3-Week Asia Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 3-week Asia tour itineraries

Compiled by

SteffAsia travel expert at TourRadar

• 21 Day Central Asia Itinerary, incl. Bishkek and Tashkent

  A cultural 21-day route spans 20 cities across 5 countries, featuring 3 UNESCO World Heritage sites. The tour begins in Bishkek, visits Samarkand's Registan Square, includes camping at Darvaza crater, and concludes in Tashkent. Internal flights connect Mary-Ashgabat and Urgench-Tashkent.

  

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  • Days 1-3

    Kyrgyzstan's Capital & Lake

    Start your journey in Bishkek. Visit Victory Square and the vibrant Osh Bazaar. A local visitor suggests: "The central bazaar gives you a real taste of local life - arrive before 10 AM to see the best produce selections." Take a scenic drive east to Lake Issyk-Kul through mountain passes. Stop at Cholpon-Ata to see ancient petroglyphs. The lake area offers a perfect introduction to Central Asian landscapes.

    
  • Days 4-5

    Kazakhstan's Cultural Hub

    Travel to Almaty, about 4 hours from Bishkek. Check out the wooden Zenkov Cathedral and Green Bazaar. A recent visitor shares: "The view from Kok-Tobe hill at sunset is spectacular - take the cable car up around 5 PM to avoid crowds." The city's museums offer excellent insights into Kazakhstan's nomadic culture.

    
  • Days 6-8

    Tajikistan's Highlights

    Take a 2-hour flight to Dushanbe. After exploring the capital, drive to historic Khujand. Visit Panjshanbe Bazaar in the early morning when locals shop. Next up is UNESCO-listed Penjikent. Bring good walking shoes for the uneven archaeological site.

    
  • Days 9-13

    Uzbekistan's Golden Cities

    Head to Samarkand to see the stunning Registan Square. One traveler notes: "Visit the Registan for sunset photos, then return next morning when it opens - you'll have the place almost to yourself." Spend three days in Bukhara exploring its medieval center. Watch the evening light on the Kalon Minaret for great photos.

    
  • Days 14-17

    Turkmenistan's Mysteries

    Enter Turkmenistan through Mary. Visit ancient Merv before flying to Ashgabat with its marble buildings. Camp at the Darvaza gas crater. A visitor advises: "Bring warm layers for the desert night - temperatures drop dramatically after sunset." The 'Door to Hell' looks most impressive after dark.

    
  • Days 18-21

    Final Uzbek Treasures

    Return to Uzbekistan at Khiva. The old town feels like stepping back in time. Take an evening flight to Tashkent to see its mix of Soviet and modern architecture. A traveler recommends: "Don't miss riding the ornate metro stations - each one tells a different story through its designs."

    

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• 21 Days in Southeast Asia, incl. Bangkok and Angkor Wat

  An immersive 21-day Asian expedition covers 17 cities across 4 countries. Accommodations include 18 hotel nights, overnight cruise, and train travel. Highlights range from Bangkok's floating markets to Angkor's temples, accompanied by expert guides.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Bangkok & Damnoen Saduak, Thailand

    Begin in Bangkok and explore the city. On day 2, visit Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. Take a long-tail speedboat through historic canals to see vendors selling fresh produce and local crafts. "Watching the local vendors navigate their boats while preparing fresh dishes was mesmerizing - get there before 8am to avoid the tourist crowds." Take an overnight train to Chiang Mai (14.5 hours).

    
  • Days 3-4

    Chiang Mai, Thailand

    Visit Chiang Mai's key temples like Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang. The sacred Doi Suthep Temple sits at 5,300 feet elevation. Go early in the morning for the best mountain views. The climb up 306 steps can be tough in the heat, so bring water and rest when needed.

    
  • Days 5-8

    Luang Prabang, Laos

    Take an early flight to Luang Prabang. Get up at 5:30am to see the daily alms-giving ceremony. "Watching the monks collect alms at sunrise was humbling. Bring a shawl—it gets chilly in the morning." Take boat trips to Pak Ou Caves and Kuang Si Waterfall. Browse the night market and visit the Royal Palace Museum. You'll have two free days for cooking classes or walking the quiet streets.

