Celia Grace NachuraSchool’s out and our bags are packed — June is here! For many globe-trotters in Singapore, the school holidays come with the promise of adventure. Indeed, the mid-year break presents the perfect opportunity for a family vacation or a fun getaway with the crew. Planning your holiday travels? Thankfully, we’re here with the ultimate shortlist of the best places to visit in June. From exciting theme parks to cultural attractions to wilderness adventures, the world awaits.
Best destinations for Singapore travellers in June 2023
1. Japan
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First on our list is Japan. After all, there’s a reason every traveller has this East Asian destination on their bucket list: You can spend months and months wandering through Japan and still have a good chunk of the country left unexplored.
If it’s your first time in the country, Tokyo is a fantastic place to start. Every neighbourhood uncovers a new side of the city: soaring skyscrapers and high-end boutiques, bustling fish markets and hole-in-the-wall omakase, ancient shrines and temples, cosy animal cafes, and off-the-wall fashion. Truly, Tokyo is a feast for the senses that seemingly never ends.
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Endless delights await kids and kids-at-heart visiting Japan’s capital, as well. While Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea are two of the most popular, youngsters also tend to love Sanrio Puroland, Tokyo Toy Museum, and Tokyo Skytree. Not to mention, the new Harry Potter theme park is slated to open in Tokyo in June.
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The Land of the Rising Sun is supremely enchanting, even beyond the capital. Wander the streets of Kyoto for a glimpse of old-world Japan, then dive into buzzy Osaka for the famous Dotonbori lights and arguably the best street food in the country.
Then, go outside for a peek at the natural beauty of Japan. Summertime sees the emergence of colourful summer blooms, including hydrangeas, irises, and lotuses. Outdoorsy travellers will also find it impossible to resist the call of the iconic Mt. Fuji, especially during the climbing season from July to September.
2. South Korea
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Next up: South Korea, another country in East Asia that strikes the perfect balance between ancient tradition and forward-looking innovation.
Nowhere is this juxtaposition more apparent than in the buzzy capital, Seoul. Travel back in time while exploring Bukchon Hanok Village and pristinely preserved royal palaces like the Gyeongbokgung Palace.
Then, stock up on the latest trends at Myeongdong. At night, Seoul keeps its energy high. You’ll find plenty of nightlife spots, from noraebangs (karaoke rooms) with copious amounts of soju to stylish clubs in Gangnam and Itaewon.
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Sunny skies and warm weather make South Korea’s southern coast one of the best places to visit in June. Jeju Island stands out with beautiful beaches, majestic volcanoes and mountains, colourful galleries, and even amusement parks for the kiddos — an attraction-packed paradise for every kind of traveller. If you have the legs for it, a trek on Jeju’s winding Olle Trail circling the island will take you to some of the most spectacular natural sights in the country.
Busan and Gangneung are also popular beach destinations in South Korea. Travellers eager to explore can visit smaller isles from Seoul, such as Muuido Island and Wolmido Island.
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Moreover, South Korea exudes a youthful spirit that thrills younger travellers to no end. Sightseeing in vibrant Seoul is entertaining enough for many children, but the massive theme parks will undoubtedly delight them even more. Everland is the largest theme park in the country, while Lotte World is conveniently located in the middle of Seoul for easy access.
Also read: 10D9N in Incheon, Seoul, & Jeju: Rediscover Your Love for South Korea This Season
3. Thailand
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Whether you’re here with family, friends, or by yourself, you won’t be alone; Thailand draws flocks of travellers from far and wide. And it’s no wonder: Mouthwatering cuisine, golden Buddhist temples, gleaming malls, and ultra-cheap markets make the capital Bangkok a treat to explore. However, it’s outside the city that this tropical country truly shines.
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Thailand is blessed with a bounty of natural gems, but its dazzling collection of beaches and islands is undoubtedly the country’s most famous attraction. Hidden in Thailand are some of the most beautiful beaches you’ll ever see: Mai Khao and Kata Noi in Phuket, Sunset Beach on Ko Pha-Ngan, Hat Tham Phra Nang in Krabi, and many more.
If you want to beat the heat by swimming and lounging on pristine shores, Thailand beaches are definitely one of the best places to visit in June.
The city’s natural attractions don’t end at the coast, though. Magnificent forests and picture-perfect mountains guarantee unspoiled vistas for travellers; if you can pull yourself from the sea, trekking through the ancient rainforest of Khao Sok National Park offers a different side of Thailand that not everyone gets to explore. Summertime is the ideal time for rafting and kayaking, too.
