Where to Spend Christmas in Asia? Thailand Beaches, Japan Ski Trips & Bali Yoga with One eSIM

Christmas and New Year holidays don’t have to mean flying all the way to Europe for a white Christmas. Asia is full of amazing destinations for a warm or snowy Christmas vacation in Asia. This guide rounds up five popular spots – Japan ski resorts, Thailand islands, South China food cities, Bali yoga retreats and Malaysia durian trips – and shows you how one Asia travel eSIM can keep you online across the region.

Last updated: 2025-11-23 ｜ Written for trips in December–January ｜ Author: eSIMKitStore

1. Hokkaido, Japan: Dreamy Christmas Snow (Japan eSIM)

If you want to experience a real white Christmas without flying to Europe, Hokkaido in Japan is the perfect choice. From December to January it’s peak ski season: Sapporo, Niseko and Furano all offer famous powder snow and well-developed ski resorts. Many travellers plan a Japan ski trip as a year-end gift to themselves.

• Weather: Around or below 0 °C in December–January. Bring waterproof outerwear, heat-tech layers and proper snow boots.
• Suggested itinerary: Ski during the day, then soak in hot springs and enjoy Christmas illuminations at night, plus crab, ramen and sushi feasts.
• Connectivity tip: If you’re only staying in Japan, a local Japan eSIM is fine. If you’ll also visit Korea or Southeast Asia, pick the Asia Explorer eSIM (9 destinations) so you can use one plan across multiple countries.
• Main networks: Most Japan eSIM plans connect to KDDI / SoftBank 4G / 5G, with solid coverage around major ski resorts in Hokkaido.

2. Thailand Islands: Sunshine & Beaches for Christmas (Thailand eSIM)

Want to swap thick coats for swimsuits and flip-flops? Phuket, Koh Samui and Phi Phi Island are classic warm-weather Christmas and New Year getaways. Spend your days snorkeling, diving and island-hopping, and your nights exploring night markets and getting Thai massages – no wonder Thailand is a favourite for Asia-based travellers.

• Weather: Around 24–29 °C in December, mostly sunny with occasional showers – ideal for beach activities.
• Suggested itinerary: Island-hopping day trips, Thai massage and spa, street-food night markets, and beach bars for New Year countdowns.
• Connectivity tip: For Thailand only, a Thailand eSIM is enough. If you’re also visiting Vietnam, Singapore or Malaysia, choose the Southeast Asia eSIM (5 countries).
• Main networks: Most travel eSIMs use AIS / DTAC / TrueMove 4G / 5G, with stable speeds around Phuket, Koh Samui, Bangkok and other tourist hubs.

3. South China Food Trip: Warm Comfort Food for Winter (China eSIM)

If you prefer food + city lights over beaches, a winter trip to Guangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing or Shanghai is a great option. Think hotpot, street food, cafe-hopping and big shopping malls with Christmas trees and light displays – a very different way to spend the holidays compared with a tropical island.

• Weather: Usually around 8–18 °C – a bit cool and humid, but comfortable for walking around the city.
• Suggested itinerary: Work from cafes during the day, then enjoy hotpot, old streets or malls with Christmas decorations at night – perfect for remote workers doing a “workation”.
• Connectivity tip: Staying only in mainland China? Use a dedicated China eSIM. If you’ll also visit Taiwan, Japan or Korea, you can pair it with an Asia Explorer eSIM.
• Main networks: Most China travel eSIMs connect to China Mobile 4G / 5G, with strong coverage in major cities and popular attractions.

4. Bali Yoga Retreat: Year-End Reset for Mind & Body (Indonesia eSIM)

If this year has felt especially busy or overwhelming, give your Christmas break to Bali, Indonesia. Ubud is famous for yoga studios, spas, plant-based cafes and rice-field views. For many travellers, a Bali yoga retreat – yoga in the morning, pool time in the afternoon, early nights listening to nature – is the best way to hit reset before the new year.

• Weather: Around 24–30 °C in December, with higher humidity and occasional afternoon showers.
• Suggested itinerary: Yoga classes, spa and massages, healthy cafes, sunset at the beach and slow walks through rice fields.
• Connectivity tip: Only going to Bali? An Indonesia eSIM is enough. Planning to combine Bali with Thailand or Vietnam? Choose the Asia Explorer eSIM (9 destinations).
• Main networks: Plans typically connect to Telkomsel 4G, which is reliable for maps, messaging and social media around Bali’s main tourist areas.

5. Malaysia: Street Durian & City Christmas Lights (Malaysia eSIM)

For durian lovers, Malaysia is a must-visit at least once in your life. Kuala Lumpur and Penang are packed with food, culture and sights, and you’ll still find big malls full of Christmas decorations. If you want a holiday that’s both relaxed and delicious, add Malaysia to your Christmas vacation in Asia shortlist.

• Weather: Typically 24–30 °C year-round. It’s tropical, so pack light clothing and a small umbrella or rain jacket.
• Suggested itinerary: Durian street stalls, heritage walks, food tours, plus side trips to islands like Langkawi or Sabah.
• Connectivity tip: Only travelling in Malaysia? A Malaysia eSIM is fine. Combining Malaysia with Thailand and Singapore? Go for the Southeast Asia eSIM (5 countries).
• Main networks: Common providers are Maxis / Digi / Celcom 4G, with good signal quality in major cities and tourist areas, and growing 5G coverage in some locations.