Top
10

The official top ten
Top Summer Holiday Destinations in Asia

Summer is often the best time for our clients to travel, especially for those who are travelling with the family. However, it’s worth bearing in mind that there are only a handful of holiday destinations in Asia that have good weather in July and August. Across the Far East, Southeast Asia and the Indian Subcontinent summer temperatures can soar to unbearable heights and the monsoon rains threaten to make your holidays to Asia a washout. Thankfully, there are exceptions and we can wholeheartedly recommend the following best places to visit in Asia during the summer months.

Summer across the Indonesian Islands make for the very best holiday destinations in AsiaBali promises a winning dose of culture and luxury – our Ultimate Aman Experience combines Amankila, Amandari and Aman Villas at Nusa Dua – or our Boutique Indonesia tour explores further flung tropical islands including Lombok and Moyo Island. Other great Asia holiday destinations include; Central and East Coast Sri Lanka, which has warm and sunny tropical weather in July and August and some excellent resorts have opened up here in recent years, such as Ulagalla in the Cultural Triangle and Jungle Beach near TrincomaleeSri Lanka’s south coast is also lovely from mid-August.

Ladakh in Northern India is another one of our summer favourites to holiday in Asia: look forward to brilliant sunshine, stunning clear blue skies and Himalayan mountains dotted with Buddhist temples. Stay at The Ultimate Travelling Camp or do a Shakti Village Walk Experience for a stylish yet authentic taste of this unique Himalayan region. Koh Samui in the Gulf of Thailand also enjoys sunny and dry weather during summer months, unlike Phuket in the Andaman Sea. The Four Seasons Koh Samui is one of Ampersand’s favourite beach hotels in Asia.

Central Vietnam also is a great holiday destination in Asia – whilst the south is mid-monsoon, Vietnam’s central beaches promise intense sunshine and the odd refreshing shower. Vietnam’s two finest beach resorts are located in this region: Amanoi and the Six Senses Ninh Van Bay; interesting to note that this is both the GM’s favourite time of the year to be there.

1

Ubud, Bali

Ubud is Bali’s thriving cultural heart. The seductive town is home to traditional arts, crafts and dance, and attracts those in search of mindfulness, culinary inventiveness, sustainable design and relaxation.

View
2

Lombok

Lombok is a fraction smaller than Bali and located just across the Strait. Blissful beaches, excellent surfing and endless trekking through jungle-clad slopes the island is a nature-lover’s dream.

View
3

Ladakh

Rugged and oversized landscapes abound in the remote Buddhist region of Ladakh. Prayer flags, monasteries and whitewashed stupas are dotted throughout this deeply spiritual area of northern India.

View
4

Trincomalee

The largest town on Sri Lanka's eastern coast, Trincomalee is home to some great beaches with fantastic snorkelling and scuba-diving, as well as whale and dolphin watching.

View
5

Anuradhapura

The sprawling ancient city of Anuradhapura is home to a rich collection of archaeological and architectural wonders; stepped pools, bell-shaped dagobas and crumbling temples, built during Anuradhapura’s 1,300 year rule.

View
6

Nha Trang

The sun-washed town of Nha Trang, on Vietnam’s dramatic southern Vietnam coast emanates a Mediterranean feel reminiscent of the French Riviera, with a cosmopolitan party vibe and sophisticated boutiques.

View
7

Hoi-An

Historical Hoi-An boasts grand architecture and a rich cultural heritage, with Japanese, Chinese, Indian, Indonesian and European influences. It is also a hotspot for food markets and food lovers.

View
8

Vinh Hy Bay

Vinh Hy Bay, near the Nui Chua National Park, is home to the exquisite Amanoi. A stunning eco-tourist spot, the bay has unspoilt rural beauty with fantastic diving and snorkelling.

View
9

Uluwatu, Bali

  Uluwatu, Bali is one of Ampersand's Top 10 Summer Holiday Destinations in Asia. Perched dramatically atop towering limestone cliffs, Uluwatu occupies Bali’s remote and rugged southwestern tip. This drier, less-developed corner...

View
10

Sumba Island

Sumba Island is truly the forgotten island; wild and rugged it's as though you are on the edge of the world. It is also home to the exclusive Nihi Sumba.

