Culture & History vacations As the home of the world’s oldest continuous civilization, Asia’s culture and history is deep, rich, and infinitely interconnected.So, where to begin? It all depends on how you like your history. You could do it Indiana Jones-style, weaving through vine-strangled temple complexes in Cambodia’s ancient Angkor Wat temple complex at dawn – or if you’re interested in more modern history, you could learn about the darker moments in Southeast Asia’s recent past with a visit to the Bridge on the River Kwai. Looking for a more multisensory cultural experience? Then why not see how Vietnam really says “good morning” with a coffee tour of Saigon?In a nutshell: if you're looking for an Asian vacation rich in culture, look no further. Here are our best Asian culture and history itineraries, top cultural destinations and the best cultural tours and excursions, all tried and tested by our country experts. Our top itineraries for culture & history loversA selection of itineraries that offer a deeper insight into the country's heritage and traditions Malaysia Fully customisable Heritage MalaysiaThis ten-day journey from Malacca to Penang follows a route shaped by centuries of trade, migration and colonial rule – with a particular focus on the cultures, communities and colonial powers that have shaped Malaysia. South Korea Fully customisable Korea UncoveredThree weeks, seven regions and a route that takes you to South Korea’s biggest headline sights, and then keeps going. There are some things you probably expect from a trip to South Korea: royal palaces, high-speed trains, spicy street food, Korean barbecue, temples. They’re all here. But they’re only part of the story. Taiwan Fully customisable Ten Days in TaiwanIf you’re short on time but want to go big on Taiwan, this 10-day trip is a whistle-stop tour of the island’s food, culture and landscapes. From Taipei’s night markets to the forested hills of Alishan, then on to Tainan’s old streets – you’ll get a real sense of the country without feeling like you’re simply skimming the surface. Thailand Fully customisable 10 Days in ThailandIf you have ten days to spend in Thailand, this is the trip for you. Covering city and countryside stops, this is the perfect snapshot of what Thailand has to offer when you're short on time. Multi-country Fully customisable Borneo & Malaysia DiscoveryRainforests, skyscrapers, mountains and heritage towns. Add wildlife encounters, food tours and street art for an all-encompassing trip to Malaysia and Borneo. Multi-country Fully customisable Laos & Cambodia EntwinedTake your time to soak up the culture and scenery, traveling slow from Luang Prabang to Phnom Penh. Hong Kong Fully customisable Hong Kong HeritageDelve beneath Hong Kong’s shiny surface to explore the rich Chinese and colonial heritage that shaped it. Hong Kong Fully customisable Classic Hong KongDim sum, neon signs and stunning skyline views: indulge in the classic experiences that have made Hong Kong an icon. Multi-country Fully customisable Indochina HoneymoonWe’re not the kind of people to spend two weeks on a sunlounger. Since you’re here, we’re guessing you’re not either. Multi-country Fully customisable Soulful PursuitsSteeped in Buddhist tradition and indigenous, animist beliefs, Cambodia and Laos make the perfect setting for this gentle exploration of Southeast Asian spirituality. Multi-country Fully customisable World Heritage IndochinaIf you’re only going to visit Indochina once, why not pack the highlights of all three countries into one trip? Singapore Fully customisable Singapore & Bintan EscapeCombine one of Asia’s most cosmopolitan cities with laid-back luxury on the white sands of Indonesian island Bintan. Load More Top destinations for culture & history loversOur favorite culture-rich places in Asia Malaysia MalaccaWith a history stretching back through colonial rule and the Age of Exploration, Malacca’s Portuguese fortress and lantern-strung Chinese temples make it one of the best places to get a sense of Malaysia’s long and turbulent past. Malaysia PenangWorld Heritage architecture, 130-million-year-old rainforest, world-class street art and a countryside peppered with spice gardens and durian groves: the island of Penang is an intoxicating medley of natural and cultural treasures. Malaysia IpohOnce a tin-mining boom town known for its seedy nightlife, Ipoh has remade itself. Stellar street-art, Western-Malay fusion cuisine, and a clutch of elegantly dilapidated galleries and cafes make this one of Malaysia’s trendiest cities. Borneo KuchingA wide variety of indigenous and immigrant cultures combine to form Kuching’s unmistakable cultural mélange, expressed not only in its historic architecture and ethnic diversity, but in its legendary laksa, multicolored cakes and freshly blended gourmet coffee. Cambodia Siem ReapThe laid-back, low-rise town of Siem Reap is the gateway to one of the most spectacular man-made sights on the planet: the sprawling, root-strangled ruins of Angkor. Cultural and historical guided tours and excursionsOur best cultural tours and excursions Hanoi • Vietnam Half day Authentic life of HanoiHanoi is a maze of streets, a hotch-potch of eras, a tangle of stories. Your guide will take you into the backstreets to seek out the best stories that bring the city to life. Bangkok • Thailand Half day Kings & khlongs: the canals of old BangkokBefore Bangkok became famous for its busy nightlife and glitzy malls, it was known as the “Venice of the East”: threaded through with hundreds of canals (or khlongs) and lined with teakwood homes and shrines. Hyderabad • India The Charminar detourExplore Old Hyderabad: the buzzing Muslim Quarter surrounding the four minarets of the Charminar. Kuala Lumpur • Malaysia Half day Introduction to Little IndiaWhen South Indian immigrants came to Malaysia during British colonial rule, they brought their delicious roti, spicy curries and colorful gopura towers with them. Madurai • India Madurai malli jasmine trailSteep yourself in Madurai’s floriculture with this hands-on tour. Siem Reap • Cambodia 2 hours Behind the scenes at Angkor WatExperience the unique opportunity exploring behind the scenes at Angkor Wat on a lecture lead by the German Apsara Conservation Project (GACP); an NGO that completes restoration works on Angkor Wat. Cochin • India The Blue BusExplore Kochi by public transport, and get to know the city like a local. Luang Prabang • Laos Full day Ancient streets of Luang PrabangLuang Prabang has seen numerous cultures come and go in its 1,500 years, but what makes it so special is the way it has fuzed those traditions together to create something completely new. Hanoi • Vietnam Half day Contemporary art in HanoiVietnamese art has thrived over the past two decades despite its turbulent history, maintaining a syle that has put local artists on the international stage. Kolkata • India Zero-waste Bengali cookingA masterclass in root-to-shoot cooking with a professional Bengali chef. Kuala Lumpur • Malaysia Half day Batu CavesDiscover Batu Caves, a remarkable temple complex set within ancient limestone hills on the edge of Kuala Lumpur. Load More