Singapore
Singapore is both a city, an island and a country. With nearly 6 million people, it is one of the most densely populated countries in the whole world. It was initially a port controlled by pirates, but ever since the 1960s, the country has undergone a steady process of rapid economic growth, becoming one of the most thriving economies worldwide. It has very modern architecture, featuring unique buildings such as the Marina Bay Sands Hotel, which has the shape of a ship.
Even though the city has a well-developed transport system, you can also choose to take a tour. In that case, we suggest you take the 5-day “Singapore Gateway” tour with Thomas Cook. This tour will take you to dozens of modern buildings, including the famous Gardens by the Bays and its man-made Cloud Forest. They will also take to Jurong Bird Park, which features the highest man-made waterfall in the world.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is an autonomous territory and a bustling city, and it has one of the highest population densities in the world. But while most tourists love visiting the city’s skyscrapers and the famous Buddha statue, little do they know that there’s a fascinating island named Peng Chau just a few kilometers away. Therefore, we strongly recommend taking the 1-day “Island Life: The Slow, Magical World of Peng Chau” tour with Little Adventures.
This island is packed with temples, the most famous one being the Tin Hau Temple. The island is so small that the two main modes of transportation are bicycles or on foot. The traditional lifestyle of this fishing village contrasts sharply with Hong Kong’s chaos, so it’s definitely a good option if you wish to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
Armenia
Did any of you know that Armenia is the oldest Catholic nation in the world? If you want to experience the architectural wonders and the towering mountains of this ancient Caucasian nation, then go on the 10-day “Wonders of Armenia” tour with One Way Tour. If you’re a history lover, then you’ll enjoy your first two days in the capital city of Yerevan, but be ready to learn about the country’s tragic past by visiting the Armenian Genocide Museum.
The tour will also take you to numerous historical sites in the middle of the countryside, such as the 12-century Geghard Monastery and the ruins of the medieval Zvartnots Cathedral. You’ll also go on a tour to the Khndzoresk Canyon, famous for its scenic rock formations and ancient cave settlements. You’ll also visit Lake Parz, one of the most beautiful natural sites in the country, hidden amid the Dilijan National Park
Sunderbans Delta, India
India may be most known for its cultural and religious diversity, but it’s equally worth mentioning that it has a rich wildlife. In this sense, the country’s Sunderbans Delta is the largest coastal mangrove forest in the world, famous for its reportedly “man-eating” tigers. So take the 13-day “West Bengal and Cruising the Sunderbans” tour with Myths and Mountains.
The truth is that tigers are quite difficult to spot, but if you’re lucky, you’ll catch a glimpse of the largest and most dangerous feline in the world. But this isn’t the park’s only attraction. You will also visit crocodile and tiger rescue centers, learn about local muslin weaving, and go on a food tour to try the regional seafood.
Laos
Even though Laos is overshadowed by the neighboring countries of Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia, this laidback nation definitely deserves to be on your bucket list. So contact Adventure Life and ask for the 9-day “Laos in Motion” tour. We swear you won’t regret it! From biking, kayaking to mountain climbing, this tour has got it all.
If you’re an animal lover, the tour includes a visit to the Nam Et-Phou Louey National Protected Area, where you’ll be able to spot the famous sun bear in its natural habitat. You’ll also visit the mountain resort Vang Vieng, where you’ll enjoy some kayaking and tubing along the Nam Song River, surrounded by the breathtaking backdrop of the Phangern Mountains.
Timor Leste
Timor-Leste was the first country to gain independence in the 20th century. As it is still recovering from the effects of the wars that struck the country in past decades, its tourism is still in an embryonic state. But in spite of this, the company World Expeditions offers amazing tours, including the 10-day “East Timor Adventure”.
Take this tour and discover the island’s fascinating natural and cultural heritage. At first, you’ll start by visiting the Portuguese-influenced capital of Dili, which is the country’s most populated city. Then, you’ll go for some snorkeling or scuba diving in the crystal-clear waters of the island’s fabulous beaches, which are actually not that far from the capital. And if you’re a trekking fan, then I’ve got good news for you, since the tour includes a two-day hike to the top of the country’s tallest summit, Mount Tatamailau.