View

Client Testimonials

Without question, you put together the best trip I have ever taken. We were shown around like visiting dignitaries, the hotels were fantastic and the itinerary was just right. Everybody I know will hear about how amazing Ampersand is!
- Leslie Siben, India
We really enjoyed the trip and were happy that we squeezed so much into a few short days. The Burmese people were lovely and the sites were fantastic. We really enjoyed the balloon ride and would highly suggest it to others in the future. The trip went super smoothly and a good time plus learning happened for all. Yangon was nice as the Strand was quite amazing and we of course loved the giant gold temple. Many thanks for all of your help and look forward to future travel with you.
- Wallace Family, Burma
Difficult to articulate just how good the service from you and your team really was. We know you will continue to do well and hope we have the chance to seek your assistance again before long.
- Mr & Mrs Manson, North India
I had a very lovely time and was looked after splendidly. My first visit to India could not have been better, save for being longer! But I shall return at some point and I shall look to you to make the arrangements.
- Matthew Nicklin, North India
We had a wonderful holiday - everything was perfect. Thank you for helping us to make a thoughtful plan to enjoy and make most out of our trip. The places we visited, the guides, the transportation and driver, the hotels selected... Everything was great!
- Jaime Benitez, South India
Ampersand provided a bespoke and flexible holiday, tailored to my every whim. Their highly professional staff had only one goal which was to arrange an exceptional holiday and some unforgettable experiences in India. I have no hesitation in fully recommending them and they will be the first company I approach in the future - 10/10
- Anonymous, India
Difficult to choose the highlight of the trip, can’t choose between… 1) Taj Mahal & Oberoi Amarvilas. 2) Ranthambore. 3) Lake Palace. We have to say a particular thank you for selecting Parmod as our driver. He is a delightful and kind man who took our holiday and our enjoyment as his responsibility. Thank you for putting together such an amazing trip for us. The balance of city and rural destinations was perfect for us and the variety of rooms and hotel types brilliant. Our driver and guides also added so much to the trip with their knowledge of India’s history and culture and their willingness to discuss it both from a professional and personal angle.
- Carruthers family, North India
Everything you did for us whilst we were away was hugely appreciated, and Ampersand has been exemplary in every way. I'll always recommend you!
- Mr Richard Stoughton, Sri Lanka
I barely know where to begin... though a sincere 'thank you' would be the best. You have organised this trip perfectly. May was an inspiring and delightful companion in Myanmar – thoroughly professional and friendly at the same time. My accommodation throughout has been superb, especially The Governor's Residence and The Mandarin Oriental. The view from the cottage at Inle Lake was beautiful and I loved every moment of being there. And here I am now on the last leg of this extended holiday at my favourite place. I could stay here for ever, the peace, silence and surroundings all amazing, plus the people and the whole aura of Vana. Thank you for much, and I look forward to speaking to you on my return.
- Ms Margulies, Burma, India & Thailand
Ballyfin was great - we loved it! Best things were the amount of space, it felt like you had the whole place to yourself, the history of the house, and the staff. We'd definitely recommend it. Thanks very much for all the help getting it booked!
- Mr Wyburd, Ireland
I would recommend Ampersand without any hesitation!!! The best travel agent that I’ve ever had. Everything – from the individual care and attention in planning the trip, through to the efficiency of the agents on the ground in India – was handled brilliantly. An absolutely first-class service all round!
- Matthew Annable, Rajasthan, India
Getting to Amanpulo from Manila was very simple and the beach was the most beautiful I’d ever been on; pristine white sand, not a single piece of rubbish in sight. You get your own solar powered golf buggy to drive around resort (and a butler at request). The views from the Hillside Casita were spectacular!
- Mr Wyburd, Philippines
I thought the Ampersand team was outstanding. We couldn’t have hoped for anything more.
- Mr Geoffrey Johnson, India
So many highlights to choose from! The hotels were amazing but Maya Villa was a highlight… I loved just hanging out in the hammock reading my book and watching the peacocks chase the cows!
- Krista Weir, Sri Lanka
Ampersand’s preparation, attention to detail and interaction before and during our trip show exactly why good travel agents have a role in today’s internet booking age. They were a delight to deal with!
- Mr David Wallace, North India
We have just returned back from a wonderful trip. Thank you very much for organising everything. The transfer was excellent – for once they had perfect car seats. The villa was lovely, just what we needed and the hotel had helpfully put us as far away as possible from everyone else. The breakfast buffet was the best I have ever seen – and I am slightly obsessive over breakfast!! There was an incredible choice, something for everyone and so beautifully presented. A real highlight of the trip. Thank you again for sorting everything - and at such short notice!
- Redmayne family, Phuket

Let us keep you up to date

Sign up to our newsletter and never miss out on unmissable exclusive luxury experiences