Region and month
Where to go in Southeast Asia in January
The destinations we track in Southeast Asia are a strong fit in January, based on our season model.
Fit and cost figures are My Travel Choices estimates from our own destination model, not live prices or booking data.
How to read this January ranking
A strong fit means our records show high January suitability for that destination, weighed together with trip fit and on-the-ground costs. It is not a dry-weather guarantee and not a forecast: conditions vary between a country's cities, coasts and islands. Daily figures are estimates for being there and exclude international flights.
Best fits in Southeast Asia for January
#1
Laos
Laos
January fit: 9/10
USD 45–80 / person / day
Best November to March
Best for: hidden gems, nature, adventure
Trade-off: check conditions for the exact city, coast or island before you commit.
#2
Cambodia
Cambodia
January fit: 9/10
USD 50–95 / person / day
Best November to March
Best for: culture, hidden gems, social
Trade-off: check conditions for the exact city, coast or island before you commit.
#3
Thailand
Thailand
January fit: 9/10
USD 80–130 / person / day
Best November to March
Best for: food, social, adventure
Trade-off: allow at least 14 days for this one to be worth it.
#4
Malaysia
Malaysia
January fit: 9/10
USD 80–155 / person / day
Best December to March
Best for: food, cities, culture
Trade-off: allow at least 10 days for this one to be worth it.
#5
Philippines
Philippines
January fit: 9/10
USD 85–150 / person / day
Best November to April
Best for: adventure, beach, hidden gems
Planning effort: more planning needed.
#6
Singapore
Singapore
January fit: 9/10
USD 150–260 / person / day
Best for: cities, food, shopping
Trade-off: check conditions for the exact city, coast or island before you commit.
Where January is a weaker choice
Weaker in this month: Bali & Lombok.
Common questions
- Where should I travel in Southeast Asia in January?
- The destinations we track in Southeast Asia are a strong fit in January, based on our season model.
- Which places in Southeast Asia are worth avoiding in January?
- Weaker in this month: Bali & Lombok.
- What is the cheapest option in Southeast Asia in January?
- Laos carries our lowest mid-range estimate here, around USD 45–80 per person per day on the ground, excluding international airfare.