Destinations & Things To Do
Malaysia, China, Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Philippines, and Laos Propel Harbin to the Top of Summer Travel Destinations
Wednesday, August 6, 2025
Harbin has quickly risen to prominence as a leading summer travel destination, driven by an influx of tourists from Malaysia, China, Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia, the Philippines, and Laos. These countries are flocking to Harbin due to its cool summer temperatures, which offer a welcome respite from the scorching heat elsewhere in Asia. The city’s rising popularity is further fueled by the expansion of charter flights, improved tourism infrastructure, and simplified visa procedures, making it easier than ever for travelers from Southeast Asia to visit. As a result, Harbin has become a top choice for those seeking an unforgettable summer experience in China, blending natural beauty with modern comforts.
Recent data from Harbin Orange Vacation Travel Service Co. Ltd. reveals a marked increase in visitors from Southeast Asia, with 1,300 tourists arriving in June. This surge highlights Harbin’s growing appeal as a summer getaway for international travelers.
Peak Seasons and Expanding Tourist Numbers
The months of May, June, September, and October are generally the busiest for inbound tourism from Southeast Asia. This year, Harbin’s pleasant summer weather has added to its charm, attracting a larger number of vacationers.
In June, the city hosted more than 60 tour groups from Southeast Asian nations such as Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia, reflecting a 30% growth compared to the same period last year. Early bookings for September already exceed 100 groups, bringing in more than 2,000 visitors, with reservations extending well into 2026. Emerging markets such as Vietnam, Cambodia, the Philippines, and Laos are contributing to this increase, diversifying Harbin’s tourism demographic.
Key Drivers of Harbin’s Popularity
Several factors are contributing to Harbin’s growing popularity as a summer destination. The most significant factor has been the increase in charter flights, which have helped ease transportation bottlenecks and made travel to Harbin more accessible for international tourists.
Harbin has also seen notable improvements in its tourism infrastructure. Upgraded accommodations, expanded scenic offerings, and better overall tourist experiences have made the city more attractive. Additionally, simplified visa procedures have made it easier for travelers to visit, further boosting the city’s appeal.
Beyond Harbin: Exploring Heilongjiang Province
In addition to exploring Harbin itself, many visitors are opting to extend their stay and discover more of Heilongjiang Province. While past tourists typically ventured to nearby destinations such as Changbai Mountain in Jilin Province, this summer has seen a rise in travelers choosing to explore Heilongjiang’s diverse attractions.
A key highlight of the province’s tourism offerings is the Yichun tourist train. Operated by the Yichun Tourism Development Group and Harbin Railway Culture and Tourism Group, the luxury train offers a unique sightseeing experience, complete with dining and entertainment compartments.
The inaugural journey of the Yichun train in April attracted over 100 tourists from Southeast Asia, providing them with an immersive, cinema-themed experience. The feedback from travelers was overwhelmingly positive, leading to bookings for 10 additional trips through 2026.
Harbin’s Airport Sees Tourism Boom
Harbin’s airport is also experiencing an increase in international arrivals. In July, the airport processed 61,000 passengers, a 19.3% increase compared to the previous year. Of this, nearly 10,000 passengers were foreign tourists, marking a 15.9% year-on-year rise.
With the combination of cooler summer temperatures, improved infrastructure, and a growing number of international visitors, Harbin is poised to continue attracting tourists from Southeast Asia and beyond, making it an increasingly popular escape for travelers seeking respite from the summer heat.
- Flipping from Washington DC (near Harpers Ferry, 1025.7) to nearby Hanover, NH (1756.1)
- 0 feet ascent, 0 feet descent
Trains are exciting to us. Once we trained from our town in Montana to Seattle, WA and back just because we found a cheap ticket. We have traveled on trains in Scotland, the UK, Switzerland, and Germany. We were jazzed about our ride on the famous Vermonter train.
We did a fair amount of reading about the Vermonter so we would be well informed about what we needed to do to make our day fun and comfortable. For example, we discovered that after New York City the first two cars behind the engine would be split off and sent another way.
Train Shirts
Days before the trip, we decided to purchase AT tee shirts for the ride. We really liked the idea. First, it helped support the ATC, second, they wouldn’t stink, and finally, they reminded us we belonged to the Appalachian Trail even when we were on the train.
My tee shirts said the Appalachian Trail on the front and had a topo map graphic on the back. The Historian fell in love with a shirt that had no words, and instead had a white blaze on it.
We both loved the graphic pun. As long as I follow The Historian, I won’t get lost. I can always find a white blaze!
