Part of our Asia guide.
2 places and guides from our Asia coverage, gathered into one page.
Related travel guides: What It Costs In Asia.
10 Best Southeast Asia Holiday Destinations To Escape Winter Chills
When summer is over, and the crispness of Fall sets in, it’s a signal that it is time to finalize your plans for a winter holiday. If you’re living in the Northern Hemisphere, this means that any December holiday or January holiday requires destinations that are a whole lot warmer. Since Asia is the largest continent by far, it is no surprise that there are warm, choice destinations for holiday travel during the wintertime. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the best winter vacations available in Asia and why you’ll want to add them to your itinerary. For those seeking sun, consider the beaches and temples of Thailand — you’ll find plenty of travel tips and ideas in Thailand to shape your escape. If you’re passing through Bangkok, check out what to do on a layover in Taipei for a quick cultural hit between flights.
Mongolia Naadam Festival Adventure
Have you ever wondered what makes the Mongolia Naadam Festival so special? Imagine a place where ancient traditions come alive through thrilling competitions. This festival, held annually from July 11–13, showcases Mongolia's "Three Manly Games": wrestling, horse racing, and archery. It's not just about sports; it's a celebration of culture, history, and community. Locals dress in colorful traditional outfits, and the air buzzes with excitement. From the grand opening ceremony to the final match, every moment offers a glimpse into Mongolia's rich heritage. The festival takes place across the country, but the main events are in Ulaanbaatar’s Central Stadium (wrestling and archery) and the surrounding steppes (horse racing). If you’re planning a trip around Naadam, book accommodation months in advance — hotels in the capital fill up by early June. Many tour operators offer multi-day packages that include transport to the horse‑racing site, which is about 30–40 minutes outside the city. While in Mongolia, consider extending your trip to experience the Gobi Desert or the Orkhon Valley, both accessible via domestic flights or rugged jeep tours. For a different kind of adventure, you might also look into a guide to hiking the Annapurna circuit trek in Nepal, another highlight of the continent’s outdoor scene. If you’re based in Japan, you can find living and moving abroad in Asia resources to help plan longer stays. And if you’re returning home from Asia, remember to get souvenir from the US for Japanese friends — a thoughtful gesture after your travels.
What to pack for Naadam
- Lightweight layers: July temperatures in Ulaanbaatar range from 10°C at night to 30°C in the afternoon.
- Sunscreen and a wide‑brimmed hat: the horse‑racing field has little shade.
- Cash: ATMs are scarce at the festival grounds; small vendors accept only tugriks.
- A camera with a zoom lens: the horse races cover several kilometers of open steppe.
Getting to the festival
Fly into Chinggis Khaan International Airport (UBN), about 20 km from central Ulaanbaatar. From there, take a taxi (around 30,000–40,000 MNT, or about $9–12 USD) or arrange a shuttle through your hotel. During Naadam, the city operates special buses to the stadium from Sükhbaatar Square. For the horse races, most visitors join a guided tour that departs early on July 12. If you’re traveling independently, hire a driver for the day — expect to pay roughly 150,000–200,000 MNT ($45–60 USD) for a half‑day trip including waiting time.
Where to stay
Ulaanbaatar has options from budget guesthouses (around $30–50 per night) to mid‑range hotels like the Blue Sky Hotel or the Ramada (both $80–120 per night). Book at least three months ahead for Naadam. For a more local experience, consider a ger camp on the outskirts — rates start at $60 per night including meals.
