10 Best Places to Visit in August

10. Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok is one of the finest destinations to visit in Asia during August since the weather is perfect for shopping which is the best thing to do in the city. Aside from the shopping district, you can also visit the Wat Arun Temple, tour the Grand Palace, and experience Bangkok’s oriental spa. Visitors can also indulge in the nightlife of Bangkok at the Khao San Road where you will find different bars, restaurants, and nightclubs.

The city also has a Chinatown which is known as the highly rich part of Bangkok in terms of culture. You can stroll around the Chinese temples, look at gold shops, and try the foods of the local street vendors.

You also can’t end your Bangkok trip without going at their floating markets and trying their authentic Thai food such as Gai Tod or fried chicken, Kanom Kai Nok Krata which is sweet potato balls, and Kanom Bueang or crispy pancake filled with a fried egg, shredded coconut, or chopped scallions.

9. Maldives

The Maldives is the new king of the tropical islands and full of beautiful beaches and marine life. August is also the perfect month to visit the place as this is the time where you can fully enjoy the beach life. The view of the turquoise blue Indian Ocean, luxurious villas, or a romantic dinner with champagne at the gazebo is a holiday everyone is dreaming of. The Maldives is also known as the Manhattan of the Indian Ocean for its tropical charm is perfectly blended with its metropolis areas.

A few of the things to do in the Maldives include swimming with the sharks, snorkeling or water diving to watch marine life such as sea turtles and manta rays, explore the coral reef, enjoy the water sports like jet- skiing, kayaking, and canoeing. You can also experience the Maldivian Culture such as the Bodu Beru, a popular folk dance of Maldives.

Furthermore, visitors must relish the cuisines offered in the Maldives such as the Maldivian Curry with Tuna, Garudhiya or fish soup with lime, rice, curry leaves, chili, coconut and onion, and the local street food called Mas Kashi which is dried fish with coconut and mango.

8. Newport, Rhode Island

Over the century, Newport, Rhode Island has been considered as one of the top summer destinations in the world. The weather is excellent for a perfect summer getaway where the sunny and mild temperature is impeccably combined with the refreshing breeze from the seaside. In addition to that, the wealthiest people of the country spend their summer vacation on their huge mansions in the city. Since Newport is located a few hours away from New York and Boston, it is ideally a convenient destination for travelers.

In August, the city celebrates the Newport Jazz Festival which is held at Fort Adams State Park where you can also enjoy the view of Narragansett Bay and Newport Harbor. Some of the stately mansions around the town are also available for tours.

The most popular luxurious mansions you can tour includes the Chanler at Cliff Walk and the Vanderbilt. Some of the famous food in Newport includes the homemade ice cream at The Lawn at Castle Hill, Clark Cooke House’s Summer Sushi which is served by sushi chefs of St. Barts, and the clam chowder of The Black Pearl which is creamy and full of seafood.

7. Singapore

Singapore is the number one playground for the rich. However, not only it can offer a luxurious vacation and shopping spree but it has also lots of summer activities and places to visit that will give you a hint of luxury in a budget-friendly way. You can savor their local foods such as the Chili Crab which is Singapore’s national dish and the crowds’ favorite Hainanese Chicken Rice. You can also visit Sentosa, a sunny island with themed attractions, spa, forest, sandy beaches, and many more.

Visitors can enjoy the Sentosa Nature Discovery, Butterfly Park & Insect Kingdom, Adventure Cove Water Park, and the popular Universal Studios Singapore. There are also other things to do such as visiting the Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore Botanic Gardens or see the Merlion.

There are lots of hotels or guesthouses available all over Singapore which ranges from the cheapest or budget-friendly to the most extravagant and luxurious ones.

