Beyond the landmarks, the real magic of Asia lives in the details—the warmth of a welcome, the rhythm of traditions, and the moments that draw you into everyday life. At Highlights Travel, we believe these encounters transform a journey into something deeper, something unforgettable. This is what we call the real local experience: not just seeing Asia, but feeling a part of it.
Are you ready to step closer and create your own story?
Culture Immersion
Traditional Tea Ceremony with Kimono
Enjoy an authentic traditional Tea Ceremony hosted by a local English-speaking host, which gets you immersed in the real Japanese culture - a Once in a lifetime experience in Japan.
The staff will also help you put on a traditional kimono and do your hair which will make this experience authentic, memorable and informational. With the option of wearing kimono, you can have great photo opportunities! After the host, you will make your own tea by using traditional tools.
Capture Your Hanfu Moment
Step into the past with a Hanfu experience. Participate in a workshop where you can don traditional Chinese dress, have your makeup styled in an ancient fashion, and begin your historical adventure. Adorn yourself in such a exquisite traditional attire as you stroll along Xi'an's time-honored sites, capturing unforgettable memories.
Chiang Mai Sky Lantern Festival
Immerse yourself in the magic of the Chiang Mai CAD Khomloy Sky Lantern Festival. The most iconic moment is the synchronized release of thousands of sky lanterns, illuminating the night sky and creating a breathtaking spectacle.The festival also features a rich program of traditional Lanna (Northern Thai) cultural performances, including traditional dances, live performances of traditional Thai instruments and melodies, fire dances, and monk chanting and meditation.
Visit a Family & Play Holi
Visit a local house to throw Holi colors with the family and locals around. Local costumes and herbal colors for an authentic Holi experience will be provided. You may also try your hand at preparing some local sweets that are part of the Holi celebrations.
Food Adventure
Street Food Tour in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is not only visually stunning but also renowned as a culinary haven, offering a delectable array of dishes influenced by Northern Thai, Burmese, and Lao cuisine. Indulge in a street food adventure, exploring the vibrant food scene and sampling various delicacies sold from stalls and shophouses.
Visit the Three Kings Monument area, located in the heart of the town center, to experience the bustling street food scene where you can savor Northern Thai-style noodle soup, stir-fries, Phad Thai, khao man gai (chicken rice), khao soi (a Burmese-influenced noodle dish), fresh fruits, and a variety of Thai desserts.
Sushi-Making Experience
Take a closer look at the fascinating world of sushi, extending from the ocean to your plate, during the sushi-making class. Learn how fish is caught and distributed, then turn your attention to sushi-making, where you'll prepare nigiri sushi with the help of a sushi master. Finish your experience by enjoying your creations for lunch.
A Bite of Xi'an
Awaken your taste buds with a captivating Muslim Quarter food adventure, where you'll encounter the rich heritage of classic dishes and exciting, innovative local snacks. Taste Xi'an food and immerse yourself in the Muslim atmosphere, just like Marco Polo did when he was there 743 years ago.
Family Fun
Ninja Experience
The Ninja Experience at Ninja Do in Osaka provides a unique and immersive insight into the mysterious world of the ninja, ancient Japan's covert agents. This engaging experience allows participants to step into the shoes of a ninja for a day, learning about their history, tactics, and the role they played in Japanese society.
Make Your Own Terracotta Warriors
Not only visit the Terracotta Warriors Horses Museum to see the life-sized Terracotta Army, but olso make a mini one by yourself. Did you know that all the terracotta warriors were originally colored? The old paint has faded with time yet the craftsmanship still shines. A local craftsman will unveil the secret of the terracotta warrior making in a disappearing cave dwelling
Learning Chinese Calligraphy
Chinese calligraphy is a beautiful art form that combines writing, painting, and cultural expression. For over 2,000 years, it has been a way for people in China to communicate not just words, but emotions and philosophy through brushstrokes.
In a calligraphy class, you'll learn to use special brushes, ink, and rice paper to write Chinese characters in different styles, from bold and powerful to smooth and flowing. Kids and adults alike can enjoy it—no experience is needed, and it's fun to see how your writing improves with practice.
Lifestyle Experience
Bangkok Market Fun Tour
Visit Mahachai Market, Thailand's largest seafood market, before taking a taxi boat and a 3-wheeled bicycle tour through a riverside fishing town. Take a unique train ride through the bustling Maeklong Railway Market, allowing you to observe local life and salt fields from a different perspective. Experience the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market with a scenic long-tail boat ride through canals, culminating in a chance to sample local delicacies.
