See a different side of Asia with these new Intrepid experiences from across the continent, fresh for 2025.
Are you dreaming of Asia? These new trips and experiences for 2025 include the spots you may have always wanted to see, plus meaningful encounters that give you the chance to go a little further than most and connect with locals along the way.
From cosy homestays and hands-on cultural workshops to activities that support local economies, these new adventures will make your trip across Asia unforgettable.
1. Visit a lesser-known village in Vietnam
On the Best of Vietnam trip, you’ll visit popular cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hoi An – but it’s in the quiet villages that you get to slow down. Newly added for 2025, you’ll experience a traditional homestay with the Tay people in the village of Lam Thuong. Wake up to views of the valley and ride bikes through the village as you pass lush rice fields. Learn about bamboo weaving and how to make Tay hats at a handicraft workshop and share a meal made with local ingredients with your host family.
2. Feast with locals in the Northern Philippines
The view from Mt Pinatubo, an active volcano, is one not to miss in the Northern Philippines. On this new trip, you’ll wake up early and hike to see its rainwater crater lake and dramatic cliffs – both remnants of an eruption over 30 years ago. Afterwards, in Tarukan Village, you’ll meet with the Aetas community (the earliest inhabitants of the Philippines) for a meal with their chieftain, accompanied by a local interpreter. You’ll also have a chance to learn about traditional crafts at the Harvest Hub Studio, a foundation that provides entrepreneurship training to women weavers in the Cordilleras.
3. Revel in Hokkaido’s rich culture
Hokkaido, with its snowy peaks, is Japan’s winter wonderland. But the new Northern Japan & Hokkaido Adventure will show you there’s more to this region than skiing. From Aomori’s seafood markets to natural hot springs prime for relaxation in Noboribetsu, there are so many experiences to be had on this 12-day trip. You’ll also meet the Ainu people, an Indigenous group from the northern regions of Japan, get a guided tour of the Kawamura Kaneto Ainu Museum and learn about traditional Ainu dumplings the old-fashioned way – by eating them!
4. Discover natural wonders in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan
Intrepid’s new Premium Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan trip will take you to some of the best natural wonders in this region. Hike along the famous Silk Route to Skaza Canyon, Jety Oguz Valley and Sharyn Canyon (considered central Asia’s Grand Canyon). In Kyzyk Tuu Village, a local craftsman will walk you through the ancient craft of yurt making, all by hand. You’ll learn how these structures come together before spending the night sleeping under the stars in a traditional yurt camp.
5. Go trekking in Ladakh
On this new trip to India: Trekking in Ladakh, you’ll wind through the Markha Valley, a popular destination for avid trekkers looking to explore India’s Himalayan region. Camp under the stars, spot wildlife like eagles and rare blue sheep and wander the Buddhist monasteries. This trek will take you through remote villages, where you’ll get a warm welcome from the locals. Take in the scenery from the dizzying heights of the 6400-metre (21,000-feet) Kang Yatze mountain in the village of Nimaling, where herds of sheep, goats and yak graze in green fields, all while you enjoy the sunset.
6. See Borneo’s wildlife
From wild orangutans and crocodiles to rare proboscis monkeys, the creatures on the Borneo Family Holiday Comfort trip are enough to leave anyone in awe. Over 10 days, you and the kids will do everything from snorkelling in the pristine waters of Dinawan Island to meeting the Dusun people in a rural village. New for 2025, you’ll also visit Intrepid Foundation partner RESPonsible Elephant Conservation Trust (RESPECT). Here you’ll have the chance to plant grass to help endangered pygmy elephants. With only 1500 remaining in the wild, the project aims to give them a safe, sustainable food source.
7. Meet Vietnam’s animal rescuers
From the busy streets of Ho Chi Minh City to the beaches of Halong Bay, Intrepid’s Classic Vietnam trip will take you on an exciting 15-day trip across this diverse country. In Ninh Binh, you’ll visit the lush Cuc Phuong National Park, home to Save Vietnam’s Wildlife, one of the newest Intrepid Foundation-supported projects. On a new experience for 2025, a vet will walk you through the park as you learn how they’re working to rescue, rehabilitate and release Vietnam’s most endangered animals, like pangolins, monkeys and otters.
8. Explore China and Mongolia by rail
You’ll want to grab a window seat on the new Trans-Mongolian Railway Adventure, which will take you on an epic journey from China to Mongolia. Roam the seemingly endless grasslands of inner Mongolia, spot wild horses in Khustai National Park and in Shainsand, visit a family of camel herders and learn about their life while enjoying a traditional, home-cooked meal.
9. Visit the ancient Silk Road in Tashkent to Ashgabat
Step off the beaten track and wander the ancient lands of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan on the Tashkent to Ashgabat trip. This trip now includes visiting a local horse breeder’s farm, where you’ll also make baursaki, a puffy, fried bread cooked in a tandoor (mud oven). Sit down to eat with your hosts and learn about the region’s famous Akhal-Teke horses, known for their speed, endurance and distinct metallic sheen.
10. Roam colourful Rajasthan
Get ready to see the Real Rajasthan on a captivating adventure in India. Intrepid has added two new experiences for 2025. In the city of Bikaner, you’ll meet a family and learn how to cook a traditional Indian meal – including how to roll chapati. And in Khinwara, you’ll see a different side of India during a cosy heritage homestay. Visit a farm with your homestay family and get a glimpse into local life.
11. Admire Japan’s ancient and modern culture
On the Japan: Land of the Rising Sun trip, you’ll uncover layers of culture and history, both old and new, for 13 days. You’ll hop on bullet trains across the country, from metropolitan Tokyo to the cultural capital of Kyoto, with stops in lesser-known cities in between. There’s a new experience for 2025 in Takayama, where you can learn about the ancient practice of incense-making during a visit to Zenkoji Temple.
12. Create art in Vietnam
Intrepid’s Vietnam Family Holiday Comfort trip is an exciting way to get away with the whole team. In Hanoi, you’ll see how the arts are creating inclusive spaces and jobs for people with disabilities with Intrepid Foundation partner Vun Art. On this new experience for 2025, you’ll visit the organisation and learn about its mission to uplift the differently abled community by teaching them handicraft skills and reviving traditional folk art.
13. Embrace nature in South India
Discover India’s beaches on Classic South India, an adventure that allows you to enjoy the country’s coastal charm, natural beauty and culture. It’s a diverse trip that takes you from the coastal cities to tea plantations to cruising along calming backwaters. Of course, you won’t want to miss the fresh local seafood. A new addition for 2025, you’ll go to Kumarakom to enjoy a dinner of fish curry and avial (a veggie dish made with coconut) at a woman-led restaurant that gives training and employment opportunities to local women.
Find out what else is new for 2025 with The Goods.
