South-east Asia
Secret season: July-August
Climate: Average temperature 30 degrees Celsius, monsoon season
Highlights: Whether you’re jetting off to Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, or Laos you have the advantage of fewer crowds and lower prices during the secret season. From gold-steeped stupas to sparkling blue waters; grand cities to remote islands; South-east Asia has all the ingredients for a memorable holiday. In July Koh Samui enjoys less rainfall compared with other popular island destinations in Thailand. Even as the monsoon period rolls in, Koh Samui's fishing villages are perfect for a swim. The tropical island Koh Tao, renowned for scuba diving and turtles, is blessed with almost year-round pleasant weather. Travelling through Cambodia at this time of year reveals the lush greenery of the countryside. Angkor Wat looks spectacular during the wet season, with moats high in water. This is also the perfect time of year to visit the flooded forests and floating villages of Tonle Sap Lake by boat. Travel to Laos during the secret season is ideal. Northern Laos experiences a tropical climate, while the southern part of the country is subequatorial. It is the perfect time to visit the Buddhist temples and shrines. In Vietnam, the rainy season extends from May-October when average temperatures in Ho Chi Minh City are 30 degrees Celsius. View the mighty Mekong Delta from a traditional sampan boat or cruise this vast network of rivers, stopping in at lively markets or floating villages. Mid-July to August is a great time to see baby green turtles hatching and making their way to the sea along the sandy beaches of the Con Dao archipelago. The turtle incubation centre at the Six Senses Con Dao hotel is an excellent place to get up close to these amazing animals. With so many superb destinations, a multi-centred trip is the best way to explore.
Top tip from A&K expert, Annie Jensen: Fewer crowds and better prices. There may be short shower bursts, the countryside is lush and green at this time of year.