Inspiration
Far East Sabbatical
This immersive sabbatical through East Asia brings together the ultra-modern with the deeply traditional.
East Asia, unfolded slowly
Across a number of dynamic countries, you’ll experience a thoughtfully paced journey that blends cultural insight, natural beauty and refined local encounters.
Throughout the journey, you’ll enjoy seamless travel, curated guiding, and a handpicked mix of premium city hotels, intimate local stays and tranquil coastal retreats. You’ll also be equipped with travel tools like local transport cards and mobile WIFI to make navigating each destination effortless.
- Hong Kong
- Japan
- South Korea
- Naoshima
- Kyoto
- Shima
- Hakone
- Tokyo
- Busan
- Gyeongju
- Seoul
- Thailand
- Vietnam
- Cambodia
- Khao Lak
- Bangkok
- Hanoi
- Halong Bay
- Ho Chi Minh City
- Siem Reap
- Cardamom Mountains
Nici Davies
With over 30 years of expertise at Travelwise, Nici specialises in family adventures, luxury ski holidays and indulgent beach escapes. Her extensive knowledge of diverse destinations allows her to offer the perfect suggestion, even when you're not exactly sure what you're looking for.
Part 1: Hong Kong, Japan & South Korea
Your journey begins with city buzz and plenty of cultural depth. Explore Hong Kong’s skyline views, lively markets and standout cuisine before flying to Japan for a journey through art, tradition and nature, from Naoshima’s open-air museums to Kyoto’s temples, Shima’s coastline and Hakone’s hot springs. In Tokyo, dive into local life with insider-led experiences, then fly to South Korea to explore Busan’s beaches and temples, Gyeongju’s ancient treasures and Seoul’s vibrant street food scene.
Hong Kong
Start in one of Asia’s most captivating cities. Hong Kong dazzles with its blend of glittering skyscrapers, colourful street markets and serene green hills.
Explore the iconic Peak Tram for sweeping harbour views, wander through historic neighbourhoods like Central and Soho and take a sunset ferry across Victoria Harbour.
There’s time to dip into the city’s legendary food scene, from dim sum lunches to rooftop cocktails overlooking Kowloon’s night markets.
Your guide will help you make the most of your time, whether you’re after tailor-made suits or timeless temples.
Naoshima & Kyoto
Fly from Hong Kong to Japan and dive straight into its creative soul on the island of Naoshima. Known for its open-air installations, cutting-edge museums and tranquil pace, it’s a world away from the mainland. Explore on foot or by bike, uncovering a landscape where art and nature blend seamlessly.
Then travel to Kyoto, Japan’s cultural heart. With a local guide, discover serene temples, lantern-lit streets, Zen gardens and the elegance of the Gion district.
Highlights might include a traditional tea ceremony, a walk through Arashiyama’s bamboo forest, or witnessing a geisha performance in one of Kyoto’s historic theatres.
Shima & Hakone
Head off the tourist trail to Japan’s rugged Ise-Shima coastline, where you’ll enjoy sweeping sea views, natural hot springs and fresh seafood.
Meet one of the famous Ama divers (women who free-dive for shellfish in a tradition dating back 3,000 years) and hear stories passed down through generations over a traditional lunch.
Then continue to Hakone for a taste of rural Japan and its iconic mountain scenery. With a transport pass in hand, you’ll ride cable cars and lake ferries, visit the open-air sculpture museum and (clouds permitting!) catch breathtaking views of Mount Fuji. Soak in a natural hot spring before heading to Tokyo.
Meet the Ama Divers of Shima
Step away from the usual and into one of Japan’s most fascinating living traditions. In the quiet coastal region of Ise-Shima, you’ll meet the legendary Ama divers – women who free-dive without modern equipment to collect abalone, sea urchins and shellfish, just as their ancestors have for over 2,000 years. Hear stories passed down through generations over a fresh seafood lunch cooked by the divers themselves. It’s an intimate human encounter with a culture that honours both ocean and heritage, and one you’re unlikely to forget.
Tokyo
In Tokyo, ancient shrines and futuristic skylines sit side by side. Join a local “insider” for an evening of izakaya-hopping and hidden bars, then spend a day with a private guide exploring everything from serene gardens to buzzing districts like Shibuya and Asakusa.
