Asia Train & Rail Journeys Tours & Trip Packages

Asia Train & Rail Journeys Tours & Trips

3,924 Asia trips. Tours from 477 tour companies. 10,378 reviews. 4.8/5 avg rating.

77 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
My selections:
Train & Rail Journeys
Exploring Burma (Myanmar) by boat & on foot
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4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Private Guided
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Bagan, Lake Inle, Mandalay, Yangon

Themes

Cultural, Train & Rail Journeys

What travelers are saying

"It's hard to describe how lucky we are to have been able to work with Stephanie in planning our honeymoon to Japan. From the very beginning, Stephanie was friendly, flexible, and an absolute wealth of knowledge. We had several meetings with her leading up to our trip to come up with the perfect itinerary. Throughout this, Stephanie was mindful of our budget, without sacrificing anything. During our trip, Audley was available at all hours to help with anything and everything which was such a relief to know we had that resource available to us. I truly cannot imagine having planned this trip without all of Stephanie's guidance and knowledge- and cannot imagine taking another big trip like this without the help of Audley. Thank you again!"

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Trans-Siberian Railway from Beijing to Moscow
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4.4/5 Great
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Beijing, Irkutsk, Kazan, Lake Baikal, Moscow, St. Petersburg, Ulaanbaatar

Highlights

  • Witness demonstrations of traditional Mongolian wrestling, archery and horsemanship
  • Ride the Old Railway along UNESCO-listed Lake Baikal
  • Visit classic sites in Moscow such as Red Square and the Kremlin’s Armory Museum

Themes

50 plus, Cultural, Education / Learning, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Train & Rail Journeys

What travelers are saying

"Our family of four, including two adult children, took the Bicycling: Day Trips to Paradise in Canada. This trip is entirely outsourced to the owners of the inn, there are no Road Scholar employees involved in the trip. Two of us have taken bicycle trips all over the world and the bicycling component of this trip was disorganized, haphazard and almost unsafe. We all filled out forms giving details regarding our bicycle fitting months before the trip. On the first day, the leader Stephen, went around the room and asked the same questions and said everyone would get fitted in the morning before we began the first ride. The morning brought a rack of bikes, all different types in various levels of readiness. There were road bikes, hybrid bikes, mountain bikes and e-bikes. The rides were all on paved surfaces and the mountain bikes were heavy and the additional suspension added weight. The bike I received had rust on the chain and rear sprocket. When I asked about it, was told they were waiting for another van to show up with tools and equipment. Once it arrived, they gave me the lubricant to spray on the rust. My wife’s bike would not shift into the high gear on the front sprocket. Instead of adjusting the derailleur, they suggested spraying it with lubricant. Our one son is over six feet and needed a larger frame bike, even though he detailed it in the bike form months ago, there was no bike to fit him. One of the guides, then went home and brought a larger bike that was a full suspension mountain bike for him. The bike was very heavy, hard to control on the road and he felt unsafe. After two days, one of the guides convinced Stephen that they could adjust a hybrid bike to fit him. Clearly there was no work done to prepare the bikes for the trip. Many of the bikes needed adjusting and all needed lubricant to function easily. For every day, there was a tray of snacks placed out for us to take along the ride. None of the bikes had any baskets or attached bags, so if you didn’t bring a small day pack, there was no way to carry the snacks. For lunch on the rides, they brought exactly one sandwich for each rider. Since most of us get hungry while doing a day of exercise, it would have been helpful to have a few extras. On one day, they ran out of sandwiches and one of the leaders that were riding with us did not get lunch. Do NOT take this trip if you are expecting it to be a bicycling trip. We have used VBT and Discovery Bicycle Tours many times over the past 25 years and they are excellent bike tour companies. Lastly, after sharing these details with Road Scholar after the trip, their response was weak at best. After doing the full reviews and having to call them, their response was to give us $200 credit after spending $8000 on this trip. Not only was that insulting, they assumed that I would take another trip with their organization."