Queuing Up
We were eager to board the train as soon as we could. No seats were assigned and the train was full to capacity. We wanted to be seated together, not in the first two cars, and hopefully pointing in the direction of travel.
We heard the first call for boarding and headed to queue up. A nice employee directed us away from the main queue to the far line. Turned out we were seniors and and would likely need extra time for boarding. We were placed with the other old people and the families with strollers. It felt a little fraudulent, as we could have sprinted over the tops of most of the people in queue like rocks in Virginia, but we did not argue.
We are used to being called out on the Trail because of our green ATC hang tags. People often indelicately gasp and say, “You’re thru hiking! ” We always explain we are finishing a 1975 thru hike attempt but sometimes that makes it worse.
We never inquire about the gasp, but assume it is related to our age. The first time it happened was in Southern Virginia. We met a father and two adolescent sons. We had a short, polite hello and hiked on. After we went by one of the sons, upon seeing our green tags, he cried out, “Dad! They are thru hiking!” The dad was embarrassed but we thought it was fine fun.
Apparently backpacks with green ATC hang tags didn’t have any meaning in the train.
We Need a Motor
Together, we stood in line with the older and youngest folks for quite some time. Across the queues, people were politely waiting but starting to get antsy.
An official looking lady in an Amtrak uniform, complete with hat, made her way through the crowd announcing we were in need of a motor. A few people giggled and asked each other if they might have a spare motor. No one could produce the needed motor.
After a while, our priority boarding line began to move. We must have a motor. When the hords were released, everyone made their way to a coach. We counted 3 cars back and loaded up.
Everyone quickly found seats. We happily selected two seats together, facing in the direction of travel. Each of us had our ereader and I tucked our food bag by my feet. We were home for the day.
Heading North
The electric train engine metaphorically chugged out of the station. We grinned at each other, reveling in the thrill of undertaking yet another great adventure.
Sitting back in our spacious, comfortable seats, we watched as DC morphed into Baltimore. The spaces between development opened up and then Wilmington and Philadelphia appeared. Although the train did not run at a high speed, it was quite different than hiking speed. It was hard to keep up with all the details of what we passed. We didn’t want to miss anything.
Food, of Course
The trip spun out in front of us, the train eating up miles. We had eaten breakfast at Union Station prior to leaving. I had lemon pound cake (420 calories) and The Historian had an almond croissant. Conveniently, one of his favorite pastries was also the highest in calories, 671, to be precise.
After passing Philidelphia, we decided to partake of first lunch. It was a little early, but our tummies were up at 4:30 am so had a jump on the day.
I dug into the middle of our bear bag where I had placed our food to keep it cold. We has some leftover arugla which I snarfed. The Historian discovered that a Swiss cheese slice from Harpers Ferry made a great wrap for the Peruvian leftovers.
New York City
Our next stop was New York City. Of course, we didn’t have to budge from our comfy seats, but it still felt like a big deal.
I hiked New England with a fellow from NYC in 1975. We didn’t have trail names back then, but if we did, his would have been New York City Ballet. When he was in high school he would skip school to watch rehearsals at the New York City Ballet school. When we would slip and slide on rocks and bog bridges, he called it auditioning for the New York City Ballet.
Changing from Electric to a Desiel Engine to Go on to Vermont
After New York City, the front of the train splits off and becomes the Ethan Allen, which goes north into the state of New York. The Vermonter gets a new engine, diesel rather than an electric. Seated in the third coach, we were unpretuebed by the switch.
The space between towns opens up. We feel a little more comfortable seeing the tree to building ratio tilt towards trees.
All the excitement of the cities past, we naturally thought of eating (again). With a nod to the Hobbits, we laid out afternoon tea. After eating more of our Peruvian lunch we decided to check out the Cafe Car.
The Historian had an ice cream bar and I had peanut m and ms. It is astonishing how many of the dreaded things I have eaten in the past two months. No sugar at all for years and now m and ms. Another “won’t do that after we go home” thing.
Arriving in New England
The train rolled on, hugging the Vermont New Hampshire boarder. The views looked more and more wild.
We arrived at our station. On the platform we could see our friends waiting for us. After loading our packs into their car, along with their dog and grandchildren, we rode to their house.
They live on a quiet farm established 1791. It was a huge, and reassuring change from the city interlude. The train ride up the populated eastern seaboard was exciting, and we were happy to do it. Nonetheless, settling into comfy chairs on the back porch overlooking the mountains with a glass of hand pressed cider was unbelievably rewarding.
