The Most Beautiful Temples In The World

From epic monuments in ancient Egypt to beautiful Buddhist buildings in East Asia, humankind has been adding a touch of beauty to its places of worship for as long as we’ve been worshipping. Our immersive group trips are all about embracing local history and culture, so how about joining one of these trips that visit some of the most beautiful temples on the planet.

Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Let’s start with the largest religious structure in the world. Cambodia’s extraordinary Buddhist complex is a real feat of human creation. This is more about size, too, since Angkor Wat’s beauty comes more from detail than scale. The intricacy of carvings is awe-inspiring, while the real sense of age here will make even the least spiritual traveller have a butterfly or two in the stomach. The complex has taken on a new level of beauty over time, with Mother Nature’s clawing grasp – be it sprawling vines or chunky tree roots – slowly recapturing the land, and giving the area an amazing sense of history. Without doubt this place is most beautiful at the break of dawn, when a warm orange glow bathes the entire complex, reflected beautifully by the surrounding moat. That’s when you’ll visit on our epic Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam trip, which also includes visits to Wat Pho in Bangkok and Notre Dame Cathedral in Ho Chi Minh City. Neither will be able to top the sheer majesty of Angkor Wat at sunrise, though.

From US$2374

Next available from 10th Aug 2024

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Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Bangkok, Thailand

ENDS AT

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

DURATION

11

GROUP SIZE

16

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

STYLE

Discovery

View Trip

Spring Sale

Luxor Temple, Egypt

Luxor Temple is an astonishing 3,422 years old (approx.) but it barely looks a day over two millennia. Part of the beauty of Luxor comes from the sheer wonderment of how old it is, and the way in which that inspires your imagination to fill in the gaps. It’s one of the most historically significant structures in all of Egypt, having been added to by several Pharaohs over the centuries, and is also one of the most well-preserved. The imposing Nubian sandstone statues that guard the entrance are as impressive as ever, while the remains of pillars, pylons and courtyards are thrilling to observe. The temple’s best angle is surely from way down the Avenue of Sphinxes, and the best time to visit is unquestionably at night, when the whole complex is lit up with candlelight. That’s when you’ll visit on day four of our Ultimate Egypt trip, which goes from Cairo and Giza to Luxor and Aswan, via a stunning four-day river cruise down the Nile.

From US$2048

Next available from 26th Sep 2024

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Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Cairo, Egypt

ENDS AT

Aswan, Egypt

DURATION

9

GROUP SIZE

16

PHYSICAL RATING

Light

STYLE

Discovery

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Spring Sale

Traveler Standing at the Gates of Pura Lempuyang Temple aka Gates of Heaven Bali, Indonesia

Lempuyang, Bali

The island paradise of Bali is covered in glorious examples of Hindu temple architecture, but none are quite so perfectly positioned as Lempuyang. Found high upon the mountain of the same name, the complex’s primary temple – Pura Penataran Agung Lempuyang – is characterised by its striking white split gateway. The complex is regarded as one of the six holiest sites in Bali, and that sense of spirituality exudes not only from the beauty of the man-made creations, but also of the natural backdrop they enjoy. The most spectacular (and popular) spot is the gorgeous Gates of Heaven, which act as a kind of perfect accidental photo frame. On a clear day the gates look straight out to Mount Agung volcano, Bali’s highest peak. We’ll visit Lempuyang on day six of our memory-making Blissful Bali trip – we won’t judge if you spend 15 minutes trying to get the perfect angle for your Gates of Heaven shot.

From US$1847

Next available from 15th Jun 2024

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Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Bali, Indonesia

ENDS AT

Bali, Indonesia

DURATION

12

GROUP SIZE

18

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

STYLE

Discovery

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Spring Sale

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple on sea shore. Busan, South Korea

Haedong Yonggungsa, South Korea

South Korea has a rich and ancient history when it comes to crafting beautiful places of Buddhist worship. Arguably the greatest example of Korean temple design lies on the northeastern outskirts of Busan, which sets itself apart from the rest with its stunning seashore location. The image of ocean waves crashing against the craggy rock-faces that prop up the temple is unique in South Korea, and adds a slightly different kind of spirituality to that of mountainous forest temples. You’ll have the option to visit Haedong Yonggungsa, as well as the nearby Haeundae Beach, on day eight of our Soulful South Korea trip. The itinerary also includes a traditional Korean temple stay at the much, much older Golgulsa Temple. Here you’ll get an insight into Buddhist monk life, through meditation, martial arts and archery lessons.

From US$3223

Next available from 19th May 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

View Trip

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.