The Best Places In Asia To Visit In 2024

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.

Winter Sale

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$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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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$1679

Next available from 9th Mar 2024

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STARTS AT

Colombo, Sri Lanka

ENDS AT

Colombo, Sri Lanka

DURATION

10

GROUP SIZE

12

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

STYLE

Discovery

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Winter Sale

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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$2299

Next available from 13th Jan 2024

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Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Bangkok, Thailand

ENDS AT

Bangkok, Thailand

DURATION

14

GROUP SIZE

16

PHYSICAL RATING

Light

STYLE

Discovery

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Holiday Sale

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$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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Winter Sale

Angkor Wat – Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam

It’s the largest religious structure in the world and, for our money, the most awe-inspiring. The intricate carvings and unmistakable silhouette of Angkor Wat is a privilege to behold, while the overgrowth of Mother Nature, slowly reclaiming the surrounding ruins of Ta Prohm and Angkor Thom, is thrillingly atmospheric. You’ll get to witness Cambodia’s most iconic sight in its best light on day four of this multi-nation itinerary, as we wake early to watch the sunrise creep up from behind the temple, bathing it in a warm, spiritual glow, which is reflected majestically by the surrounding moat. It is a truly unforgettable experience, which you can make happen in 2024 with Culture Trip.

From US$2499

Next available from 25th Mar 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

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Winter Sale

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$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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Elderly woman in traditional Vietnamese hat carries baskets full of bananas along a sidewalk by a worn yellow wall

Mai Chau – Vibrant Vietnam

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.

From US$1689

Next available from 17th Feb 2024

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Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Hanoi, Vietnam

ENDS AT

Hoi An, Vietnam

DURATION

12

GROUP SIZE

18

PHYSICAL RATING

Light

STYLE

Discovery

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The Great Wall – Icons of China by Train

There’s an argument to be made that no country in Asia boasts a collection of world-renowned sights quite like China, the most iconic of which is no doubt the Great Wall. What more is there to say about this manmade wonder than the fact it is a truly essential travel experience to see it in the rocky flesh. You’ll be treated to guided walks along the wall at both sunset and sunrise on our 10-day Rail Trip, which acts as a highlights reel for China as a travel destination. Other unforgettable moments include stepping across Tiananmen Square in Beijing, getting face-to-face with the Army of Terracotta Warriors and river cruising past Shanghai’s unmistakable skyline at sunset. Are you ready to decimate your bucket list in 2024?

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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Winter Sale

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$1929

Next available from 16th Mar 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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View of two temples near the top of Thailands tallest mountain, Doi Inthanon, in Ban Luang, Thailand

Doi Inthanon – Tropical Northern Thailand

Thailand’s tallest peak is a special, special place. It isn’t just the seemingly endless vistas across the verdant jungles of Northern Thailand, either, since the view is embellished with the majestic Grand Pagodas standing proud near the peak. You’ll get to witness this visual feast at its most sumptuous on the last full day of this 10-day tour, which starts early with a sunrise hike to the summit. The warm hues of dawn add a whole new layer of beauty to the surrounding landscapes and, as if that wasn’t enough memory-making for one day, you’ll follow it up with a visit to an ethical local elephant sanctuary. Reflect on a day like no other as you walk with, feed and bathe these gentle rescued giants.

From US$1339

Next available from 20th Jan 2024

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Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Chiang Mai, Thailand

ENDS AT

Chiang Mai, Thailand

DURATION

10

GROUP SIZE

16

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

STYLE

Discovery

View Trip

landscape with balloons floating in the air

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.