Four destinations to visit in 2025 if you’re looking for a cultural adventure
Looking for inspiration for your next cultural adventure? Our team of travel experts have rounded up four destinations we’re excited about in 2025. Places alive with energy, culture, and slices of local life you should experience this year if, for you, time away from the norm is not an option, but a necessity...
Whether you're drawn to the hum of Hanoi’s street food vendors for your daily pho fix, the deeply rooted Khmer history woven through the carvings of Cambodia's ancient complexes, or want to feel the pull of a cool breeze on the beach before the Thai midday sun hits, we've linked some comprehensive itineraries and trip ideas to help you plan your perfect venture beneath the surface.
Vietnam – A big anniversary and a new metro
April 2025 marks 50 years since the reunification of Vietnam, signifying the end of a decades-long war, and there’s no better time to visit the country as it reflects on half a century of unity, resilience, and remarkable growth.
Leading the charge in the race towards a new chapter, Ho Chi Minh City has become the modern economic success story of Vietnam. Its new metro opened in December last year, and this modern transit system promises to make navigating the city faster and more efficient. But will it truly tame the famously chaotic river of mopeds that define Saigon’s streets?
Lots of our trips start or finish in Ho Chi Minh City. Our Highlights of Vietnam tour itinerary is a great way to visit Vietnam’s two most important cities, one of its richest historical towns, and take an overnight cruise through its dramatic landscapes. Designed for those who don’t have time to waste, this is your pocket-sized introduction to the sheer variety of Vietnam.
South Korea – ride the hallyu (Korean Wave)
Korea is set up for unexpected magic – with its ppalli ppalli (quick quick!) spirit, some of the country’s best bits are there for a moment and gone in a flash. If it’s not Squid Games or skin care, it’s a Presidential impeachment. Recognition for South Korean culture is on the rise, and yet it remains a country lesser travelled for Western tourists.
From the peaks of Seoraksan National Park, to the volcanic landscapes of Jeju Island, Korea’s natural beauty is as diverse as its city life. And, unbeknownst to many, for South Koreans, hiking is a national pastime – with 70% of the country covered in mountains.
There’s a surprise round every corner in South Korea. Have you heard, for instance, of the mackerel festival in Busan, where the city’s fish is celebrated at Songdo Beach, and the sprawling stalls of Jagalchi Market offer mackerel cooked in every way possible? Or did you know that there’s a street on the Northeast Coast lined with restaurants dedicated to selling tofu made using water from the East Sea?
For more reasons than one, we think it’s great to discover as part of a group – and we've just launched our first ever South Korea Small Group Tour there. No two tours are the same – because we keep time free for your Insider guide to take you to whatever currently best showcases the country’s joy for life. Think fried chicken and beer in a Seoul back street, clinking kettles of makgeolli fizzy Korean wine with friends, and staying in traditional hanok, in the centre of the city named ‘the museum without walls’ …
Join our Soul of Korea Tour to experience the full spectrum of what South Korea has to offer and embrace the culture of community.
Cambodia – go beyond the temple trail
Many people see Cambodia as a ‘nice to have’ stop-off at the end of a trip to, say, Vietnam. But Cambodia is worthy of its own solo trip. And our travellers are beginning to see this.
The average stay in Cambodia is 5.5 days, but we’re seeing trips stretch out to 16 or even 30 days. People are looking for Cambodian cultural adventures that go to the temples of Siem Reap – and then beyond: staying in rural homestays, glamping in Botum Sakor National Park, or staying on the secluded sandy beaches of Koh Rong island.
While Angkor Wat remains the biggest draw for tourists visiting Cambodia, the country offers far more than just ancient temples.
You might visit the lush green planes of Northern Cambodia and find destinations like Kampot and Kep delivering colonial architecture, the most serene riverside views, and the freshest pepper crab you'll ever taste.
In the Cardamom Mountains, you’ll find one of Southeast Asia’s last great rainforests, and Kayaking along the Mekong River offers a chance to spot the elusive wildlife near Kratie. Cambodia’s coastline also slips under the radar as a lesser-known haven for beach lovers – while Thailand’s iconic islands often steal the spotlight, Koh Rong Samloem and Koh Ta Kiev offer untouched beauty, with far fewer crowds.
Cambodia delivers a diverse experience, making it more than just a stopover. Our Kingdom of Adventure tour is the perfect way to take it all in.
Thai Trat Islands – for accessible serenity
Thailand is getting busier, particularly as flight routes increase and White Lotus drops its Thailand season soon. But all you need is a bit of planning to seek out the quieter destinations – and just because they’re not the big travel hotspots, doesn’t mean they’re inaccessible.
To help you find some Thai chill, we’ve added several of the Trat islands to our beach destinations – Ko Chang, Ko Kood, and Ko Mak. All are just a short ferry hop from the mainland, balancing seclusion alongside great places to eat in the evenings.
Ko Chang offers jungle hikes and waterfalls, perfect for nature lovers, while Ko Kood is known for the clarity of its waters and some of the most unspoiled beaches in the country. Ko Mak, with its laid-back vibe and coconut plantations, is ideal if you’re looking to completely disconnect.
The Trat islands are a great addition to one of our existing Thailand trip ideas – if you’re looking for no-indulgence-spared, we love Luxury Thailand – and our team of travel consultants are on hand to help you book.
Book your 2025 adventure (or beyond)
Dreaming of an Asian getaway but not quite sure where to begin? Speak to our travel specialists to help fulfil your 2025 travel resolutions.