If seeing real, powdery snow is high on your bucket list, you don't need to break the bank on long-haul flights or stress over complex visa applications. For Filipino passport holders, you can experience sub-zero temperatures and frost-covered mountain peaks right here in Southeast and East Asia—completely visa-free!
Both Vietnam (visa-free for up to 21 days) and Taiwan (visa-free for up to 14 days) feature high-altitude mountain ranges that transform into winter wonderlands during peak winter months.
Here is your ultimate guide on where, when, and how to chase snow in Vietnam and Taiwan!
Want more deals?
1. Sapa, Vietnam: Snow at the "Roof of Indochina"
When travelers think of Vietnam, humid street markets in Ho Chi Minh or limestone karst formations in Ha Long Bay usually come to mind. But up north in Sapa, high in the Hoang Lien Son mountain range, winter brings crisp air, frost, and occasional snowfall!
Top Snow-Spotting Destinations in Sapa
Mount Fansipan: Known as the "Roof of Indochina" (standing at 3,143 meters). Take the scenic
Sun World Fansipan Legend Cable Car to reach near the summit, where snow and ice frequently coat the mountain's pagoda structures between December and January.
O Quy Ho Pass & Heaven’s Gate: Located at over 2,000 meters above sea level, this winding mountain pass offers breathtaking, frost-covered vistas.
Bat Xat Commune: A more remote highland area where snow blankets traditional terraced rice fields during heavy cold spells.
Best Time to Go
December to January: Temperatures routinely drop below 0°C at night and early in the morning in high-altitude spots like Fansipan.
Travel Tips for Sapa
How to get there: Fly from Manila to Hanoi, then take a sleeper bus or the overnight train from Hanoi to Lao Cai / Sapa.
Klook Tip: Book your Sun World Fansipan Legend cable car ticket in advance on Klook to skip the long queue at the station!
2. Hehuanshan & Taipingshan, Taiwan: Frosty Alpine Escapes
Photo credit: Han Hsing Tu
Just a short 2-hour flight from Manila, Taiwan is a favorite destination for Pinoys. While low-lying cities like Taipei stay cool and rainy in winter, high-altitude alpine regions like Hehuanshan (Hehuan Mountain) and Taipingshan regularly experience frost, ice formation, and snowfall.
Top Snow-Spotting Destinations in Taiwan
Hehuanshan (Nantou / Hualien): Home to Wuling Pass—the highest paved public road in Taiwan (at 3,275m). When a strong cold surge hits, tourists flock here to build snowmen and see snow right along the roadside!
Taipingshan National Forest Recreation Area (Yilan): Known for its ancient forests and historic Japanese-era logging train. Below-freezing temperatures turn its trees into white, icy "frozen forests".
Yangmingshan National Park (Taipei): During extreme polar vortex events, even the highest peaks of Yangmingshan near Taipei get a light dust of snow.
Best Time to Go
January to February: This period brings the strongest cold fronts from the north, creating the right humidity and sub-zero temperatures required for snowfall in the high mountains.
Travel Tips for Taiwan
How to get there: Fly to Taipei (TPE) or Taichung (RMQ). For Hehuanshan, base yourself in Taichung or Cingjing Farm.
Klook Tip: Mountain road passes often require snow chains or private transfers when it snows. Renting a private car charter via Klook is the safest and most convenient way to reach these alpine spots!
