10 alternative Asian Christmas holiday spots for Hongkongers
Fancy getting away from the city this festive season? Here are some of the best off-the-beaten-track destinations in the region
Who wants to celebrate Christmas around a plastic tree in an apartment the size of a shoebox, or at a restaurant that will drain your wallet with an overpriced set menu?
Skipping town is the obvious option, especially with dozens of sunny Asian destinations just a couple of hours away. Finding an escape that’s truly off the beaten path isn’t easy in these days of low-cost airlines, however. But we’ve rounded up some of the best up-and-coming holiday spots in the region.
Khanom, Thailand
Getting there: from Bangkok, it’s a short flight to Surat Thani, before a one-hour taxi to Khanom.
Hualien, Taiwan
Getting there: HK Express will start offering direct flights to Hualien from December 6. Otherwise, fly into Taipei, and then hop on a two-hour train to Hualien.
Pulau Pangkor, Malaysia
This island was once a go-to destination for celebrity holidays, with everyone from former British prime minister Tony Blair to late opera star Luciano Pavarotti enjoying its charms. Yet while it’s lost a bit of its luxury glamour, it’s gained entirely new appeal as a wildlife hotspot. It still has fancy resorts and the white-sand Coral Beach, but an eco-tourism approach now allows visitors to explore the island at their leisure. There’s abundant fauna roaming free, including monkeys, hornbills and the endangered pangolin.
Getting there: fly to Kuala Lumpur, grab a bus or train to Lumut and then take a 45-minute ferry ride to Pangkor.
Palau
Diving enthusiasts will need a bit of ambition and plenty of cash to head to out to this Micronesian archipelago nation – but those who do are rewarded with one of the most unique destinations in the Pacific. Its paradise islands play host to the impressive Pala-U Waterfall and Jellyfish Lake, but the real reason to visit is the diving: massive vertical walls, lots of second world war wrecks and the famed Rock Islands, whose coral reefs teem with sea life.
Getting there: Palau Pacific Airways charters regular flights from Hong Kong to the country’s hub of Koror.
Tagaytay, Philippines
Family getaways aren’t easy, especially over the pricey Christmas season – but opting for the Philippines can help ensure your break is cheap and cheerful. You can avoid the tourist hordes at Tagaytay: hike up the Taal volcano, or take the whole clan out for a day of zip-lining and horse-riding at the picnic grove. Drop the kids off at Sky Ranch theme park, and then binge on the country’s Spanish-tinged cuisine at Mahogany Market.
Getting there: fly to Manila, then hire a private car for the two-hour journey to Tagaytay.
Shodoshima, Japan
Who doesn’t love Japan? It’s rich in culture, awash with ancient sites, packed with fine eateries – and the devalued yen makes it a more affordable option. Make your way to the Mediterranean-like island of Shodoshima, situated in the Inland Sea. Fans of classic Japan make pilgrimages to its many temples built into mountain caves, while those looking for a slice of Europe wander through Olive Park, a massive grove that makes the country’s finest olive oil. Dine on fresh seafood at its family-owned restaurants (Nonoka is a favourite) and, weather permitting, chill out on the sandy Olive Beach.
Getting there: HK Express have direct flights to Takamatsu, where you can hop on a ferry to Shodoshima.
Puttalam, Sri Lanka
Getting there: fly to the capital, Colombo, before taking a three-hour train or taxi to Puttalam.
Komodo, Indonesia
Getting there: fly to Bali, then take a short flight to Bandara Komodo on nearby Flores, the ideal base from which to explore the island.
Phu Quoc, Vietnam
Get deeper into Vietnam’s unique blend of French and Asian influences on the southern island of Phu Quoc, a place simply bursting with traditional Vietnamese character. Beach bums can take it easy on the unspoilt Vung Bau Beach, while nature lovers can trek along mountains and up to the Da Ngon Waterfalls at the rainforest national park.
Getting there: fly to Ho Chi Minh City, before taking one of the many frequent flights to Phu Quoc.
Koh Rong, Cambodia
Of Asia’s many beach destinations, Cambodia is easily the least developed – but that gives places such as Koh Rong an old-world charm lacking in many a neighbouring spot. The bungalows are amenity-free, the parties unrestrained and the prices very cheap. There are 28 beaches to explore, not counting the hundreds across neighbouring islands, but we recommend Koh Toch, a white-sand shore that has easy access to the nearby village.
Getting there: fly to Phnom Penh, hire a car to Sihanoukville, and then hop on a ferry to Koh Rong.