InsideAsia Tours

We want the destinations we love to be enjoyed by future generations and we're committed to reducing the negative impacts and increasing the positive impacts of how we travel.

So, our first year as a B Corp has been a busy one! Our Impact Report outlines how we did in 2023, and what we plan to do next. A huge thanks to our team for making it happen 💪

You can read it here:https://insidetravelgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ITG_Impact_Report-2023_LR.pdf

Food in South Korea isn't just part of the culture - it is the culture, and it's a whole lot of fun. Here are some of our favourite snaps of travel writer Jeremy Drake's recent trip, where he met our local guide, Meggie, for an evening of eating and drinking, Korea-style 🤩🍗🍻🍜

Ps - find further food-inspired itinerary inspo with our Culinary Korea trip, here: https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0btsg40

Connecting with people you’d never cross paths with in ‘real’ life is what our cultural adventures are all about. Here's Beth, one of our team, with a perfect example from her research trip to Vietnam:

🏡 My guide took me to a traditional ‘garden house’ and introduced me to its owner, Mr. Vinh. The two of us sat down in the shade on polished wooden furniture and, over cups of sweet tea and a platter of fresh mango, he told me the story of his house.

👪 It belonged to his grandfather, a mandarin to the emperor, over 150 years ago. The house was almost destroyed during the war, but Mr. Vinh, who remembers playing in the gardens as a child, had devoted years to faithfully restoring it – down to the unique curves of the beams.

🎻As he led me around, he eagerly pointed out figs growing in a leafy corner, chuckled about his many ‘non-paying guests’ as frogs splashed out of our way, and carefully presented me with artifacts his family had once used: a checkers board, a ceramic tea set, a battered string instrument.

🎓 Spending time in the house Mr. Vinh now proudly opens to the public, with our guide patiently translating question after question, I learnt things about his history, life, and perspective I could never have read in the guidebooks.

😍 Before I left, Mr. Vinh asked if we could have a photo together, in front of his house, perfectly capturing an afternoon I won’t forget in a hurry.

We'd love to hear about the fantastic people you've met on your travels, too - share them with us below 👇

Where can you mix a trip to a s*x museum with a field of stone statues carved from volcanic rock? Where you'll eat a deliciously hearty meal, only to realise it was all vegetarian?

Jeju island in Korea.

"There are great museums alongside plenty of seasonal exhibitions and events showcasing talented Korean artists on Jeju Island, and it's also the Korean hub for sustainable living and vegetarian/vegan options. A great, eco-friendly destination." Robert K, expert insider.

Add this to your next trip: https://eu1.hubs.ly/H09w3Rz0

Known as the ‘Summer Capital of Korea’, Busan is a dynamic city bursting with colour. 🏙️

The vibrant Gamcheon Culture Village nicknamed ‘Korea's Santorini’, is a sprawling neighbourhood brimming with art installations, murals, sculptures, cute cafés, maze-like alleys, winding staircases, and independent shops.

Originally a shanty town built on the steep hillsides of Busan’s suburbs, the resilient and creative residents of this village have transformed this once humble settlement into a cultural oasis characterised by a kaleidoscope of colours, creativity and community spirit. Perched on hills overlooking the sparkling waters of Busan, there’s so much to explore at every turn through the higgledy-piggledy alleys.

Add this to your next trip ➡️ https://eu1.hubs.ly/H09wks10

Hanoi’s elegant French Quarter whispers tales of a bygone era with French architectural marvels and Vietnamese tradition seamlessly blending in a rich cultural fusion. It’s a delight to idly wander through.

“That Franco charm is everywhere in the French Quarter. From the decadent architecture to the way the trees line the streets, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time.” Tom, InsideAsia team

Don’t miss out. Speak to us to add this to your next trip: https://eu1.hubs.ly/H09whWJ0 ⬅️

Kuala Lumpur has a 'hidden' artistic hub. Want to be in on the secret? 🤫

In the heart of the city's downtown, you'll find REXKL, a community, library and cultural hub that occupies one of the country's first theatres.

The building's rich history — marred by fire and reincarnation — culminates in the purpose it serves today: an attempt to rejuvenate a 'forgotten' part of Kuala Lumpur by injecting new businesses, cultural agenda, and creative programmes into an otherwise dilapidated spot

Visit for events, exhibitions, performances, shopping, bookshops, food and beverages — including the city's proud speciality: lemongrass beer. For more info, visit our site: https://eu1.hubs.ly/H09x4PZ0⬅️

(Thanks to Fiona, InsideAsia team, for the snaps)

“There's something special about the landscape and way of life in Northern Thailand; it feels like you've been let into a closely guarded secret.” — Beth, InsideAsia team ✨

Drive an hour from Chiang Rai and find yourself at the foothills of a mountain. Here – Do Mae Salong – you’ll be surrounded by rolling tea plantations, tribal villages, and fields of buffalo. This region will sweep you up with its beauty and charm.

