20 Unique Short-Haul Adventure Trips For Families In Asia

NEPAL - HIMALAYAS TREKKING: Family-Friendly Short-Haul Adventure Trips In Asia

Trekking the Himalayas is not just for tough burly men or seasoned hikers. This is one the whole family, young kids included, can partake in. Let expert trek leaders at Responsible Adventures take the family on an epic trek in the Annapurna Circuit, a section of Nepal's Himalayas. Considered one of the great walks of the world, trekkers of all ages are guided on "teahouse treks" through picturesque mountain trails and colorful villages. The low-altitude family trek on the Annapurna foothills is explicitly devised with families in mind, including nutritious meals and accommodation along the way. Little ones can be carried by porters and customized trek itineraries can be arranged. Visit October through May.

• Responsible Adventures, 17 Sundarnagar, Amrit Marg, Kathmandu, Nepal, +977 980 108 2108, raj@responsibleadventures.com, www.responsibleadventures.com
• Check out Little Steps’ Guide to Trekking in Nepal with Kids, www.littlestepsasia.com/travel/nepal/trekking-in-nepal-with-kids

INDONESIA - YACHT SAILING: Family-Friendly Short-Haul Adventure Trips In Asia

An adventure that all families should experience at least once together, is to go on a sailing trip. Barefoot Yachts Indonesia is ready to welcome you aboard year-round! This dedicated cruising agency offers exquisite liveaboards and private yacht charters to explore the Indonesian Archipelago. The dedicated crew on your voyage love having kids on board and safety is a priority while you set sail into the sunset. Get ready to have the time of your life as you explore areas like Banda Sea, Komodo, Raja Ampat, Sulawesi, and more. Choose between a range of yachts like a traditional Phinisi Yacht - yes, one that looks like a pirate ship! These yachts come with modern amenities to ensure a comfy stay on-board. They also offer scuba diving for kids and open water diving lessons for kids aged 11 or up.

• Barefoot Yachts Indonesia, Komodo, Indonesia, +62 812 3653 9385, info@barefoot-cruising-Indonesia.com, www.barefoot-cruising-indonesia.com
• 10 Family-Friendly Liveaboard Cruises For Kids And Families, https://www.littlestepsasia.com/travel/cruises/best-liveaboard-cruises/

JAPAN - SKIING SEASON: Family-Friendly Short-Haul Adventure Trips In Asia

When in season, between December to early April, hit the white powdery slopes of Niseko in Japan for an epic ski trip. This will be a truly memorable family trip. Niseko is officially Japan’s finest ski resort area located in Hokkaido. Niseko comprises 4 interlinked ski resorts - Grand Hirafu, Hanazono, Niseko Village, and Annupuri. Niseko is famous for its quality powder snow averaging 15m+ of snow each season, with wide open powder bowls and tree runs. Perfect for skiers of all levels. There are 3 gondolas and 30 lifts in the area, including activities like snowmobiling, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and ice festivals.

• Niseko Village, Higashiyama-onsen, Niseko-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido, Japan, +81 136 44 3311, central.res@niseko-village.com, www.niseko-village.com
• Check out Little Steps’ Guide to Niseko with Kids, www.littlestepsasia.com/travel/japan/niseko/niseko-and-hirafu-with-kids
• All Ski Content (Hakuba, Niseko, South Korea, Asia, More), https://www.littlestepsasia.com/skiing/

THE MALDIVES - SNORKELING TRIP: Family-Friendly Short-Haul Adventure Trips In Asia

The Maldives is probably the closest place to paradise you’ll find on Earth. With its shimmering crystal turquoise waters, vivid coral reefs, idyllic beaches, and abundant marine life, you’ll never want to leave. You can bet that the Maldives offer some of the very best snorkeling opportunities. Book into Dusit Thani Maldives, a Thai-style luxury hotel resort located on Mudhdhoo Island in Baa Atoll, Maldives’ first UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. Besides housing the largest Maldivian infinity pool and spacious Family Beach Villas, this resort’s incredible house reef is home to the most abundant marine life in the Maldives. Snorkelers will get face to face with eagle rays, turtles, clown fish, parrot fish, tuna, and even white-tip sharks. The resort’s local biologist is ready to educate all on these wonders. The best time to visit the Maldives is from November to April.

