The Best Places to Visit in November and December

The Burj Khalifa rises 829.8 meters above Dubai. It is the tallest structure in the world, holding the record since its completion in 2011. The building is made primarily of reinforced concrete with a massive steel spire at the top. November brings relief from the extreme desert heat. Temperatures drop to comfortable levels, making it possible to stand on the outdoor observation decks. The winter desert skies are usually clear, offering long views across the city and the Persian Gulf. You can buy tickets for different levels. The highest observation deck is on the 148th floor, while the standard decks are on levels 124 and 125.

Dubai is a major city on the Persian Gulf. It started as a small fishing and pearling settlement in the early 18th century. Today, it has grown into a global trade hub with a population of four million people. November marks the start of the comfortable winter season. Daily highs average around 31 degrees Celsius, which is much better than the 40 degree days of summer. You can actually walk outside, visit the beach, or explore the historic creek area. The city has a massive expat population, making up over 90 percent of the residents. This creates a very international atmosphere with food and languages from all over the world.

Angkor Wat is the largest religious complex on Earth. It sits on a site of over 160 hectares in Cambodia. King Suryavarman II built it in the 12th century as a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu, and it later transitioned into a Buddhist temple. In November, the heavy monsoon rains end. The surrounding moats are full of water, which reflects the temple towers clearly. The landscape is green and lush from the recent wet season, but you can walk without getting caught in downpours. The stone passages hold massive carvings that cover the walls. You will need to climb steep stone steps to reach the upper levels.

The Phi Phi Islands are a small group of islands in the Strait of Malacca. Ko Phi Phi Don is the largest island and the only populated one. The other islands are mostly steep limestone cliffs rising straight out of the sea. November is the transition month to the dry season. The water visibility improves, making it a good time for snorkeling and diving. Temperatures are warm but the cool sea breezes keep the islands comfortable. Most visitors take day trips to the smaller island of Ko Phi Phi Le to see the protected beaches. These spots get crowded quickly in the middle of the day.

Hampi is an ancient ruined city in Karnataka, India. It served as the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire from 1336 until 1565. Today, the ruins are spread across a unique landscape covered in boulders. November is one of the coolest months of the year here. Since the ruins are entirely outdoors with almost no shade, visiting in the summer is punishing. November weather allows you to climb the rocky hills and explore the temples comfortably. The Virupaksha Temple is still an active place of worship. You can watch daily rituals and see the resident temple elephant.

Luang Prabang is a historic city in northern Laos. It sits at the junction of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers. The town is known for its blend of traditional Lao wooden houses and French colonial brick buildings. November brings dry, cool weather to northern Laos. The humidity drops significantly, and the evening temperatures can actually feel cool. The Mekong River is high and calm, which is ideal for boat trips. Every morning at dawn, hundreds of monks walk through the streets to collect alms. This is a quiet religious tradition that still takes place daily in the protected villages.

Chiang Mai is the largest city in northern Thailand, located in a mountainous region. The historic center of the city is a square mile surrounded by a moat and remnants of ancient brick walls. November is the start of the cool season. Daytime temperatures are warm, but the nights are cool and dry. This month also features the famous lantern festivals, when thousands of paper lanterns are released into the night sky. The city is home to hundreds of Buddhist temples, many of which sit within walking distance of each other inside the old city walls.

Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan and is known as the Pink City. The buildings in the old city were painted pink in 1876 to welcome the Prince of Wales. It is one of the earliest planned cities in modern India, founded in 1727. In November, the intense summer heat of Rajasthan has passed. Daytime temperatures are mild, usually around 28 degrees Celsius, making it comfortable to walk through the open air palaces and forts. The city features massive structures like the Hawa Mahal, a five story palace wall with hundreds of small windows. You can also visit the Amber Fort, which sits on a hill just outside the city.

Palawan is an island province in the western Philippines. It is the largest province in the country, stretching all the way toward Borneo. The capital city is Puerto Princesa, which serves as the main entry point. November is the beginning of the dry season in this part of the Philippines. The heavy rains of the monsoon end, and the seas calm down. This makes it possible to take boat tours to the limestone islands and hidden lagoons. The island has diverse ecosystems, including a long underground river. The water visibility is excellent for viewing coral reefs and marine life.

Siem Reap is the gateway to the temples of Angkor. The city itself features a mix of French colonial and Chinese architecture, particularly around the Old Market area. It has grown from a quiet town into a major tourism hub. November weather is dry and relatively cool, which is ideal for exploring. The surrounding countryside is still green from the recent rains, and the water levels in the nearby Tonle Sap lake are high. In the evenings, the town comes alive with night markets and restaurants. You can watch traditional Apsara dance performances or visit local silk farms.