    
  • Days 9-11

    Hanoi & Halong Bay, Vietnam

    Fly to Hanoi and travel to Halong Bay for an overnight cruise. The 4-hour drive from Hanoi can be rough, so consider motion sickness pills. Explore limestone caves and swim in hidden coves. Head back to Hanoi on day 11.

    
  • Days 12-14

    Hoi An & Da Nang, Vietnam

    Fly to Da Nang and go to Hoi An. Take a bicycle food tour through local villages and learn to make white rose dumplings. Visit My Son Sanctuary early before it gets too hot since there isn't much shade. Spend a free day exploring Ancient Town or getting clothes tailored.

    
  • Days 15-17

    Ho Chi Minh City & Mekong Delta, Vietnam

    Fly to Ho Chi Minh City. Take a boat through the Mekong Delta to see floating markets and coconut candy workshops. Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels in comfortable clothes. "The Cu Chi Tunnels give incredible insight into wartime ingenuity, but they're not for the claustrophobic."

    
  • Days 18-21

    Siem Reap & Angkor Wat, Cambodia

    Final flight to Siem Reap. Spend a full day at Angkor Archaeological Park including Angkor Thom and Angkor Wat. Start at sunrise to beat the heat and crowds. Wear clothes that cover shoulders and knees. Bring plenty of water since it's humid all year.

    

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• 21 Day Indochina Itinerary, incl. Hanoi and Bangkok

  The 21-day Asian adventure spans 10 cities across 4 countries. Includes 5 internal flights, visits to UNESCO sites like Angkor Wat and Halong Bay, and premium hotels rated 4.8/5. Expert guides rated 5/5 lead all excursions.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Hanoi & Surroundings

    Begin your journey in Vietnam's capital. Visit the Temple of Literature and explore the Old Quarter. "Getting around the Old Quarter can be overwhelming - I recommend doing the cyclo tour first thing in the morning before the streets get crowded." Watch a morning water puppet show and walk around Hoan Kiem Lake. The street food scene starts buzzing after 6pm.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Halong Bay Cruise

    Take a 3.5-hour drive to Halong Bay. Your overnight cruise explores the limestone karsts and hidden caves. "The kayaking through the caves was magical, but bring water shoes - the limestone can be sharp." Wake up early for misty morning views across the bay.

    
  • Days 5-6

    Hoi An Ancient Town

    Fly to Hoi An with its beautiful lantern-lit streets and tailor shops. "Book your clothes early in your stay to allow time for fittings." Visit the morning market before 8am when locals do their shopping. Try a cooking class or cycle through rice paddies to My Son ruins.

    
  • Days 7-9

    Ho Chi Minh City & Mekong

    Discover Saigon including the Cu Chi Tunnels and Cholon district. Head to the tunnels early to avoid crowds. Take a Mekong Delta day trip. "The small canals are more interesting than the main river." The floating markets are most active in early morning.

    
  • Days 10-11

    Siem Reap & Angkor

    Fly to Siem Reap to explore the Angkor temples. Watch sunrise at Angkor Wat. "Enter through the east gate to avoid crowds." Visit Ta Prohm and Bayon in late afternoon light. Use your hotel pool to cool off during the hottest hours.

  • Days 12-13

    Phnom Penh

    Take a river cruise to Cambodia's capital. See the Royal Palace in the morning or late afternoon. Visit the killing fields early with a knowledgeable guide who can provide context.

  • Days 14-15

    Vientiane

    Fly to the relaxed Laos capital. Visit That Luang stupa and Buddha Park. "The COPE Center was unexpectedly moving. It really helps understand Laos' recent history."

  • Days 16-17

    Luang Prabang

    Explore this ancient capital's temples and waterfalls. Join the morning alms ceremony. "Bring a shawl, it's chilly at dawn." Take a boat to Pak Ou Caves and stop at villages. Visit Kuang Si Falls before the crowds arrive.

  • Days 18-21

    Bangkok Extension

    End your trip in Thailand's capital. Visit temples in the early morning. "The railway market timing is crucial - check train schedules." Take a day trip to Ayutthaya and remember sun protection and appropriate temple clothing.

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