The Allure of Asia
Written by Ellie Jones
Last updated 02/12/2025
2 min read

Asia is a continent of infinite journeys. Its vast landscapes, ancient traditions and kaleidoscope of cultures offer discoveries with every visit – each one different, each one unforgettable. Our tours unlock each destination’s rich heritage, immersing us in ways of life far from our own and creating memories to last a lifetime.

Home to two recognised ‘Wonders of the World’, one thing Asia certainly doesn’t lack is striking architecture. The Great Wall of China, built over two millennia ago, winds across dramatic mountain ridges, while the Taj Mahal in India, its ivory dome glowing at sunrise, sits steadily on the banks of the Yamuna River. Standing before either, you can’t help but feel transported across centuries of history.
Sacred sites also thread through the continent, each one as breathtaking as the next. The serene temples of Kyoto offer an escape and a chance to reflect in Japan’s cultural capital. In Nepal, Kathmandu’s vibrant Buddhist heritage comes alive at Boudhanath Stupa, where the sight of artisans hand-painting sacred scrolls is as moving as the temple itself. And in Cambodia, the majestic towers of Angkor Wat rise from the jungle, a monumental testament to devotion and artistry that continues to awe visitors centuries on.

For nature lovers, Asia’s wildlife is no less captivating. Bengal tigers roam the grasslands of India's vast national parks, while orangutans swing through Borneo’s emerald rainforests and Japanese macaques warm themselves in mountain hot springs. Sri Lanka’s national parks are home to roaming elephant herds and boast the world’s highest concentration of leopards. From sloth bears to rare birdlife, every corner of Asia offers glimpses into the natural world.
Waterways, too, are stitched into the heart of Asia’s story. The mighty Mekong River meanders through villages and markets where daily life still depends on the current, offering travellers an intimate view of riverside culture. Vietnam’s Ha Long and Lan Ha Bays, with limestone karsts, are a natural wonder best admired by boat, just as Kerala’s backwaters in India reveal landscapes that change with each bend. In China, a three-day Yangtze River cruise glides past some of the most spectacular scenery in the world, reminding us that wherever the river flows, it carries with it stories that endure long after the journey has ended.

The beauty of Asia lies in its ability to weave enchantment across all seasons. In spring, Japan bursts into a haze of cherry blossoms, a fleeting spectacle that transforms parks, temples and riversides into soft clouds of pink and white. Families gather for Hanami picnics beneath the blooms, a cherished annual tradition. Autumn paints the land in fiery foliage, when maples and ginkgos blaze with scarlet and gold, mirrored by snow capped peaks that rise behind them.
India’s rice fields shift from vivid green to shimmering gold, marking the rhythm of the monsoon and harvest. In Bhutan, festivals bring the dzongs to life with masked dances, vibrant costumes and music, retelling stories passed down through generations.
Vietnam’s night sky glows with silk lanterns during the Mid-Autumn Festival, their light guiding children through streets as families celebrate reunion and the harvest moon. Across the border in Cambodia, the Water and Moon Festival fills the rivers with flickering lanterns and boats, a luminous tribute to the end of the rainy season and gratitude for the life-giving Mekong.

Equally captivating is Asia’s culinary heritage, where every dish reveals the spirit of its culture. In Japan, the refined artistry of kaiseki dining – a traditional, multi-course meal considered the pinnacle of Japanese gourmet cuisine – reflects harmony and seasonality, while tea and matcha tastings or learning them craft of sushi offer a more hands-on glimpse into tradition. Near Kathmandu’s sacred sites, Nepalese momos (soft, filled dumplings) embody the warmth of Himalayan hospitality.
India’s spice-laden dishes are as memorable as its palaces, savoured as part of a homemade meal in a Jaipur family home or on a Keralan houseboat with a traditional Southern banana-leaf feast. In Vietnam, a steaming bowl of pho noodle soup – fragrant with herbs and broth – embodies the nation’s balance of simplicity and depth. And in Yangshuo, China, transform local produce into home style dishes with a cooking class, turning a meal into a memory. In Asia, food is more than sustenance; it is a gateway to tradition, generosity and belonging.
Across this vast continent, our journeys bring together the very best of each destination – its people, cuisine, culture, landscapes and heritage. There is no end to the adventures that await. The only question is: where will your next journey take you?
We offer 31 escorted tours across Asia, including Classic, Exclusively Solos and Private tours, with durations ranging from 11-25 days.
First published 02/12/2025
Last updated 02/12/2025