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See more of your destination without having to rush on our 12-14 day itineraries, carefully curated by Travel Experts and led by friendly Local Insiders. From Thailand to Turkey and beyond, these are the best long stay vacations you can take with Culture Trip.

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Incredible Thailand and Laos by Train – 14 days

Southeast Asia is a classic long stay destination, and this two-week Rail Trip ensures plenty of time is spent in bustling cities as well as luscious jungles. The trip will start in Bangkok, before we hop on the train to explore the ancient ruins of Sukhothai and the street food delights of Chiang Mai. We’ll head out to the tropical forests of Northern Thailand to visit an ethical sanctuary to feed and bathe elephants, go bamboo rafting on Wang River and spend a night barbecuing and glamping in the jungle. Across the Laos border, via Chiang Khong, we’ll start by swapping trains for a river cruise down the Mekong River. We’ll stop in remote villages, meet whisky-making locals and discover a sacred cave system. Next up is the most famous sight in Laos, as we hike to the ethereal Kuang Si Falls. Back on the tracks, we’ll take the high-speed train to Vang Vieng, a favourite destination among adventurous travellers, where you’ll be able to explore Nam Song River by kayak. We’ll cross back over to Thailand to take the sleeper train back into Bangkok, where we’ll have one last full day in the Thai capital, starting with a guided tour from our local expert.

From US$1889.3 Next available from 8th Feb 2025 Secure your spot with a low deposit
Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT Bangkok, Thailand
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ENDS AT Bangkok, Thailand
DURATION 14
GROUP SIZE 16
PHYSICAL RATING
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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 – 12 days

Japan’s world renowned Bullet Train network means that, with a bit of guidance, you can explore an awful lot in just 12 days. Our Rail Trip takes you from Osaka to Tokyo, stopping off at major cities like Hiroshima, Kyoto and Hakone. You’ll also get to enjoy natural bounties like Miyajima Island, Arashiyama bamboo forest and Lake Ashi. You’ll see torii gates and geishas, try Japanese delicacies in local markets and stay in a traditional ryokan inn, equipped with soul-soothing onsen hot springs. In Tokyo you’ll learn how to roll sushi, try taiko drumming and watch sumo wrestlers train, not to mention a night of belting tunes out in a neon-lit karaoke bar. Only in Japan could you experience so much culture, see so many cities and traverse so many different landscapes in less than two weeks.

From US$4557.52 Next available from 2nd Mar 2025 Secure your spot with a low deposit
Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT Osaka, Japan
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ENDS AT Tokyo, Japan
DURATION 12
GROUP SIZE 16
PHYSICAL RATING
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Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, Danau Beratan, Candikuning, Kabupaten de Tabanan, Bali, Indonésie

Blissful Bali – 12 days

Bali offers a magical blend of adventure of relaxation, but if you don’t book enough time there, you might have to choose between the two. Our complete Bali experience ensures you get a healthy dose of both. The first six days are a little more adventurous, as you get to swim in waterfalls, trek through scenic rice paddies and climb Mount Batur at sunrise – for truly breathtaking views of the island. You’ll also make a traditional Balinese offering in a sacred temple, visit Tirta Gannga royal gardens and try FlyHigh yoga. On day seven we’ll speed over to the Gili Islands, where you’ll be able to snorkel with sea turtles, but also chill on the beach and enjoy the spa facilities and outdoor pools of our stunning beach resort. The theme continues in Canggu, where we’ll stay at another luxurious tropical resort and round the trip off with a traditional Balinese blessing ceremony and farewell dinner.

From US$1191.2 Next available from 12th Mar 2025 Secure your spot with a low deposit
Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT Bali, Indonesia
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ENDS AT Lombok Island, Indonesia
DURATION 12
GROUP SIZE 18
PHYSICAL RATING
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About the author

Gethin Morgan has developed an exciting portfolio across a series of roles at Culture Trip. With a keen interest in food and drink, Gethin is also particularly interested in niche or alternative travel which, in his case, usually involves following the Wales national soccer team to Europe's most obscure cities.

If you click on a link in this story, we may earn affiliate revenue. All recommendations have been independently sourced by Culture Trip.
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