Short gaps via East Asia
East Asia used to fire the imagination of distant destinations, of strange and mysterious cultures. Now, East Asia is beginning to open its doors to tourists and people are becoming more and more curious by what’s on the other side of the world, and they like what they’re seeing.
East Asia is still foreign enough to be exciting, demanding enough to be testing and it’s as close to getting off the ‘beaten track’ as you’re going to get.
If you’ve got the money to fly to Seoul in South Korea or Tokyo in Japan then you’re looking at an amazing stop gap. A month in Japan is a perfect amount of time for seeing what the country has to offer.
Be blinded by the neon lights of Tokyo, see the sunrise from Mount Fuji, catch a rare glimpse of a Geisha's in Kyoto, take a stroll along the Great Wall of China, see the Forbidden City, visit the Terracotta Warriors, meet giant pandas at Chengdu and, snowboard in South Korea and truly discover the magical Far East.
Key stops in East Asia
There are a few keys destinations in East Asia that you can fly into:
Beijing, Hong Kong and Shanghai for China, Tokyo in Japan, and Seoul for South Korea are all possible stops.
Travelling around the area is extremely easy by any mode of transport. The budget airline Air Asia flies to a number of airports making international air travel not only extremely cheap, but extremely easy. For example, you can pick up a flight from Beijing in China to Seoul in South Korea for as low as £30.
Popular routes that include East Asia
London >> Beijing >> Chengdu >> Shanghai >> London
London >> Shanghai >> Seoul >> Tokyo >> London
London >> Tokyo >> Osaka >> Kyōto >>Yokohama >>Chiba >> Tokyo >>London
What we recommend…
Most people only visit one of these countries as they aren't cheap to travel around, especially Japan, but if you keep your senses then you can see a lot of East Asia on a budget; you just have to know how to do it!
All of East Asia is incredibly safe to travel around. Even though Japan is the most popular tourist destination you shouldn’t overlook China.
China is so varied that it’s like visiting five different countries in one. From the cold and snowy north to the hot and humid south, China has some of the world’s best and biggest sites. Just take the Great Wall as an example.
Our recommendation? Spend a month doing a tour of South Korea and Japan. You will experience stuff that you may never do again (temple stays, bullet trains and a culture built around being ‘polite’ - very unusual!).
Why East Asia?
Want to do something that is a bit different? Have a think about stopping off in South Korea. Seoul is now one of the most happening capitals in the world. The country is full of national parks, a serious ski scene and you can really live the history of the North/South war with a quick zip up to the Northern border on the cheap bullet trains.
From here take a cheap ferry ride or short flight to Japan. Slightly more expensive, but with unique temple stays, impressive cities like Tokyo and a culture based around chomping raw fish and singing Elvis songs after a tub of Sake at the local Karaoke bar, you'll have a blast.
The other destination in this area is of course China. We'd recommend first time travellers to stick to the easier tourist spots of Beijing or Shanghai - the language, alphabet and culture making it a very difficult country to travel around.
For those more adventurous, China is a massive country to explore. Another thing to take may be a stomach of steel, well, you have to try the delicacies of duck's tongue, chicken's feet and pigs blood - 'When in Rome' and all that. Or you could just stick to the sweet and sour pork balls.
What others say...
Hannah Simmons:
ThaIntro
Countries: Thailand
ThaIntro - An Amazing first week in Thailand!
An awesome week of tours and trips, starting in Bangkok and finishing on the beautiful island of Koh Phangan.
You'll visit ancient temples, stunning beaches, swim under waterfalls, ride elephants through the jungle, sleep on floating bungalows and party on the beach!
Japan Highlights
Countries:
Japan
Duration:
from 7 Days to 7 Days
From technologically advanced Tokyo teeming with people, to the beautifully preserved old town of Takayama, Japan is a land of fascinating contrasts. Enjoy an authentic slice of life in this short but sweet tour of modern Japan.
Save money on your trip - book now for up to 25% off!
Tap into Thailand
Countries:
Thailand
Duration:
from 8 Days
Ramble through Bangkok in a tuk-tuk, Explore the ancient and modern faces of Thailand, See Chiang Mai's sunset atop Doi Suthep, Meet locals on a hilltribe trek, Enjoy northern hospitality at a rural homestay, Trek lush highlands, Experience ancient and modern Thai culture...
South East Asian Peninsula
Countries: Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand
Your adventure through South East Asia doesn’t get any better than this. Encompassing Chinese, French and Indian influences, Buddhist, Hindu and Muslim faiths, there is a diversity here which defies the geographical scale of the region. Taking in Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand, you’ll discover a variety of regional cultures and cuisines during the tour. Beyond the trappings of civilisation there is plenty of beautiful natural scenery to explore.