Mongolia
Did you know that National Geographic has its own tourism company? Wait no further, and go on the Mongolian Horse Trek with Nat Geo Expeditions. Visiting Mongolia is sort of like traveling back through time. In fact, did you know that a third of the country’s population are nomads, just like in the Stone Age?
This 14-day tour will start off with two nights in the capital city of Ulaan Baatar, but other than that, the whole tour will take you through the countryside. The trip offers several unique experiences, such as feasting and fishing with your hosts, trying out traditional bows and arrows, and attending local festivals. If you’re a culture lover, then this is the place to go. In fact, an anthropologist specialized in Mongolian culture will be joining your group!
Cambodia
Cambodia is a fascinating country, and even though it lacks the modern infrastructure of other neighboring countries such as Thailand or Malaysia, it is filled with fascinating spots waiting to be discovered. So don’t think twice and embark on the 10-day “Cambodia: Hike, Bike & Kayak” tour with Tour Radar.
The tour starts off at the capital city of Phnom Penh and ends with Siem Reap, which is home to one of the most impressive temples from around the globe, the Angkor Wat. In Siem Reap, you’ll go on a bike tour to visit the nearby Ta Phrom and Angkor Thom temples, and you’ll also go on a kayak tour through a couple of floating villages just 10 kilometers away from the city.
Uttar Pradesh, India
We’re back in India! Apart from its rich wildlife, India is also one of the most multicultural and multiethnic countries in the whole world. If you’re interested in gaining insight into the local culture and into the Hinduist religion, then go on the 10-day “Diving Into Immortality” tour organized by Wildland Adventures. This tour will take you through Uttar Pradesh’s holiest cities, including Lucknow and Varanasi. The latter, located by the banks of the Ganges River, is the most sacred city in the country.
But the best part of this tour is that it will also take you to Allahabad for Kumbh Mela, a famous Hindu festival which lasts 90 days, during which people dive into the sacred waters of the Ganges River. It happens to be the largest spiritual gathering in the world, joining nearly 75 million people each year.
Japan And South Korea
If you wish to visit East Asia but are not sure of which places to go to, don’t doubt taking the 17-day “Treasures of Japan With South Korea” tour offered by Zegrahm. This tour starts off with Japan’s capital city of Tokyo, which is nothing less than the most populated city in the world, with over 30 million people. You will then be taken to Beppu, which is one of the most famous hot spring resorts in East Asia.
During the second week of the tour, you will visit Gyeongju, an ancient dynastic capital in South Korea, famous for its artistry in wood, metal, and stone. You’ll also visit Jeju Island, an oval-shaped volcanic island that is one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World. Of course, you’ll end the tour with a two-day visit to Seoul, South Korea’s bustling capital. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot elephants, orangutans, and toucans, among other endangered species.
Borneo, Malaysia
Borneo is one of the biggest islands in the world, and it is actually shared by three countries: Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei. It is home to thousands of unique animal species, and it also harbors the world’s oldest rainforest. If you wish to visit the Malaysian side, think no further and go on Nat Geo Expedition‘s 11-day “Borneo Wildlife Adventure” tour.
The tour will take you to an orangutan rehabilitation center at Kibali-Sepilok Forest Reserve, where you’ll be able to stand side by side to one of the rarest primate species in the world. You’ll also spend two nights on the Sukau Rainforest Lodge, located on the banks of the Kinabatangan River, in the center of the Borneo Rainforest.
Yunnan Province, China
The People’s Republic of China is the third biggest country in the world, which means that there are literally thousands of places worth visiting. However, Yunnan is probably one of the most beautiful provinces in the whole country. So take the 7-day “Travels Through Dali With Mei Zhang” tour, where the tour guide Zhang will personally guide you through her lakefront hometown of Dali.
While visiting the town, you’ll meet the local ham curers, cheese-makers, and artisans, and you’ll learn about the lifestyle of the small traditional Chinese villages. After that, Zhang will take you to Yunnan’s Yuayang rice terraces, created by the Hani People. If you’re a nature lover, don’t miss this tour, cause you’ll also catch a glimpse of the Yunnan Mountains.