We have made it to the next step of the journey. Tomorrow we will visit, rest, eat and stage the hike between Hanover and Glenfliff. Tonight we bask in the glow of mountain evening light and the warmth of friendship.
Destinations & Things To Do
UAE Travelers Now Flocking to Paris, Maldives, Phuket for Late Summer Getaways: Read More to Know the Top Travel Destinations
Wednesday, August 6, 2025
Summer is far from over for UAE travelers. As temperatures soar, more UAE residents are opting for cooler climates, scenic cities, and beach resorts to unwind. Bookings for flight tickets have surged, with a 12% increase compared to last year, according to dnata Travel. If you’re still planning your getaway, here are the top destinations making waves among UAE travelers, with many seeking cheap flight tickets and easy flight bookings to these spots.
France Tops the List for Summer Escapes
Paris and other parts of France are leading the charge for UAE travelers seeking to escape the heat. With the summer heat in full swing, Paris’ charming cafés, vibrant streets, and cooler evenings offer a perfect summer retreat. Alpine getaways also remain a favorite for those looking for a fresh air experience. As one travel expert noted, France’s balance of comfort, culture, and stunning landscapes has made it the ultimate destination for summer trips.
Beyond Paris, the French countryside and coastal towns attract visitors looking for serene, yet culturally rich environments. The August summer peak, with open-air events and beautiful weather, makes France the ideal choice to reset and recharge. Finding affordable flight tickets to France has never been easier, with numerous flight booking options for travelers looking for convenience and comfort.
Maldives: A Year-Round Favorite for UAE Residents
Second on the list is the Maldives resort. Maldivian people are known foremost for their turquoise blue waters acclaimed all over the world. Looking for a calm respectful quiet vacation? Or a fun filled family getaway? Maldives are actually a one stop family vacation.
The Maldives continues to dominate because of its proximity to the UAE, making it a convenient and luxurious retreat for couples, families, and honeymooners alike. With cheap flight tickets available and a wide variety of airline tickets to choose from, booking your next getaway to this paradise is just a click away.
Phuket & Istanbul: Relax, Shop, and Explore
Thailand and Turkey remain reliable favorites, especially Phuket and Istanbul. The combination of relaxing beaches, vibrant shopping scenes, and rich history makes these locations appealing for both leisure and culture enthusiasts. Phuket offers affordable luxury, while Istanbul provides a unique blend of East meets West, perfect for those looking to combine relaxation with cultural exploration.
Phuket’s scenic beaches are ideal for unwinding, while Istanbul presents stunning architecture, bustling bazaars, and world-class cuisine. Both destinations promise something for everyone, whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with family. With flexible flight booking options and discounted flight tickets, booking a trip to these famous destinations has never been more convenient.
A Surprising Entry: Austria for Cooler Escapes
As travelers continue to seek cooler destinations, Austria has entered the top five late summer destinations for UAE residents. With its alpine beauty, crisp mountain air, and picturesque cities like Vienna, Austria is becoming a popular choice for those looking to avoid the summer heat.
The outdoor experiences offered in Austria make it a top choice for active travelers and those looking to spend time in nature. Whether exploring historic towns or hiking through stunning landscapes, Austria offers a refreshing break from the usual summer getaway options. If you’re looking to make your trip more affordable, searching for cheap flight tickets and affordable airline tickets to Austria will help you secure a fantastic deal.
The Rise of Last-Minute Travel Plans
One noticeable trend this summer is the rise in last-minute bookings. While most travelers still book trips 2 to 3 months ahead, there has been a noticeable increase in last-minute bookings. Many travelers are opting for spontaneous getaways, booking vacations just 2 to 3 weeks before departure. This shift is driven by flexibility and the desire for a quick escape.
If you’re considering a last-minute trip, booking airline tickets as early as possible is important. Many airlines offer discounted flight tickets for those willing to be flexible with their travel dates. Flight booking services now allow last-minute options, so you can still secure affordable flights without missing out on your dream destination.
Secret Stays: Embracing Adventure with Luxury
To cater to this growing demand for last-minute plans, dnata Travel has launched Secret Stays Maldives—a new luxury product where the name of the resort is revealed only after booking. This innovative product plays on trust and adventure, allowing travelers to experience surprise stays while still enjoying the best of what the Maldives offers.
The growth of surprise trips caters to the adventurous and flexible traveler. For those ready to take a spontaneous trip, mystery trips will be a guaranteed value filled with excitement and surprise. Now, booking platforms will allow easy access to these experiences, and you will be able to purchase a ticket to a surprise destination, for instance, a luxury resort at a fraction of the price.
