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Asia History and Culture

Ancient wonders of the east

Asia History & Culture Holidays

Introduction

Discover the unique cultures of Asia, from world-wonder temples in Thailand and Indochina to the monuments of the ancient Silk Road and great remnants of China's empirical past.

There's so much choice for history and culture holidays in Asia that you'll struggle to choose somewhere to focus on. The Khmer Empire covered Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam at its height. At the heart of the Empire stands Angkor Wat and the other temple complexes such as Angkor Thom, the Bayon and Kbal Spean. Capital cities such as Bangkok and Phnom Penh are full of temples and palaces, whilst cities such as Chiang Mai and Siem Reap are gateways to discover the past. Bagan's temples and ruins in Burma and the Plain of Jars in Laos are equally mysterious and worthy of exploration.

In China, the Qin Dynasty was short but had an enormous impact. Remnants of the empire include the Terracotta Army in Xi'an, which guards Emperor Qin's tomb. The Great Wall of China also stands as an historic monument to the achievements of ancient cultures, whilst the Forbidden City in Beijing showcases China's magnificent past, its opulent treasures and art.

The Silk Road stands as a living monument and the cities along its length trade on their past role as stop-off points for merchants and travellers; Samarkand in Uzbekistan and Almaty in Kazakhstan are full of spectacular sights and artefacts.

To meet the locals go in search of indigenous groups or hill tribes in Thailand and Vietnam in particular.

These are just some of the options available. You can also tailor-make your history and culture holiday in Asia by adding a city stay, Mekong River cruise, Yangtze River cruise or other excursion to your itinerary; talk to a destination specialist to see what we can do for you.

 

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Our top itineraries for Asia History and Culture

Cherry blossom season and Koriyama Castle in Nara, Japan

Japan's Cherry Blossoms 2026 with Oceania

15-day luxury ocean cruise

Please enquire for the latest prices

Visit Japan during the iconic cherry blossom season on a luxury small-ship cruise with Oceania, taking in Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima and Nagasaki. You'll even get a taste of Busan, South Korea, which has its own, less famous but equally beautiful cherry blossom season.

Supertrees at Gardens by the Bay, Singapore

The Allure of Asia on Seven Seas Explorer

20-day luxury ocean cruise from £12,650 pp incl. flights

This voyage is the ultimate introduction to Southeast Asia. Sailing aboard Seven Seas Explorer, you’ll swap sun-kissed islands and vibrant coral reefs for the urban delights of the region’s city greats.

Angkor Thom, Cambodia

Eastern & Oriental Express & The Riches of the Mekong

21-day luxury rail & cruise holiday from £10,445 pp incl. flights

This exclusive itinerary combines two extraordinary travel experiences in one unforgettable holiday – a luxury Mekong river cruise and a journey on one of the world's most elegant trains.

Hiroshima Castle, Japan

Essence of Japan with Tauck

14-day escorted tour from £13,100 pp incl. flights

Delve deep into storied Japanese culture with this escorted tour with Tauck, visiting everything from the hot springs resort town of Hakone to the cultural treasure trove of Kyoto.

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Top offers for Asia History and Culture

Osaka, Japan

Japan's Cherry Blossoms with Silversea

18-day luxury ocean cruise from £9,800 pp incl. flights

Special
cruise offer

Early booking offer: save £1,200 pp on 2026 departures
Book by: 18 October 2024

Experience Japan's cherry blossom season on this all-encompassing, all-inclusive luxury Silversea cruise, exploring the country's ancient and modern worlds surrounded by the beauty of spring.

Gardens by the Bay, Singapore

Singapore to Hong Kong with Silversea

16-day luxury ocean cruise from £8,000 pp incl. flights

Special
cruise offer

Save up to £1,200 per person on selected departure dates
Book by: 31 October 2024

Explore the cultural and coastal delights of Southeast Asia as you sail from Singapore to Hong Kong with Silversea, taking in everywhere from the golden beaches of the Gulf of Thailand to the buzzing cities of Bangkok and Saigon.

Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Essential Vietnam & Cambodia

14-day river cruise holiday from £3,995 pp incl. flights

Special
cruise offer

Free cabin upgrade and save up to 30%
Book by: 18 October 2024

Discover the ancient and cultural wonders of the Mekong on this two-week tour of Vietnam and Cambodia, travelling from Ho Chi Minh to Siem Reap with Travelmarvel by APT.

Taj Mahal India

India's Golden Triangle & the Sacred Ganges

14-day luxury river cruise holiday from £6,925 pp incl. flights

Special
cruise offer

Early booking offer - save up to 10%
Book by: 31 October 2024

Join Uniworld for a luxury river cruise holiday to northern India. Created for culturally curious travellers, you'll enjoy a truly immersive experience, combined with stays at three opulent Oberoi hotels.

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Why book with Wexas Travel?

At Wexas, we specialise in bespoke travel experiences. Our itineraries are just samples of what we can arrange, and can be changed depending on your precise needs, finances and ideas by our experienced destination specialists.

Contact one of our consultants on 020 7590 0610 to discuss how we can tailor your holiday.

Learn why Wexas is the leader in creating luxury holidays. What is tailor-made travel?

Expert advice & support

Visit us in our London office

Let our travel specialists curate the perfect holiday:

  • Inspirational ideas based on experience
  • Established for over 50 years
  • Tailor a holiday to your precise requirements
  • Personalised quotes and documentation

Every step of the way

Every step of the way

Our services are with you from start to finish:

  • Dedicated personal consultants
  • Free airport lounges on qualifying bookings
  • Care and guidance pre, post and during holiday
  • Full financial security: ATOL & ABTOT protected