8 Asia experiences you haven't had yet, with Distant Journeys

Prepare for once-in-a-lifetime adventures through Asia to ignite all of your senses.

Whether it’s sailing between the towering cliffs of the Yangtze River or witnessing the golden marble of the Taj Mahal at sunrise, there is no shortage of travel experiences in Asia to reward those with an adventurous soul.

Multi-award-winning company Distant Journeys delivers once-in-a-lifetime guided tours throughout the continent, ensuring you’ll enjoy the most thrilling and authentic moments – with none of the stress of planning. Along the way, enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace with tours tailored to all travel styles, from small group and exclusively solo to rail-focused and cruise-centric.

Here are eight reasons to visit Asia now, with Distant Journeys leading the way.

1. Cruise along India’s deepest river

Brahmaputra River India — Cruise along the Brahmaputra River. (Credit: Getty Images/ Aurav Purkayastha)

Few travel experiences are as transformative as spending time on India’s waterways. Set sail down the country’s deepest river, combined with visits to various cities including Mumbai and Darjeeling, on the 17-day The Brahmaputra River & Darjeeling Escorted tour. Onboard the Assam Bengal Navigation Sukapha, a 24-passenger luxury vessel designed like a traditional old Assam barge, you’ll take in the unique rhythms of daily life along the Brahmaputra River and the lush Kaziranga National Park.

Like all Distant Journey tours, guests also enjoy ‘Freedom Days’ worked into the itinerary. For this trip, that could look like an outing to discover Darjeeling’s rich food scene, taking in the bold aromas and flavours of local dishes like thukpa (noodle soup) and Nepali aloo dum (spicy potatoes).

2. Ride on a UNESCO-listed train

Wind through the Himalayan foothills on a UNESCO-listed Toy Train. (Credit: Getty Images/ F9 Photos)

Lovers of train travel can go full steam ahead on the Spirit of India by Rail journey, which takes in the top sights of Northern India over 15 days, from the iconic Golden Triangle to Amritsar and Shimla.

Step back in time aboard the UNESCO-listed Toy Train, built in 1903 during the British Raj, as it winds through the lush Himalayan foothills, passing charming small towns like Kandaghat and crossing more than 800 bridges. The itinerary also features a ride through rural landscapes on the Gatimaan Express, one of India’s fastest passenger trains.

3. Explore the Golden Triangle with like-minded solo travellers

Taj Mahal framed by doorway india — See India’s icons with like-minded solo travellers. (Credit: Sylwia Bartyzel)

India’s classic Golden Triangle circuit is a whirlwind adventure through New Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. The 14-day Temples & Tigers tour guides a group of like-minded solo travellers along the iconic route – with additional stops at Amritsar and Ranthambore National Park.

And this itinerary has a unique perk – it’s designed exclusively for solo travellers, blending the freedom of solo travel without having to navigate this diverse country entirely alone. Alongside like-minded solo travellers, be mesmerised by the glowing marble of the Taj Mahal at sunrise and experience local life in Jaipur during a cooking class sharing traditional Rajasthani dishes.

4. Sleep in a traditional Ryokan

traditional Ryokan japan — Stay in authentic Japanese accommodation. (Credit: Filiz Elaerts)

The best way to experience authentic Japan and the art of slow luxury is with a traditional ryokan stay. As part of the 14-day Wonders of Japan tour, travellers spend the night at Ryokan Biyunoyado in Yudanaka, where tatami-matted rooms and soothing onsen baths overlook the surrounding mountains to foster a true state of zen.

The stay is complemented by a visit to the Jigokudani Monkey Park, where playful snow monkeys bathe in the steaming hot springs.

The tour also offers a captivating glimpse of the country, from a mesmerising maiko performance in the ancient capital of Kyoto to wandering the futuristic streets of Tokyo.

5. Sail along China’s Yangtze River

Yangtze River china — Sail along China’s longest river. (Credit: Yux Xiang)

Sailing along China’s longest river is a peaceful way to immerse yourself in the country’s majestic natural beauty and historical landmarks. As part of the 17-day The Very Best of China tour, travellers spend three days floating between towering gorges, admiring the spectacular changing scenery, passing charming waterside villages and marvelling at the engineering feat of the Three Gorges.

