One of the most mesmerizing yearly changes is almost upon us. The transition from Summer to Autumn brings about endless shades of red, orange, and yellow, completely changing the landscape. In fact, this seasonal beauty is so inspiring that countless places, pieces of art and celebrations can unmistakably be said to evoke the essence of Fall itself. Considering that 56% of Hong Kong travelers want to witness breathtaking scenery while also exploring famous sites and landmarks (44%)*, Booking.com is excited to share 4 travel recommendations for you to best experience the beauty of Autumn across Asia, while also offering the best sustainable stay options.
- Mercure Kyoto Station
Most well-known for its cherry blossoms in Spring, Kyoto also boasts a unique display of Autumn foliage, due to the harmony of traditional Japanese architecture with its seasonal hues. A recommended stay is Mercure Kyoto Station, situated in the ideal location to visit attractions like temples and shrines within walking distance. The hotel itself is a convenient 8-min walk away from Kyoto Station. Inside, you can instantly feel relaxed by the luxurious and modern architecture and design.
Two must visit locations in Kyoto are the Tofuku-ji Temple and the iconic Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine. For a local experience, don a traditional Kimono for photos or join a self-guided audio walking tour! Apart from temple hopping, it is also worth exploring the The Kyoto Gyoen (Imperial Palace Park) to admire the foliage. At night, immerse yourself in local culture with a Guided Evening Tour through the city. The best time to visit Kyoto to see the red hues in all its glory is mid-November until mid-December.
- Ananti at Gangnam
Stay in the heart of Seoul at Ananti at Gangnam, known for its stylish and luxurious architecture with high arches, rounded corners, and private balconies for each room. It boasts both indoor and outdoor swimming pools, perfect for days with unpredicting weather, as well as a large gym and sauna for guests to enjoy. As a trusted accommodation partner of Booking.com, the hotel extends a special 10% discount to members of Genius, Booking.com’s loyalty program. Its location in the city center also makes it easy to take day trips to various locations out of central Seoul to witness the scenery South Korea’s countryside has to offer.
Namiseom, or Nami Island, is a moon-shaped river island located in Chuncheon, South Korea. Not only is it a popular K-drama filming spot, but the island is also famed for its Autumn hues when the season rolls around. The Ginkgo Trees that line the island’s central pathway create a golden tunnel, making it a favorite spot for tourists, especially those hoping to snap a good photo. Visitors can take a day trip out from Seoul seamlessly by car rentals through Booking.com to experience the best of both city and countryside, or join a tour to visit other unique attractions, including the island, on the same day. The ideal time to visit South Korea to see Autumn leaves is mid-September until late-October.
- Meritel Hanoi
The famous Old Quarter Streets, which contain many historic sites such as temples and pagodas, are known for their unique look dating back to the 18th and 19th century. Ancient Hanoi is preserved in its architecture, which Meritel Hanoi puts a modern spin on for guests to enjoy a luxury experience. As a testament to its commitment to sustainability, the hotel has been awarded a level 3 Travel Sustainable Badge by Booking.com.
Autumn in Hanoi is characterized by its cool weather and romantic scenery. Hoan Kiem lake, a short walk from the hotel, is the perfect place to experience the landscape. During this season, the streets are lined with Hoa Sữa, or milk flowers, which bring a red and gold landscape to Hanoi. To fully immerse yourself in the beauty of Hanoi and learn its deep history through a local guide, why not join a guided city sightseeing tour or street food tour? For an authentic experience and great photos you may even rent a traditional Ao Dai for the day. The best time to visit Hanoi for fall foliage is mid-September until late-October.
- Green Hotel – West District
Upholding the concept of Eco-friendly, Green Hotel – West District boasts the ultimate clean and green lifestyle. The main atrium is lit by natural light from the glass rooftop, and the guest card is multi-purpose for use as a cardholder, postcard or even a bookmark to encourage reduction of waste. Their facilities guarantee both a sustainable yet relaxing stay in the city, as well as providing a great location to visit the nearby green space of Park Lane Taichung and Calligraphy Greenway.
A quiet escape out of the city to see the famous red and orange autumn landscape of Taiwan is best found at Nantou County. Famed for its mountainous views and abundance of activities fit for various ages, Qingjing Farm is one of the best places to visit. Wander around the farm and experience farm life by feeding the local sheep or visit the hawker market near its south gate for a selection of local and Yunan food and snacks. However, the best attraction and way to see Qingjing’s Autumn colors is the Qingjing Skywalk, a 1.68km sky bridge that offers an amazing view of the Nantou mountains, Lushan hot spring Village and Qingjing’s pastures. While some opt to stay close-by, convenient day trips can be made from nearby Taichung city with the help of Booking.com’s car rental service, which offers 10% off through its Genius program with select car rentals. Catch nature’s Autumn display in Taiwan from mid-September until Early-November.