• Dusit Thani Maldives, Mudhdhoo Island, Baa Atoll, Republic of Maldives, +960 6608888, resmaldives@dusit.com, www.dusit.com
• More Trips In Maldives With Kids + Hotels, https://www.littlestepsasia.com/travel/maldives/

VIETNAM - CAVE EXPLORATION: Family-Friendly Short-Haul Adventure Trips In Asia

As long as nobody in the family has a fear of dim or confined spaces, how does exploring some truly mystical large caves and small grottos sound? Vietnam’s Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, covers over a 104km stretch of 300 caves, grottos, and underground rivers, making it one of the most outstanding limestone karst ecosystems globally. Parts of this underground system still remain unexplored. Book a tour between February and September in the dry season. With older kids, explore the world’s biggest cave Hang Son Doong on a 5-day tour including accommodation booked through the Park’s tourism services. With smaller kids, venture out on daily tours to some of the other caves like the magical Paradise Cave.

• Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park, Phong Nha Town, Cha Trach, Quang Binh, Vietnam, +84 232 3677021, pnkb@quangbinh.gov.vn, www.phongnhakebang.vn

BORNEO, MALAYSIA - VISITING ORANGUTANS: Family-Friendly Short-Haul Adventure Trips In Asia

Jet-set off to one of Asia’s largest islands, the rugged island of Borneo in southwest Asia’s Malay Archipelago. It’s known for its biodiverse rainforest and exotic wildlife. The Malaysian state of Sabah in Borneo is where you’ll see beautiful orangutans. As an endangered species, it’s something truly special to be in the presence of these furry creatures. Visit and feed orangutans at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre located in the mostly virgin rainforest of the Kabili Sepilok Forest Reserve. There are around 60 to 80 orangutans living independently in the reserve and about 25 orphaned and rescued orangutans are housed in the nurseries. The Centre is a pioneer of orangutan rehabilitation projects. Visit between March and October and stay at the nearby Sepilok Jungle Resort.

• Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, W.D.T. 200, Sabah Wildlife Department, Jl. Sepilok, Sepilok, 90000 Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia, +60 89 633587, info@orangutan-appeal.org.uk, www.instagram.com/sepilokorangutan
• Sepilok Jungle Resort, Jl. Rambutan, Sepilok Mile 14, Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia, +60 89 533031, info@sepilokjungleresort.com, www.sepilokjungleresort.com

MONGOLIA - HORSE RIDING EXPEDITION: Family-Friendly Short-Haul Adventure Trips In Asia

Nothing quite compares to riding across the breathtaking Mongolian plains on horseback. It’s a time to explore and appreciate the culture and breathtaking wilderness of Mongolia - no fences, no private properties! Book a fabulous horse-riding expedition around the Orkhon Valley in central Mongolia with Genghis Khan Retreat. They accommodate families on these expeditions and have horses suitable for all levels of riding experience. Their expert riding team ensures your safety and comfort during the expedition. Enjoy a stay in the untamed frontiers of the Mongolian steppes in traditional Mongolian “gers” - cozy and snug canvas huts with all your modern amenities and delicious meals. Personalized itineraries and activity proposals are accommodated. Visit between May and August for the best weather.

• Genghis Khan Retreat, 360km west of Ulaanbaatar and 25km west of Karakorum, Orkhon Valley National Park, Central Mongolia, +976 88114014, booking@genghiskhanretreat.com, www.genghiskhanretreat.com

SRI LANKA - WILDERNESS GLAMPING: Family-Friendly Short-Haul Adventure Trips In Asia

Camping with little kids (or simply for us old folks) can be unpredictably complicated. One indulgent solution is to go “glamping” instead - camping in style! We have a fantastic option for you in Sri Lanka. Wild Coast Tented Lodge is a spectacular luxury tented camp situated on a beach in the Indian Ocean, next to the jungle and the nearby leopard-inhabited Yala National Park. The resort's 28 Cocoon pods are state-of-the-art tents cocooned under canvas and teak with copper detailing, some with plunge pools. Be right in nature, but still super comfortable with modern amenities. Yala National Park offers exceptional wildlife experiences like safaris and nature walks to see leopards, elephants, sloth bears, and mugger crocodiles. You are sure to see something cool no matter when you visit.