The tour also includes a cruise on the Li River, and visits to some of the country’s most iconic sites including the Great Wall and the Terracotta Warriors. Not to mention seeing the adorable bears at the Giant Panda Breeding Research Institute.

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6. Safari amongst Asian elephants

asian elephant in Sri Lanka’s Yala National Park — Spot the locals on a safari in Yala National Park. (Credit: Rohit Varma)

Being in the presence of elephants in the wild is a humbling feeling that stays with you long after the journey ends. You can bear witness to these gentle giants – as well as leopards – on safari in Sri Lanka’s Yala National Park as part of the 17-day The Very Best of Sri Lanka group tour from the colourful streets of Colombo to the historic port city of Galle. Or enjoy the same itinerary and hotels on a private trip just for your own group of friends or family, where you’re taken care of with a personal tour guide and driver.

7. Meet local communities of the Mekong Delta

floating market, Mekong River Delta, Vietnam with distant journeys tour — Experience the Mekong’s vibrant floating markets. (Credit: Getty Images/ Hady Nyah)

Drifting through the floating markets and waterways of the Mekong Delta and meeting local communities along the way is far from your average travel experience and a guaranteed way to discover Vietnam’s heart.

Across 14 days, travellers get to relish everything from the toasted caramel smells of a coconut candy factory to the intricacies of traditional mat-making as part of The Classic Vietnam & Cambodia tour, which brings together the very best of both countries, from Hanoi to the temples of Siem Reap.

8. Join a safari in India

Bengal tigers in Ranthambore National Park india — Spot Bengal tigers in Ranthambore National Park. (Credit: Hrishikesh Gangoli)

A safari of a different kind awaits on another exclusively solo travellers adventure, the action-packed A Journey Through India tour. This 22-day journey spoils nature enthusiasts with wildlife expeditions through the Ranthambore National Park to spot Bengal tigers – complemented by tiger talks by an expert local naturalist – and listen to the calls of over 250 bird species.

Take in the rugged jungle views from above with a climb to the Ranthambore Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built during the 10th century. The tour also stops in iconic cities such as Delhi and Cochin, offering a well-rounded overview of this colourful country.

Start planning a journey to remember with Distant Travel at distantjourneys.com/au.

Wellbeing means different things to different travellers. Here’s how to pick a hotel that gets it right for you.

The best wellness holidays aren’t necessarily spent wrapped in a spa robe. Sometimes they’re found around a dinner table in Cambodia, on a hiking trail in New Zealand or after finally beating jet lag on the other side of the world. The hotel you choose is what makes them happen.

1. Easy access to good food

meals from Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20 — Taste delicious meals at Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20.

One of the quickest ways to derail healthy habits on holiday is to spend half of it working out where to eat instead of digging into the culture around you. Thankfully, Novotel has done much of the hard work already, with chefs building menus that lean into the flavours, ingredients and traditions of each destination.

In Sihanoukville, Cambodia, Korkor soup – often dubbed ‘Cambodian ratatouille’ – sits alongside raw blue crab dressed with lime and chilli, best enjoyed with views across the Gulf of Thailand.

In the lovingly chaotic city of Bangkok, the presence of food cranks up the sociability. At Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20, you can settle in with mango sticky rice and stranger-turned-friends beside the pool at Sky on 20 rooftop bar, or bring them along to tackle river prawns and stir-fried crab with holy basil at the buzzing Crab Paradise Dinner Buffet.

Then Novotel Dubai Al Barsha welcomes you with a laidback twist on the level of indulgence the Middle Eastern city is best known for up on Deck Se7en. Looking towards Burj Al Arab, the rooftop lounge has everything from Mediterranean-style dishes like seabass ceviche to Italian prosecco sundowners.

