Culture & History vacations

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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.

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Seoul Tower rises above beautiful cherry blossom trees agains vibrant sky background

Essential South Korea

$1,485

Activity

Culture & History

While not East Asia’s cheapest destination, South Korea isn’t the most expensive either, and a visit to this dynamic and fascinating country doesn’t have to break the bank.

Image of a Korean city in the rain at night, with neon signs and people walkign

Korean Wave

$4,352

Family

Culture

Culture & History

When it comes to pop culture, South Korea punches well above its weight, exporting films, TV dramas, and music all over the globe in a phenomenon known as Hallyu, or “Korean Wave.” Over almost two weeks, you’ll see firsthand how this small country has turned into a global entertainment powerhouse.

Ornate gardens with skyscrapers in the background

Heritage Hong Kong

$1,580

Classic

Culture & History

Delve beneath Hong Kong’s shiny surface to explore the rich Chinese and colonial heritage that shaped it.

Yellow tram travelling along tracks alongside advertisements at night

Classic Hong Kong

$950

Classic

Culture & History

Dim sum, neon signs and stunning skyline views: indulge in the classic experiences that have made Hong Kong an icon.

Kingdoms of Thailand

$2,637

Classic

Architecture

Culture

Culture & History

History

How did Thailand become Thailand? Follow the threads of history back to the kingdoms and cultures that shaped Thailand today.

Thailand & Laos Explorer

$3,192

Classic

Active

Adventure

Cruising

Culture & History

Scenery

Experience two unique but intertwined cultures as you cruise along the Mekong from northern Thailand to Laos.

Malacca

Malaysia

With 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.

Penang

Malaysia

World 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.

Ipoh

Malaysia

Once 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.

Kuching

Borneo

A 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.

Siem Reap

Cambodia

The 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.

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Saigon's back alleys

Ho Chi Minh City

Culture

Culture & History

Insider

To really understand what makes Saigon tick, you need to go beyond the gleaming skyscrapers and international hotels of District One — and that’s exactly what this tour is all about.

Tuol Sleng and the Killing Fields

Phnom Penh

Culture & History

Between 1975 and 1979, as many as two million Cambodians — a quarter of the country’s population — were persecuted and killed by the Khmer Rouge.

Hue's Imperial Tombs

Hue

Culture & History

History

Hue is best-known for its Citadel, but for us the imperial tombs offer an even more compelling insight into the lives and histories of Vietnam’s royal emperors.

Authentic Life of Hanoi

Hanoi

Culture

Culture & History

Insider

Hanoi is a maze of streets, a hotch-potch of eras, a tangle of stories.

East meets West Hong Kong - walking & food tour

Hong Kong

Culture & History

Food & Drink

Walking & food tour in Hong Kong

Introduction to Little India

Kuala Lumpur

Culture

Culture & History

Insider

When South Indian immigrants came to Malaysia during British colonial rule, they brought their delicious roti, spicy curries and colorful gopura towers with them.