• Wild Coast Tented Lodge, Palatupana, Yala National Park, Sri Lanka, +94 47 703 6000, reservations@resplendentceylon.com, www.resplendentceylon.com/wildcoastlodge-yala
• More Sri Lanka With Kids, https://www.littlestepsasia.com/travel/sri-lanka/

LOMBOK - YOGA RETREAT: Family-Friendly Short-Haul Adventure Trips In Asia

If you’re a family that’s big on wellness, or if you want to introduce your kids to the yogic lifestyle early on, what could be more fitting than a yoga retreat? And not just yoga at your local yoga studio, but a peaceful yoga retreat on an island - Lombok to be exact! Mana Yoga Retreat in Kuta, Lombok offers a peaceful sanctuary where guests can connect with and nurture their bodies and souls. This retreat is open to everyone year-round, and families are welcome. Stay at Mana in unique accommodations surrounded by lush tropical gardens with a spa, bar, and cinema on-site. Enjoy daily yoga classes like Vinyasa Yoga, private yoga classes, 3-night and 6-night individual yoga retreats, and an Ashtanga Immersion retreat, with all yoga equipment provided.

• Mana Yoga Retreat, Jl. Baturiti I, Kuta, Pujut, Lombok, +62 8533 8628 659, manalombok@gmail.com, www.manalombok.com
• More Lombok With Kids, https://www.littlestepsasia.com/travel/indonesia/lombok/

CHINA - EXPLORING THE GREAT WALL: Family-Friendly Short-Haul Adventure Trips In Asia

You may not have considered it, but The Great Wall of China can be a real treat for kids. Now considered one of the new 7 Wonders of the World, the most well-preserved section of the wall constructed during the Ming Dynasty is an impressive 8,850km long. Visit any time of the year. Wild Great Wall Adventure Tours offers fantastic tours to visit The Great Wall like a 3-day tour near the East Gate (Gubeikou, Jiankou, Jinshanling, Simatai West) and Mutianyu, including meals and accommodation at a local farmer’s guesthouse. There are also activities at The Great Wall like hiking, camping, story times, on-foot exploration, cable car views, photo opps, and epic Toboggan rides.

• Wild Great Wall Adventure Tours, Room 304, No.8 Xiaoyunli, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China, +86 139 1132 1502, wildgreatwall@gmail.com, www.wildgreatwall.com

VIETNAM - BAY CRUISING: Family-Friendly Short-Haul Adventure Trips In Asia

The legend says that, at the beginning of Vietnam's history, the locals had to fight invaders in Halong Bay (another Heritage Site). They were granted a family of guardian dragons who spat out jewels and jade, which turned into the Bay's 1,600 magnificent limestone monolithic islands and crashed enemy ships. Now doesn’t that sound like an incredible place to visit? Heritage Line offers two breathtaking tours around Halong Bay aboard their most coquettish French-Indochinese-designed luxury vessel, “Violet”. The 1-night classic cruise and the 2-night journey cruise include interesting spots like a floating fishing village and pearl farm, a prehistoric cave, kayaking tours, and small island exploration. The periods between September to November and March to May are best to visit.

• Heritage Line, Head Office: 2/27 Quach Van Tuan, Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, +84 28 353 504 88, contact@heritage-line.com, www.heritage-line.com
• More Family Friendly Cruises In Halong Bay, https://www.littlestepsasia.com/travel/vietnam/hanoi/cruises-in-halong-bay/

BALI, INDONESIA - WHITE RIVER RAFTING: Family-Friendly Short-Haul Adventure Trips In Asia

If you’re a family that loves thrilling adventures, try white water rafting. For an epic white water rafting family trip for ages 5 to 65, head to Bali, Indonesia. Pioneers of Bali’s adventure industry, Mason Adventures Bali, offer thrilling and scenic white water rafting journeys along the enigmatic Ayung River in the Ubud area. They feature Bali’s longest white water rafting trip at 12km starting high in the jungle area of central Bali. Enjoy exhilarating action along class 2 and 3 rapids with swirling waters and sudden adrenaline-pumping drops, all while taking in the exotic scenery along the way. The 4-hour tours include experienced raft guides, all equipment, change room facilities, and a gourmet buffet lunch at their alfresco Canopy Rafting Restaurant. Visit during Bali’s dry season between April and October. Stay at the nearby Awatara Boutique Resort.

