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The Dragon Trip

Gold

Headquarters in London, England

Rating
4.6
Number of reviews
933
Number of tours
48
Age range
7-75
Response rate
100%
Response time
10 hours

The Dragon Trip Reviews (933)

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Show specific ratings
Accommodation
4/5
Transportation
4.5/5
Meals
4.5/5
Value for money
4.5/5
Guide
4.5/5
  • JT
    It was amazing,so many wonderful memories I won’t ever forget
    The Dragon Trip commented on this review
    We are thrilled to hear you had an amazing time and are leaving with some wonderful memories! We hope to see you on another Dragon Trip in the future!
  • LW
    It was very varied and full of new experiences
    The Dragon Trip commented on this review
    Hi Lina, Thank you for the review! We're delighted to hear you enjoyed the variety of the trip to Southeast Asia. We're glad the trip gave you plenty of new experiences and memorable moments along the way. Thanks for travelling with us, and we hope to see you on another Dragon Trip in the future!
  • CT
    During this trip, you have virtually nothing to worry about, as the itinerary is truly well-planned and most transfers are included. Nevertheless, you should be…
    Read more
    The Dragon Trip commented on this review
    Dear Carina, Thank you for the fantastic review! We're delighted to hear you had such a wonderful time exploring Southeast Asia with us. One of our main goals is to remove the stress of planning and logistics so travellers can focus on enjoying the experience, so it's great to hear that came across during your trip. Thank you as well for highlighting the flexibility of the itinerary. We know every traveller is different, which is why many of the optional activities allow people to tailor the experience to their own interests, budget and travel style. Most importantly, we're pleased to hear you met some great people along the way. Thank you for travelling with us, and we hope to welcome you on another Dragon Trip very soon!
  • ED
    Really good option for people not wanting the hassle of organising their routes or booking multiple tours, also good option for travelling on a budget. The guid…
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    The Dragon Trip commented on this review
    Hi Emma, Thank you for the review! We're delighted to hear you enjoyed the trip and found it to be a convenient and budget-friendly way to explore Southeast Asia. We'll also be sure to pass on your kind words to Mai and Quang. Our Adventure Leaders work incredibly hard to help travellers get the most out of each destination, and it's always wonderful to hear when they've made a lasting impression. Thank you for travelling with us, and we hope to welcome you on another Dragon Trip in the near future!
  • VR
    There was so much to experience, and we had a great time with people from all over the world! That said, it was pretty exhausting at times. For one thing, we sp…
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    The Dragon Trip commented on this review
    Dear Valerie, Thank you for the thoughtful review. We're pleased to hear you had a great time travelling through Southeast Asia and enjoyed meeting people from around the world. For many travellers, the friendships and shared experiences become one of the highlights of a longer adventure like this. You're also right that a 31-day trip covering multiple countries can be demanding at times. Southeast Asia is an incredible region to explore, but covering so much ground inevitably involves some long journeys, including overnight transport, which allows travellers to maximise their time in each destination. We appreciate your feedback regarding included activities and Adventure Leaders. We continuously review both our itineraries and local operations to ensure we're delivering the best possible experience across every departure. Thank you again for travelling with us. We're glad we could help make a multi-country adventure accessible, social and stress-free, and we hope to see you on another trip in the future.
  • NS
    The Tour was great It was funny and I have make a lot of expirience We became a lot of much Information
    The Dragon Trip commented on this review
    Dear Nicole, Thank you for your review! We're delighted to hear you had a great time on the tour and that you came away with so many new experiences and insights into China. We're also glad to hear you had fun along the way. Thank you for travelling with us, and we hope to see you on another adventure in the future!
  • Japan  Plus 11-Day Culture Tour: Golden Route & Beyond reviewer 7
    Awesome unforgettable experience! Great guide who was friendly, knowledgeable, and great at communicating daily activities. Perfect mix of planed and structure…
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    The Dragon Trip commented on this review
    Hi James, Thank you for the fantastic review and for sharing your photos from the trip! We're delighted to hear you had such an unforgettable experience in Japan. We're especially pleased that your Adventure Leader helped bring the trip to life and that you enjoyed the balance between guided experiences and independent exploration. And yes, Japan can involve a fair bit of walking, but as you said, it's worth every step! Thanks again for travelling with us, and we hope to welcome you back on another Dragon Trip adventure soon.
  • PR
    China is a large country and the Dragon Trip is the perfect tour to experience each city's sites, food and culture.
    The Dragon Trip commented on this review
    Dear Pascal, Thank you for the wonderful review! China is an enormous and incredibly diverse country, so we're delighted to hear that the tour helped you experience the different cultures, food and highlights that make each destination unique. One of our goals is to make a country that can feel overwhelming to travel independently feel accessible, whilst still giving travellers an authentic experience along the way. Thank you for travelling with us, and we're so pleased you enjoyed your adventure through China.
  • MT
    Here’s a sharper and more balanced version of your review: I enjoyed South Korea and the fellow travellers were lovely, but I do not feel this tour delivered a…
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    The Dragon Trip commented on this review
    Dear Miss Trieste. Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We're pleased to hear that you enjoyed South Korea itself and that you had a good group of fellow travellers around you during the trip. It's clear that some aspects of the tour didn't align with your personal expectations of what a premium experience should look like. Our Premium Korea tour is designed around smaller groups than our standard departures, upgraded accommodation, included experiences and transport, and a more comfortable style of travel. However, we appreciate that travellers can have different views on group size, pace and the balance between organised activities and independent exploration. Regarding the itinerary, Korea is a surprisingly diverse country and our aim is to showcase as much of it as possible within the time available. While many travellers enjoy the variety and pace this creates, we recognise that others would prefer longer stays in certain destinations, particularly places such as Jeju. We're also grateful for your comments about your Adventure Leader. Whilst we're sorry to hear he didn't fully meet your expectations, we're pleased you recognised his organisation, professionalism and commitment to supporting the group throughout the trip. Feedback on specific experiences such as the Busan sailing trip and the island boat excursion is equally valuable, and we'll be sharing this with our local team as we continuously review and refine our itineraries. Thank you again for travelling with us. While we're sorry the tour wasn't the right fit for your travel style, we appreciate the balanced feedback and wish you all the best with your future travels.
  • A
    My experience was unforgettable. I absolutely love every city I traveled to and the food! Japan was surprisingly affordable and the food was amazing!
    The Dragon Trip commented on this review
    Dear Allison Thank you for the fantastic review! We're delighted to hear you had such an unforgettable experience in Japan. We're glad you enjoyed the mix of destinations, experiences and, of course, the incredible food along the way. Thanks for travelling with us, and hopefully we'll see you back on another Dragon Trip again soon!

