One question always plagues every Malaysian’s mind before planning their holiday: when is the best time to travel there ah? Tbh, we all have different perceptions of the ‘best time’ – some of us are willing to tolerate crowds to enjoy beautiful weather and scenery, and others prefer to avoid the holiday crowd even if it’s rainy season.
But don’t worry, we got everything covered! We’ve listed the best times (yes, plural) for you to visit these popular countries so you don’t have to:
1. Thailand: The Land of Smiles
Krabi
Wat Paknam Bhasicharoen, Bangkok
Famous for its paradise beaches, mouth-watering (and cheap!) street food, and golden temples, the best times to visit Thailand depend on whether you prefer pleasant weather or fewer crowds.
- November – February: Great season for outdoor activities like beach picnics, island hopping and exploring cultural sites, courtesy of cool weather (20°C to 32°C) and minimal rain, especially in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and the islands.
- June – October: Avoid crowds and enjoy lower-priced fares during Thailand’s rainy season. If you want to be safe(r) from the elements, you can opt for a more urban/cultural holiday by exploring street food (don’t sleep on their cafés either!), temples and such at locales like Bangkok and Phuket.
2. South Korea: Land of the Morning Calm
Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul
Namdaemun Market, Seoul
South Korea is where cutting-edge tech, vibrant K-pop beats, and ancient temples collide in a whirlwind of culture and style.
- April – June: ‘Tis the season to admire cherry blossoms (it blooms late March to mid-April) and vibrant flora and fauna. Temperatures range between 10°C to 20°C, so it’s perfect for outdoor activities like hiking and exploring temples.
- September – November: Enjoy crisp, cool weather and breathtaking fall foliage in South Korea’s autumn season. Embark on sightseeing tours, hike in national parks, and explore cities while relishing the awesome weather.
3. China: The Red Dragon
The Great Wall of China, Beijing
Shanghai
China is a treasure trove of ancient wonders, vibrant cities, and epic landscapes, where history and modernity collide in the most mesmerising way. Generally speaking, spring and autumn are the best seasons to visit China, though it ultimately depends on the region and activities you’re interested in.
- April – May: Breathe in cool air, lush landscapes (especially in Hangzhou and Guilin), and historical sites like The Great Wall without worries of rain during China’s spring season – perfect for sightseeing.
- September – October: Surround yourself with vibrant autumn colours and a pleasant climate. For the best way to experience autumn’s beauty in China, cruise down the Yangtze River, visit Mount Huangshan or attend a Mid-Autumn Festival, just to name a few. But avoid visits during China’s public holiday, Golden Week (1 – 7 October) to avoid the crowd.
4. Japan: Land of the Rising Sun
Kinkaku-ji, Kyoto
Dotonbori, Osaka
A country of contrasts, where ancient temples meet neon lights, and centuries-old traditions meet quirky modern interests.
- March – May: Outdoor lovers will fall in love with the spring version of Japan, with bright pink cherry blossoms in season from late March to early April, as well as seasonal cuisine to savour like sakura-flavoured treats, fresh bamboo shoots, and seafood.
- September – November: Introverts would LOVE the more peaceful autumn season, with minimal tourists to distract them from the sea of red, orange, and gold that comes with autumn. Don’t miss cultural events like the Takayama Autumn Festival and Jidai Matsuri in Kyoto, filled with traditional costumes and performances.
5. Australia: The land of Down Under
Sydney
Australia is the only place you can go from snorkelling with the Great Barrier Reef in the day to savouring the freshest world-grade seafood under a starry Outback sky by night — adventure and natural beauty all in one epic trip!
- March – May: Spring season is the perfect time to explore Australia, with flora in full bloom and vibrant landscapes minus the summer crowd. This is the time to explore the country (especially the Great Barrier Reef) and go wildlife spotting (kangaroos and koalas are more active, and humpback whales will be migrating along the East Coast).
- September – November: Whether you’re taking a stroll through Sydney or visiting their many orchards, you simply can’t go wrong with Australia’s beautiful golden fall foliage and cooling weather as the dreamy backdrop of your vacay.
So much to explore, too many currencies to keep track of
The world truly is our oyster, with so many countries and cultures to explore that it’s almost impossible to visit them all. As excited as we are about travelling, chances are you’re probably already dreading the frequent visits to the money changer.
But what if we told you that Touch ‘n Go eWallet can be used for overseas payments in the aforementioned countries and many, many more?
Touch ‘n Go eWallet lets you make seamless payments via QR at over 50 countries overseas, with wide acceptance, and the best currency exchange rates!
Here are a few reasons why Touch ‘n Go eWallet is the ideal companion for travelling Malaysians:
- Real-time transaction & conversion rates: No more manual conversions or guessing the rates!
- No more cash hassles: Pay quickly, securely, and effortlessly with a QR code. Say bye-bye to carrying heavy wads of foreign currency and those post-travel loose cash that you need to exchange back!
- Enjoy discount vouchers: Claim Alipay+ vouchers and GOrewards points when you spend overseas, making your trips even more rewarding.
- Accepted worldwide: Accepted by millions of merchants within the Alipay+ network, whether you’re dining at food trucks or shopping at retail chains.
a) How to pay with Touch ‘n Go eWallet
If you’re wondering how you can make overseas payments via Touch ‘n Go eWallet, rest assured – it’s as easy as 1-2-3 (literally):
- Select your destination country.
- Tap on the “Pay” or “Scan” icon.
- To complete the payment, either present your QR code to the merchant or Scan their QR code. (Note: Any eligible discount vouchers will be automatically applied to your transaction.)
Payment via “Scan” merchant’s QR code
Payment via “Pay” with QR code
Touch ‘n Go eWallet’s availability in other countries
b) How to claim your discount vouchers & save money
Did you know? Not only is Touch ‘n Go eWallet super convenient to use, but it’s also helpful in saving you more money! Here’s how it works:
- Claim Alipay+ discount vouchers specific to your destination country, making your trip even more rewarding.
- Pay for overseas goods and services (e.g. book a local tour guide in China) while still in Malaysia:
- Simply request the QR code from your merchant.
- Tap on “Scan” & scan the QR code to complete payment.
- Save money by avoiding middleman fees and say goodbye to costly traditional methods like International Telegraphic Transfers (TT) via banks or third-party money transfer services.
- Earn GOrewards points for every transaction and use them to redeem discount vouchers.
c) Spend more, win more!
And to make your overseas spending even more rewarding, Touch ‘n Go eWallet is inviting users to join their Top Spender Contest and stand a chance to win up to RM1,500 cashback! Contest ends 31 December.
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Ready to enjoy hassle-free, cashless spending overseas? Touch ‘n Go eWallet’s Overseas QR Payments give you the freedom to pay globally in countries like Thailand, Japan, China, South Korea, and over 50 other countries. With competitive exchange rates, a low 1% conversion fee, and a buffet worth of discount vouchers, there’s no reason not to make it your go-to payment option for international trips.
For more updates on Touch ‘n Go eWallet, follow them on social media to stay updated on all the latest news and offerings:
