9 Unique Secret Journeys to Experience Culture and History in Asia
 
Asia is amazing for any age, and wherever you are in your life, you can find something to suit your interests here.
Each exclusive Secret Retreats itinerary – what we like to call Secret Journeys – has been carefully crafted by local host in each location for a particularly local and one-of-a-kind experience. Passionate about where they call home, these incredibly knowledgeable and charming hosts delight in sharing with you their secret spots, traditional art, culture, activities and cuisines of the destinations they are located in.
To get to know the essence of Asia first-hand, we recommend you spend a couple of weeks winding through Secret Journeys we’ve listed below.
 



 
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 A Discovery of Northern Vietnam
 Vietnam 7 Days / 6 Nights
 
From the mountains to the sea on a 7-day tour of North Vietnam. Trek to places in the mountainous north far from the beaten track of mass tourism and enjoy encounters with the ethnic groups in this recently opened area. Sail Halong Bay, one of the most romantic and beautiful natural wonders of the world, on a luxurious private sailing junk.
 

EXPLORE NORTH VIETNAM
 



 
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The Baekje Historic Areas
South Korea 3 days / 2 nights
 
Baekje was one of the Tree Kingdoms of Korea, together with Goguryeo and Silla, founded by Onjo, the third son of Goguryeo’s founder during the 18th century BC. Between wars and alliances, the three kingdoms expanded control over the peninsula and Baekje reached its apogee during the 4th century, when it controlled most of the western Korean peninsula, from Pyongyang to Liaoxi in China. Baekje was a great maritime power, but defeated by the Tang Dynasty, it submitted to Unified Silla in 660. During this trip, we are proposing you a travel back in the rich and agitated Korean History, visiting some of the most ancient or sacred sites, that played an important role in the relationship with the neighbouring powers of China and Japan.
 

EXPLORE SOUTH KOREA
 



 
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Discover Varanasi
India 4 days / 3 nights
 
Varanasi, formerly called Benares, is one of the most sacred pilgrimages to Hindus and a Holy place for Buddhists. The city is located on the banks of the Ganges river and is also believed to be one of oldest inhibited cities in the world. The Ganges is also the most sacred of the rivers in India, as the legend has it that the goddess Ganges descended upon earth for King Bhagirath who prayed for the liberation of the souls of his ancestors. Along the river, Varanasi Ghats are manmade embankments of stone facing the East towards the rising Sun. The ghats allow pilgrims to access the river for a holy dip, to perform sacred rites, religious ceremonies, some sections of the ghats are dedicated for cremation rites.
 

EXPLORE VARANASI
 



 
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Discover Angkor and Siem Reap
Cambodia 4 Days / 3 Nights
 
Angkor Wat is one of the largest religious monument complex in the World, spread over 160 hectares. Its construction started in the middle of XII century, as a Hindu then Buddhist monument. Located on the shores of the Tonle Sap Lake, the greatest sweet water reserve in whole Southeast Asia, Siem Reap (which literally means “Siamese defeated”, in reference to the victory of the Khmer Empire over the army of the Thai kingdom in the 17th century) offers a combination of activities ranging from the archeological sites spread over the north, the nature and jungle on the hills at the East and waters and fishing villages of the lake at the South.
 

EXPLORE SIEM REAP
 



 
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The Last Shangri-la
Himalayas and Bhutan 7 days / 6 nights
 
The Kingdom of Bhutan, a small, land- locked country of only about 750,000 inhabitants, is often called the happiest country in the world. Bhutan’s values provide for a unique intersection of tradition, spirituality, and development, making it like no other place in the world to experience. This journey in the Himalayan kingdom is meant to open our eyes and understand a country where the Gross National Happiness (GNH) – right balance between economic well-being and emotional well-being- is more important that GDP. Ranked one of the top 10 safest countries in the world, Bhutan is also the world’s only carbon negative country with over 70% of the country forested and no traffic lights.
 

EXPLORE BHUTAN
 



 
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Discover New Delhi
India 3 days / 2 nights
 
Perhaps there is no other capital city in the world so steeped in history and legend as the Indian capital, Delhi. It was the magnet that drew the Mongols, Turks, Persians, Afghans, Mughals and finally the British and all have contributed to its glorious but turbulent history. This journey offers you to a glimpse to discover the city, just for 2 nights if you need to transit on your way in to or out from other regions of India.
 

EXPLORE DELHI
 



 
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On the Road from Tokyo to Kanagawa
Japan 3 days / 2 nights
 
To be on the road incites a feeling of adventure and freedom. We would like you to enjoy this feeling on a trip from Tokyo to Kanagawa. We will take you through expansive green landscapes and past terraced rice paddies to unique places of primeval nature, historic sites, and contemporary wonders. On your four-wheeled journey, meet the people that make Japan an unforgettable destination: from craftsmen, chefs, and farmers to artists and disruptors. An exclusive experience in a private ryokan in Kamakura, 90mn away only from Tokyo.
 

EXPLORE KANAGAWA
 



 
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The Soul of Ceylon
Sri Lanka 10 days / 9 nights
 
This journey will make you explore the deep culture, the wild nature of Sri Lanka, visit the essential and take the time to move slowly from one destination to another, in a circle around the Southern part of the island. Sri Lanka is nearly a circle around most of the Island and off the beaten tourist tracks. A great experience to admire some of the most beautiful sceneries the island can offer, enjoy gentle walks or cycling, birding, UNESCO sites, indigenous Vedda local tribes, rustic countryside and manicured tea plantations and to end the peaceful beach of Weligama.
 

EXPLORE SRI LANKA
 



 
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Thai and Lao Country Routes
Thailand, Lao, Indochina 12 Days / 11 Nights
 
A voyage of discovery through the birthplace of modern Thailand and the ancient kingdoms of Laos, Lanna and Siam. Explore and enjoy the rich and diverse cultures and lifestyles of these timeless regions, from the hilltribes of northern Thailand and northern Laos to the life along the rivers of central Thailand and the enigmatic Mekong. A journey to the heart of Thailand’s and Laos’s heritage and history.
 

EXPLORE NORTH THAILAND
 



 
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Whether you travel solo, as a couple, with family or with friends, we strive to offer you unique experiences and create memories that will last a lifetime, and with the peace of mind that each step you take supports sustainable, responsible, and regenerative tourism in Asia. See you in Asia!
 



 
...to start planning your Asian journey
 





 
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Secret Retreats is a curated community of independent boutique hotel, villas, yachts and river boats keen to share their Asian Homes with travelers, sustainably and responsibly. Conservation of the environment, culture and traditions of Asia is of paramount importance to all in Secret Retreats. A community of like-minded hospitality professionals, we offer our guests authentic travel experiences that go beyond typical offerings to unveil the essence of Asia. Supporting the Asia based hoteliers and hospitality professionals and providing incredible holidays in Asia and tailor-made Asia travel itineraries direct to public ad travel agents.
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