January in Malaysia is bright and breezy and the tail end of the northeast monsoon, which leaves the west coast, Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Langkawi, perfect for exploring. In Kuala Lumpur, begin the year with panoramic views from the Petronas Twin Towers, wander through the Islamic Arts Museum’s galleries, or ride the MRT to the Batu Caves, where limestone cliffs frame technicolour shrines. In Penang, George Town’s lanes are cool enough for long walks past heritage shophouses and mural-filled alleys, and evenings are for laksa, char kway teow and buttery roti at bustling hawker centres. On Langkawi, the skies are mostly clear for cable-car rides up to the SkyCab and strolls on Pantai Cenang, with mangrove tours in Kilim Geoforest Park offering a post-rain glow. Over in the Cameron Highlands, January’s mild weather makes tea-estate walks, strawberry picking and mossy forest trails especially inviting.
Price: Delhi-George Town flights from Rs7,650 on Air Asia
Visa: Visa-free entry for Indians
Thailand
Limestone hills surrounded by lush greenery in Krabi, ThailandTwenty47studio / Getty Images
January in Thailand is peak cool-season charm with low humidity, making everything from temples to beaches feel relaxed and inviting. In Bangkok, walk through the Grand Palace and Wat Pho without the usual heat, drift along the Chao Phraya on a morning boat ride, or spend an afternoon in Chinatown sampling bowls of boat noodles and mango sticky rice. The city’s parks, Lumphini and Benjakitti, are perfect for walks and night markets feel livelier in the weather. Up north, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai are especially pleasant: think cool mornings at Doi Suthep, steaming khao soi in the old city, and day trips to tea plantations in Mae Salong. Down south, the Andaman coast is at its best, with clear water for island-hopping around Krabi, Phuket and Koh Lanta; coral visibility is excellent for diving and snorkelling. Across the country, Chinese New Year often falls in late January or early February, bringing lantern-lit streets, lion dances and food stalls heaped with festive sweets.
Price: Delhi-Bangkok flights from Rs7,897 on Thai Lion Air
Visa: Visa-free entry for Indians
*Prices are dynamic and subject to change
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