Private Asia Travel, Designed by Experts, Tailor-Made for You

It depends on where you are going. Japan’s cherry blossom season runs late March through mid-April and is one of the country’s most popular travel periods. Vietnam is best visited November through April, when the north and central coast are cooler and drier. Thailand’s high season runs November through March. India’s northern circuit is most comfortable October through March, with Rajasthan staying clear and warm through February. Nepal’s main trekking windows are October to November and March to May. Because Asia spans such a range of climates, the timing of a multi-country itinerary needs to be planned carefully — a specialist can help sequence destinations around seasonal conditions.

Ten to fourteen days works well for a single country like Japan, Vietnam, or Thailand. Combining two countries — Vietnam and Cambodia, or Japan and South Korea — is best done over fifteen to eighteen days. India generally warrants at least twelve days to cover more than one region without feeling rushed. Generally speaking, a two-week itinerary is ideal, especially considering the distance to travel to most Asian countries from the U.S.

Visa requirements vary by destination and passport, but all are generally easy to obtain, either upon arrival or in advance. The most complicated country is Bhutan, which requires all visitors to pay a daily Sustainable Development Fee. Regardless of the requirements of your chosen destination, your specialist will provide up-to-date visa guidance as part of the pre-departure process.

Generally speaking, the countries in Asia we work in are safe and excellent destinations for travelers. The primary risks are petty theft in crowded areas. which is largely mitigated by private guiding and transfers. We work exclusively with trusted ground operators across the region and provide 24-hour emergency support throughout every trip.

Foodie travelers will be spoiled for choice across Asia. Japan, Vietnam, and Thailand are consistently ranked among the world’s top food destinations. Japan’s depth — from Michelin-starred kaiseki restaurants to ramen shops open at midnight — is unmatched, and even small regional cities have serious food culture. Vietnam’s regional variation is significant: the food in Hanoi, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City are each distinct. Thailand rewards both street food explorers and travelers interested in cooking classes and formal dining. India’s cuisine varies more by region than almost any other country in the world, and the cooking class experiences in Rajasthan and Kerala are among the best food experiences available anywhere in Asia.

It varies widely by itinerary. Japan involves a fair amount of walking through temple districts and city neighborhoods, but nothing requiring special fitness. Southeast Asia trips based around cities, boat cruises, and cultural sites are suitable for most fitness levels. More active options include Nepal trekking, the Nakasendo walking trail in Japan, cycling the Mekong Delta, jungle trekking in Sumatra, and hiking between hill tribes in mountainous northern Vietnam and Thailand. India’s wildlife safaris are conducted by jeep and are accessible at any fitness level. Every itinerary can be calibrated to your preferred pace, and active and relaxed days can be mixed throughout.