Thailand
As the years go by, Thailand is becoming more and more popular. In fact, Bangkok is the most visited city in the world, and the beaches of Ao Nang and Phuket are amongst the most popular destinations in the world. But Thailand has thousands of intriguing places to visit, and many of them remain quite unspoiled by tourism. Discover the country’s hidden treasures by going on the 3-day “Ban Talae Nok & Ton Kloy Hike” tour in Ranong, with the company Exotic Voyages.
Ban Talae Nok is a pleasant village located right by a long stretch of undeveloped beaches. Apart from going for a swim, this tour will take you to the small nearby villages so that you experience the Thai traditional lifestyle, where local residents will teach you the art of hand-dyeing batik. For those interested in a bit of adventure, they’ll also take you on a hike to a nearby waterfall.
Sri Lanka
South of India, the island of Sri Lanka is one of the most unique countries in Asia. If you’re an animal lover, go on the 11-day “Sri Lanka Wildlife Safari” tour with Natural Habitat Adventures, we swear you’ll thank me for it. You’ll encounter some of the nation’s rarest species, such as the Asian elephants and blue whales.
This tour will take you to the amazing Wilpattu National Park, famous for its numerous leopard population. Then, you’ll head towards the Undawalawe National Park, the most visited park in the country, which is an important habitat for dozens of water birds as well as to the Sri Lankan elephant. Don’t miss your chance!
Iran
Iran is home to one of the oldest civilizations in the world and is thus one of the best travel destinations in the world for those who feel passionate about history and culture. The country began welcoming American tourists 30 years ago, and we encourage you to go on the 11-day “Persian Sofreh” trip with Iran Doostan.
If you’re a foodie, don’t forget to try the kebabs at Tehran’s Tarjish bazaar, one of the country’s most spectacular markets. The tour will also take you to the fascinating city of Shiraz, famous for its many historical sites, including the Hafez Tomb, the Eram Gardens and the marvelous Nasir-Ol-Molk Mosque. In addition, the tour will take you to some of the most beautiful spots in the Zagros Mountains, where you’ll have one of the most amazing trekking experiences of your life.
Java And Bali, Indonesia
Did you know that Indonesia is made up of more than 14,000 islands? Two of the most famous ones are Bali and Java. While Bali is famous for its party life and storylike beaches, Java is better known for its amazing trekking destinations and temples. Go on the 11-day “Indonesia-Java & Bali” tour with Austin Adventures if you want to visit both islands, and we swear you won’t regret it.
This trek will start off with a visit to Bali’s famous beaches of Kuta and Nusa Dua, and after that, you’ll head towards the island’s cultural and artistic hub, Ubud. During the second half of the tour, you’ll head towards Java to visit the majestic city of Yogyakarta, famous for the Buddhist temples of Borobudur and the Hinduist temples of Prambanan. Finally, you’ll end the trek with a visit to Mt. Bromo, one of Indonesia’s most beautiful volcanoes.
Hunza Valley, Pakistan
If you’re a nature and a mountain fan, then you should know that Pakistan is home to some of the world’s most striking mountains, valleys, and lakes. Don’t miss this 20-day “Pakistan’s Hunza Valley” tour, organized by the company Geo Ex, which will take you along the stunning Karakoram Highway, one of the highest paved roads in the whole world.
This highway crosses the breathtaking and towering mountains of the Hunza Valley. But this tour isn’t just about trekking and hiking: you’ll also visit a couple of oases built by the inhabitants of Gilgit-Baltistan, which were created by carving channels out of the mountainsides by hand in order to redirect the water to the towns. If you happen to be an animal fan, we’ve got terrific news: there’s a high chance you’ll be able to spot the brown bear and the snow leopard.
Georgia
Georgia is one of the most ecologically diverse nations in the world, not to mention its rich ancient cultural heritage. Contact Sakura Travels and ask for the 10-day “Explore Georgia Deeply” tour. The tour will introduce you to the nation’s many colors, including a visit to the stunning mountainous towns of Svaneti and Kazbegi.
