![\"weather-thin3\"](\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/weather-thin3-1024x52-1.png\")
\nTrip\u00a0Planner:<\/strong> Where to travel and when’s the best time to go?<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n
Here’s our top picks of where to go in January for enjoyable holidays. Go where the weather is great and fun events are happening in January. Read on to find out what makes these destinations the best places to travel this month.<\/em><\/span> Great For: Frozen Fun, Winter festival, Architecture, History<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Despite the frosty front, an avalanche of visitors descend on\u00a0Harbin<\/a>\u00a0annually to attend\u00a0its Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival \u2013 a once-in-a-lifetime outdoor fiesta\u00a0featuring hundreds of intricately carved, neck-craning sculptures in many\u00a0forms and sizes, created by some 15,000 craftsmen, including\u00a0famous landmarks, monuments, skyscrapers, lanterns, pagodas and mythical creatures spread across themed zones. The\u00a0sculptures\u00a0are best viewed under the cover of darkness, when they are illuminated\u00a0in a kaleidoscope\u00a0of psychedelic\u00a0colours.<\/p>\n Harbin’s Old Town is filled with exquisite\u00a0examples of\u00a0neo-classical architecture\u00a0laid out on cobblestone streets. Russian influences permeate every corner of the district\u00a0which was once occupied\u00a0by dissidents of the Russian Revolution. Try Russian cuisine in one of the many restaurants dotted across the municipality, or stop by one of the many shops selling Russian goods including vodka, furs and dolls.<\/p>\n [tabs]<\/p>\n Weather in Harbin= [tab title=”Weather in Harbin”\u00a0icon=”entypo-light-up”]<\/p>\n Average Temperature:<\/strong>\u00a0-24\u00b0C \u2013 -13\u00b0C.<\/p>\n Season:<\/strong>\u00a0Winter.<\/p>\n What to Pack:<\/strong>\u00a0Down-lined jackets, thick gloves and woolly\u00a0hats are a must to keep warm and snug.<\/p>\n [\/tab]<\/p>\n Let’s Go\u00a0= [tab title=”Let’s Go!”\u00a0icon=”entypo-flights”]<\/p>\n How to Get There:<\/strong>\u00a0No\u00a0direct flights\u00a0to Harbin (HRB) from Singapore<\/a>, but there are numerous options using a combination of full-service airlines via Beijing,\u00a0Hong\u00a0Kong,\u00a0Tianjin, Shanghai and Seoul.<\/p>\n Average Flight Time:<\/strong>\u00a010 hours.<\/p>\n [\/tab]<\/p>\n Where to Stay\u00a0= [tab title=”Where to Stay”\u00a0icon=”entypo-suitcase”]<\/p>\n Stay at the\u00a0Shangri-La Hotel Harbin<\/a>\u00a0or\u00a0Sofitel\u00a0<\/a>\u00a0to be close to the festival grounds.<\/p>\n [button style=’blue’ icon=”entypo-suitcase” url=’https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/Harbin-Hotels.d6140852.Travel-Guide-Hotels’ fullwidth=’true’] Find Hotels in Harbin[\/button]\u00a0[\/tab]<\/p>\n [tab title=”More” icon=”entypo-forward”] [button url=’https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/Harbin-Hotels.d6140852.Travel-Guide-Hotels’ icon=’entypo-book-open’ fullwidth=’true’] Read More: Harbin\u00a0Travel Guide[\/button] [\/tab]<\/p>\n [\/tabs]<\/p>\n Great For: Culture, History buffs looking to tap into their inner Lara Croft, Ancient civilizations<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Siem Reap<\/a>, known as the Great\u00a0Gate to Angkor, is regarded as the epicentre of Khmer culture. The\u00a0Apsara<\/a>\u00a0classical dance, an\u00a0indigenous\u00a0ballet-like performance that re-enacts\u00a0myths or religious stories, is staged in hotels and restaurants across town<\/p>\n Before stepping foot in the majestic ruins of Angkor\u00a0Wat\u00a0complex, drop by the\u00a0Angkor National Museum<\/a>\u00a0to view its vast collection of Khmer\u00a0artefacts and gain a better understanding\u00a0of Cambodia’s ancient past. Then head to\u00a0Phsar\u00a0Chas (the Old Market) next door, where most of\u00a0Siem\u00a0Reap’s\u00a0shops, eateries and bars are located.