At the other end of the scale, in the hills that surround the Novotel Bali Ubud Resort, calm comes from nature. At Siralada restaurant, Balinese traditions shape the menu while thunder rumbles over the surrounding jungle – proving the setting is as nourishing as the food itself.

While at Novotel Nha Trang, chef Kieu Thi My Hanh and her team showcase Vietnam’s knack for balancing freshness, texture and fragrant herbs. Pho remains a favourite, while seafood salad with pomelo and mango brings those flavours together in one bright dish.

It’s all an approach backed by partnerships with expert food creators such as Alfie Steiner, whose plant-forward recipes prove healthy food should never taste plain.

2. Better sleep options

Novotel Bali Ubud Resort room — Sleep deeply with Novotel.

There are few travel experiences more disappointing than arriving in a new country, determined to seize the day, only to fall asleep fully clothed by 3pm.

For Australian travellers, jet lag is often an unavoidable part of the journey. That’s one reason Novotel runs sleep-focused initiatives that help guests adjust quickly without compromising on health. We’re talking partnerships with Sydney-based sleep specialist Olivia Arezzolo, known for her advice on everything from better sleep habits to beating jet lag, alongside features like pillow menus, in-room yoga content and tailored sleep guidance.

The sooner you’re operating on local time, the sooner you can get back to more pressing matters – like deciding which spa treatment to book.

3. More ways to move

woman hiking around queenstown new zealand — Stay at Novotel Queenstown Lakeside and explore local hiking trails. (Credit: GettyI mages/ naruedom)

Every place in the world has its own way of getting you moving: whether that’s hiking up ice-bitten mountains before a sauna or gentle stretching by the pool before a facial. From fitness centres to spas, Novotel recognises that wellbeing rarely looks the same.

At Novotel Queenstown Lakeside, activity is inescapable. Here, hiking trails, ski fields, bungee jumps, and white-water rafting have made the region famous. The hotel’s location on the shores of Lake Wakatipu means less time spent organising yourself and more time out there experiencing them. To top it all off, you can book a private hot tub for the evening before heading back into the wilderness tomorrow.

Bali, of course, takes a softer approach. At Novotel Bali Ubud Resort or Novotel Bali Nusa Dua, movement is less about conquering a mountain and more about a dance class between the tropical gardens and lagoon pools. Afterwards, the spa takes over, with traditional treatments like a Lulur body scrub: a combination of rice, turmeric, sandalwood, ginger and jasmine that’ll soothe muscles already relaxed by the Balinese heat.

4. Better connections

Kids will love a stay at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh.

One of the best things about travel is that it gives your family stories you’ll be telling for years. Novotel helps create them with activities that bring everyone together, whether that’s trying something new, learning a local skill, or simply spending more time together.

Go for a distinctly Thai twist at Novotel Phuket Vintage Park, where many of the family activities draw on local culture. Kids can try everything from beginner Thai boxing and language lessons to umbrella painting and – a pastime beloved by children the world over – pool foam parties. Everyone is welcome to join in, whether that’s getting splashed, covered in paint, or simply watching their children discover a new side of Thailand during the dedicated Family & Kids Day.

A different adventure awaits at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh. Kids could be perfectly content with discos, drawing classes and new holiday friends, but the Red Sea has other ideas. Sitting on the edge of Naama Bay, days here might involve snorkelling colourful reefs, taking a boat trip to Ras Mohammed National Park or heading into the desert by quad bike or camel for a Bedouin-style dinner beneath the stars.

5. Location is everything

Surin Beach, Choeng Thale, Thalang District, Phuket, Thaiföld — Explore Phuket’s gorgeous beaches. (Credit: Bence Biczo)

Everyone’s idea of wellness looks a little different. With more than 600 hotels across 65 countries, Novotel gives guests the freedom to choose the destination that suits them best. Whether that’s a beachside escape in Phuket, an alpine expedition in Queenstown or a city break in Bangkok, there’s a good chance a Novotel isn’t far away.

All that’s left? Choosing your version of wellbeing.

Discover stays to inspire your everyday at novotel.accor.com.

8 experiences around Asia you haven’t had yet, but need to