• Mason Adventures Bali, Ubud Recreation Center: Jl. Raya Kedewatan No.II, Kedewatan, Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali, Indonesia, +62 361 721 480, info@masonadventures.com, www.masonadventures.com
• Awatara Boutique Resort, Jl. Raya Kedewatan, Kedewatan, Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali, Indonesia, +62 361 8982 999, info@awataraboutiqueresort.com, www.awataraboutiqueresort.com

THAILAND - ROCK CLIMBING: Family-Friendly Short-Haul Adventure Trips In Asia

Nothing is more fun and motivating than going ever-higher up with a summit in sight. And rock climbing is simply what you do in Krabi. There are numerous climbing schools around Krabi, however Real Rocks Climbing School is home to the only SEACF certified sport climbing instructors in Krabi. They offer beginner and family climbing tours for all ages at the ultimate rock-climbing destination - the epitome of limestone gorgeousness that is Railay Beach. They take small groups together and include all equipment and hotel transfers in the area. Hotels like Rayavadee also teach you how to conquer the rocks so you can return to their cushions with the happiest sense of accomplishment! The best time to visit is between November and March for the most settled weather.

• Real Rocks Climbing School, 349 Moo 5, T. Saithai, Amphur Mueang, Krabi, Thailand, +66 808 313788, realrocksrailayatkrabi@gmail.com, www.realrocksclimbing.com
• Rayavadee, 214 Moo 2, Tumbon Ao-Nang, Amphur Muang, Krabi, Thailand, +66 75 817 630, reservation@rayavadee.com, www.rayavadee.com

CAMBODIA - CYCLING TOUR: Family-Friendly Short-Haul Adventure Trips In Asia

Is everyone up for a bit of endurance? Let SpiceRoads Cycling take you on a 122km 5-day cycling adventure around Angkor, Cambodia. Few biking experiences compare with cycling beneath towering fig trees amongst rural villages and ancient sites like the Angkor Wat Temple complex. It’s a leisurely cycle suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Plus, if you need a bit of help along the way, instead of riding their pro hybrid or mountain bikes, opt for an E-Bike with electric pedal assist. Kids under 5 join for free. Accommodation, meals, and cycling gear are included in the tour. The local English-speaking cycle and temple guides ensure you have the best cultural adventure in Cambodia. There are no scheduled departures so book a tour when it suits you, preferably between October to April for the dry season.

SpiceRoads Cycling, Siem Reap Office: No.296, Krous Village, Svay Dangkum Commune, Siem Reap District, Cambodia, +855 63 964 323, info@spiceroads.com, www.spiceroads.com

LAOS - RIVER CRUISING: Family-Friendly Short-Haul Adventure Trips In Asia

Cruising the Mekong River is indeed an unparalleled way to get to know the heart of Southeast Asia. The Mekong Kingdoms crew takes you on a one-of-a-kind adventure in a one-of-a-kind vessel - the exclusive private Gypsy. The 41-meter wood and thatch Gypsy vessel is a 2-cabin haven of luxury for 4 guests with a chef on board. Embrace the vagabond lifestyle as you embark on a magical 4-day Mekong River Cruise departing from Luang Prabang, Laos to the Golden Triangle in the hills of northern Thailand. Along the way, you’ll get to visit traditional hill-tribe villages, walk with elephants on the banks of the Mekong, explore caves, and splash in waterfalls as you wish. The best cruising time is between November to April when it's cooler and dry.

Mekong Kingdoms, Setthathirath Road, Hua Xieng Village, Luang Prabang, Laos, +856 7125 5001, mekong@mekongkingdoms.com, www.mekongkingdoms.com

SOUTH KOREA - ZIPLINING: Family-Friendly Short-Haul Adventure Trips In Asia

Just an hour’s drive from Seoul, popular Nami Island is a “must-visit” island of arts, culture, and natural ecology, regularly hosting various cultural events and exhibits. Nami Island’s zipwire is the largest wire-riding facility in Asia. With ZipRider’s Nami Skyline Zipwire family course, have a thrilling side-by-side experience of flying down 940 meters to Nami Island via ziplines that take off from the 80-meter high zip wire tower at Gapyeong Quay. Pre-book your tickets to save time. You’ll get to enjoy incredible breezy views of Nami Island, Han River, and Bhukan River from the sky. When on Nami Island, there are many things to do and see for entertainment. Stay on Nami Island at Hotel Jeonggwanru. The best weather for this is during May, June, and September.