<\/p>\n Visit Ta\u00a0Phrom, one of Angkor\u00a0Wat’s\u00a0most impressive ruins, after midday when most of the tourist hordes have left. Then, head on to climb\u00a0Bayon, another temple complex distinguished\u00a0by its giant carved faces of a smiling Buddha. End the day watching the sunset on top of mountain-shaped\u00a0Phnom\u00a0Bakheng.<\/p>\n [tabs]<\/p>\n [tab title=”Weather in Siem Reap”\u00a0icon=”entypo-light-up”]<\/p>\n Average Temperature:<\/strong>\u00a021\u00b0C\u201331\u00b0C<\/p>\n Season:<\/strong>\u00a0Dry and high.<\/p>\n What to Pack:<\/strong>\u00a0Long-sleeved linen and cotton ensembles as well as wide-brimmed hats.<\/p>\n [\/tab]<\/p>\n [tab title=”Let’s Go!”\u00a0icon=”entypo-flights”]<\/p>\n How to Get There:<\/strong>\u00a0AirAsia and Vietnam Airlines operate\u00a0flights\u00a0from Singapore<\/a> to Siem Reap (REP).<\/p>\n Average Flight Time:<\/strong>\u00a0Under 7 hours.<\/p>\n [\/tab]<\/p>\n Where to Stay\u00a0= [tab title=”Where to Stay”\u00a0icon=”entypo-suitcase”]<\/p>\n Chic French colonial splendour can be found at the family-friendly\u00a0Victoria Angkor & Spa<\/a>. Alternatively, stay at the historic and very elegant\u00a0Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor<\/a>.<\/p>\n [button style=’blue’ icon=”entypo-suitcase” url=’https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/Siem-Reap-Hotels.d2975.Travel-Guide-Hotels?rfrr=TG.Destinations.City.Book.Hotels’ fullwidth=’true’] Find Hotels in Harbin[\/button]\u00a0[\/tab]<\/p>\n [tab title=”More” icon=”entypo-forward”] [button url=’https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/things-to-do\/?location=Siem%20Reap,%20Cambodia’ icon=’entypo-book-open’ fullwidth=’true’] Read More: Siem Reap\u00a0Travel Guide[\/button] [\/tab]<\/p>\n [\/tabs]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Great For: Relaxing, History, Cultural tours, Untouristy\u00a0<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Here, you\u2019ll find a region bursting with the sensuous\u00a0scent of woody spices and salty breezes, and where the old clashes with\u00a0the new.<\/p>\n Galle, Sri Lanka<\/a>\u00a0is a town of immense beauty framed by fading Dutch colonial grandeur. Today, its historic Fort district is filled with\u00a0<\/em>hotels<\/a>, boutiques, shops and\u00a0cafes,\u00a0adding to its already endearing allure. Wandering through its streets, you will come across numerous architectural\u00a0gems enclosed within its atmospheric\u00a0walls which have helped it earn its listing as a\u00a0UNESCO\u00a0site. Requisite stops are the Dutch Reformed Church, the Maritime Museum and Flag Rock, where daredevils plunge from a terrifying\u00a0height into shallow waters.<\/p>\n The sandy beaches and palm-lined shores of\u00a0Unawatuna\u00a0lie just six kilometres out of\u00a0Galle, luring visitors for a refreshing swim.<\/p>\n [tabs]<\/p>\n Weather in Galle= [tab title=”Weather in Galle”\u00a0icon=”entypo-light-up”]<\/p>\n Average Temperature:<\/strong>\u00a022\u00b0C\u201331\u00b0C<\/p>\n High Season<\/p>\n What to Pack:<\/strong>\u00a0Cool fabrics, sunnies and swimming gear.<\/p>\n [\/tab]<\/p>\n [tab title=”Let’s Go!”\u00a0icon=”entypo-flights”]<\/p>\n How to Get There:<\/strong>\u00a0Sri Lankan Airlines, Emirates and Singapore Airlines operate\u00a0direct flights\u00a0to Colombo (CMB)<\/a>, where it\u2019s a two-hour taxi ride into Galle.<\/p>\n Average Flight Time:<\/strong>\u00a0Less than 4 hours.<\/p>\n [\/tab]<\/p>\n Where to Stay\u00a0= [tab title=”Where to Stay”\u00a0icon=”entypo-suitcase”]<\/p>\n Stay in the western half of Unawatuna for a better choice of modern quality\u00a0hotels and resorts<\/a>.