Best Things to Do in Asia: Find Hidden Gems and Cultural Experiences
Get expert advice on planning a trip to Asia.
June 17, 2026
6 minute read
Planning a trip to Asia? Whether it’s your first trip or your fifth, this guide shares the best things to do in Asia with insider tips from Iliyas and Sam, the expert Tour Designers behind Collette's Asia tours.
What you’ll find in this guide:
Must-see attractions by country
Hidden gems most travellers miss
Cultural experiences with locals
Travel tips from expert Tour Designers
Key Takeaways for Travelling in Asia
Asia offers a mix of iconic sights and lesser-known experiences.
The most memorable trips go beyond tourist attractions into local culture and daily life.
Each country delivers something unique, from Japan’s traditions to India’s history.
Hidden gems and small-group experiences create more meaningful connections.
Guided tours help you access places and experiences most travellers miss.
Why Should Asia Be on Your Travel List?
Place Asia at the top of your travel wish list if you're seeking more than tourist attractions and sightseeing. Collette’s guided tours help you to explore some of the best places to travel in Asia, visit UNESCO world heritage sites, navigate busy cities, experience a variety of natural landscapes up close, and meet locals who invite you to share cultural traditions.
Top Tourist Attractions in Asia by Country
Collette’s tours are known for taking a more regional approach by venturing off the beaten path, meeting people, and getting to know the more authentic side of a destination. But before we share our favourite hidden gems, there are a few must-see attractions worth noting.
Must‑See Tourist Attractions in Thailand
Thailand's tourist attractions include cities, history, and natural beauty.
Bangkok – Explore Thailand’s capital as you move between grand temples, vibrant street life, and historic neighborhoods that showcase daily local culture.
Sukhothai Historical Park (UNESCO) – Walk among the ruins of Thailand’s ancient capital and gain insight into the country’s early history.
Phuket’s coastline – Relax along Phuket’s beaches and enjoy a slower pace.
Insider Tip: It’s worth the time to see Bangkok at night by tuk-tuk.
Must‑See Tourist Attractions in Japan
Tokyo – Enjoy the contrast of modern skyscrapers that rise up alongside historic shrines.
Kyoto – Step into Japan’s former imperial capital, where temples, gardens, and traditional districts reflect centuries of history.
Mount Fuji viewpoints – Take in views of one of the world’s most recognizable natural landmarks, weather permitting.
Insider tip: In Japan, tradition lives alongside modern wonders like skyscrapers, bullet trains, and robots. "So when you travel there, you see everybody, everything is very traditional, but at the same time, it's a very modern country," says Iliyas.
Must‑See Tourist Attractions in Vietnam
Vietnam’s highlights combine dramatic scenery with deep cultural history.
Ha Long Bay (UNESCO) – Cruise through emerald waters surrounded by towering limestone karsts in one of Asia’s most iconic landscapes.
Hanoi’s Old Quarter – Wander through narrow streets where historic buildings reflect centuries of daily life.
Hoi An (UNESCO) – Stroll lantern‑lit streets in this preserved trading town known for its charm and walkability.
Insider Tip: On our Journey Through Northern Vietnam and Kingdoms of Southeast Asia small group tours, guests stay overnight on a boat on Ha Long Bay. It's a unique experience that lets travellers understand why this place is so special.
Must‑See Tourist Attractions in India
India’s landmarks are powerful, emotional, and unforgettable.
Taj Mahal – Stand before one of the world’s most famous monuments and experience its scale and symbolism firsthand.
Varanasi and the Ganges River – Witness daily spiritual rituals unfold along the riverbanks of one of India’s most sacred cities.
Ranthambore National Park – Experience a safari in one of the best places in the country to spot tigers in the wild.
Insider Tip: Guided tours can make travel through India easier. Learn why travellers choose to take guided tours through India.
Go Off the Beaten Path: Hidden Gems in Asia
Iliyas and Sam plan tours that take travellers off the beaten path for unique experiences in Asia.
Hidden Gems in Vietnam
Mai Chau villages – Walk through rice fields, visit communities, and see rural life up close.
Home‑hosted market dinners – Live like a local. Shop for ingredients and cook alongside local families.
Private water puppet performance – Experience this centuries‑old artform inside an artist’s home rather than a crowded theatre.
Insider Tip: Include cultural moments on your trip. For example, travellers with Collette visit the home of a renowned puppeteer, meet his family, and watch a private water puppet show.
Hidden Gems in Laos
Alms giving in Luang Prabang – Join a quiet morning ritual where you offer food to monks as they walk through the streets.
Baci ceremony – Take part in a traditional Lao blessing held inside a local home.
Village pick-up games – Unwind and connect with local people over food and a game of Pétanque.
Hidden Gems in Japan
Japan’s lesser‑known traditions add unexpected depth.
Ama pearl diver experience (Ise‑Shima) – Meet women who continue an ancient free‑diving tradition passed down through generations.
Rural onsen regions – Relax in hot springs far from major cities and enjoy a quieter side of Japan.
Want more experiences most travellers never find? Check out our small group tour of Japan and South Korea for more unique experiences and lesser known destinations.
Cultural Experiences in Asia
Guided tours designed by local experts offer travellers a respectful way to enjoy cultural experiences in Asia.
Cultural Experiences in Thailand
Ethical elephant sanctuaries (Chiang Mai) – Visit rescued elephants in a responsible setting focused on care, education, and conservation.
Family‑hosted meals – Sit down with local families and share a meal that opens the door to conversation and connection.
Insider tip: When visiting elephants look for ethical sanctuaries like the one included on our small group tour of Thailand, where guests help prepare food for rescued elephants.
Cultural Experiences in Vietnam
Visit rice fields – Share a meal with a local farmer and his family, learning about their daily lives and cultivation of this grain in the terraced fields.
Conversations with war veterans – Listen to personal stories that bring Vietnam’s history into sharper focus.
Insider tip: Our small group tours of Vietnam a great fit for travellers who want to take a deeper dive into Vietnamese culture.
Cultural Experiences in Japan
Sushi‑making classes – Learn traditional techniques whilst gaining insight into Japanese food culture.
Geisha and taiko drums – On some of our Japan tours, you can experience art forms up close through taiko drum lessons and a Geisha show.
Festivals – Time your trip to enjoy some of Japan’s many traditional festivals.
Cultural Experiences in India
Home‑hosted meals – Cook and eat with local families, turning dinner into a cultural exchange.
Women‑led social enterprises – Meet women who are reshaping their communities through local initiatives.
See all of our small group tours for culturally curious travellers.
Final Thoughts: What to Do in Asia
A guided tour with Collette turns Asia into more than a collection of tourist attractions . Our Tour Designers take the time to find those hidden gems and cultural moments that let you connect with the people and history of the places you visit in Asia.
Ready to explore Asia the Collette way? See available Asia tours or order a brochure.