Experience Vietnamese Fishing Life at Hoi An
Cast nets with local fishermen, learn to paddle unique basket boats through coconut groves, and uncover wartime history. Enjoy fresh grilled seafood on the river, truly connecting with the heart of local life.
Japanese Homestay Experience
Immerse yourself in local Japanese life with our homestay program. It includes overnight accommodation and two daily meals: breakfast and dinner, offering an authentic taste of home-cooked cuisine. For a deeper cultural dive, we can often arrange for you to join your host family in preparing a traditional Japanese dinner. This offers a wonderful, hands-on opportunity to learn about their culinary traditions firsthand.
Discover the Life of a Tibetan Lama
Songzanlin Lamasery is the biggest Tibetan Buddhist temple in Yunnan Province. After visiting the main halls of the lamasery, your guide will take you to a dormitory, which is not normally open to tourists. The lamas who live there will show you their hospitality and will be happy to talk with you in their study room. If you are curious about their lifestyle, religious beliefs, practices, and discipline, this is a great chance to get close to and interact with them. If you are lucky, you might meet a living Buddha.
Cooking Class at a Local Family's House
You'll stay with a local family. Your host will welcome you and tour her organic garden. You can then gather herbs and vegetables for your meal. During this cooking class, you'll learn to make authentic Thai dishes you can recreate at home. Your host will prepare a variety of regional Thai dishes. You'll also taste dishes from northern, northeastern, and central Thailand.
Wildlife and Nature
Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Half Day Tour
Spend quality time with elephants, accompanying them to a nearby mud spa. Join these gentle giants in applying a nourishing mud treatment to their skin, getting muddy together. Afterward, walk with them to a nearby river for the delightful experience of a refreshing bath.
India Tiger Safari
Explore Rajasthan's incredible Ranthambore National Park and enjoy two jeep game drives by VIP jeeps for 6 passengers maximum each through the jungle and rugged terrain. The most famous resident of this wildlife park is the endangered Bengal tiger and it is a truly special experience to catch a glimpse of them in the wild. Apart from tigers, this park also has many other animals such as bears, leopards, jackals, elephants, striped hyenas, bison, monkeys, and several types of deer.
Hiking and Caving
Explore the Sacred Kumano Kodo: Nachi & Nakahechi Routes
The Kumano Kodo, Japan's ancient pilgrimage trails, lead to the spiritual heart of the Kii Mountains. The Nakahechi Route, a UNESCO-listed path, winds through misty forests and traditional villages, offering a journey back in time with stunning mountain vistas. Nearby, the Nachi-san area features the iconic red Seiganto-ji Pagoda, harmoniously nestled beside the falls. For a shorter but equally breathtaking experience, the Nakahechi's middle section passes through serene valleys and historic checkpoints.
Conquer the Tiger Leaping Gorge
Trek through Tiger Leaping Gorge and awaken by the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain rising majestically to your right and the Jinsha River winding its way through the valley below.
If you only have one day for the Tiger Leaping Gorge Hike, the section from Tea Horse Guest House to Half-Way Guest House is the most recommended. This section boasts the most spectacular scenery in the entire gorge. The sheer scale of the cliffs will leave you feeling humbled by the power of nature.
100% Real China Caving!
Admitted in geology, China is rich in Karst formation. You can find almost all kind of forms of karst in China. Karst gives the southern china unique landscape and also an incredible underground world.
It could be a vanilla experience to visit a cave when you traveling to Guilin, Zhangjiajie, Guizhou or Yunnan. If you want to be an explorer, why not do a 100% real caving instead of visit those with colored lights and concrete steps!
Unique Stay
Experience Staying at Ekoin Temple (Syukubo) on Mount Koya
Sleep in a 1,200-year-old Buddhist temple at Ekoin, one of Mount Koya's most welcoming shukubo (temple lodgings). Enjoy a serene evening with a traditional shojin ryori (vegetarian Buddhist meal), followed by a Goma fire ritual—a powerful Shingon Buddhist prayer ceremony. Wake up to temple bells and join morning prayers before exploring sacred sites.
Khao Sok Floating Bungalows: A Tropical Paradise on the Water
Watch the sunrise over the misty lake from your private deck, then kayak through hidden lagoons or swim in crystal-clear waters. Spot monkeys, hornbills, and even wild elephants in the nearby national park. Enjoy fresh Thai meals on the water's edge, and unwind under the stars with no city lights in sight. Experience the magic of Thailand's rainforest at Khao Sok Floating Bungalows, where you sleep just steps from emerald waters surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and lush jungle.
Get Inspired with Some Popular Itineraries
At Highlights Travel, we create your kind of journey — your dates, your destinations, at your pace. You can have any trip tailor made for your travel.