<\/p>\n [button style=’blue’ icon=”entypo-suitcase” url=’https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/Galle-Hotels.d6025764.Travel-Guide-Hotels’ fullwidth=’true’] Find Hotels in Sri Lanka\u00a0[\/button]\u00a0[\/tab]<\/p>\n [tab title=”More” icon=”entypo-forward”] [button url=’https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/Galle.d6025764.Destination-Travel-Guides’ icon=’entypo-book-open’ fullwidth=’true’] Read More: Galle\u00a0Travel Guide[\/button] [\/tab]<\/p>\n [\/tabs]<\/p>\n Great For: Chic and Sophisticated Winter Interlude, Ski trips<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Hokkaido has its fair share of world-class ski resorts, but Niseko<\/a> is the\u00a0unparalleled\u00a0winner. Comprising four interconnected resorts, this winter wonderland sees an average snowfall in excess of 15 metres each year, drawing skiers from around the globe.<\/p>\n Hirafu, the epicentre of the resort,\u00a0has evolved from a sleepy little village to a fully-fledged international resort town with a choice of exciting\u00a0dining, nightlife and accommodation options.<\/p>\n After spending the whole day on the\u00a0piste, soothe those tired muscles in one of the many\u00a0onsens<\/em>\u00a0or thermal baths scattered across the mountain range. Then Niseko\u00a0Yumeguri Onsen Pass<\/a>\u00a0(1,440 yen) gives access\u00a0to the three participating baths in the resort. If you\u2019re feeling a bit more adventurous, take a two-hour drive south from\u00a0Hirafu\u00a0to Lake\u00a0Shikotsu, where you will find outdoor\u00a0onsens<\/em>\u00a0offering\u00a0breathtaking\u00a0panoramic\u00a0views.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [tabs]<\/p>\n Weather in Niseko = [tab title=”Weather in Niseko”\u00a0icon=”entypo-light-up”]<\/p>\n Average Temperature:<\/strong>\u00a0-11.3\u00b0C \u2013 -2.5\u00b0C<\/p>\n Season:<\/strong>\u00a0Winter<\/p>\n What to Pack:<\/strong>\u00a0Down-lined jackets, thermal underwear, ski gear and loads of woollen sweaters.<\/p>\n [\/tab]<\/span><\/p>\n [tab title=”Let’s Go!”\u00a0icon=”entypo-flights”]<\/p>\n How to Get There:<\/strong>\u00a0Japan Airlines, Singapore Airlines and Thai Airways offer\u00a0flights to Sapporo<\/a>\u00a0(CTS), with one stopover. There are\u00a0coaches from\u00a0Chitose\u00a0New Airport<\/a>\u00a0to drop-off points in\u00a0Grand Hirafu,\u00a0Annupuri\u00a0and\u00a0Niseko\u00a0Village. The journey takes approximately 2.5 to 4 hours.<\/p>\n Average Flight Time:<\/strong>\u00a0Less than 4 hours from Singapore to Sapporo.<\/p>\n [\/tab]<\/p>\n Where to Stay\u00a0= [tab title=”Where to Stay”\u00a0icon=”entypo-suitcase”]<\/p>\n Nestled in the mountains, the\u00a0Hilton\u00a0Niseko\u00a0Village<\/a>\u00a0is one of the few hotels in the area with ski-in and ski-out access. It has its own\u00a0onsen<\/em>.<\/p>\n [button style=’blue’ icon=”entypo-suitcase” url=’https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/Niseko-Hotels.d6128413.Travel-Guide-Hotels’ fullwidth=’true’] Find Hotels in Harbin[\/button]\u00a0[\/tab]<\/p>\n [tab title=”More” icon=”entypo-forward”] [button url=’https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/Niseko.d6128413.Destination-Travel-Guides’ icon=’entypo-book-open’ fullwidth=’true’] Read More: Niseko\u00a0Travel Guide[\/button] [\/tab]<\/p>\n [\/tabs]<\/p>\n Great For: Awe-inspiring Landscapes, Road trips, Nature,\u00a0Movie Locations, Adventure sports, Wine<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n If\u00a0you can’t stand the bitter cold, head to\u00a0New\u00a0Zealand\u00a0for a summer holiday<\/a>, to admire its natural environment and the Maori culture. Christchurch<\/a>, still recovering from the aftermath of the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes, has seen art projects springing\u00a0up to replace what\u2019s been lost. The skeleton of Christchurch Cathedral stands stoically\u00a0on Cathedral\u00a0Square, a fitting\u00a0monument\u00a0to the\u00a0185 lives lost in the tragedy.