• ZipRider, South Korea Office: Magellan21 - Building 409, 156-2, Donggyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea, +82 70 7621 3534, forestgreen1@naver.com, www.ziprider.com
• Hotel Jeonggwanru, 198-1 Bangha-ri, Namsan-myeon, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea, +82 31 580 8000, namihotel@naminara.com, www.namisum-en.imweb.me

INDIA - WATER PARK: Family-Friendly Short-Haul Adventure Trips In Asia

Everyone loves water parks and why not visit Asia’s largest theme water park in Mumbai, India - Water Kingdom. This gigantic water park is situated along Essel World Amusement Park, so visiting this area gives you the best of both parks. You could easily spend 4 days of adventure at these parks. Enjoy heart-throbbing rides and slides at Water Kingdom like Aquadrom, Black Demon, Juicy Jammer, What-A-Coaster, and Zoomroo Slides. Water Kingdom also holds India’s largest aqua play pool - The Lagoon. This park is a hub for entertainment for all ages. Visit the water park any time of the year. Stay at The Resort which is located near the water park and set right at Aksa Beach.

• Water Kingdom, Global Pagoda Road, Essel World Amusement Park, Borivali West, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, +91 22 6953 7011, customercare@esselworld.com, www.waterkingdom.in
• The Resort, 11 Madh Marve Road, Aksa Beach, Malad West, Mumbai, India, +91 22 3520 2888, resv@theresortmumbai.com, www.theresortmumbai.com

KOMODO - VISITING KOMODO DRAGONS: Family-Friendly Short-Haul Adventure Trips In Asia

BALI, INDONESIA - VOLCANO CLIMBING: Family-Friendly Short-Haul Adventure Trips In Asia

How does breakfast atop an active volcano sound? Exciting in our books! Head to Bali for one unique short-haul trip that the kids will never forget. Mount Batur is an active volcano located northwest of Mount Agung in Bali. Bali Trekking Tour offers rewarding and memorable Mount Batur trekking tours. You’ll need to be up super early for this adventure, so don’t forget to set the alarm! Take a gentle 2-hour trek to the top of Mount Batur’s crater to watch a breathtaking sunrise over Mount Agung. Plus, your guide will serve up breakfast cooked by natural volcanic steam at the top. Stay at Toya Devasya Hot Spring Waterpark at the base of Mount Batur to enjoy hot springs and more incredible views! Visit during Bali’s dry season between April and October.

• Bali Trekking Tour, Jl. Suka Luwih, Banjar Gentong, Tegallalang, Gianyar, Bali, +62 81 238 300 909, info@balitrekkingtour.com, www.balitrekkingtour.com
• Toya Devasya Hot Spring Waterpark, Jl. Puri Bening (STA), Toya Bungkah Kintamani, Bali, Indonesia, +62 366 512 05, info@toyadevasya.com, https://info.toyadevasya.id/home-geo-1/

TAIWAN - HOT AIR BALLOON RIDES: Family-Friendly Short-Haul Adventure Trips In Asia

It’s time to see the world from a different perspective - that is, from a hot air balloon! Fly steadily across the beautiful Huadong Valley around Taitung County with the cool breeze hitting your face. The 360-degree views of the valley are absolutely breathtaking! You’ll all have to enjoy heights for this one though. SkyRainbow Airlines takes guests on guided sky tours in their spectacular and colorful hot air balloons. As long as the weather permits, they accept reservations for free flights on their hot air balloons every day. Their legal and safe professional flight team will ensure a dream 30-minute journey. Speak to their team about longer customized journeys. For loads more fun, don’t miss the Taiwan International Balloon Festival taking place during July and August each year. Stay at the nearby Chii Lih Hotel & Resort in Luye Township.

• SkyRainbow Airlines, No.955, Section 399, Zhonghua Road, Luye Township, Taitung County, Taiwan, +886 8 955 2233, service@skyrainbow.com.tw, www.skyrainbow.com.tw
• Chii Lih Hotel & Resort, No.260, Section 1, Zhonghua Road, Luye Township, Taitung County, Taiwan, +886 8 955 1556, chiilihluye@gmail.com, www.cltaiwan.com