You’ll have time to explore at your own pace too, whether that means diving into boutique shopping, wandering local markets or relaxing in a traditional teahouse.
Busan
Fly into Busan, South Korea’s coastal city known for its street food, modern art and laid-back beach energy. With a private guide, explore the colourful hillside village of Gamcheon, visit the dramatic cliffside temple of Haedong Yonggungsa and finish by the beach in Haeundae.
There’s time for a seafood feast, a cocktail with a view or a visit to the buzzing fish market.
Gyeongju
A short overland journey takes you to Gyeongju, Korea’s ancient capital. Often called the “Kyoto of Korea,” it’s home to UNESCO-listed temples, Buddhist carvings and centuries-old tombs.
Explore at your own pace: perhaps that’s visiting Bulguksa Temple, hiking in the surrounding hills or sampling the region’s ssambap cuisine and traditional rice wine.
Seoul
Continue in South Korea’s fast-paced capital. Spend your evening here tasting your way through Seoul’s street food scene, from sizzling barbecue to addictive rice cakes, on a lively guided tour.
The next day, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.
Part 2: Thailand, Vietnam & Cambodia
This next chapter of your sabbatical blends relaxation, cultural discovery and once-in-a-lifetime landscapes. Begin with a restorative stay on Thailand’s Andaman coast before weaving through the temples and markets of Bangkok. Then fly to Vietnam to uncover the contrasts of Hanoi, cruise through Halong Bay and dip into the dynamic pace of Ho Chi Minh City. Finally, discover Cambodia’s ancient heart at Angkor Wat, before ending your adventure in a hidden luxury retreat deep in the jungle.
Khao Lak & Bangkok
Ease into the second leg of your journey with five nights on Thailand’s quieter coastline. Khao Lak offers a serene mix of soft beaches, rainforest, and gentle snorkelling trips around the Similan Islands. It’s the perfect place to recharge after your time in Japan and South Korea.
Then head to Bangkok for a whirlwind of temples, street food and rooftop views. Cruise along the old canals, visit the Grand Palace, and take in the temple of Wat Arun before diving into the city’s food scene on a night-time tuk-tuk tour.
There’s still time for market browsing or spa time before you fly on to Vietnam.
Hanoi & Halong Bay
Vietnam’s capital is a true blend of colonial elegance and lively street life. With your guide, explore the city’s layers, admiring the quiet gardens of the Temple of Literature, the historic stilt house of Ho Chi Minh and the buzzing alleys of the Old Quarter. You’ll also meet a local family for a glimpse into daily life behind the narrow façades.
Then it’s off to the water for an overnight cruise through the limestone islets of Lan Ha Bay.
Drift through quiet coves, cycle through a remote village, try your hand at Vietnamese cooking or soak in the views from the deck with a drink in hand.
Ho Chi Minh City & Siem Reap
Touch down in Ho Chi Minh City for a brief but fascinating stop. A local guide will take you through key sights: the colonial-era post office, sobering War Remnants Museum and buzzing Ben Thanh Market, before you continue onwards to Cambodia.
In Siem Reap, your focus shifts to the majestic temples of Angkor. With a private guide, explore intricate carvings, jungle-clad ruins and vast ceremonial complexes.
There’s also time to visit floating villages on Tonlé Sap Lake and enjoy an evening of modern Cambodian performance art at the Phare Circus.
Between temples and markets, you’ll get a real sense of Cambodia’s spirit and resilience.
Cardamom Mountains & Departure
Your final stop is deep in Cambodia’s southern wilderness, for a fusion of luxury and adventure in the Cardamom Mountains. Tucked within a pristine national park, your remote jungle camp offers a fittingly unforgettable end to the journey.
Zip-line into the resort (or arrive by jeep), then spend your days exploring rivers, waterfalls and untouched rainforest with conservation rangers and local guides.
In between jungle expeditions, unwind at the riverside spa, dine under the stars and soak up the peaceful sounds of nature.
After a final morning in the wild, you’ll transfer to Phnom Penh for your flight home.
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