Asian Tours — Southeast Asia, India & China

Southeast Asia Sampler — 10 days (expanded itinerary & options)

Overview: This ten-day sampler links three of Southeast Asia’s most compelling highlights: the chaotic charm of Bangkok (Thailand), the awe-inspiring temple complex of Angkor (Siem Reap, Cambodia) and the evocative river and karst landscapes of northern Vietnam (Hanoi and Halong Bay). The route is paced to give you time in each destination — guided highlights, meaningful local encounters, and an optional Halong Bay cruise or short Lao/Luang Prabang extension for travellers wanting to linger.

Why this tour works

It marries convenience with variety: short regional flights or efficient overland transfers minimise wasted transit. Each destination focuses on a different cultural register — Thai street food and royal temples, Khmer archaeology and stone-carved narratives, Vietnamese waterways and colonial-era streets. Local guides help decode customs, cuisine and contemporary life.

What’s included (short)

Regional flights/transfers as specified, accommodation (mix of boutique hotels), local English-speaking guides, selected meals, Angkor Park entrance and a guided Halong Bay boat option (if chosen).

Detailed day-by-day (sample)

Optional extras

Halong Bay overnight cruise, slow boat to Luang Prabang with river villages, extended beach stays in southern Thailand or a Mekong Delta add-on in Vietnam.

Who this is for

Travellers who want a multi-country intro to Southeast Asia with a mix of culture, history and natural scenery. Good for first-timers or those wanting a taste of diverse regions without intense travel.

Image: Halong Bay karsts. Photo credit: Unsplash.

India Cultural Triangle — 7 days (expanded itinerary & Kerala extension)

Overview: The classic Golden Triangle — Delhi, Agra and Jaipur — remains the most concentrated route to India’s imperial history: Mughal tombs, Rajput palaces and bustling bazaars. This seven-day itinerary balances iconic monuments (Taj Mahal, Agra Fort) with living culture: crafts in Jaipur, market navigation in Old Delhi, and a guided exploration of Mughal-era gardens and cuisine. For a softer contrast, we offer an optional Kerala backwaters extension that shifts from northern monuments to southern waterways and spice-cultivated landscapes.

Why this tour works

Short internal distances and comfortable transfers make the Golden Triangle an efficient first taste of India. Our program staggers intense monument days with more relaxed craft workshops and culinary encounters. Local experts provide historical context and insights into contemporary life, while private vehicles reduce logistical friction.

What’s included (short)

Six nights’ accommodation, private transfers, guided visits to the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort, Jaipur’s City Palace and Amber Fort, guided Old Delhi walking tour, selected meals and local English-speaking guides. Optional Kerala extension available (domestic flight needed).

Detailed day-by-day

Kerala optional extension (details)

Kerala typically runs as a 2–4 day add-on: fly to Kochi, visit colonial Fort Kochi, head to a houseboat in the backwaters for a night or two, and include spice garden visits and a Kathakali performance. This offers a soothing contrast to the Golden Triangle’s monumental intensity.

Practical notes & tips

India’s climate and crowds vary; early mornings are best for major monuments. Dress modestly for religious sites, stay hydrated and accept that markets and bargaining are part of the cultural experience. Vaccination and travel insurance advice should be checked before travel.

Who this is for

First-time visitors to India, history and culture enthusiasts, and travellers who enjoy a mix of monuments and living craft experiences.

Image: Taj Mahal at sunrise. Photo credit: Unsplash.

China Discovery — 9 days (expanded itinerary & Yangtze/Guilin extensions)

Overview: China’s scale and diversity require selectivity. This nine-day discovery focuses on Beijing’s imperial heart (Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven), Xi’an’s terracotta warriors and ancient walls, and Shanghai’s juxtaposition of colonial Bund and futuristic skyline. Optional extensions include a Yangtze River cruise for river landscapes and three gorges history, or a Guilin/Yangshuo addition for karst rivers and rice terraces.

Why this tour works

It concentrates on emblematic sites that are logistically easy to connect via internal flights or high-speed trains. Each city presents a different historical layer: imperial Beijing, ancient Xi’an and modern Shanghai. Local guides provide cultural decoding and streamlined logistics for a rich overview in limited time.

What’s included (short)

Eight nights’ accommodation, high-speed train or internal flights (as per itinerary), guided visits to the Great Wall (mutianyu or jinshanling where feasible), Terracotta Army, Forbidden City and Shanghai highlights, selected meals and local English-speaking guides.

Detailed day-by-day

Practical notes & tips

China’s vastness makes internal flights and high-speed rail useful; both are reliable but need planning in high season. Visa requirements vary — check current entry rules. Local guides help navigate language and cultural expectations.

Who this is for

Travellers who want a balanced combination of ancient monuments and contemporary Chinese life — suitable for first-time visitors who prefer a curated route with comfortable logistics.

Image: Great Wall winding over hills. Photo credit: Unsplash.