Autumn in orange: leaves, lanterns and last light
If autumn had a signature colour, it would be orange. You can find it in fiery forests as the leaves start to turn, in lanterns glowing after sunset, and in the golden light that lingers at the end of the day.
Whether you are making the most of the last days of sunshine, planning a city break with a seasonal twist, or following the changing colours of the trees, here are some ways to experience autumn at its best.
Chasing autumn leaves
As the days grow cooler and the trees begin their annual display, Japan comes into its own. Kyoto’s famous koyo season usually runs from mid-November into early December, when maple trees shift into deep orange, red and gold.
Stay at Dhawa Yura Kyoto and you are well placed to make the most of it. One morning might be spent wandering through temple gardens scattered with fallen leaves; the next, following the river as maples glow overhead. You can dip into Kyoto's busiest autumn hotspots, browse quiet backstreets at your own pace, and still retreat to your calm boutique room when you have had your fill.
A love of autumn also runs strong in Seoul, South Korea. From late October into mid-November, locals head outdoors to make the most of the changing hues, and it is not hard to see why. From Banyan Tree Club & Spa Seoul you can easily explore Namsan Mountain, where trails weave through maples and ginkgo trees glowing gold and red. Or head to a nearby palace such as Changdeokgung, its courtyard and rooftops framed by a brilliant seasonal backdrop.
Lanterns and moonlit nights
Autumn is not just about changing leaves. Across Asia, it is also festival season, bringing lanterns, celebrations and evenings that seem to glow a little brighter than usual.
In China, Mid-Autumn Festival usually falls in September or October, bringing families together to admire the full moon, share stories and eat mooncakes: a tradition that Xi'an embraces wholeheartedly. Stay at Garrya Xi'an Lintong, set at the foot of Lishan Mountain, and you can step out after dark into streets and squares lit by red, orange and gold lanterns. Wander at your own pace, pause to browse roadside stalls, and soak up the rhythm of the celebrations as the city glows late into the evening.
Few places capture the spirit of the season quite like Hội An during Tết Trung Thu, Vietnam's Mid-Autumn Festival, which also kicks off in September or October. Lion dancers weave through the crowds, children proudly carry handmade lanterns, and musicians and performers keep things lively across the ancient town. It feels like one giant party – and it is easy for you to join in. Once you have had your fill of the festivities, Banyan Tree Lang Co is an easy trip away, where you can exchange colourful streets for a pristine stretch of beach.
Into the golden hour
By the time the leaves have fallen and the lanterns have come down, autumn still has one last highlight: sunset.
Once the crowds have gone, Tivat, Montenegro changes pace from energetic summer hotspot to calm autumn retreat. Make the most of it at Centrale Luštica Bay by Angsana, from where you can wander down to Marina Village or branch out further along the peninsula and watch the sun sink into Trašte Bay. The light turns softer, the colours seem richer, and you will have plenty of excuses to linger a little longer.
In Saudi Arabia, the sandstone formations surrounding Banyan Tree AlUla take on a completely different character at dusk. As the sun drops, the rocks shift through warm shades of amber and orange, glowing against the desert landscape. Take it all in from the privacy of your tented villa or head into to the skies in a hot-air balloon and watch the changing light reveal new colours and contours across the Ashar Valley.
At Banyan Tree Bangkok in Thailand you will find one of the best sunset spots in the city, with sweeping views over the streets below. Schedule evening drinks at Vertigo, the hotel's rooftop bar, and you can watch the last light catch the glass towers before the city flickers into nighttime action. It is the kind of place where you plan to stay for just one drink, but the view keeps you there all evening.
For more travel tips see our stories including more about travelling in spring and summer.