The Best Places in Asia to Visit in 2024

| Filiz Elaerts / Unsplash
Gethin Morgan

Content and CRM Executive

From hanging out with elephants in the wilds of the South to the tropical islands of the Southeast and the neon-lit cities of the Far East, Asia is a continent of endless possibilities. Discover the very best of this diverse continent on one of our small-group Culture Trips in 2024.

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Train approaching the Duoliang Station in Taitung, on the east coast of Taiwan

Taiwan – A Taste of Taiwan by Train

One of Asia’s most underrated destinations is without doubt the island nation of Taiwan, situated off the southeastern coast of China. It’s a place where the verdant greenery of Pacific coastlines and inland tea plantations are interrupted only by a series of modern metropolises. You’ll explore the lot on our nine-day loop tour of the island, made possible by an excellent rail network, which allows us to immerse you in this country’s distinct culture and enviable natural splendour. You’ll explore the architectural influences and street food scenes of Taipei, Taichung, Tainan and Kaohsiung, while outdoor adventures await at Sun Moon Lake and Taroko Gorge.

From US$2031

Next available from 20th Jul 2024

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Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Taipei, Taiwan

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ENDS AT

Taipei, Taiwan

DURATION

9

GROUP SIZE

16

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

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STYLE

Discovery

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Train from Nuwara Eliya to Kandy among tea plantations in the highlands of Sri Lanka

Kandy and Ella – Secrets of Sri Lanka by Train

The towns of Kandy and Ella are found right in the central heartlands of Sri Lanka, an island nation near India. The urban greenery of Kandy and the views from Little Adam’s Peak in Ella are worthy of your attention alone, but it’s actually the journey between the two that makes this part of Asia so special. The undulating train ride from one to the other carves through rolling hills, carpeted in forests and tea plantations, and occasionally passing through charming rural villages. It’s one of the most scenic train routes on the planet, and forms the central axis of our incredible tour of the island, which also takes in Sigiriya rock fortress, the elephants of Udawalawe National Park and the gorgeous coastal fort city of Galle.

From US$1519

Next available from 18th May 2024

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Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Colombo, Sri Lanka

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ENDS AT

Colombo, Sri Lanka

DURATION

10

GROUP SIZE

12

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

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STYLE

Discovery

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Kuang Si Falls – Incredible Thailand and Laos by Train

We keep the rail theme going with this border-crossing tour through two of Southeast Asia’s most amazing nations, the visual highlight of which is surely the stunning Kuang Si Falls, found near the Mekong River in the jungle heartlands of Laos. On day nine of our itinerary you’ll trek through steamy rainforest in search of the falls, and upon their discovery will have a few hours to spend soaking in the scenery and splashing about in the vibrant green-blue waters. The tour also includes a river cruise down the Mekong, a glamping experience in the Thai jungle and a tour of Bangkok’s most mesmerising temples.

From US$2311

Next available from 11th May 2024

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Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Bangkok, Thailand

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ENDS AT

Bangkok, Thailand

DURATION

14

GROUP SIZE

16

PHYSICAL RATING

Light

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STYLE

Discovery

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Seoul – Soulful South Korea

Forget Tokyo and Shanghai, if there’s one Asian mega city you need to visit in 2024, it has to be the capital of South Korea. The sprawling streets of Seoul are full of secrets and surprises, from the neon-lit karaoke bars of Hongdae to the traditional Hanok village of Bukchon. The old and the new blend seamlessly in the city, which is as in-love with K-Pop as it is with upholding traditional costumes and pastimes. It’s a truly inspiring place, and marks the start and end point of our 10-day tour of the country, which also takes in the Demilitarized Zone on the border with North Korea, the luscious mountains of Seoraksan National Park and the foodie delights of coastal Busan. You’ll even get to experience an authentic Korean temple stay at Golgulsa, a sixth-century Buddhist cave temple.

From US$3223

Next available from 19th May 2024

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Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Seoul, South Korea

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ENDS AT

Seoul, South Korea

DURATION

10

GROUP SIZE

16

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

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STYLE

Discovery

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View from a flowery field as the Shinkansen (Bullet Train) zooms past Mount Fuji in the Japanese countryside

Cities of Central Honshu – Japan by Train: The Grand Tour

The main island of the Japanese archipelago is where most of the country’s most famous sights lie, including an eclectic array of major cities, the best of which you can explore on this extensive 12-day Rail Trip, thanks to the speed and efficiency of the Bullet Train network. Sample local delicacies in Osaka, enjoy amazing views of Hiroshima from the peak of the deer-infested Miyajima Island and spot geishas walking the atmospheric old streets of Kyoto. The tour invariable wraps up in Tokyo, where you’ll watch sumo wrestlers train, learn how to roll sushi and, naturally, end the trip with an evening of lung-busting karaoke bangers.

From US$4045

Next available from 2nd Sep 2024

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Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Osaka, Japan

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ENDS AT

Tokyo, Japan

DURATION

12

GROUP SIZE

16

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

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STYLE

Discovery

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Tropical sea with turquoise water and trees. Gili Trawangan, Indonesia

Gili Trawangan – Blissful Bali

The Indonesian paradise of Bali has become a beloved travel destination for all kinds of travellers, from the spiritually thirsty to young party goers and outdoor adventurers. Our 12-day tour includes unique cultural experiences, unforgettable nature escapes and some culinary learnings, but things become truly soul-soothing when we escape to the tiny island of Gili Trawangan. This place is so small that you can trace the entirety of its gorgeous coastline in a few hours. You’ll have plenty of time to do just that, and snorkel with sea turtles, in between long stretches of chilling on the beach, or at the infinity pool of our luxurious resort.

From US$1847

Next available from 15th Jun 2024

Secure your spot with a low deposit

Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Bali, Indonesia

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ENDS AT

Bali, Indonesia

DURATION

12

GROUP SIZE

18

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

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STYLE

Discovery

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Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

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