The Best Places In East Asia To Visit In 2024

With pandemic border closures now a (hopefully) distant memory, 2024 is shaping up to be the year to head as far east as you can to explore the amazing array of unique cultures, natural beauty spots and culinary delights on the horizons of East Asia. Do so with Culture Trip on this selection of immersive small-group adventures.

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

Japan by Train: The Grand Tour

Let’s start with arguably the most popular destination in East Asia. There’s a reason countless travellers are as totally intoxicated by the pulsating hum of Japan’s neon-lit cities as they are of its serene natural splendour. Explore both on this extensive 12-day tour through the country’s most worthy destinations, made possible by the high-speed wonders of the Bullet Train network. We start in Osaka, the charming second city, and Hiroshima which, as well as having huge historical significance, is also home to the magically deer-infested Miyajima Island. We’ll zoom our way across to Kyoto, one of the most scenic cities on Earth, and marvel at the bamboo forest of Arashiyama. After sipping sake in the Japanese Alps, soaking in hot springs in Hakone and cruising along Lake Ashi, we’ll eventually reach the promised land – Tokyo. Mark the end of our epic adventure with sushi rolling, taiko drumming and karaoke smashing.

From US$4119

Next available from 28th Mar 2024

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Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Osaka, Japan

ENDS AT

Tokyo, Japan

DURATION

12

GROUP SIZE

16

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

STYLE

Discovery

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Haedong Yonggungsa Temple on sea shore. Busan, South Korea

Soulful South Korea

Japan’s underrated mainland neighbour is every bit as awe-inspiring, be it during picture-perfect cherry blossom season or via the unique cultural experience of a Korean temple stay. Start in the capital, Seoul, for a cocktail of old and new South Korea, before glancing at North Korea from the eery Demilitarized Zone and escaping to the luscious hills of Seoraksan National Park. Discover ancient history in Gyeongju and live a day in the life of a Buddhist monk at Golgulsa Temple, before returning to modernity in coastal Busan. Here you’ll embark on a culinary adventure like no other, gorging on Busan Hotteok, sipping on soju and taking part in a Korean cooking masterclass. The foodie theme continues in charming Jeonju, the birthplace of Bibimbap, and therefore the perfect place to tuck into Korea’s most beloved dish during a farewell dinner en route back to Seoul.

From US$3499

Next available from 10th Mar 2024

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Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Seoul, South Korea

ENDS AT

Seoul, South Korea

DURATION

10

GROUP SIZE

16

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

STYLE

Discovery

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Close up of the Terracotta Warriors in Xian, China

Icons of China by Train

For you, perhaps 2024 is the year to embark on a truly once-in-a-lifetime trip. China is a staple of travel bucket lists across the world and its highlights reel of iconic sights are an obvious reminder as to why that is. Just like Japan, it’s the country’s world class rail network that makes it possible to squeeze all of those famous destinations into just 10 days. We start in Beijing, where you’ll get to visit Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and Jingshan Park, as well as trying Tai-Chi in Temple of Heaven Park. From there we head to Badaling for sunset and sunrise walks along the Great Wall of China itself. A remarkable insight into ancient China awaits in Pingyao, while an intimidating encounter with the Army of Terracotta Warriors is in store in Xi’an. Our final stop is the giant metropolis of Shanghai, where you’ll ascend a towering skyscraper, partake in a culinary masterclass and cruise down Huangpu River at sunset, marvelling at one of the world’s most iconic skylines with a glass of bubbles in your hand.

From US$2849

Next available from 24th Feb 2024

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Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Beijing, China

ENDS AT

Shanghai, China

DURATION

10

GROUP SIZE

16

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

STYLE

Discovery

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

A Taste of Taiwan by Train

The lesser-known gem that acts as a perfect alternative to China is its little island neighbour, Taiwan, which isn’t short itself on natural splendour, sprawling cities and a distinct culture infused with influences from around East Asia and beyond. Our nine-day Rail Trip includes a series of scenic train rides that will take you on a full loop around the island. The start and end terminus is Taipei, a modern metropolis full of architectural masterpieces and thrilling street food markets, while other city stops include Taichung, Tainan and Kaohsiung. You’ll sip world class tea and marvel at the serenity of Sun Moon Lake, discover the surreal rock formations of Taroko Gorge and fall in love with the beauty of the island’s eastern shores during a magical coastal train ride. We’ll stop off in Shifen for an unforgettable sky lantern experience before returning to the capital, where a cooking class and tasty farewell dinner awaits.

From US$2029

Next available from 30th Dec 2023

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Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Taipei, Taiwan

ENDS AT

Taipei, Taiwan

DURATION

9

GROUP SIZE

16

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

STYLE

Discovery

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Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip

meet our Local Insider

Hanna

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?

2 years.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.

WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?

I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!

Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.

map of volcanic iceland trip destination points

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

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.