{"id":58451,"date":"2023-01-02T22:26:00","date_gmt":"2023-01-02T11:26:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/?p=58451"},"modified":"2025-03-12T21:34:35","modified_gmt":"2025-03-12T10:34:35","slug":"how-to-go-beyond-asias-hotspots","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/how-to-go-beyond-asias-hotspots\/","title":{"rendered":"6 ways you can go beyond Asia\u2019s hotspots in 2025\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The world\u2019s biggest, most populous continent has so much to offer, it can be tricky to know where to start. While most tourists make a beeline for tried and tested beaches and big cities, Asia<\/a> is filled with little-visited places that showcase the best of the continent\u2019s culture, history and cuisine.  
<\/strong> 
That\u2019s why, as part of our Travel Goals for 2023, we\u2019re challenging travellers to go beyond Asia\u2019s hotspots. From rural farm stays to remote monasteries, we\u2019ve got a bunch of new destinations and experiences that not only spread your travel dollars further than the tourist hubs, but also give you a meaningful look at real life.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Take the road less travelled in Central Asia  <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Heavy on culture and scenery and light on tourist numbers, if you\u2019re after off-the-beaten-track experiences, Central Asia is full of them. Over 24 days, this brand-new adventure<\/a> takes you through Kazakhstan<\/a>, Kyrgyzstan<\/a>, Tajikistan<\/a>, Turkmenistan<\/a> and Uzbekistan<\/a>, covering highlights and hidden treasures along the way. Explore ancient Silk Road hubs, stay in traditional yurts on the shores of Lake Issykul, learn how to make national dishes and meet fascinating locals on a trip that\u2019s as surprising as it is enlightening.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

2. See a slower side of Japan  <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Far from the skyscrapers and bright lights of Tokyo, Japan<\/a>\u2019s rural landscapes offer a look at the quiet side of life. On our Japan Highlights<\/a> adventure, you\u2019ll now have the chance to see where your morning cuppa comes from when you visit a local tea farm in Kawane. Try your hand at tea picking, see how the leaves are brewed, and get stuck in with a bit of farm work. Learn about Japanese home cooking during a farm-to-table feast made with ingredients grown in your host\u2019s garden, then spend the night on the farm. Fancy something a little stronger? You\u2019ll also check out a traditional sake brewery in Kyoto that\u2019s been making the country\u2019s favourite tipple for more than 300 years. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Experience the height of adventure in Tibet and Nepal <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Between the buzzing cities of Beijing and Kathmandu, this new adventure gives you the chance to discover the quiet temples, remote monasteries and off-grid villages of Tibet<\/a> and Nepal<\/a>. Travelling to this part of the world isn\u2019t always easy thanks to its challenging altitude, but we promise the detour off the tourist trail is oh-so worth it. Take one of the world\u2019s most scenic train rides, hike past snowy peaks, meditate with a local monk, learn how to make momos and share lunch in a Tibetan family\u2019s home. This journey to the roof of the world is sure to leave your spirits high. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4. Meet women weaving for sustainability in Cambodia  <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Siem Reap is famed for being the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage Angkor Archaeological Park, and while you\u2019ll still visit the complex\u2019s ancient temples on this family adventure through Cambodia<\/a>, you\u2019ll also experience a side of the region few visitors ever see. Pay a visit to not-for-profit Rokhak, a centre where local women turn an invasive species of water hyacinth into beautiful and sustainable bags, baskets and rugs. Watch them weave their magic, have a go yourself, and learn how the centre is empowering local women<\/a> by providing employment and financial independence.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Go beneath the surface in South Korea  <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019d never tell you to skip the busy markets or Korean barbecues of Seoul, but if you want to take your South Korean adventure<\/a> from ordinary to extraordinary, you\u2019ve got to go a little further. This trip will introduce you to an intriguing country with a turbulent history, cherished traditions and remarkably hospitable people. Visit the Demilitarised Zone for a look at South Korea<\/a>\u2019s political past, spend a night in a traditional Hanok house in the Andong Hahoe folk village, and discover the island village of Abai, where you\u2019ll meet the North Korean refugees who settled here during the war. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

6. Step behind the scenes of a centuries-old festival in Mongolia   <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Despite its rugged beauty and incredible hospitality, Mongolia<\/a> is one of the least visited countries in Asia. Those in search of adventure are sure to find it among the country\u2019s untamed landscapes and sparsely populated landscapes, but visiting during the annual Naadam Festival<\/a> is even more special. Showcasing wrestling, archery and horse racing, the three skills that Genghis Khan considered essential for any Mongol warrior, the festival offers unique insight into Mongolia\u2019s culture and centuries-old traditions. This adventure takes you through the wild outback and behind the scenes to meet the competitors in the lead-up to the games.\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The world\u2019s biggest, most populous continent has so much to offer, it can be tricky to know where to start. While most tourists make a beeline for tried and tested…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15098,"featured_media":58455,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[3109],"tags":[180,43,21,3086,131,4,1448,3087,3089,3090,3088,90],"class_list":["post-58451","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-good-trips","tag-asia","tag-cambodia","tag-japan","tag-kazakhstan","tag-kyrgyzstan","tag-nepal","tag-south-korea","tag-tajikistan","tag-tibet","tag-travel-goals","tag-turkmenistan","tag-uzbekistan","ipf_region-cambodia","ipf_region-japan","ipf_region-kazakhstan","ipf_region-kyrgyzstan","ipf_region-nepal","ipf_region-south-korea","ipf_region-tajikistan","ipf_region-turkmenistan","ipf_region-uzbekistan"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n6 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