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Japan's Cultural Treasures
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3.7/5 Great
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Hakone, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Tokyo

Highlights

  • Visit the seventh-century Asakusa Kannon Temple
  • The trip to Hakone, located about 50 miles west of Tokyo.
  • Hakone is beloved by the Japanese for its hot-spring resorts, mountains, lakes, and historical sites
  • Visit Hamamatsuya, a workshop specializing in wooden handcrafts.
  • Visit one of the many houses of Kanazawa where the samurai—Japan's famed class of noble warriors—once lived
Show more

Themes

Cultural, Local Immersion & Homestays, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Train & Rail Journeys, Religious

What travelers are saying

"This letter is effectively what was communicated no less than 8 times in writing and conversation to OAT representatives up the chain, beginning 19 days before the trip. OAT was IMMOVABLE on allowing us to find an alternative travel companion and it was 100% due to rigid policy, not real barriers. We never expected a refund and wouldn't have blamed them if we could not fill my spot. They refused to even give us the opportunity. Appalling and sadly representative of their customer service. Congratulations, you lost two customers and one long time referral source. I only think it is fair that folks know the nature of the company at this point. An absolute shame. As a dedicated Edmund Hillary member of OAT with a history of introducing countless friends to your service including 4 who booked trips, I am writing to express my deep concern over the handling of our Galapagos trip booking in light of a recent medical emergency. This situation not only highlights significant gaps in customer communication and care but also underscores the need for immediate, effective action. Timeline of Events and Communication Issues: Initial Contact on 11/22: We contacted OAT 19 days before the trip, scheduled for 12/11, as soon as it became clear that extended surgical complications would prevent my travel. Policy of No Refunds or Changes Under 30 Days: We were informed that the trip is non-refundable under 30 days, which is understood. However, OAT also refused to allow a replacement traveler, posing zero risk to the company. Both of us called, met with the same response. Response from Exceptions Department on 11/22: The no-change policy was reiterated by the Exceptions Department on the same day. Written Escalation on 11/22: Both parties sent written letters to escalate the matter. Delayed Response Until 11/29: We did not receive any response until 11/29, with OAT mentioning the inability to make changes 12 days before the trip. Policy vs. Practical Reasons: The response seemed more policy-based than practical. We offered to cover the cost for a replacement traveler for the internal Galapagos flight, which was declined. The rep always returned to the policy prohibiting it. She further added we do not sell trips within 30 days. Upon looking the next day, I found no less than 7 different itineraries with no less than 13 different trips that I could have booked within 30 days. Further Escalation Request and Conversation on 11/30: A further request for escalation resulted in a 23-minute conversation on 11/30 without any change. Given these circumstances, I propose the following practical solution: Future Travel Credit in Exchange for Re-Selling My Space: If finding a substitute traveler is unfeasible, I suggest OAT resell my space to another interested party, crediting me for a future trip. This solution aligns with my preference and ongoing loyalty to OAT. The lack of a constructive response and rigid adherence to policy without considering exceptional circumstances is alarming. It not only affects this immediate trip but also impacts my ability to continue advocating for OAT in good conscience. An amicable and prompt resolution to this issue would speak volumes about OAT's commitment to customer satisfaction and flexibility. Unless there is a prompt and constructive resolution to this matter, we will be forced to escalate our concerns further. This includes reaching out to higher management within OAT, engaging with consumer protection agencies, sharing our experience through travel forums, and social media for breach of service. Our preference is to resolve this amicably, yet the current trajectory leaves us little choice but to pursue these avenues. I implore you to seriously consider these options and respond in a manner that reflects OAT's values of empathy and customer support. Your immediate attention to this matter is not only appreciated but necessary for a resolution that respects both parties' interests. Thank you for your understanding and prompt attention to this critical issue."

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Trans-Siberian Rail Journey
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3.5/5 Great
30 reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Moscow

Highlights

  • Discover the evocative choral music and unique culture of Buryat’s Old Believers.
  • Trace the shores of Lake Baikal, and stop for tea in a family home.
  • Attend musical performances, including a concert at the Decembrist House Museum in Irkutsk.
  • In Moscow, take an in-depth tour of the Kremlin, and meet a Russian cosmonaut.