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About The Dragon Trip

We are The Dragon Trip. We expand minds through transformative experiences. We provide meaningful adventures throughout Asia, showing a real side of life through deeply researched trips. We support local communities through sustainable and ethical travel, investing as much as possible into the places we visit. Our Adventure Leaders are experts in their destination. They love their home and their country and take pleasure in introducing it to new travellers - the culture, history and the food. We don't do package holidays. We don't do tourist traps. We do Dragon Trips.

Highlights

Budget Backpacking Trips in Asia
Unmissable & Exclusive Experiences
Experienced & Epic Adventure Leaders
Travelling with Sustainability in mind

Questions & Answers

  • Do I need any special vaccinations for Japan?

    No vaccinations are required to enter Japan.
  • How do I get my Japanese Visa?

    Nice and easy - these are available upon arrival for over 60 countries including the UK, US, Canada Australia and EU countries. Some countries are now eligible for visa-free travel to Japan. Please reach out and we’ll help you with the entry requirements.
  • How do I get money in China?

    You will be able to withdraw money at an ATM in each city, and your Adventure Leader will tell you when the next stop on the Trip where you will be able to withdraw more cash is. We advise that you notify your bank that you will be travelling before you depart. As a note, many banks and cards do charge a foreign transaction fee when withdrawing money while abroad, so consider getting a card with no fees. 
  • Suitcase or backpack?

    You should be considerate of their amount of luggage when travelling. Please keep luggage to one check-in bag and to a size convenient for easily moving between locations, and for storage in hostel dormitory/shared rooms. We highly recommend a large backpack (50-70L). Laundry facilities are available throughout the trip to make packing lighter possible. For those taking domestics flights on their trip, please be aware carriers operate a standard 15kg limit on checked-in luggage.
  • What should I pack for my trip?

    A final booking pack will be sent to you 2-4 weeks prior to your departure. In the meantime, if you are curious about this, here’s what we recommend packing:
    • Passport
    • Japanese yen or credit/debit card
    • Travel insurance policy
    • Photocopies of insurance policy, bank cards, passport photo page, visa
    • A big bag and a small rucksack. We sometimes get separated from our big bags, so you’ll need to keep your valuables with you in a small bag.
    • Mosquito repellant
    • Dry clothes for the rainy season/typhoon season
  • Who are the adventure leaders?

    Each group will be accompanied by a combination of Local and Western Adventure Leaders. All our Adventure Leaders speak English and the local language fluently and have the passion and knowledge to ensure that they can help you have a great time in each destination.
  • Do you provide an airport transfer service?

    The Dragon Trip provides, upon request, airport transfers.
  • What is it like on the trains?

