Adventure in the limestone karst landscape of Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park


All Experience Travel Group (ETG) Classic Holidays are designed to immerse you in the most magical parts of Asia.
Forget skimming the surface or staying in could-be-anywhere hotels. With us, you’ll delve deeper than the standard tour or so-called ‘tailor-made’ trip – soaking up unique cultural insights, exploring scenic spots far from the crowds, interacting with different communities, and staying in characterful hotels.
ETG’s Classic Holidays are made for curious travellers looking to balance discovery with downtime and those celebrating milestones.
With our insider knowledge and long-standing local connections, we unlock exclusive experiences across Asia that most travellers can only dream of.
And best of all? We take the planning faff off your plate and free you from decision fatigue.



Explore Our Classic Sample Itineraries
Our thoughtfully designed itineraries ensure you experience the real highlights of your destination, while weaving in unusual moments to make your holiday special. Maybe you’ll see Sigiriya in all her glory and explore her quiet surroundings most travellers miss, spot creatures big and small in the jungle, wander through incense-filled temples, or sleep in a riverside lodge.
As ever, our Travel Team will shape any sample itinerary into your bespoke package.

Sri Lanka
A Foodie Journey Through Sri Lanka
When it comes to ‘foodie destinations’, Sri Lanka flies relatively under the radar – yet it has a fantastic culinary scene. We’ve designed this trip to sample its spices and rich flavours – most of which you’d never taste at home – and trace the island’s multicultural history through its delicious dishes… You’ll also have the chance to learn from great chefs, see the country’s ancient sites and stay in high-end hotels along the way.
Highlights
Tea Experience
Private cooking demo in the Hill Country, including a “teaology” experience
Ulagalla
A traditional Kamatha farmhouse dinner – up to 15 courses!
Smoke & Bitters
Sipping spice-infused cocktails at a buzzy beach-side restaurant within a coconut grove (recently celebrated as one of the best bars in Asia)
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Hanoi
Countryside, Caves & Beach
Vietnam has an extensive network of domestic flights, so it’s tempting to fly around all over the place and pack loads in. But travelling a little more slowly by train can be hugely rewarding and fun! This holiday includes an overnight journey and two-day trains as you traverse the country from Hanoi to the Central Coast. You’ll stay in some great spots along the way including a luxury beach resort in an idyllic location.
This trip suggestion works particularly well for families travelling in Spring and Summer since this is the best time to visit Phong Nha Caves and the Central Coast. It avoids the southern part of the country, where the weather is less favourable in the summer months.
Highlights
Street food tour
Slurp noodles in the hustle and bustle of the capital Hanoi
Coastal beauty
Enjoy a breathtakingly beautiful beach resort on a remote peninsula in Phu Yen province
Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park
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Agra
Regal Residences of Rajasthan
This is a far cry from the tired old route that almost everyone takes through India’s Golden Triangle. We know that you’re not everyone. Veer off the tourist trail into the heartlands of Rajasthan to feel the true essence of timeless and, yes, incredible India.
You’ll still be able to experience the manic magic of Delhi, the warm pink hues of Japiur and the magnificence of the Taj Mahal. But you’ll also experience so much more by staying in some of the country’s best heritage properties, brought to life by charismatic hosts. You’ll get the best of both worlds – and be amazed that the rest of the world doesn’t seem to be in on the secret. Shhh!
Highlights
Chambal River
Explore magnificent and lesser-visited sites on the banks of the Chambal River
Heritage properties
Experience a flavour of rural and royal Rajasthan in two contrasting rural palaces
Taj Mahal
Admire the marble magnificence of the Taj Mahal
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Bali
Classic Bali & Lombok
The neighbouring islands of Bali and Lombok are easily combined. With a range of gorgeous boutique hotels in even its most rural areas, we think Bali is the better of the two for experiencing culture and countryside without compromising on creature comforts.
Lombok, however, has some exceptional beach hotels, and its coastal areas are far less congested than Bali’s southern shoreline.
A holiday combining the exotic sights and sounds of Bali with the idyllic white-sand beaches of Lombok is a winning combination.
Highlights
Bali
Experience the countryside, temples and scenery of Sideman and Ubud
Take a speedboat across the Lombok Strait with a backdrop of dramatic volcanoes
Lombok
Relax on the idyllic Mangsit Beach on the remote northwest coast
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Alleppey
Kerala Encompassed
Gain a great insight into the variety Kerala has to offer as you travel south to north over three weeks. You’ll have the opportunity to stay in different types and styles of accommodation, ranging from tea bungalows to a plantation mansion, houseboat, treehouse and tents, to name a few.
Spend your days among tea and spice plantations, relaxing in rural settings, spotting wildlife, cruising along the Alleppey backwaters, visiting local markets and getting to know the towns that make Kerala tick. Finish on a remote beach to round off your journey through ‘God’s Own Country’.
Highlights
Cruise the backwaters
Get a real feel for life on the backwaters as you cruise through the canals on a houseboat for two nights, watching local life pass by
Birdwatching
Wake up on the banks of the river Periyar where you’ll have the chance to spot over 120 species of birds
Safaris
Track elephants and tigers on safaris and boat rides through the Nagarhole National Park
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Borneo
Slow Paced Borneo
If you want to immerse yourself in the incredible wildlife and beaches of Borneo but don’t fancy too much road travel or rushing around, then a holiday like this one could be ideal.
Highlights
Kinabatangan River
Drift down the Kinabatangan River, keeping watch for pygmy elephants, rare bird species and primates
Wildlife spotting
Wonder at the incredible rainforest teeming with wildlife in the company of your expert nature guide
Gaya Island
The flexibility to enjoy lazy days relaxing by the pool or active days following nature trails. The choice is yours at Gaya Island
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East Coast
Digital Detox in Sri Lanka
This itinerary idea is perfect if you long to slow down, reconnect, and immerse yourself in Sri Lanka’s beauty. You’ll also veer off the beaten track, staying in gorgeous eco-lodges and homely retreats. Leave life’s constant buzz behind and savour meaningful connections with your companions, locals, and the natural world.
Highlights
Gal Oya National Park
Boat safaris on Sri Lanka’s largest lake, spotting elephants and vibrant birdlife
Knuckles Mountains
Hike hidden trails and discovering a disappearing way of life
Historic Galle
Explore the charming fort and the vibrant local food scene here
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Map


