Asia Tours

Choose by the kind of trip you want. Japan suits travelers who want short transfers, efficient cities and a mix of temples and modern Tokyo, with most tours between Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. China covers longer distances, and Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai is the classic first route. India works well for a first visit through the Golden Triangle of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, and many tours add Udaipur, Rishikesh, Goa or Kerala.

Spring and autumn are the most popular seasons. Cherry blossoms usually peak in Tokyo and Kyoto from late March to early April, and autumn leaves color the temples from mid-November to early December. Summer is hot and humid, with a rainy season in June and July. Winter is cold but often clear, and Hokkaido in the north gets heavy snow. Book spring dates early, since hotels fill quickly.

April to May and September to October are the most comfortable months for Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai, with mild weather and clearer skies. Summer is hot and busy, and winter in Beijing is cold and dry. Try to avoid the first week of October and Lunar New Year, when national holidays bring large crowds to the Great Wall and other major sights. Tibet routes are best from May to October.

October to March is the main season for the Golden Triangle, when days in Delhi, Agra and Jaipur are warm and dry. December and January mornings can be cool and foggy in the north, which can delay early starts. April to June is very hot, and the monsoon brings heavy rain from about July to September. Goa and Kerala are most comfortable from November to February.

Plan about a week for one country. That is enough for Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka in Japan, or the Golden Triangle in India. China's classic Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai route usually takes 7 to 10 days because of the distances between cities. Vietnam tours from Hanoi run about two weeks, since they travel the length of the country. Add a day at each end to recover from the long flight.

Vietnam tours start in Hanoi with airport transfers and travel south. Most include Halong Bay and Ninh Binh in the north, Hue, Danang and Hoi An in the center, and end with Phu Quoc island or Ho Chi Minh City. Weather differs by region: the north is cool from December to February, while the center gets heavy rain from about September to December, so check the season for your route.