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Travelling with kids? Take the family on a wildlife adventure in rustic Thai villages, particularly ethical elephant sanctuaries in Chiang Mai and Ko Lanta. Other family-friendly attractions in the country include eco-adventure park Flying Hanuman in Phuket, Flight of the Gibbon in Chiang Mai, and Dream World amusement park in Thanyaburi.
4. Taipei
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Travellers in the know will have Taiwan on their shortlist of places to visit in June. Although it’s rarely as busy as Thailand, Taiwan rivals its Asian neighbours where it counts the most: nature, culture, and night markets.
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Head to Taipei, a capital city with clusters of incredible dining, shopping, and nightlife spots. During the day, visit notable sites such as the National Palace Museum and Taipei 101. But exploring the city’s night markets should be on top of your to-do list, with stalls serving an aromatic array of local delicacies, from pork buns to stinky tofu. Start with the sprawling Shilin Night Market, the city’s most famous one.
Additionally, Taipei lies in the middle of verdant mountains, with plenty of hiking trails within easy reach. Scenic views at the end of Elephant Mountain’s Xiangshan Trail make it a crowd-favourite — and just an hour-long hike, it’s relatively easy to tread, even for inexperienced hikers.
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Sunny days make June the perfect time for families to visit amusement parks throughout Taiwan, from the Children’s Amusement Park in Taipei to Leofoo Village Theme Park in Guanxi, Hsinchu. On scorching days, a refreshing trip to Farglory Ocean Park in Hualien is a blissful treat for travellers of all ages.
Travellers in Taiwan in the last weeks of June can also look forward to the Dragon Boat Festival, one of the biggest Chinese festivals celebrated in the country.
5. Australia
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Few places in the world can beat the magnificence of Australia’s great outdoors. And the sheer variety of landscapes is inspiring, ranging from massive deserts to stunning turquoise seas and snow-capped mountains. Thus, if you and your brood are looking forward to a holiday in nature, then Australia is a destination you should see for yourself.
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Winter in Australia hits in June, but temperatures don’t really drop extremely low outside of the high-altitude mountains of New South Wales, Victoria, and Tasmania. If you’re up for skiing and other winter sports, then these snowy regions are a few of the places in Australia that are worth a visit in June.
Not too keen on snow and ice? Don’t fret; the rest of Australia remains pleasantly cool with plenty of sunshine during the day. Surfing at Bondi Beach, scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef, and exploring sacred Uluru — June is an excellent time to do most of the popular outdoor activities in Oz.
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The entire family will be captivated with wildlife attractions in Australia. World-class zoos and animal sanctuaries like Taronga Zoo Sydney and Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary promise close encounters with the most exotic creatures, while the unspoiled Australian wilderness also sets the stage for spectacular sightings of dolphins, whales, and even little penguins on Philip Island.
6. New Zealand
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Finally, embark on a New Zealand escapade for an epic holiday break. Mountains, volcanoes, and wild Pacific beaches combine to create the most astonishing little country. It’s one of the best places to visit in June if you want to escape the heat and enjoy cool winter climes. High-altitude destinations like the South Island mountains and central North Island are perfect for skiing and snowboarding.
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Take to the islands for warmer weather; New Zealand’s Great Walks are legendary, allowing tourists to get lost in the great outdoors on foot. The coastal track around Abel Tasman National Park takes you through spectacular scenery, while Rakiura Track gives tourists the chance to get a glimpse of the aurora australis on Stewart Island from March to September.
Despite the chillier weather in most cities, thrill seekers can still indulge in hair-raising thrills in New Zealand during winter. Queenstown is the mecca of adrenaline-pumping activities, with a multitude of bungy jumping and skydiving spots against a dramatic backdrop of the Southern Alps. For surfers, the best waves come to surf town Raglan from March to June.
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When it comes to keeping children engaged, New Zealand delivers family-friendly outdoor spaces and wildlife attractions. Make your way to Orana Wildlife Park in Christchurch and Zealandia Ecosanctuary in Wellington for rare species you won’t find anywhere else in the world. There are also alpaca farm tours, a one-of-a-kind chance for close encounters with cuddly alpacas.
Meanwhile, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins and migratory whales in the waters of Auckland and Northland’s Bay of Islands. Sightings are more likely from May to July, so dolphin- and whale-watching tours are ideal for Singaporeans travelling during the holiday break in June.
Also read: 26 Best Natural Attractions in New Zealand That Will Blow Your Mind!
Ready for a summer break to remember? Make the most of your family’s time off and start planning your trip to one of the best places in the world to visit in June.