Bangkok
Countryside, Rivers & Reef by Train
An overland exploration of North and Central Thailand. Snake through rural communities by rail, stay in riverside lodges in jungles, and relax on pristine beaches.
Highlights
Phrae
Snake through the northern hills towards Phrae Muang Pi Forest Park
Bangkok
Going behind the scenes on Bangkok’s backstreets, including a cooking class in a hidden garden restaurant
Koh Kood
Relaxing on the tropical jungle island, close to the Cambodian border
In Our Travellers’ Words
Explore Our Hotels & Villas
Wherever you go, and whatever you do, at the end of every day you can always be sure of a comfortable rest. Every location on our list of hotels is handpicked, and in its own way, shares the history, the hospitality, and the soul of the destination. Below are some examples of the different hotels we use.

West Coast Islands, Thailand
Koyao Island Resort
Tranquil, boutique, undiscovered. And what’s not to like about an infinity pool with views over the Andaman sea dotted with fantastical limestone karst islets?
Highlights
Highlights
Thatched villas,
Beachfront pool,
Watersports
Best for
Families
Friends
Couples
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Kanchanaburi, Thailand
The FloatHouse River Kwai Resort
Quality thatched-roof villas and outdoor adventures on a peaceful bend of the River Kwai.
Highlights
Highlights
River villas,
Pristine nature
Best for
Families
Couples
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Maheshwar, India
Ahilya Fort
Perched high above the ghats of the River Narmada, Ahilya Fort is a rare gem in rural Madhya Pradesh. Once the palace of the legendary Ahilya Bai Holkar, it’s now a boutique retreat rich in history and charm. With panoramic river views, peaceful courtyards, and warm village integration, the fort offers a timeless escape.
Highlights
Highlights
Magical setting,
Maheshwar Ghats right below
Best for
Couples
Solo
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Sri Lanka
Gal Oya Lodge
Gal Oya Lodge is located in the heart of the Gal Oya National Park, not far from Sri Lanka’s most sizable inland body of water, Senanayake Samudraya. This wonderfully serene lake is surrounded by forests teeming with colourful wildlife.
All the teak and mara wooden furnishings have been locally and lovingly handmade and the building’s open-plan architecture maximises the panoramic mountain views.
Highlights
Highlights
Scenic spot,
Sublime swimming pool,
Amazing activities
Best for
Families,
Couples
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Sri Lanka, Puttalam & The North West
The Mudhouse
Tucked away in sixty acres of forest and surrounded by serene lakes, The Mudhouse sits at the foot of the enigmatic Paramakanda Rock Temple. It’s a unique jungle retreat where rustic charm meets immersive adventure.
This eco-lodge offers a one-of-a-kind experience, with beautifully crafted, thatched huts made entirely from natural materials. Thoughtfully designed to blend seamlessly into the lush landscape, each private cluster of huts forms its own mini-village within the jungle, complete with spaces for sleeping, dining, and relaxing.
Highlights
Highlights
Fun local experiences,
Bike rides,
Birdwatching
Best for
Families
Nature nuts
Good to know
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Indonesia, Bali, Sidemen
Surya Shanti Sidemen
Boutique hideaway and authentic Balinese experience in the remote eastern hills.
Highlights
Highlights
Beautiful boutique feel,
Staggering scenery
Best for
Couples
Families
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Phong Nha-Ke Bang, Vietnam
Chay Lap Farmstay
A peaceful base for adventure in Phong Nha, Chay Lap Farmstay offers comfort, charm and great food on the edge of Vietnam’s most dramatic caves.
Highlights
Highlights
Gorgeous rural setting,
Close to caves
Best for
Couples
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