Other Destinations Gaining Momentum
Beyond the usual favorites, a few other destinations are quickly gaining attention among UAE residents. Greece, Czech Republic, Japan, and Canada are emerging as top choices for travelers this August and September. These destinations offer the perfect balance of cooler weather, historic cities, and unique cultural experiences, all of which make them ideal for travelers looking to beat the heat and try something new.
These destinations are offering travelers the chance to immerse themselves in history and nature while still enjoying the comfort of mild temperatures. From the ancient streets of Athens to the bustling neighborhoods of Tokyo, these cities have much to offer. If you’re looking to visit these up-and-coming destinations, flight tickets to these regions are readily available, with great offers on cheap flight tickets to many of these cities.
City Getaways: The New Obsession
Another trend observed this summer is the rise in popularity of city breaks. This year, city getaways have overtaken beach resorts and vacations with the family in popularity. Travelers want to be immersed in culture, food, and history, whether it be on a weekend trip to Vienna or on the streets of Tokyo.
This change indicates that residents of the UAE are choosing shorter trips that are packed with quick sightseeing over longer vacations. Value-packed city breaks are perfectly designed to provide ample opportunities for relaxation and exploration. With cheap flight tickets available, booking a city trip has become effortless.
Final Thoughts: UAE Travelers Are Just Getting Started
From the romantic streets of Paris and the serene Maldives beaches to the spontaneous getaway resorts, UAE travelers have no sign of stopping parallel to their explorations. Last-minute and undercover bookings have reached new heights. Accessible immersive experiences are in utmost demand.
As one expert at dnata Travel put it, travelers are increasingly making purposeful travel decisions, seeking out exactly what they want—whether it’s a city break or a relaxing beach escape. And, with so many affordable flight tickets available, planning your next trip has never been easier.
So, if you’re planning your next getaway, now is the perfect time to book a trip to one of these top destinations. The summer heat won’t last forever, but the memories from these beautiful places will. Make sure to check for cheap flight tickets and easy flight bookings to secure your ideal summer vacation.
Destinations & Things To Do
Top Adventure Destinations And Activities In Southeast Asia To Explore This August | Travel News
Last Updated:
August continues to be a monsoon season across most parts of Asia. This makes it the perfect time for an adventure filled getaway which gets your adrenaline pumping.
Sipadan, Malaysia offers excellent diving in August.
August may be part of the monsoon season in many parts of Southeast Asia, but that doesn’t mean you need to press pause on your travel dreams. In fact, certain pockets of the region are perfect for adrenaline junkies and nature lovers seeking unforgettable adventures. From dramatic volcano hikes to diving in pristine waters, here are the best August adventure travel ideas in Southeast Asia.
Thrilling August Adventure Travel Ideas In Southeast Asia You’ll Love
1. Surfing in Bali, Indonesia
August is peak surf season in Bali, with consistent swells and offshore winds. Head to Uluwatu or Canggu to ride world-famous waves. Even if you’re new to surfing, Bali’s surf schools offer expert guidance to get you started. Pair your adventure with yoga, beachside cafés, and sunset views.
2. Diving in Sipadan, Malaysia
Sipadan remains one of the best diving destinations globally, and August is a fantastic time to experience it. With calm seas and excellent visibility, expect encounters with sea turtles, reef sharks, and swirling schools of barracuda. Permits are limited, so book early for this bucket-list-worthy spot.
3. Trekking in Sapa, Vietnam
The rice terraces in Sapa are at their greenest in August, offering postcard-worthy views and thrilling trekking experiences. Navigate lush valleys, visit hill tribe villages, and sleep in local homestays for a culturally immersive and adventurous escape.
4. Caving and Tubing in Vang Vieng, Laos
Vang Vieng is still going strong in August. Although you might encounter afternoon rain showers, mornings are ideal for caving adventures and lazy tubing down the Nam Song River. The limestone mountains and verdant scenery are especially lush at this time of year.
5. Whitewater Rafting in Chiang Mai, Thailand
Rainy season means full rivers, making it the perfect time for whitewater rafting on the Mae Taeng River near Chiang Mai. With class III-IV rapids and gorgeous jungle surroundings, it’s a high-energy way to experience Thailand’s wilder side.
Whether you’re chasing waves or trekking through rain-kissed rice fields, Southeast Asia delivers unforgettable adventures this August. Just pack a rain jacket, a spirit of spontaneity, and let the journey unfold.
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