Themes

50 plus, Education / Learning, Train & Rail Journeys

What travelers are saying

"We booked a National Geographic expedition Holland and Belgium by River. The promotional literature promised a 14-day deposit refund window. The “invoice” was marked “non-refundable” deposit. We completed the National Geographic Traveler Information. About 8 days later we received the “Travel Agreement” to be signed. We both approved and signed the National Geographic documents. A Cruise Line Travel agreement was enclosed but had no signature line. This document contained language which was unacceptable. We submitted the signed NatGeo documents. The following day we canceled the trip due to the unacceptable Cruise Line language. Cancellation was made 12 days after booking and no deposit was returned. We were told on the phone that the refund deadline was triggered by the 14 day window OR signatures on the Travel Agreement which ever came first. This was NEW information. To date, we have received NO refund of our $1000. We cancelled our trip within the advertised 14 day window."

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India by Rail Photo Expedition
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3.5/5 Great
30 reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Agra, Amber Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, Jaipur, Jama Masjid, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, Taj Mahal, Udaipur

Highlights

  • Capture sunrise and sunset over the Taj Mahal, and go on photo shoots at five other UNESCO World Heritage sites.
  • Photograph the fairy-tale marble palaces of Udaipur's Lake Pichola by boat, and take a sunset camel safari among the sweeping dunes of the Thar Desert.
  • Search for tigers in Ranthambhore National Park, and for rare birds and other wildlife in Keoladeo National Park.
  • Document the dazzling energy of the Jaisalmer Desert Festival, a celebration of color, music, and Rajasthani folk culture

Themes

Education / Learning, Train & Rail Journeys, Photography

What travelers are saying

"We booked a National Geographic expedition Holland and Belgium by River. The promotional literature promised a 14-day deposit refund window. The “invoice” was marked “non-refundable” deposit. We completed the National Geographic Traveler Information. About 8 days later we received the “Travel Agreement” to be signed. We both approved and signed the National Geographic documents. A Cruise Line Travel agreement was enclosed but had no signature line. This document contained language which was unacceptable. We submitted the signed NatGeo documents. The following day we canceled the trip due to the unacceptable Cruise Line language. Cancellation was made 12 days after booking and no deposit was returned. We were told on the phone that the refund deadline was triggered by the 14 day window OR signatures on the Travel Agreement which ever came first. This was NEW information. To date, we have received NO refund of our $1000. We cancelled our trip within the advertised 14 day window."

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Rail Journey Through India
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3.5/5 Great
30 reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Agra, Delhi, Fatehpur Sikri, India Gate, Jaipur, Rajasthan, Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, Taj Mahal

Highlights

  • Travel for five nights aboard the Palace on Wheels, a train designed in the style of a bygone era, evoking the splendor of the maharajas.
  • Explore six UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Fatehpur Sikri and the incomparable Taj Mahal.
  • Search for tigers in Ranthambhore National Park, and spot rare birds and other wildlife in Keoladeo Ghana National Park.
  • Take a sunset camel safari among the evocative dunes of the Thar Desert.

Themes

50 plus, Train & Rail Journeys

What travelers are saying

"We booked a National Geographic expedition Holland and Belgium by River. The promotional literature promised a 14-day deposit refund window. The “invoice” was marked “non-refundable” deposit. We completed the National Geographic Traveler Information. About 8 days later we received the “Travel Agreement” to be signed. We both approved and signed the National Geographic documents. A Cruise Line Travel agreement was enclosed but had no signature line. This document contained language which was unacceptable. We submitted the signed NatGeo documents. The following day we canceled the trip due to the unacceptable Cruise Line language. Cancellation was made 12 days after booking and no deposit was returned. We were told on the phone that the refund deadline was triggered by the 14 day window OR signatures on the Travel Agreement which ever came first. This was NEW information. To date, we have received NO refund of our $1000. We cancelled our trip within the advertised 14 day window."

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Moscow Ulan-Bator and Beijing Trans-Siberian Railway Tour
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4.8/5 Excellent
24 reviews
Private Guided
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Beijing, Moscow, Ulaanbaatar

Highlights

  • The ultimate train journey that covers 2 continents, 7 time zones and countless views of mountain, lake and steppe scenery.
  • For travelers seeking for luxurious experience, there is option of the outstanding Golden Eagles services of the train.
  • Meet people of different cultures and countries in a train can be the most interesting things ever in a journey.
  • Visit Moscow for the Kremlin, St. Basil's Cathedral, Red Square, extraordinary metro system and Bolshoi Ballet.
  • Visit Irkutsk and Lake Baikal, the oldest, deepest and one of the largest lakes in the world.
Show more

Themes

Climbing & Mountaineering, Culinary & Wine, Cultural, Cycling & Biking, Family Friendly, Local Immersion & Homestays, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Train & Rail Journeys, Transformative, Photography

What travelers are saying

"DO NOT BOOK WITH THIS COMPANY!!!! They SCAMMED ME AND MY FAMILY OUT OF 5,000 US Dollars!!!"

