Discover the remarkable side of Asia

Based In Australia - 12 Guests Per Tour - Incredible Itineraries

Bespoke Asia Group Tours

Established in 2017, Remarkable East specialises in small group touring, but not as you know it. With more than two decades of experience exploring Asia, we create bespoke itineraries for discerning travellers looking for a real adventure. Based in Australia, our team uses our on-the-ground experience and first-hand knowledge to carefully curate experiences that are innovative and authentic. With just twelve guests per trip, Remarkable East is redefining small group touring.

  • Jewels of South India

    Discover the spirit of South India, from the colourful streets of Pondicherry to the towering temples of Madurai. Wander through Chettinad’s old mansions, explore Munnar’s tea-covered hills, and cruise the backwaters of Kerala.

    14 Days

  • Hidden Gems of Japan

    Explore Japan beyond the usual sights, from lively cities to peaceful mountain towns in the southern islands. Visit art-filled Naoshima, historic Matsuyama, charming Ozu, the hot springs of Beppu, and the volcanic beauty of Kagoshima.

    12 Days

  • Treasures of Sri Lanka

    Uncover the spiritual heart of Sri Lanka on a journey that blends history, wildlife and culture. Explore ancient temples, climb Sigiriya, safari through Wilpattu, ride the train through tea country, and walk Galle Fort with a local.

    13 Days

  • Heritage of North India

    Journey from Mumbai to Delhi through Rajasthan, and discover the rich history of North India. Wander through the forts and bazaars of Jodhpur and Jaipur, spot wildlife in Sariska, and visit the Taj Mahal and Delhi’s grand monuments.

    14 Days

Go to Asia. Everything is different, yet everything is familiar. The people are kind, the food is rich, and the land surprises you at every turn.

Anthony Bourdain

Our Difference

Established in 2017, Remarkable East specialises in small group touring, but not as you know it. With more than two decades of experience exploring Asia, we create bespoke itineraries for discerning travellers looking for a real adventure. Based in Australia, our team uses our on-the-ground experience and first-hand knowledge to carefully curate experiences that are innovative and authentic. With just twelve guests per trip, Remarkable East are redefining small group touring.

  • An Indian woman applying a traditional ceremonial mark to a Caucasian woman with white hair, who is smiling and holding a smartphone, outdoors with a stone wall in the background.

    Engaging Activities

    Experience a destination beyond the surface through authentic encounters with locals. Join paper-making workshops, take part in grassroots NGO initiatives, or explore on guided walking tours. These activities offer real insight into daily life, traditions, and community stories.

  • Mount Fuji with a snow-capped peak, a high-speed train on a track, pink flowers in the foreground, and a clear blue sky.

    Unique Transport

    Travel differently with unique modes of transport that bring you closer to local life. Ride overnight ferries, hop on regional trains, or use smaller vehicles that reach places big tour buses can't. Our journeys offer flexibility, deeper access, and a more personal view of the landscape.

  • Three people hiking in a lush green landscape with hills in the background.

    Insightful Guides

    Gain a deeper understanding of each place with insightful local guides who know their destinations inside out. Their lived experience, personal stories, and connections provide context you won’t find in guidebooks, turning each stop into a meaningful and memorable encounter.

  • Japanese street food stall with red paper lanterns, illuminated signs, and pictures of takoyaki octopus balls and okonomiyaki pancakes.

    Culinary Treasures

    Enjoy real street food and authentic regional cuisine, watch meals prepared using traditional methods, and sample dishes where locals eat. It’s not just about dining - it’s about experiencing culture through every bite, offering a true taste of a destination from a different perspective.

  • A group of women standing barefoot inside a grand, ornate building with a high, decorated ceiling, arched windows, and black-and-white checkered floor.

    Smaller Groups

    With a maximum of 12 guests, our take on small group touring allows easier access to places larger groups can’t reach. It’s a more flexible, personal way to travel - ideal for exploring tucked-away spots, connecting with locals, and enjoying a shared experience without the crowds.

  • Natural hot spring with reddish water, steam rising, surrounded by rocks and green plants, and a building in the background on a sunny day.

    Incredible Itineraries

    Our itineraries blend iconic highlights with off-the-beaten-track destinations, offering the best of both worlds. Carefully curated by our in-house travel experts, skip the crowds and discover lesser-known places that reveal a richer, more authentic side of each country you visit.

 Upcoming Departures

  • Uncover the cultural heart of Sri Lanka on this 13-day small group tour designed for curious travellers. From ancient cities and sacred temples, to wild national parks and tea-covered hills, each day brings authentic encounters and local insight. Climb the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, explore the cave temples of Dambulla, and witness daily life in charming villages by tuk-tuk or bicycle. A full-day safari in Wilpattu National Park offers the chance to spot leopards and elephants, while hands-on experiences like cooking classes and temple visits bring you closer to Sri Lanka’s traditions.

    Travel by scenic train through tea country, sip high-grown brews in Haputale, and walk Galle Fort with a local storyteller. With a maximum of 12 guests, this tour offers greater access and flexibility, allowing you to connect more deeply with people and places. Whether it’s a quiet ritual at a village shrine, a home-cooked meal, or the laughter of children playing carrom by the coast, these are the moments that stay with you. Thoughtfully paced and full of variety, this journey reveals the island’s diversity, beauty and warmth - far from the tourist trail.

  • Japan is a country of contrasts, where centuries-old traditions sit alongside cutting-edge design, and quiet mountain villages exist just a train ride from lively cities. This 12-day journey focuses on lesser-known regions of Southern Japan, combining cultural depth with comfort. Starting and ending in Osaka, our Japan itinerary takes in art-filled Naoshima, historic Matsuyama, the charming town of Ozu, and the volcanic landscapes of Kagoshima.

