Asia is huge playground for adventure. From neon Tokyo streets to Bali’s cheap eats and Thailand’s dreamy beaches, there’s a lot to see. And if we’re being honest, it can feel overwhelming.
For starters, how do you even begin to narrow down where to go? How long do you spend there? Which season is the best time to visit?
Asia has long had the reputation as a mecca for the solo traveller, but you don’t have to go at it alone. In fact, it’s just as fun (maybe even more fun) with friends or a tour group.
Think epic experiences, local secrets, and making memories with strangers who will become friends for life.
If you’re looking to go beyond the surface-level, stereotypical Asia trip, then read on.
Sure, you could do Asia solo. But it’s better together
Asia is huge, fast-moving and packed with experiences that are easier, and way more fun, to share.
Instead of figuring out transport, navigating language barriers or missing out on hidden local spots, group travel means you’ll have everything sorted and a crew of travellers to experience it with.
Even if you’re exploring parts of Asia solo, a Contiki trip is the perfect way to break up the alone time. Jump aboard for a journey that still gives you the freedom to explore your way: just with insider access, seamless travel and a crew of new friends to share it with!
Special stays that will transport you straight to paradise
Image source: @jakerichtravels
While usual travelling brings its usual plethora of hotels and hostels, Contiki trips have levelled up with a variety of special stays that will not long look amazing on your social feed, but that will stay in your memory forever.
Disconnect on a jungle raft in Thailand, drift to sleep on a private boat in Halong Bay, or settle into a traditional guest house in Japan.
The best hidden spots that even TikTok would never find
Asia’s biggest cities get plenty of attention online, but the real magic often lives in the places that never quite make the algorithm. Sure, everyone’s seen the neon crossings of Shibuya Crossing or the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An… but venture just a little further and you’ll find experiences that feel genuinely undiscovered.
In Bangkok, swap the crowded temple circuits for a wander through the canals of Thonburi Khlongs, where wooden houses perch above the water and longtail boats operated by locals show a glimpse at how the people of Bangkok have moved around for generations.
Over in Kyoto, early risers can slip away to Kurama, a peaceful mountain village north of the city where forest trails lead to a centuries-old temple and a natural hot spring.
And in Hanoi, ducking into a tiny bia hơi corner bar in the Old Quarter can reveal a whole different side of the city: plastic stools, fresh beer, and locals who are more than happy to toast with visitors and talk about their home.
These are the places you often find through local knowledge: the recommendations passed along by guides, drivers, or new travel friends who know where the real stories live.
@contikitravel See Asia through our eyes. Check out trips with iconic experiences via the link in bio. #creatorsearchinsights #contiki #travelasia #asia #hanoi ♬ i walk this earth all by myself – DJtianyu
Transport covered and local connection
One of the trickiest parts of travelling through Asia isn’t choosing where to go. It’s figuring out how to get there.
Between overnight trains, high-speed rail, ferries, tuk-tuks and domestic flights, moving between destinations can feel like its own full-time job and let’s be real: who has the time to organise every single logistic?
When the major transport is already organised, it frees up your time and energy to focus on what really matters: meeting locals, exploring side streets, and saying yes to spontaneous adventures along the way.
Transport in Asia often doubles as a cultural experience. A tuk-tuk ride through the chaos of Phnom Penh, a scooter taxi weaving through traffic in Ho Chi Minh City, or a slow ferry between tropical islands in Thailand can become some of the most memorable moments of a trip.
Image source: Pexels/ Atlantic Ambience
Adventure that you never could have dreamed of (and maybe things you had never heard of)
From snorkelling through a shipwreck site in the Philippines, giving your culinary skills a go and learning how to make Okonomiyaki with the locals in Japan, learning Muay Thai in Northern Thailand or hiking through Kathmandu in Nepal, Contiki has a whole range of trips that’ll suit everyone.
From the ocean babies, to the foodies, to the all-over adventurers, there’s one guarantee: you won’t get bored!
Ready to explore Asia in all its glory? Browse our full list of trips here.