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Mongolia’s Naadam Festival and Lake Baikal
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4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Lake Baikal

Highlights

  • Gain insight into the nomadic life and culture of the Gobi’s dauntless residents when you meet with camel breeders and stay in a traditional canvas and felt ger.
  • Witness thrilling tests of courage and strength at the Naadam Festival as spirited contestants including young boys and girls gather from distant corners of Mongolia to compete in wrestling, archery and horse racing.
  • Follow in the footsteps of the original Indiana Jones as you discover the Flaming Cliffs where adventurer Roy Chapman Andrews discovered the first-known nest of dinosaur eggs.
  • Spend a day exploring the shores of the world’s deepest lake; this historic 50-mile stretch of the original Trans-Siberian Railway traverses 200 bridges along magnificent Lake Baikal.
  • Immerse in the culture, history and daily life of a remote and picturesque island; Olkhon, the largest island in Lake Baikal, is home to just 1,500 residents and is revered as a sacred site by the indigenous Buryat people.

Themes

Cultural, Family Friendly, High Adventure, Local Immersion & Homestays, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Train & Rail Journeys, Festivals & Special Events

What travelers are saying

"Delighted by the experience."

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77 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
My selections:
Train & Rail Journeys

Asia Reviews & Ratings

4.8/5  Excellent
10,378  Reviews
See all Asia tour reviews
Excellent
4,640
Great
1,094
Average
83
Disappointing
20
Terrible
16
C

Christopher

Apr 2017

Provided byG Adventures

When I was researching potential tours of Southeast Asia, I was looking for Thailand (Bangkok and Chiang Mai specifically) and Cambodia (Siem Reap/Angkor Wat specifically)

When I was researching potential tours of Southeast Asia, I was looking for Thailand (Bangkok and Chiang Mai specifically) and Cambodia (Siem Reap/Angkor Wat specifi...

B

Bernard

Nov 2016

Provided byG Adventures

The experience we had on this trip was life changing

The experience we had on this trip was life changing. We learned so many things about the people and cultures in the 4 countries we visited that it gave us a new app...

C

Colleen

Nov 2016

Provided byG Adventures

SE ASia is a culture shock if most of your travel has been in N

SE ASia is a culture shock if most of your travel has been in N.A. Or Europe. It was one new experience after another. We were not that prepared for such large citie...

L

Lyn

Nov 2016

Provided byG Adventures

My first time in Southasia, loved it

My first time in Southasia, loved it. Enjoyed listening to the loc...

A

Aimee

Nov 2016

Provided byG Adventures

This trip was unforgettable for me

This trip was unforgettable for me. It really opened my eyes to the history of these countries and the beautiful resilient people who live there. I love that the G/N...

Write a Review

Asia Tour Selection Trips

  • Asia is particularly well suited to taking guided tours, especially since travel in China, India and many other countries can be chaotic and confusing for non-natives.
  • Don’t try to tackle too much of Asia in one trip, unless you have unlimited time, resources, and patience.
  • Countries that deserve their own special trips include China, Japan, India, Thailand, Mongolia, Nepal, and Israel – though you could say the same about many others as well.
  • Southeast Asia (Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore) is a favorite emerging destination, and can be experienced more authentically with the right tour operator who helps you get away from the tourist traps. 
  • River cruise trips are becoming increasingly popular in East Asia, especially in China (Yangtze), Vietnam and Cambodia (Mekong) and Myanmar (Irrawaddy) and are excellent options for those a bit intimidated about getting too up close with Asia yet still experiencing much of its beauty. 
  • Some Asian countries may be known trouble spots with active military or political conflict (Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan), but it is possible to arrange tours to some unexpected places, such as Iran, Kurdish Iraq -- even North Korea.

Additional details

Best Time to Travel in Asia

Pick any time of the year and you will be able to visit one part of Asia. With Asia covering so much space and a variety of landscapes, you will be able to find a time of year that fits. 

