Put down the ipads and computer games, we all want our children to grow up open minded and educated and what better way to teach children the wonders of the world than by experiencing them first hand. Let’s talk Asia. With vibrant cities, friendly locals, unique cultural experiences, let us share with you five unique activities that you never knew you could experience in Asia that will give your family endless stories of exciting encounters and local rendezvous.
1. Forbidden city treasure hunt
Take part in a treasure hunt whilst exploring Beijing’s iconic Forbidden City. The treasure hunt involves seeking out symbols scattered around the 9,999 buildings throughout the city. The local guides will explain the sites history and legends whilst carefully plotting clues useful for the treasure hunt. It’s a great way to educate the kids about the history and get them involved in exploring the Forbidden City.
2. Seek out rare pink Dolphins in Thailand
Go in search of exotic Thai wildlife such as the rare pink dolphins in the south of Thailand. It is thought there are around 2000 in the wild and around 150 dolphins in Thailand. Experience these majestic creatures in their natural habitat by getting up close and personal by gliding through the waters on a long tail fishing boat.
3. Tobogganing on the great wall of China
Whilst the Great Wall of China is one of the most iconic landmarks in the world and an absolute must when visiting China, why not experience it with a twist- tobogganing down the Great wall at Mutianyu! Built more than 2,000 years ago to guard from the enemy tribes from the north, the wall snakes through 4,000 miles across the mountains of northern China. What better way to experience the great wall than hiking one of the Seven Wonders of the World and tobogganing alongside it. If you’re searching for a fun and convenient way of returning to the entrance of the hike, the 1580 metre long Toboggan lets you dive along the mountain path, zig zagging down a series of bends allowing for some breath taking scenery along the way. It’s also a great way to keep the kids interested and involved whilst exploring such an incredible destination!
4. Experience a local village homestay in rural Vietnam
Immerse your family in the authentic hill tribe culture in a hidden corner of rural Vietnam. This experience involves spending a night in the Muong village of Tu Ne and partaking in daily activities, chatting with the local community, tasting some local Muong specialities and staying in a traditional stilted-house. Your family can learn about the Muong traditions, explore rural Vietnamese landscapes and support Tu Ne’s local community.
5. Snorkel your way through the untouched beaches of Southern Myanmar
A country that only opened their doors to tourism five years ago, Myanmar is definitely an amazing destination for your next family getaway. An up and coming country unlike its bustling neighbour Thailand, Myanmar’s pristine beaches in the south a proving to be a major hit for many travellers. Untouched and not yet a hit with tourism, why not snorkel your way around Myanmar’s southern beaches, checking out its amazing sea life whilst immersing your family with the friendly locals throughout the villages.
Can’t wait to immerse yourself in these experiences? Contact our team today to chat through your options!
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This category of tours involves light trekking, walking, cycling, rafting or kayaking for a few hours each day with a small amount of inclines and declines. You will require a reasonable level of fitness and good health to participate. It is important to note that due to the nature of some of our trips, they may take place in remote areas (with basic facilities) and can involve long travelling days on various modes of transport.
Suggested preparation : At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake aerobic exercise (this may include jogging, cycling or fast walking) for 30 minutes, three times a week. It is also advised to walk on variable terrain and in variable weather conditions. For a cycling adventure, road cycling twice a week is recommended and for adventures which involve paddling and kayaking, it is important to gain confidence and rhythm rather than speed prior to departure.
This category of tours involve trekking, kayaking and cycling for period of 6 to 8 hours a day at a fairly consistent pace. Ideal for people looking to slightly increase the heart rate. For our moderately rated tours, you must have a good level of fitness and also be in good health. It is also important to be prepared for variable weather conditions. Altitude may also come into play. This category of tours may involve visiting remote areas where facilities can be quite basic. Accommodation may also involve camping, homestays or basic accommodation where facilities may not be considered of western standards. To enjoy this style of travel, it is suggested for travellers to have a reasonable level of fitness and health, a positive attitude, as well as a fairly active lifestyle. An open mind is also required.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake 45mins – 1 hour of aerobic exercise, three to four times a week. Some potential exercises that could be beneficial include hill walking with a backpack on over variable terrain and weather conditions, as well as running and cycling dependent on the activity you plan on undertaking.
This category of tours involves trekking, kayaking, cycling or other adventure activities in remote areas for up to 8 to 10 hours a day. It is important to note that with the remoteness of some regions comes a variety of other challenges such as variable weather conditions, accommodation as well as facilities. You must have an excellent level of fitness and good health to be able to partake in this category of tour. You must have confidence in your own ability and be in good physical condition. Includes extended periods of endurance.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 to 4 months of strenuous exercise, four times a week. When preparing for treks it would be beneficial to participate in hill walks with a weighted day pack (approximately 5-8 kg) once a week for aerobic fitness and strengthening of leg muscles. It is also important to do this on variable terrain to prepare for challenging adventures. When preparing for cycling adventures, regular bike riding (at least 4 to 5 times a week for 1-4 hours is essential). It is also important to cycle on uneven surfaces or even participate in other aerobic exercises such as running or swimming to build up strength and stamina. Altitude may also be a factor in these tours.
This category of tour often involves extreme trekking, cycling or other extreme adventure activities. It is important to expect remote and poorly defined tracks and to be prepared for variable weather conditions for 10 to 12 hours per day (may sometimes be more depending on weather and altitude). These adventures are suitable for travellers who have prior experience in strenuous travel and activities, are extremely fit and have excellent health. It is also important to note that some of the terrain on these adventures will involve trekking in snow, at high attitude levels and may require technical equipment.
Suggested preparation: It is important to note that physical fitness should be an ongoing activity, commencing around 5-6 months prior to departure, or even before if you have no prior fitness. Exercise should focus on building maximum endurance and stamina. Four to five hard sessions of 40-60 mins per week should be completed and can include exercises such as going to the gym, running, swimming or cycling to focus on building aerobic stamina. It could also be beneficial to prepare by hiking on rough terrain, in extreme weather conditions or partake in altitude training.