Family Holidays to Asia with Cultural Experiences Kids Will Love
The magic ingredient of every Ampersand trip is culture; we believe that's what makes a holiday memorable and enriching. In our opinion there really is no place better than Asia for exposing children to diverse cultures, history and traditions. Below we’ve shared our favourite cultural trips to Asia for the whole family:
Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle and Beach
Sri Lanka is a fantastic destination for families with children of all ages. Being a small country, it’s easy to get around, but despite its size, there’s a multitude of things to do, from exploring ancient ruins and visiting tea plantations to enjoying the tropical beaches and learning to surf.
Our Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle and Beach itinerary offers an insightful view into Sri Lanka’s history, taking in some of the finest historical, archaeological and natural treasures. Starting in the cultural triangle, visit the ancient city ruins of Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura, the beautiful Dambulla Cave Temples and the inspiring sky citadel of Sigiriya. Continue south into one of the old capitals of Sri Lanka, Kandy. to visit the beautiful Peradeniya Botanical Gardens and explore the Temple of the Tooth, before winding down your trip with a few days by the sea where the kids can swim, snorkel and learn to surf whilst you relax! Culture, adventure and beach, this trip is everything you could want from a family getaway.
India is home to some of the world’s finest temples, largest historical empires, exciting cuisines, busiest cities, spectacular landscapes and oldest religions, making it an educational and exciting destination for any family holiday.
Our Grand Tour of North India covers the highlights of this diverse region, forming a backdrop to landmark events such as the birth of Buddhism, Mughal invasion and rule, epic Rajput battles and British imperialism. Start by exploring the majestic capital city, Delhi, followed by the sacred city of Varanasi and Khajuraho, before arriving in Agra, home of the Taj Mahal. Continue your journey by exploring Rajasthan, whose fascinating history is told in innumerable fables and evidenced by its towering forts and dramatic scenery. Take time to explore the cities of Jaipur and Jodhpur and go tiger-spotting in Ranthambore National Park. Your final stop will be the fairytale lake city of Udaipur. While travelling you’ll be sure to give lots of different modes of transport a try - metro, car, plane, boat and on foot. And no visit to India with kids would be complete without a ride in a rickshaw or tuk-tuk!
Family holidays to South India are very well-suited to those with little ones, as the slow pace and easy-going nature of local people makes everything feel a little bit easier than in the north - there’s also the delicious coconut-based cuisine that is very appealing to children.
Our Grand Tour of South India cherry-picks the region's highlights including the colonial charm of Cochin, the buzzing temple-town of Madurai and the fabulous architecture of Tanjore and Pondicherry. Additionally, you’ll have hands-on experiences learning local craft skills such as papermaking, silk weaving, doll making, weaving and bronze casting, as well as local dance and culinary classes to make the trip more engaging and educational. We can also arrange a night on a houseboat in the Keralan backwaters - a must-do experience that kids of all ages will love.
An Educational Adventure: The Perfect Family Holiday to China
Take your family on a holiday of a lifetime to experience China’s classic sights in immersive and interactive ways. Hike along Beijing’s Great Wall; see the tomb of the First Emperor of China, Xi’an’s Terracotta Warriors, in Guilin, bike through breathtaking scenery straight out of a classical Chinese painting; and be awed by acrobats in China’s most modern city, Shanghai.
Adding an educational dimension to a trip to China makes it more culturally enriching and exhilarating: make hand-pulled noodles from the experts and learn the martial art of gongfu (kung fu) from the monks at Shaolin Temples.
Southern Vietnam & Cambodia’s Ancient Kingdom of Angkor
Brimming with history and adventure, South East Asia is a dream destination for adults and kids alike. Combining Vietnam with Cambodia makes for an unforgettable journey through two of the region’s most colourful yet contrasting cultures.
Starting in Vietnam, your journey begins in Saigon before heading south to explore the unique waterways of the Mekong Delta and the Cai Rang floating market. Crossing the border to Cambodia, you’ll enjoy a restful few days in the seaside town of Kep before driving north to the capital, Phnom Penh, taking in the memorials to Cambodia’s troubled Cold War history at the Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Prison - for those with teenage children. A short flight from Phnom Penh will take you to Siem Reap to explore the ancient jungle-shrouded ruins of Angkor.
Travelling with kids is a wonderful way to holiday but it does require special planning - that’s where we come in! Our suggested itineraries can be booked as they are, or can be used as a starting point for creating your own tailor-made tours. If you'd like to see similar trips, take a look at our Top 10 Cultural Holidays or Top 10 Family Holidays, or contact us to start planning your luxury family holiday.