Fly drive and touring holidays in the Far East
Article updated every 6 months. Last update: 1st October 2007
Author: Bob Atkinson (Travel Expert) Ask me a question.
A huge area ranging from Japan to Borneo, Thailand to China and all in between, the Far East holds a fascination for many with its amazing sights, sounds, colours and smells.
A range of religions and political systems permeate to make this one of the most rewarding areas of the world to visit with many historical and religious monuments as well as stunning scenery.
Places to visit on a fly drive or touring holiday
The Far East has a wealth of opportunities for touring, China has a huge range of itineraries in itself, from Beijing and the Great Wall of China in the north, through Xian for the Terracotta Warriors and the mighty Yangtze river, to Guilin and Hong Kong in the South.
Add in Vietnam, Cambodia for Angkor Wat, tropical Malaysia, exotic Japan, the spice islands of Indonesia, Borneo and of course Thailand with it's famous palaces, beaches and nightlife. The region is a real mix of sensations and experiences.
Many people take a multi centre holiday, touring a number of countries with a combination of flights and coach travel, escorted all or part of the way.
It is not somewhere we recommend for fly drives as there are limited facilities and costs are so cheap that part of fully escorted touring is better value.
Fly drive holidays in the Far East
For fly drives, we would only really recommend a trip through Malaysia and up to the Cameron Highlands, famous for its rubber plantations. The countries of the Far East are not geared up to hiring vehicles in the way that the US or Europe is and taking a tour or hiring a private driver is far cheaper and more flexible. These companies will be able to help:
Escorted tours
Taking a multi centre holiday or tour is a great way to sample the region or countries such as China or Thailand, travelling in the comfort of modern coaches and aircraft on your chosen itinerary. We detail companies who can offer multi country tours, as well as individual countries and areas.
Multi Country Providers:
Individual Country Providers:
Luxury escorted tours
There are a range of providers who specialise in luxury tours of the Far East, often staying in high class hotels and travelling in smaller groups, on top specification vehicles with the best guides in the industry. Itineraries are often more specialised yet still cover the continent in full.
Rail & river tours
There are few opportunities for rail and river based tours in the Far East, however there are some great itineraries including the Eastern & Oriental Express, Japan's magnificent rail network, or cruising on the Yangtze river in China or the Mekong in Vietnam and Cambodia.
Here are links to companies who can help with these:
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