The Best Places in Asia to Visit in 2024

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.

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.

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.

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.

Vietnam is most famous for its chaotic cities and the serenity of Halong Bay – both of which you’ll get to experience on our 12-day trip – but we think the true beauty of this amazing country is at its most distilled in the rural regions of Mai Chau. This lush valley southwest of Hanoi is covered in pretty rice paddies, tiny farms and charming rural villages. It’s also home to a number of ethnic minority groups, making it one of the most culturally fascinating parts of the country. On our trip you’ll get to experience rural farm life in a welcoming White Thai village, as well as hiking to Na Chao village, where you’ll learn more about White Thai culture and try your hand at weaving bamboo baskets.

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.

Further south in Thailand is an endless supply of sandy beaches and tropical islands, the finest of which you’ll explore on this 11-day retreat. Things really get relaxing on Khao Sok Lake, a vast and serene body of green-blue water, surrounded by luscious greenery and made unmissable by a series of striking limestone karsts, protruding through the surface and towering high above the lake. You’ll get to spend the night on one of the lake’s adorable floating raft houses, which offers you direct swimming and kayaking access. You’ll also explore the area by embarking on a longtail boat safari and a kayaking excursion through the mangrove forests of Bor Thor.