Once you’ve caught your feet, the delicious Lanna cuisine will fill your belly. Think hearty, bold and punchy dishes that mix Thai and Chinese food culture to endlessly delight your senses.

And you’ll experience it all at a local farm stay, in Ahsa, nestled below the mountain, where you’ll meet buffalo, learn about rice growing, tap rubber trees, shop at the market or collect ingredients from their organic garden and learn the art of Lanna cookery.

Find out more – https://eu1.hubs.ly/H09w1JW0⬅️⬅️

We’re spending 30% of our carbon offsets to support the Rimba Raya Biodiversity Reserve REDD+ project, and 70% to support wind turbine construction in south-west India.

To find out more about how your trip is offset or book a trip to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre on the North of Borneo, https://eu1.hubs.ly/H09t-600 ⬅️⬅️

Our travel consultants aren’t often asked about cycling, but almost always recommend it. Why?

You cover more ground and absorb your surroundings. You have total freedom. And some places are just made for taking in, at a leisurely pace, from two wheels.

What better way to celebrate World Bike Day than a guided e-bike tour in Seoul? 🚲

Our colleague, Luke, was glowing about his tour on in South Korea’s capital:

“Not only do you get to use high tech electronic bikes, but the cycles routes are immaculate. Our guide knew all the shortcuts, places of interest, and gave us ample time to stop and enjoy the city.

“We left our bikes unlocked outside a market for an hour while we went and grabbed some food – no one laid a finger on them! A real insight into the collective culture of the country.

“From South Korea’s own slice of the Berlin Wall(!) to food markets and palatial grandeur, this 2–3-hour trip round the city will give you a real sense of what Seoul is like as a place.”

To book this as part of your next trip, go here: https://eu1.hubs.ly/H09rk_J0

Two of our fave Vietnam itineraries — Vietnam’s Landscapes and Vietnam’s Northern Soul — have been featured in the latest The Times and The Sunday Times travel supplement, that lists 25 of their favourite holidays to Vietnam. 🤩

From the wild north to the lush forests of Cuc Phuong, these two itineraries will get you thinking about what your trip to Vietnam could look like if you book with us.

Read it, here: https://eu1.hubs.ly/H09hGmd0

We think travel is the best anti-aging strategy around, and travel journalist Suzanne Moore agrees!

We were so happy to support her piece in The Telegraph and loved her take on Hanoi. She said “The truth is that if your first day in Hanoi doesn’t overwhelm you, then you don’t have a pulse. It’s one of the most exciting cities I’ve ever visited.”, and we couldn't agree more.

With that in mind, we asked her to share some thoughts on her experiences for our blog – and, in something of a love letter to solo travel, here’s what she had to say (staying youthful tips included 😉): https://eu1.hubs.ly/H09hCYd0

“Jeonju is a time capsule. It’s a place where time seems to slow down.” ⌚

After sending influencer Jeremy Drake to Jeonju, we were thrilled to hear all about what makes it a deeply cultural and historically interesting place to visit.

Jeremy was particularly taken by the number of traditional houses in the city – over 800 hanoks!

To watch the reel he created, click here https://eu1.hubs.ly/H09hd3N0 ⬅️

But for now, enjoy some of his best snaps of the architectural gem that is the “supremely walkable” Jeonju. 🚶

What does a dream trip to Thailand include? We asked Jon, one of our resident Thailand experts:

“When I’m helping people work out what their holiday to Thailand looks like, we always end up talking about how different the north is from the south.

“In the north, I cannot say enough about the scenery. It's truly stunning up there in the hills and visiting a local village or hill tribe means you get a feel for real life in rural Thailand, as well as the beautiful countryside. People always come back saying how it was a real highlight of their trip.

“The south, on the other hand, has got a beach or island for absolutely everyone. Picturesque doesn’t cover it – it's paradise down there.”

To book your own slice of paradise, visit our site: https://eu1.hubs.ly/H09fCqn0

An ancient island with no cars? Yes please. 🏝️

Pulau Tioman was selected by Time magazine as one of the world’s most beautiful islands. Located on the east coast of Malaysia, this old fishing community has enough charm and intrigue to get you hooked.

Some fun facts:

• Most of the roads are too small for cars, meaning laid back cycle or moped rides are much more common
• There are some species of amphibians that only exist on Tioman 🐸
• If you love snorkelling this is the place to go — think huge sponges, soft corals and giant clams 🌊🐚

If you’re planning a trip to Malaysia, it’d be a shame to miss it.

Today is International Day of Family 👪

Seeing families enjoying our destinations makes all the hard work pay off. Priceless memories captured; experiences shared; lives changed forever.

Let’s celebrate family today — what does it mean to you?

