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Rated Exceptional
4.7 out of 5 in the past year - backed by 30,042 lifetime reviews
Asia is too vast and varied to experience through a one-size-fits-all approach. That's why Collette guided tours are designed and led by local experts who understand the nuances that make each destination unique. Backed by more than 100 years of guided travel expertise, we handle the logistics, coordination, and regional intricacies behind the scenes, so you can focus on discovering what makes every destination distinctly its own.
Asia's most famous landmarks deserve their reputation. But some of the most memorable moments happen when you go deeper and look further. That's why our local experts design journeys that balance iconic sights with unexpected discoveries, helping you experience a richer, more complete picture of each destination.
Meet Japan’s ama pearl divers. Sample local delicacies in a 600-year-old market. Explore the hundreds of Buddhas found in the Pak Ou Caves. Learn traditions from the people who keep them alive. These meaningful encounters offer a deeper understanding of your surroundings with every experience.
Learning about the DMZ is one thing, but seeing it for yourself and speaking with a North Korean defector is something else, something deeper. Our local experts create opportunities to engage with the people and initiatives shaping their communities, helping you see your surroundings from a different perspective.
The places you stay should be part of the journey. Unwind in a lush jungle resort or sleep on a tatami mat in a traditional Japanese inn — every stay is selected to immerse you in the destination while providing the comfort and hospitality you expect.
Meaningful travel takes time. With thoughtfully paced itineraries and multi-night stays, you'll have the opportunity to slow down, look closer, and experience each destination in greater depth. The result is a richer journey that's energising rather than exhausting.
With the flexibility to cancel up to 24 hours before departure, private home-to-airport chauffeur service, and 24/7 emergency support, you can focus on what matters most — enjoying your trip.
Industry-Leading Cancellation Waiver
Receive Private Chauffeur Service Home-to-Airport
Always There 24/7 Emergency Support
Guided by Local In-Destination Experts
Plan your trip to Asia with one of our travel experts.
4.7 out of 5 the past year — backed by 30042 lifetime reviews
Tour Rating
Cooking classes, boat tours, night markets, and unique interactions with local residents made our experience truly life changing. Our Vietnamese guide was truly phenomenal. We loved every day of our tour!
Tour Rating
I’ve done over a dozen tours with Collette and this one was my favourite. Visits and stories from the Hiroshima bomb survivor and North Korean defector will stay with me forever.
Tour Rating
Our Indian tour manager Ashish was exceptional!!!! He brought the tour to life with his passion and knowledge and expertise in management. We experienced India with all of our senses. We also made new friends, due to the small group size.
The currency in Japan is the Yen. Not every place accepts credit cards, so it’s good to carry cash. Japan is accustomed to breaking larger bills in shops and stores, but small currency is useful for smaller shops, restaurants, and local businesses.
Your personal bank card may work at local ATMs and dispense local currency. Check with your bank before you leave. Many travellers use ATMs at 7-Eleven stores since they are easy to find and use.
7-Elevens themselves are worth visiting, offering a wide variety of unique snack and drink options.
Japanese cuisine is taken very seriously, and many restaurants specialise in mastering one dish.
Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free diets are uncommon and may not be widely accommodated. Meals highlight fresh ingredients and local specialities.
Portions may be smaller than you’re used to, and leftovers are uncommon. Leaving food behind can be considered disrespectful.
If you're unsure about menu items, your Tour Manager can help. Fish is a major part of the diet and prepared in many ways.
Japan is also known for noodles like soba, udon, and somen. Slurping noodles is common and shows appreciation — don’t be shy.
To enhance your experience, try saying “itadakimasu” before eating (a phrase of gratitude) and “gochisosama deshita” after finishing your meal to thank the cook and the ingredients.
Tipping is not customary in Japan for restaurants, hotels, taxis, or bars. If you want to offer a gratuity for special services, place cash in a small envelope and give it discreetly.
Thailand is warm year-round. The cooler, drier season runs from November to April, which is ideal for travel. September and October are also good options with milder temperatures.
The currency of Thailand is the Baht.
ATMs are typically the most convenient way to obtain local currency, though availability can vary. Money can also be exchanged at airports, banks, exchange bureaus, and hotels. Hotels and city exchanges often offer better rates than airports, though fees may apply.
Tipping is not common among locals but is appreciated. A 10% tip is a good guideline for restaurants or local transport like tuk-tuks.
Gratuities for baggage handling and included meals are covered by Collette. However, tips for housekeeping, local guides, drivers, and Tour Managers are not included.
There will be a lot of walking, so broken-in, comfortable shoes are key on tour. Casual clothing is OK, though people tend to dress conservatively, especially in religious sites like temples. Khakis, slacks, polo shirts, and cotton tops are all appropriate.
The basic rule for visiting temples is to cover your shoulders and knees. Ideally, you would cover your ankles, too. On the bottom, wear longer shorts, capris, pants, or a knee-length or longer skirt. On top, choose any shirt that fully covers your shoulders. A pashmina or a scarf worn around the shoulders over a sleeveless shirt would work. In addition, you may be asked to remove your shoes to enter, so we suggest easy slip-on shoes and wearing socks.
Weather is typically hot during the day and cool in the evenings, so think layers.
The currency of Vietnam is the Dong. The currency of Laos is the Kip. The currency of Cambodia is the Riel.
Your personal bank card may work at local ATMs in the destination you are travelling to and would dispense local currency. Check with your bank before you leave. Please note that ATMs will probably be the most convenient and least expensive way to obtain local currency, however, they may not always be available.
Most street vendors accept local currency and U.S. dollars in Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos, but local currency is always helpful. It’s a must in small denominations for lunches and tipping.
While you may be used to servers leaving you with a menu, waitstaff will wait while you look at the menu to take your order. Don’t feel rushed; they don’t mind waiting. In fact, you will have to request your bill at the end of the meal. Restaurants will not pressure you to hurry or leave.
You may have heard to avoid drinking tap water and ordering drinks with ice, but ice is generally safe in restaurants. You can always confirm the water is filtered beforehand. Another tip: bring your own napkins — they’re seldom provided.
