Top Trip Ideas for Discovering the Best of Rural Asia
From pristine beaches and sun bears in Thailand to the majestic mountains of Nepal – book your spot on one of these Culture Trip adventures and experience some of Asia’s most amazing countryside.
Asia is an enormously diverse continent, and while it’s home to some of the world’s biggest and most dynamic cities – think Tokyo, Shanghai and Seoul – it also boasts unique rural landscapes, and off-the-beaten-path towns and villages, which offer a completely different perspective. Whether you’re in Georgia or Laos, these Culture Trips will help you to really get beneath the surface of rural life in Asia.
Island hopping and wildlife boat safari in Southern Thailand
Southern Thailand is a quintessential tropical paradise – think swaying palm trees, turquoise waters, sandy beaches and hidden lagoons – and has become one of Asia’s most popular destinations. Beyond the touristy resort towns, however, there are the lesser-explored rural communities and some of the best wildlife in Thailand to discover. Culture Trip’s group tour starts off in Phuket then ventures north to Khao Sok Lake before island-hopping around the coast. The highlight? A night on board a floating raft house followed by a wildlife boat safari and the opportunity to spot a rare sun bear.
From US$1657
Next available from 19th Dec 2023
Secure your spot with a low deposit
Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Bangkok, Thailand
ENDS AT
Phuket, Thailand
DURATION
11
GROUP SIZE
16
PHYSICAL RATING
Light
STYLE
Discovery
Food and wine tasting in the mountains of Georgia
Georgia is a small country in the Caucasus, on the continental border between Europe and Asia, resulting in a fascinating and distinctive culture. Notably, the country is also known as the birthplace of wine, and there’s evidence of wine production dating back more than 8,000 years. Discover Georgia’s nature, history and culture on Culture Trip’s nine-day tour. It begins in the Old Quarter of Tbilisi where you’ll enjoy a traditional lunch of khachapuri (cheese-filled bread) before exploring some of the country’s highlights, such as Lagodekhi National Park, the Truso Gorge, and the Unesco-listed sites at Mtskheta.
From US$1167
Next available from 24th Sep 2023
Secure your spot with a low deposit
Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Tbilisi, Georgia
ENDS AT
Tbilisi, Georgia
DURATION
9
GROUP SIZE
16
PHYSICAL RATING
Moderate
STYLE
Discovery
Jungle trekking in northern Thailand
If you want to get a real sense of rural Thailand, you’ll need to head north to the more mountainous region of the country, which borders Laos and Myanmar. Here, in the former Lanna Kingdom, you’ll discover iconic Thai wildlife, mountains, waterfalls and one of the best places in Asia for jungle trekking. Join seven other intrepid explorers on this Culture Trip adventure, and you’ll find yourself on an off-the-beaten-track adventure that takes in the highest peak in Thailand, an elephant sanctuary, mysterious caves and geothermal hot springs.
From US$1189
Next available from 12th Nov 2023
Secure your spot with a low deposit
Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Chiang Mai, Thailand
ENDS AT
Chiang Mai, Thailand
DURATION
10
GROUP SIZE
16
PHYSICAL RATING
Moderate
STYLE
Discovery
Himalayan hikes and jungle excursions in Nepal
To encounter truly remarkable wildlife, Asia is the place to be – and although Nepal is primarily known for its world-famous mountains, including Everest, and its popularity as a destination for outdoor adventure, it’s also home to some of the region’s most impressive animals. In its dense, rural jungles, you’ll discover the Asiatic elephant, one-horned rhinoceros, and the Bengal tiger alongside monkeys, sloth bears and bison. Culture Trip’s Nepal trip gives you the opportunity to spot some of these magnificent creatures on a wildlife safari through Chitwan National Park. You’ll also learn to cook traditional momo dumplings at a Tibetan refugee camp, take on the rapids of the Seti River, and even meet a Mount Everest summiteer.
From US$
Next available from 1st Jan 1970
Secure your spot with a low deposit
Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Kathmandu, Nepal
ENDS AT
Kathmandu, Nepal
DURATION
9
GROUP SIZE
16
PHYSICAL RATING
Moderate
STYLE
Discovery
Tea plantations and serene backwaters in Kerala
India’s southwestern state is home to much of the country’s most tranquil countryside. Our nine-day trip in Kerala takes you right to the centre of it all, be it by trekking through tea plantations in the Cardamom Hills, taking a a catered cruise in Kumarakom’s serene backwaters or spotting elephants on a valley hike. You’ll even have a picnic with a view in the Lakshmi Hills, go on a sunset cruise in Kochi and get to grips with local produce on a Keralan cooking masterclass.
From US$1267
Next available from 18th Nov 2023
Secure your spot with a low deposit
Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Cochin, India
ENDS AT
Cochin, India
DURATION
9
GROUP SIZE
18
PHYSICAL RATING
Light
STYLE
Discovery
Maja Proescholdt and Gethin Morgan contributed additional reporting to this article.
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meet our Local Insider
Hanna
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!
Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.
KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.
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