But Georgia isn’t only about mountains. The tour will also include a visit to the ancient Roman ruins of Gonio in the outskirts of Batumi, as well as a wine tour in the country’s striving capital, Tbilisi. The last two days of the tour will be dedicated to exploring Tbilisi’s marvelous architecture, so don’t miss the city’s Old Town, one of the country’s many UNESCO Heritage Sites.
Uzbekistan
The landlocked nation of Uzbekistan is one of the most fascinating of the “-stans” nations. It is home to the Silk Road cities of Samarkand and Bukhara, which are both UNESCO Heritage Sites. The country is located right in between the East and the West, and thus features an interesting blend between European cuisine, Soviet architecture, Chinese silks, and Iranian antiquities.
Take the 10-day “Backstreets and Bazaars of Uzbekistan” tour with MIR Corporation and discover Uzbekistan’s many facets. From the red desert sands of the Kyzylkum Desert to the archaeological site of Itchan Kala, this tour is ideal both for culture and nature lovers. Of course, you’ll also visit the capital city of Tashkent, one of the few places with modern architecture in the whole country.
Myanmar
Unlike the rest of Southeast Asia, Myanmar is one of the few countries in the world that remains pretty much uncontaminated by Western culture and influence. Myanmar Shalom offers a wide variety of tours, but if you’re on a tight schedule, we suggest you take the 8-day “Very best of Myanmar” tour, especially if it’s your first time in the country.
The tour will begin with a 2-day visit in the former capital of Yangon, a city with a rich cultural and religious heritage and a faded colonial charm. Next, you’ll be taken to Bagan, an ancient city surrounded by mountains, which harbors nearly 2,300 temples. Lastly, you will visit a couple of rural villages near Inle Lake to discover the country’s traditional lifestyle. If you’re interested in visiting another country that still hasn’t been spoilt by Western culture, slide next!
Bhutan
Traveling to Bhutan is one of the most unique experiences in the world, especially for those of us who have grown up in the Western world. This Buddhist Kingdom has opened up to tourism merely a decade ago, and it is gradually easing into modernity in its own way. We strongly suggest you take the 13-day “Spirit of Bhutan” tour organized by Wild Women Expeditions.
This tour includes a 12-km trek to the Bumdra Monastery, a beautiful temple located in the middle of the mountains. Not only will you visit different temples and Buddhist pagodas, but you will also meet local women at community storytelling sessions, and you’ll even have the chance of practicing some traditional archery.
Nepal
The Kingdom of Nepal is famous for being home to the Himalayas and to the tallest mountain in the world, Mt. Everest. While the country is still recovering from the devastating 2015 earthquake, we strongly recommend you to take the 10-day “Myth of Mustang” tour with the company Explorer’s Passage. As you may have expected, the tour includes an amazing trekking experience through the snow-topped mountains of the Himalayas, where you’ll come across shrines and prayer flags along your way.
But there is much more to Nepal other mountains. You will visit the country’s fascinating capital of Kathmandu and the neighboring cities of Patan and Bhaktapur, the three of which feature beautiful squares packed with dozens of temples and shrines, and which are all UNESCO Heritage Sites. Lastly, visit Pashupatinath, the holiest site in the country for Hindus, filled with hundreds of crematoriums called ghats.
Komodo Island, Indonesia
Komodo Island is one of the most spectacular places in Indonesia and in the world. Visit one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World by taking this 11-day “Komodo Snorkeling Expedition” tour with Wilderness Travels, and I assure you that you’ll thank me forever. You’ll travel through the island on a two-masted ship, sailing through the Coral Triangle waters.
The waters that surround Komodo Island are home to one of the country’s most impressive corals, thus making it a one-of-a-kind diving spot. Obviously, the tour includes a visit to the Komodo National Park, home to the famous Komodo dragons, the largest and most dangerous lizard in the world. These giant animals feed on pigs, deer and water buffalos, but watch out because they’re quite aggressive towards humans too!