    You will be getting your own sleeper seat (full flat bed) for each train ride. We try to get all our travellers in the same compartment as well so that you can have fun getting to know each other better, playing some games, and even sharing a few drinks.
  • Who looks after our bags when we’re on transport and/or day excursions?

    The bags will be stored at the hostels where they are tagged and recorded. We have never had a case of anyone losing their luggage or having their luggage stolen so you can focus on having fun.
  • Do the hostels have WIFI? Will I be able to keep in touch with friends and family while in China?

    There is Wi-Fi and computers available for use in all hostels you stay in during The Dragon Trip.
  • What is the standard of accommodation?

    All of the hostels are clean, air-conditioned or have fans, safe, have good showers, internet, washing machines and most importantly, have real Chinese character. People who stay at hostels are usually aged 18 to 35, travelling on a smaller budget than people staying at hotels. So it is easy to make friends and fun to hang out at the bar (all the hostels we stay at have cool bars and lounging areas to hang out). If you would like to stay in a private room, that is absolutely possible upon request.
  • Which hostels do we use? Their addresses?

    Please reach out to our team and we will be happy to provide a detailed itinerary.
  • I’m not very physically fit! Is the trip suitable for me?

    At its heart, the Dragon Trip offers adventure tours, but you can make your Dragon Trip as physically active (or inactive) as you want. Instead of hiking, you could ask your Adventure Leader for a more relaxing activity like going for a massage!
  • What travel insurance do I need for China?

    We require all our customers to have backpackers travel insurance when coming on the trip. Please bring details of your travel insurance along with you. In the event of an accident, we may need contact your insurance company on your behalf, so we will need the insurance company’s name and phone number and your policy number.
  • What are the ages & nationalities of people booked on Dragon trips?

    Each trip is different, but our travelers come from all over the world and from every background- why not connect with fellow Dragon Trippers or meet people on The Dragon Trip Facebook page. We fully embrace the backpacker attitude that everyone is very welcome. A typical trip would include friends who have just finished high school, couples on career breaks, students on university holidays, and solo travelers from all walks of life. The group normally speaks English, coming from all over the world.
  • I have a medical condition – is this OK?

    Generally yes, but please do inform us of your specific requirements at the point of booking.
    Please note that many common medications and over-the-counter drugs are illegal in Japan. If you have a prescription, you may want to check the rules regarding bringing it into
  • Bringing luggage on the Shinkansen (bullet train)

    There are restrictions in place for the size of luggage which can be taken on board the bullet train when travelling across Japan. You can travel with one luggage piece with a maximum size of 160cm (sum of height, width, and length). For comparison, a standard large backpack has dimensions of 50-52cm torso length and 88-100cm hip width. When travelling in Japan, we would always recommend travelling with a large backpack or rucksack to ensure that you’re able to board all transportation successfully.
     
  • Will my phone’s sim card work?

    International travellers often face expensive roaming charges when using their mobile phones abroad. However, there are alternatives to ensure convenient and affordable internet connectivity without incurring charges.

    It is possible to buy a prepaid SIM card when you enter Japan, which can be used on most unlocked mobile phones. Some mobile phone carriers offer the option of purchasing an e-sim, too. Or you could rent pocket wifi - can be ordered to arrive at your accommodation upon your arrival.

     
  • What kind of restaurants will we go to?

    Your Adventure Leader will always offer to take you for a group meal, where we go to a local restaurant, which we know is hygienic and has cheap and delicious food. If you are craving Western food, then there are lots of great options!
  • I’m a vegetarian/have allergies – will I be able to get the right food?

    Yes! With so many food choices, Japan can meet the needs of individuals with special dietary needs or requests. Just tell your Adventure Leader and they can help you find something suitable. You will probably discover a new dish that you love!
  • How much should I budget for food and drink on the Dragon Trip?

    Generally, we take travellers to affordable restaurants and recommend budgeting £15-20 a day for food and drink.
  • How do I get my Chinese Visa?

    When travelling to China for tourism, all travellers require a visa to gain entry. Applying for a tourism visa around 2 months before you travel should usually give you the time you need to get everything in order, so The Dragon Trip will provide you with your invitation letter at this point – this is a key piece of documentation you need when applying
  • Documentation requirements for your Chinese visa:

    Documentation requirements may differ between nationalities - Please check what your specific needs are! For several European & Asian countries, China has a policy to stay up to 15-days without a visa! These countries include Germany, France & the Netherlands. We’re expecting more countries to follow soon, but always make sure to check if you need a visa or not to be absolutely sure. Upon request, we can adjust

Contact our Travel Experts

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  • Contact our Travel Experts

+1 844 311 8331

24/7 Support

Our team of experienced tour specialists have travelled to hundreds of countries around the globe and have decades of first-hand travel experience to share. Contact us now to have all of your tour-related questions answered!