However, some areas of Asia during certain times of the year should be avoided. It’s recommended that you coordinate the time of year with the region of Asia you want to visit before booking. Some tours to Asia may be hindered or itineraries may change because of weather or water levels. 

There are a few times of the year you should keep in mind when doing your research. South Asia during the summer months sees high rains during its monsoon season. November through March is monsoon season for many parts of Southeast Asia. Western Asia is very warm during the summer months as much of that area is desert. Central Asia can get very cold during the winter months. 

However, the months of May and September are probably the safest for most of Asia. Temperatures may still be warm in many areas, but you will see less rain and the crowds will be smaller. 

Asia Luxury Travel

There are plenty of Asian luxury tour operators you can choose from. Luxury tours of Asia typically provide premium accommodation in 4 and 5-star hotels in the central areas of the major cities. If you are visiting Asia on a river cruise, you’ll see high-end cruise ships and fine dining options. 

What makes luxury travel in Asia special is the private and personalized experiences. Whether it is a private hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia, Turkey, or a special photo opp with the Terra Cotta Warriors in China, Asia luxury travel is about those personal and exclusive touches to get you up close and personal with the diverse Asian cultures. 

Asia Budget Travel 

Asia is one of the best places to travel on a budget. Asia, and specifically Southeast Asia, is the epicenter of the backpacking world. 

There are many budget airlines and hostels throughout Asia. In places like Vietnam, you can pay $5 a night for a hostel dorm room and $10 for a bus ride. It can be easy to stick to a budget in Asia as there are many affordable options for travel and accommodation. 

There are plenty of Asia tour operators that provide budget tours or shoestring itineraries. Many of these tours will book you at hostels or homestays where you can meet locals and get to know other travelers.

You’ll also be traveling by local or public transportation to save money. These tours also often include more free time than luxury tours to keep the budget down and allow you to choose what to spend your money on. 

Asia for Older Travelers

While traveling through Asia may be intimidating for older travelers, there is plenty of opportunity to explore this diverse continent. 

However, it’s highly recommended that you do your research of the tour operator and countries you are looking to visit. For example, older travelers may have a harder time in some of the more rural areas of Cambodia and Laos with the dirt paths and trekking.

However, many tours take into account activity level and if you suffer from previous injuries or have a hard time getting around, a less strenuous tour may be the best. 

Much of Asia is mountainous, both in the cities and in the more rural areas. Cities like Istanbul with its very rugged streets and Kathmandu’s high elevation may make walking around difficult. If you are concerned about getting around, going with a more luxury, low intensity tour may be the best. 

Choosing a Southeast Asia Tour

Southeast Asia covers some of the most visited countries in Asia, however, trying to fit all of those countries into one trip will be overwhelming. 

Pick a few countries that you want to visit and find the tour that covers all of those countries. Many of the Southeast Asia tours group together a few countries in their itineraries. Vietnam is often included with Cambodia and Laos whereas Thailand can be combined with Singapore and Malaysia. 

Some of these countries do require a visa to enter the country, like Vietnam. Try to find a tour operator that helps or can direct you to where to get a visa because you will not be allowed into the country without one. 

Southeast Asia has some very interesting and colorful cities, but also some of the most breathtaking and beautiful landscapes in the world. Try to find a tour operator that includes both city life and rural destinations in their itineraries so you can see all that this amazing part of Asia has to provide. 

Street Food in Asia

Asia’s cuisine is vast and different, but one of the best types of food you’ll find everywhere is street food. In places like Bangkok and Hanoi, street food is part of the culture and is enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. 

Much of the street food you’ll find are quick bites like samosas in India or gua bao buns in Hong Kong. The food stands will also have small chairs and tables for you to sit at if you are eating bigger dishes like pho. Street food in Asia is a great way to get a look into the food culture and ingredients while also saving some money. 

However, it is important to protect yourself. If the food stand doesn’t have any locals buying from it or the food they are serving has been sitting out all day in the sun, don’t eat there. Go where the large lines are and the food has been cooked recently or fried.

Always Find the Best

On Travelstride you can find 3924 trips to Asia and more than 20,000 trips worldwide ranging from budget to luxury and private guided to group tours and everything in between. Only on Stride can you find and compare expert-planned trips from 1,000+ tour operators, cruise lines and local experts. Read traveler and professional reviews so you can confidently find your perfect trip.

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