6. Laguna Beach, California

Laguna Beach is located halfway between San Diego and Los Angeles. The seaside resort city also has its own airport named after one of its famous residents, John Wayne. This shorefront community is one of the best places to spend your summer since it has seven miles of oceanfront which also includes tide pools, sea caves, and sandy beaches while in the inland, visitors can enjoy the hiking paths, mountain biking trails, and rolling hills. Summer is also the perfect time to appreciate not only the magnificent sceneries but the creativity and art of the local artists as well.

From June to September, Laguna Beach celebrates the Sawdust Art Festival which features the work of the local artists such as pottery, sculpture, jewelry making, painting, screen painting, glassblowing, and many more. Additionally, they also annually celebrate fascinating and one-of-a-kind Pageant of the Masters from July 7 to August 31 where they recreate the popular works of the art in a yearly theme.

There are also wide arrays of restaurants and hotels in the area such as the newly renovated Montage Laguna Beach and the famous Surf and Sand Resort. When in Laguna Beach, you should try eating at the famous Nick’s Laguna Beach for it is a local treasure where you can enjoy their breakfast and lunch menus such as a towering fish sandwich, bacon deviled eggs, bloody marys, and asparagus fries. Another food stop to come by is the La Sirena Grill which serves Mexican food, the perfect after beach snacks such as salmon burritos and avocado salads.

5. Bali, Indonesia

Bali is one of the world’s most popular tropical paradise and lots of people are opting to spend their summer in this wonderland. From more than 17,000 islands located in Indonesia, Bali stands out especially to the tourist as they have many things to love about this place. From the white sandy beaches to the limestone cliffs as well as the water activities such as diving and other water sports, visitors will experience a luxurious beach life.

Aside from the beautiful sceneries, there are many cultural traditions that you can see on the island which is mostly conveyed through dance, music, and even in their architecture. The Balinese people are also spiritual hence the presence of temples and tourists can also avail the temple tours that also include

the cultural insights of the island. When visiting Bali, you must try their Babi Guling, Bali’s most iconic food which is served with a vegetable salad called sayur urap, rice, spiced meat, and pork sausage. Also one of their local favorite which is Nasi Campur or mixed rice which is served for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

4. Ecuador, South America

Many adventures and activities are waiting for you in Ecuador. Even though it is a small country, Ecuador is full of fun stuff that you shouldn’t miss such as trekking the Amazon, climbing volcanoes, surfing around seaside towns of the Pacific coast, and exploring the cloud forest as well as one of South America’s fascinating capital, Quito. Visitors are recommended to experience the ayahuasca ceremonies with showcases the authentic ancestral medicine and this is available at registered centers all over Quito.

Ecuador is regarded as a dream vacation since it doesn’t get packed with tourists even in the peak season of August and it is also a getaway to the popular Galápagos Island. Before traveling to Ecuador, it is highly advised to get your travel vaccinations to protect you from any illness or disease while exploring the country. Since Ecuadorians love Empanadas, you try it too.

Empanadas is one of their common street food with different fillings such as cheese, meat picadillo, chicken, or shrimp. Another food to try is the thin beef skewers called Carne en palito. These are popular during fiestas or local fairs and usually served with a chunk of chorizo with rice on the tip.

3. Budapest, Hungary

August is the most perfect and exciting month to visit this city since many events or activities are happening. The first on the list is the annual Summer Festival which is held from June to September. This festival consists of food stalls, performances, arts, and concerts located on Margaret Island’s Open Air Stages. Secondly, Buda Castle also held a Festival of Crafts which features markets located on the castle’s historic courtyards, craft demonstrations, folk dances, and street foods.

Visitors must explore the Great Market Hall where you can buy food and souvenir as well as experience a few of Budapest’s thermal baths. You can also visit the St. Stephen’s Basilica, the luxurious Ritz-Carlton, and try out some Hungarian dishes and wines. Budapest’s famous street foods include Lángos which is a deep-fried savory dough usually topped with sour cream and lots of cheese and the ultimate Hungarian dish called Goulash which you find at dining menus that features the classic paprika and meat soup.