural traditions in the two countries are also showcased in a variety of ways. Georgia is increasingly well known for its traditions of viticulture. Autumn is grape-harvesting time in the country’s Kakheti region — regarded as the heart of Georgian wine culture — and is marked by the Rtveli festival. A celebratory affair that lasts for the entire harvest period, the festival offers visitors opportunities to help with the harvest and participate in tastings and feasts. In Armenia, the country celebrates its Independence Day on September 21 with various colorful events. The country's scenic splendor hits perfect pitch at destinations such as Lake Parz and Dilijan National Park, where reddish hues imbue the surrounding forests and mountains.
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Vaccinated travelers can travel to any of these destinations right now.
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