Culture & History holidays As the home of the world’s oldest continuous civilisation, 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 holiday 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 Borneo Fully customisable Best of BorneoSabah contains geological wonders, wildlife sanctuaries, and rainforests yet to be explored by man; Sarawak adds indigneous longhouse stays, street-food culture, and eccentric colonial history. Borneo Fully customisable Borneo UncoveredIf you’re going to Borneo, you might as well dive in at the deep end. That’s the philosophy behind this trip, which passes up Borneo’s better-known destinations in favour of the truly wild and remote. Malaysia Fully customisable Northern Malaysia's Inlands & IslandsRainforests or beaches? Traditional villages or modern cities? We get it - Northern Malaysia is home to so much diversity, it can be hard to know where to begin. And that’s why we created this trip. Malaysia Fully customisable Malaysia Family AdventureVariety isn’t just the spice of life — it’s the key to a great family holiday. This itinerary is a true testament to that, whisking you from mountain to city and from beach to jungle without a moment to get bored. Malaysia Fully customisable Classic MalaysiaCombining the best of Malaysia’s historic towns, modern cities, rainforests and beaches, this itinerary is the perfect starting point to build your perfect trip. Laos Fully customisable Laos along the MekongThis road trip takes you through a slice of authentic, rural life undisturbed by tourism. You’ll travel southern Laos, following the Mekong River, though stunning karst mountain scenery. Laos Fully customisable Treetops, Mountains & ElephantsLaos is a living, breathing adventure playground waiting to be discovered – a land of rivers, jungles and hidden caves. We can’t think of anywhere better for a family holiday with a difference. Laos Fully customisable Northern Laos ExplorerIf you’re fascinated by the ancient wisdom of mountain and jungle folk, come and explore northern Laos with us. Cambodia Fully customisable Kingdom of AdventureA two-week itinerary that’s jam-packed with adventure, learning and play, designed for the whole family to discover Cambodia, using every sense. Vietnam Fully customisable Vietnam RejuvenationIn a world that never stops, this indulgent itinerary offers to stimulate your mind, soothe your body and feed your soul. Vietnam Fully customisable Vietnam's Northern SoulIf you want to experience Vietnam's rugged northern highlands, trekking through rice terraces and remote ethnic minority villages, this journey is for you. Thailand Fully customisable Highlights of ThailandSmall but perfectly formed, this pocket-sized trip to Thailand packs scenic and cultural highlights into a short space: perfect for those with limited time. Load More Top destinations for culture & history loversOur favourite 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. 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, multicoloured 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. Vietnam Ho Chi Minh CityThe yin to Hanoi’s yang, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon to its friends) offers a more internationally minded counterpoint to that northern bastion of tradition — not to mention an exciting base from which to explore Vietnam’s most interesting war sites. Cambodia Phnom PenhPhnom Penh may no longer be the “Pearl of the Orient”, but don’t judge a book by its cover: beneath this chaotic exterior is a city alive with energy, art, and youthful verve. Vietnam HanoiCombining canary-yellow French palaces with colourful and chaotic market streets dating back to the imperial dynasties, Hanoi is the place to soak up the atmosphere of old Vietnam. Laos Luang PrabangLuang Prabang is Laos’s Shangri-La: sweeping golden roofs and colonial shophouses against a lush backdrop of jungle-covered mountains, and a laid-back atmosphere of peace and serenity. Thailand Chiang MaiIn contrast to the mile-a-minute chaos of Bangkok, Chiang Mai is a breath of fresh air. Here, leafy boulevards and European architecture survive alongside temples dating back to the twelfth century. Thailand BangkokBangkok is an assault on the senses. Clouds of aromatic steam battle with exhaust fumes, neon signs blink jarringly alongside confection-like temples, and 30-degree heat and humidity heightens the sensation that you’re simmering in a heady, spice-laden stew. Cultural and historical guided tours and excursionsOur best cultural tours and excursions Hanoi • Vietnam Insider Experience: Contemporary art in HanoiGet an insider’s look at the capital’s thriving contemporary art scene with curator and artist Nguyen Anh Tuan. Kolkata • India Zero-waste Bengali cookingA masterclass in root-to-shoot cooking with a professional Bengali chef. Lucknow • India Perfumery tourism in KannaujExplore the world of perfume-making in the little town of Kannauj. Hong Kong Hong Kong heritage tourHong Kong may be best-known for its skyscrapers, but remnants of the old city still cling on between the glass and steel — and we know where to find them. Mumbai • India Dawn tour of MumbaiImmerse yourself in the morning hustle of Mumbai’s docks and markets. Chennai • India Carnatic tales musical storytellingSteep yourself in art and history with a performance of Carnatic song and storytelling. Singapore Colonial heritage walking tourRaffles, Victoria, Cavenagh, Fullerton: Singapore is peppered with British names and opulent buildings, but how does the city square all this grandeur with the legacy of colonialism today? Udaipur • India Udaipur cooking classGet beneath the surface of Rajasthan’s food culture in a traditional home. Mysore • India The best of Mysore walking tourUncover Mysore’s rich history on a walking tour of its classic sights. Hong Kong East meets West Hong Kong - walking & food tourFrom eggette waffles to stinky tofu and from curry fish balls to charcoal-cooked chestnuts, Hong Kong’s street-food scene is stonking. Munnar • India Day with tea pluckersMeet the people behind your morning brew in the tea fields of Munnar. Hong Kong Day trip to MacauJust 60km across the Pearl River Delta, the Portuguese enclave of Macau makes a fascinating counterpoint to Hong Kong. Load More