Adventure For Less! - Book now and get 15% Off this tour.
North India Unplugged
Countries:
India
Duration:
from 22 Days
Bargain for souvenirs in Delhi, Experience Rajasthani nomad life in Jaisalmer, Sip a tasty lassi in Jodhpur, Fall in love with beautiful Udaipur, Catch a sunrise from the Savitri Temple, Spot feathered friends in the Keoladeo Bird Sanctuary, Visit the legendary Taj Mahal, Experience the holy city of Varanasi, Discover the City of Joy...
Backroads of Japan
Countries:
Japan
Duration:
from 10 Days to 10 Days
Conflict, peace perseverance and prosperity have each shaped the history of Japan, which you can discover for yourself on this fascinating journey. From the early imperial palaces, traditional temples and sacred shrines, to 20th century memorials to the devastation of war, you can follow the evolution of a nation. Explore modern cities, climb dormant volcanoes and enjoy a soak in natural thermal springs and on this adventure tour to remember.
Save money on your trip - book now for up to 25% off!
Turkey & Greek Island Odyssey
Countries:
Greece,
Turkey
Duration:
from 10 Days to 10 Days
Discover Istanbul with an expert local guide to the Blue Mosque, Galata Bridge, Spice Markets + more. Spend 3 nights on board a cruise ship in the Aegean. See Ephesus - one of the ancient 7 wonders.
Best of Vietnam & Cambodia
Countries: Cambodia, Vietnam
Join us as we journey into the heart and soul of Indochina. Combining the best of both countries, this trip will open your eyes to the delights of Indochina and leave you mystified by these magic locations.
The Reunification Express
Countries:
Vietnam
Duration:
from 15 Days
Explore the evocative Old Quarter of Hanoi, Sail Halong Bay, Ride the famed Reunification Express, Visit imperial Hue, Embark on a shopping spree in Hoi An, Swim in the South China Sea, Explore Saigon by cyclo, Take a row-boat along the Mekong...
Adventurous Angkor
Countries: Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam
Bangkok offers an invigorating start to this tour through South East Asia. Delve into Hindu mythology and Khmer architecture at Cambodia’s dramatic Angkor Wat, and then it’s on to high octane Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City for markets, museums and multiple pagodas. Enjoy the hospitality of local people in the Mekong Delta before we city-hop up the beautiful South China Sea coast with time to relax in Halong Bay on the way to French colonial-styled Hanoi. Adventure For Less! - Book now and get 15% Off this tour.
Mongolian Expedition
Countries: Mongolia
Introducing Mongolia, an untamed and rugged land locked between Russia and China. Starting in Ulaan Bataar with its Soviet architecture and palaces, this tour gives you the chance to soak up the tranquil atmosphere at the Amarbayasgalant Monastery, enjoy the traditional hospitality of a local family in a Mongolian ger, soak away travel aches at the Jiguur hot springs and visit the remains of the capital city Genghis Khan built at Kharkhorin.
Adventure For Less! - Book now and get 15% Off this tour.
Wonders of India and Nepal
Countries:
India,
Nepal
Duration:
from 29 Days to 29 Days
Experience the vastness and variety of India and Nepal as we take you to bustling cities, sacred lakeside towns, authentic villages and everything in between. We visit wonders, both natural and man-made. Look out for tigers and trek into the Annapurna Foothills.
Adventure For Less! - Book now and get up to 25% off this tour.
Great Indochina Loop
Countries:
Cambodia,
Laos,
Thailand,
Vietnam
Duration:
from 29 Days
Ride a longtail down Bangkok's canals, Explore the ancient temples of Chiang Mai, Cruise down the Mekong River, Swim under a waterfall in Luang Prabang, Unwind in Vientiane, Enjoy Hanoi's French fancies, Be enchanted by beautiful Halong Bay, Discover imperial elegance in Hue, Channel the spirits of old traders in Hoi An, Tantalise tastebuds in Ho Chi Minh City, Ponder Phnom Penh's volatile past, See the incredible temples of Angkor...
Cambodia Basix
Countries:
Cambodia,
Thailand,
Vietnam
Duration:
from 13 Days
Bargain like a local in Bangkok's markets, Take a tuk-tuk to explore the Angkor temples, Experience rural village life at a Cambodian homestay, Delve into Khmer history in Phnom Penh, Explore Sihanoukville's tropical surrounds, See the sights of Ho Chi Minh City...
Roam China
Countries:
China
Duration:
from 20 Days
Discover the many faces of Beijing, Trek the Great Wall, Come face to face with the Terracotta Warriors, Shop for a bargain in Yuyuan Bazaar, Explore mystical countryside around Yangshuo, Trek through the rice terraces of Longji, Experience rural living at a village stay, Sample delicacies in a Hong Kong food market...
