31 - Hike the steep trails of South Korea's spectacular mountains
Autumn hiking in Seoraksan National Park.
Autumnal hikes in Seoraksan
Tucked away in the north-eastern corner of the country, Seoraksan National Park is Korea's most spectacular mountain region. Autumn is a wonderful time to visit, when cooler temperatures see the park’s hiking trails blanketed in the yellows, crimsons and golds of fall.
One of the highlights of the park is Sinheungsa, a riotously colourful temple just fifteen minutes on foot from the main park entrance. It was originally built in the seventh century, making it one of the oldest Zen temples in the world (though it has burned down numerous times over the years, so none of the buildings are original).
Hiking trails fan out in all directions from the temple, becoming steeper and steeper (and then, sometimes, steeper again) as you make your way further into the park. A popular point to aim for is Ulsanbawi, a distinctive bald ridge of granite in the north — accessed via metal stairways and don’t-look-down sky bridges. Or, you can head south to Gwongeumseong Fortress with its spectacular views over the surrounding area. From here, determined hikers can continue on to the park’s highest peak at Daecheongbong: 1,708 metres.
“We started out before the crack of dawn to beat the day trip crowds, hiking in the dark to reach the mountaintop for sunrise. With the first rays of sun illuminating the red-and-gold leaves, and barely a soul about, it was a really special experience. Well worth the 4am start, I promise!”
Jon - InsideAsia team
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Gangneung
Gangneung, the largest city on Korea’s east coast, boasts an enviable location, hemmed in by lofty mountains and the big blue sea – you could quite easily go surfing and mountain climbing on the same day, or perhaps even the same afternoon.
Sokcho
While best known amongst international tourists as the gateway to nearby Seoraksan National Park, Sokcho’s salty charms make it an intriguing destination in its own right – from super-fresh seafood to what must be up there with the world’s cheapest, and weirdest, ferry rides.
Can't do November?
With the exception of July and August, which are both hot and wet months, Seoraksan National Park can be enjoyed through all seasons. It has blossoms in spring, inviting nature in summer, radiant hues of red in autumn and the crispness of snow in winter.
Where in the world is Seoraksan National Park?
32 – Soak up the sun from Thailand's Southern Spit
Explore the dreamy islands of Krabi and Phuket.
Welcome to Thai island life
West of Thailand’s southern spit, Krabi and Phuket have a different beach season from their eastern counterparts, so they’re fabulous for sun, snorkelling and scuba conditions in November.
Krabi’s coastline is the stuff travel dreams are made of. Emerald vegetation clings to dramatic, gravity-defying cliffs and towering limestone pinnacles teeter over the sea, where hundreds of little islands lie waiting to be explored. It’s a landscape built for adventures, with superb climbing and diving opportunities, kayaking excursions through vast mangrove forests, and endless possible day trips to caves, temples and waterfalls.
Meanwhile, the largest and most popular of the Thai Islands has as many different personalities as it has beaches — and that’s quite a few! Pay no heed to those who say Phuket is past its prime: this is the desert-island idyll par excellence, and there are pockets of paradise here to compete with anywhere in the world. Phuket’s beaches range from pearly white to rich gold, and its hotel scene is second to none — meaning Michelin-standard food, world-class spa treatments, and barefoot luxury tucked away from the crowds. The tropical climate, soft sand, and calm seas teeming with colourful sea life come free.
Where in the world is Krabi?
Connects with:
Ko Lanta
Sandwiched between party-happy Ko Phi-Phi and laid-back Krabi, Ko Lanta is a tiny little drop of beach-fringed greenery in the middle of Thailand’s famous turquoise seas. If you’re looking for a low-key island retreat, this is it. Read more
Khao Sok National Park
Khao Sok National Park is the place to stay at a rafthouse lodge, to kayak on Thailand’s most beautiful lake, to follow your nose to metre-wide “corpse flowers”, and trek past whispering bamboo groves and hooting gibbons to remote wildlife sanctuaries.
Can't do November?
Late October and November welcome the dry season in the Thai coast facing the Andaman sea, bringing ideal beach conditions all the way till May. The slightly cooler months of December, January and February make way for warming temperatures for the hottest month, May. While April and May are still great for beach-going, the humidity starts climbing in preparation for wet season.
33 – Sample ocean-fresh seafood from unbeatable crab markets
In some of Cambodia’s oldest and coolest destinations.
Laid-back Kep and Kampot
Laid-back Kep and Kampot are where we come to slow the pace, sample ocean-fresh seafood and soak up the atmosphere of old Cambodia.
Not far from the border with Vietnam, coastal Kep is one of our favourite destinations in Cambodia. This former bolthole of Phnom Penh’s wealthy urbanites is now a chilled-out seaside escape, offering crab markets, crumbling villas and unbeatable seafood. Just down the road, meanwhile, Kampot has a palm-shaded riverfront lined with chilled-out bars and chic cafés — plus opportunities galore for adventure sports, including kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, rock climbing and sailing.
Though they’re on the coast, these aren’t beach destinations. Kep and Kampot are about getting into the laid-back rhythms of countryside life: watching fishermen unload their catch at the morning market; exploring black pepper plantations; going for cycle rides through farms and villages. Best of all, this is the jumping-off point for adventures in the rainforests of Bokor National Park, where crumbling French-colonial ruins are strangled by the jungle, and hiking trails wind through the habitats of leopard cats, gibbons, sun bears and civets.
Where in the world are Kep and Kampot?
Connects with:
Koh Krabey
Think barefoot luxury on a tropical desert island and it’s unlikely Cambodia will spring to mind, but if anywhere’s likely to change that – it's the unspoilt gem of Koh Krabey.
Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh may no longer be the “Pearl of the Orient”, but don’t judge a book by its cover: beneath this chaotic exterior is a city alive with energy, art, and youthful verve.
Can't do November?
The Cambodian coast in the gulf of Thailand shines best during dry season, which spans from November all the way to April. The weather is stable, the humidity stays within reasonable levels and the temperature is perfect for enjoying the beach, exploring and sightseeing: minimums and maximums of 25°C / 77°F and 30°C / 86°F on average.