    Along the way, enjoy hot spring towns like Beppu, the history-rich streets of Nagasaki, and the calm beauty of the Seto Inland Sea. With a maximum of 12 guests, quality accommodation and time to explore at a relaxed pace, this itinerary is ideal for travellers looking to escape the crowds and discover the hidden gems of Japan.

  • Go beyond the traditional tourism circuit of North India and delve deeper into the region’s layered history, architectural marvels, and the everyday rhythm of life in both cities and small towns. With a maximum of 12 guests, the itinerary is designed for those who prefer immersive travel at a relaxed pace. Across 14 incredible days, this small group adventure begins in Mumbai, exploring the city’s contrasting layers that stretch from colonial landmarks to the laneways of Dharavi.

    Continuing to Rajasthan, visit the colourful cities of Jodhpur and Jaipur with their endless bazaars and forts, before slowing down and unwinding in destinations including Sariska and Karauli, where you’ll enjoy wildlife safaris and historic temples. The final leg includes Agra, home to the Taj Mahal, and the buzzing streets and grand monuments of Delhi. With local insights and a thoughtfully curated route, this small group tour of North India is ideal for curious travellers wanting a more personal and authentic experience.

  • With a maximum of 12 guests, this journey through South India offers a deeper, more personal connection to the region’s heritage and daily life. Across two incredible weeks, start your adventure in Chennai and wander through colonial streets in Pondicherry, marvel at Chola-era temples in Kumbakonam, and experience the grandeur of Madurai’s Meenakshi Temple. From the faded elegance of Chettinad’s mansions to the vibrant colours of local markets, each stop reveals a new layer of Tamil Nadu.

    Continue east into Kerala and unwind in the misty hills of Munnar, where tea plantations stretch across the horizon, and savour the peaceful backwaters aboard a traditional houseboat. Discover Fort Kochi by tuk tuk, explore Cochin’s trading past, and sample the flavours of Keralan cuisine. Along the way, you’ll meet artisans, walk through temple towns, and witness everyday rituals that bring this region to life. Designed for curious travellers who value authenticity and comfort, this thoughtfully paced tour is South India - experienced, not just seen.

Asia Travel Guide

We share stories that go beyond the surface. From the best times to visit and what to pack, to where to find authentic street food or a peaceful cultural experience off the beaten track. With a focus on real, lived experiences, our Remarkable East blog is designed to help you travel with confidence, understanding, and a sense of connection.

 FAQs

  • At Remarkable East, we believe small group touring should be just that: small.

    As such, the group size for all of our small group tours are capped at a maximum of 12 people, ensuring a more intimate and personalized experience.

    This way, we’re able to get around with ease, utilise local transport and visit more off-the-beaten-track destinations. This tour is a great opportunity to connect with like-minded travellers, and you may even leave with lifelong friendships.

  • All of our small group tours to Asia include shared airport transfers, all accommodation, breakfasts, all transport, a dedicated trip leader, and a range of expert local guides. Depending on the region, additional extras that may be included are outlined in each itinerary, such as speciality lunches or dinners, internal flights and entry to relevant landmarks or experiences.

  • Our guests come from all over the world, but share a love of travel. Small group touring suits guests who value a balance of structure and flexibility, and who enjoy meaningful experiences over fast-paced sightseeing. It’s ideal for those who prefer not to travel alone but also want to avoid the crowds and rigidity of large tours.

    People who enjoy cultural immersion, local interactions, and a slower, more thoughtful approach to travel often find small group touring rewarding. It’s also well suited to open-minded, considerate travellers who appreciate shared experiences, like group meals or guided walks, but value having personal time and space too.

    Whether you’re a solo traveller, a couple, or a group of friends, if you’re curious, adaptable, and interested in the world beyond the typical tourist trail, small group touring is a great compromise between the intimacy of private experiences, and the convenience of group travel.

  • We certainly do! Due to the nature of accommodation, like many other tour operators, our pricing is based on per person, twin share - or two people sharing a room.

    Without another person to share the cost, a solo traveller will often pay the full rate for that room, or be charged double by a tour operator.

    However, at Remarkable East, we try to reduce the cost of this burden by keeping our solo supplements as low as possible. If you would like to learn more about this or potentially source another solo traveller to bunk with, please contact us at mail@remarkableeast.com.au

  • If we’re strictly talking about weather, the best months to visit Asia depend on the specific region, as the continent spans a wide range of climates. However, in general:

    October to March is considered the most favourable period for much of Asia, particularly:

    • South Asia (India, Sri Lanka, Nepal): Cooler, dry weather makes this peak travel season.

    • South East Asia (Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar): These months offer pleasant temperatures and less rain.

    • East Asia (Japan, China, South Korea): Autumn (October-November) and spring (March-May) are ideal for mild weather and seasonal highlights like cherry blossoms or fall foliage.

    Exceptions to note:

    • Northern Asia (parts of China, Mongolia, Siberia): Best visited in summer (June to August) when temperatures are more manageable.

    • Indonesia and the Philippines: Dry season varies, but generally April to October is preferred.

    • The Himalaya: For trekking in Nepal, India or Bhutan, spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are ideal.

  • With over two decades of operating tours from Australia, we know Asia well. While our primary base in in Melbourne, we also have regional offices for our operations staff in the following locations:

    - Delhi, India
    - Hanoi, Vietnam
    - Colombo, Sri Lanka

  • We certainly do! In fact, private touring with custom-made itineraries is an area we’re particularly passionate about. To explore more of Asia on your terms, please visit us at Asia Unbound, India Unbound or Sri Lanka Unbound to learn more.

New Tours Coming Soon