📍 IN THE NEWS 📍

We’ve been featured in National Geographic's latest article about Vietnam that is as informative as it is winding (just like the Mekong Delta). 📖

Give it a read if you've got a spare 10 minutes > https://eu1.hubs.ly/H093yJv0

As soon as it hits the weekend, all we can think about is being on a beach.🏖️

Here are a selection of some of our favourites at the moment. Any guesses for where they are? Let us know in the comments...

"There really is nowhere in the world quite like Saigon. Whizzing through the streets on the back of a Vespa is one of the best ways to experience it like the locals do." 🛵

From sampling craft beer, to the thrill of a moped, the excitement and anticipation thrives in Ho Chi Minh City. Still referred to as Saigon by some, this city has something for everyone.

Whether you're at a rooftop bar taking in the sublime skyline or sipping a beer on the corner of the historic Post Office, you'll feel the unmistakable personality that's entirely its own.

Do you love visiting places that aren’t like anywhere else? 💭

👋 Welcome to Gwangju 🇰🇷

Come for the:

🌴 The picturesque Boseong tea plantation
🎍 Bamboo forest of Juknokwon
🏡 Soswaewon Garden

Explore here: https://eu1.hubs.ly/H08Xccg0

Culture 🤝 adventure

A holiday he’ll likely never forget; Nigel’s trip to Thailand.

We love seeing what our travelers get up to; keep sending in your pictures by tagging us on social to get featured! 👈

What makes Korea and Japan different? 🤔💭

“Korea has lots of character – people eat and drink on the street here. You wouldn’t see that in Japan”, observed Eugenie in BBC’s Race Across the World.

And that got us talking. Because she’s right. Two of our favourite countries, they’re similar in some ways, but totally different in others. One of those ways is in their gardens. Expert Becky, said:

“In Japan, beautiful Zen gardens are created with structure and order in mind – the bonsai trees grow to a certain height, pebbles are raked meticulously, and rocks are chosen to sit perfectly centre-stage.

“In Korea, nature relentlessly finds its way. The beams of hanoks won’t be cut in rigid edges – instead, they’ll work with the curves of the trees that are already there.

“Japan’s charm comes from its preservation of history, tradition and beguiling way of life; sometimes it can feel like a portal into times gone by.

“Korea is different: it’s always ready to adapt, jostling to keep on top of trends, isn’t afraid to knock things down to build them back better, and has a grittiness that’s evolved from years of occupation. Bbali bbali, meaning ‘hurry hurry’, is built into the culture.”

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What are some of your favourite differences between Korea and Japan? Let us know in the comments 🖌️➡️

InsideJapan Tours

In Kuching, a wide variety of indigenous and immigrant cultures combine to form an unmistakable cultural mélange.

It also offers Bako National Park, where incredible wildlife viewing opportunities are constant — most famously the rare proboscis monkey (there are other types of monkey too) 🐒

Fancy spotting them yourself? ➡️ https://eu1.hubs.ly/H08FS3V0. ⬅️

Dedicated to protecting the culture of events all across the globe, UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Status is a badge of honour. 🎖️

Wearing this with pride, Songkran — Thailand’s new year — is currently in full swing, with three weeks of celebrations rather than the usual three days, all because of the recognition from UNESCO.

From partying in the streets to food festivals, paying respects to monks, and spending time with family and friends, Songkran is a joyous time for Thai people. 🥳

🖌️It's World Art Day 🖌️

Are you an art aficionado or more of a 'can appreciate it but it's not for me' type?

Either way, from teeny tiny galleries to dedicated art-themed islands, carefully curated ancient artifacts to bustling cities teeming with graffiti, there's so much incredible art to be found all over Asia.

We'd love to hear about your top masterpieces from across the world — drop them in the comments 👇🏼

📌 IN THE NEWS 📌

Delicious food, mixed with the vibrant sights and sounds of South Korea, our Culinary Korea tour is picking up heat.

Featured recently in The Times and The Sunday Times this tour is a must for any foodie. From kimchi to KBBQ, it’s a perfect introduction for anyone keen to taste SK’s culinary culture.

Read the piece here: https://eu1.hubs.ly/H08z9RR0

Images that capture a feeling perfectly; a trip of a lifetime for Michael and Lorna.

As their tour provider, we're so glad that they had a wonderful time — nothing makes us happier than seeing photos of our happy travellers in amazing destinations.

We'd love to see your stories with us — tag us in your pictures, for a chance to get featured! 👈

It’s National Walking Day today🚶‍♂️ and the only thing better than taking a nice stroll is going for a hike in a beautiful destination 🏔️🏕️

Japan’s one of our favourite places for hiking - with snowy peaks and lush jungle trails all waiting to be explored on foot 🦶

For some inspiration, we’ve put together a list of our top 10 places to walk and hike in Japan, check it out: https://eu1.hubs.ly/H08ppfL0