<\/p>\n Auckland<\/a>\u00a0is the birthplace of jet boating and bungee jumping. Naturally, it\u2019s a mecca for thrill-seekers. Fans of the Lord of the<\/em> Rings trilogy would be delighted to know that Auckland is just two hours away from the\u00a0Hobbiton movie set<\/a>. [tabs]<\/p>\n Weather in New Zealand = [tab title=”Weather in New Zealand”\u00a0icon=”entypo-light-up”]<\/p>\n Average Temperature:<\/strong>\u00a012\u00b0C \u201325\u00b0C.<\/p>\n Season:<\/strong>\u00a0Summer.<\/p>\n What to Pack:<\/strong>\u00a0Light jumpers, cardigans and jackets as well as summer pieces.<\/p>\n [\/tab]<\/span><\/p>\n [tab title=”Let’s Go!”\u00a0icon=”entypo-flights”]<\/p>\n How to Get There:<\/strong>\u00a0Emirates and Qantas operate\u00a0flights\u00a0from Singapore to Auckland <\/a>(AKL) or Christchurch<\/a> (CHC) with a single stopover in Sydney.<\/p>\n Average Flight Time:<\/strong>\u00a0Approximately 15 hours.<\/p>\n [\/tab]<\/p>\n Where to Stay\u00a0= [tab title=”Where to Stay”\u00a0icon=”entypo-suitcase”]<\/p>\n Decked in neon retro chic,\u00a0Hotel DeBrett<\/a>, a boutique property, is our pick for Auckland. Modern, contemporary comfort awaits guests in\u00a0The George Christchurch<\/a> while over at the\u00a0The George Christchurch<\/a>\u00a0expect high levels of service and understated elegance.<\/p>\n [button style=’blue’ icon=”entypo-suitcase” url=’https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/Destinations-In-New-Zealand.d133.Hotel-Destinations?rfrr=TG.Destinations.City.Book.Hotels’ fullwidth=’true’] Find Hotels in New Zealand[\/button]<\/p>\n [\/tab]<\/p>\n [tab title=”More” icon=”entypo-forward”] [button url=’https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/New-Zealand.d133.Destination-Travel-Guides’ icon=’entypo-book-open’ fullwidth=’true’] Read More: New Zealand\u00a0Travel Guide[\/button] [\/tab]<\/p>\n [\/tabs]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
\n<\/p>\nAn Icy Start to the New Year in Harbin, China<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"Harbin](\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/harbin-ice-festival-china-1.jpg\")
<\/p>\nAdventure Awaits in Siem Reap and Angkor Wat, Cambodia<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"Ankor](\"https:\/\/travelblog.expedia.com.sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/ankorwat-januarydestinations.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nColonial Splendour in Galle, Sri Lanka<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"Galle](\"https:\/\/travelblog.expedia.com.sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/fortgallesrilanka-januarydestinations.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nA Skier’s Paradise in Niseko, Japan<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"hilton-hotel-niseko-winter-ski\"](\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/hilton-hotel-niseko-winter-ski.jpg\")
Hilton Niseko<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<\/h2>\n
Take a Trip to Middle Earth, New Zealand<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\n![\"Hobbiton](\"https:\/\/travelblog.expedia.com.sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/hobbitonnewzealand-januarydestinations.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
\nWellington<\/a>\u00a0is regarded as the cultural heart of New\u00a0Zealand and is known for its lovely vistas, superb lookouts on hilltops, golden sands and spectacular\u00a0craggy coasts.<\/p>\n