EXO Active: Classic touring with an adventurous twist

A growing number of travellers are in search of holidays that involve more than just checking off a list of highlights or lounging by a pool. EXO Active tours are specialised travel experiences designed for travellers who want to feel the pulse of a destination while filling their lungs with its air.

By walking, hiking, biking and multi-sporting through destinations, EXO Active brings travellers straight to the soul of a destination while reserving plenty of time to check out highlights and relax along the way. We supply the equipment, expertise, ground support and logistics, travellers supply the passion for adventure, and Asia supplies the gorgeous backdrops and charming local cultures.

Thailand: The Magic of Muay Thai

Thailand’s ancient martial art of Muay Thai presents the perfect opportunity to showcase what EXO Active adventures are all about. While undeniably physical in nature, Muay Thai is steeped in ancient traditions which date back hundreds of years. Under the guidance of a professional Muay Thai trainer, guests are introduced to the history, traditions and rituals of Muay Thai before being baptised in the sport, learning fundamental moves and manoeuvres.

They’re then treated to a series of exclusive encounters starting with a backstage visit at the world-famous Rajadamnern Boxing Stadium. Here they’ll have a chance to witness a side of the sport few outsiders get to see: the intense focus and preparation that takes place before a fight. They then grab a ringside seat to witness all the things they learned throughout the day put into action. Afterwards, they meet the winner of the main event for an unforgettable photo opportunity before being presented with a pair of authentic Muay Thai boxing shorts as a perfect memento

See the experience here

Vietnam: From Farming to Fishing

One of the reasons Vietnam is such a joy to travel in is its ability to seemingly transport travellers to a bygone era. The deep connection that Vietnamese people have with their past and the speed at which bustling cities seem to fade into sleepy rural landscapes make it a study of contrasts and the perfect place to embark on an active outdoors experience. Our Farm to Fishing tour in the historic town of Hoi An is a perfect example of the type of Active adventures that are in store for travellers in Vietnam.

Pedalling past rice paddies and villages, guests meander through winding back-country roads to arrive at a picture-perfect village far off the beaten path. After meeting with some of the friendly local fishermen, they board a traditional ‘basket boat’ and drift onto the water. While learning how to operate these classic round boats, guests are then taught how to cast a fishing net the traditional way– a tricky task that the local fishermen happily assist with. Afterwards, they take a leisurely cruise up the river back to Hoi An Ancient City, taking in great views of the surrounding area along the way.

Read through the full itinerary here

Cambodia: Angkor Thom Scavenger Hunt

The mysterious ancient city of Angkor is among the world’s most iconic and rewarding travel destinations. The challenge in presenting Angkor to guests isn’t in impressing them, as the temples effortlessly do that on their own. The challenge is in finding a way to reveal the ancient city’s wonders in a uniquely memorable way.

In keeping with the spirit of Active adventures, the Angkor Thom Scavenger Hunt turns a standard sightseeing tour on its head by imploring guests to actively participate in discovering the city’s fascinating past. After receiving a map and a set of clues, guests set off into the sprawling temple complex of Angkor Thom on a quest to capture eleven unique photos. By analysing statues and following the leads of answers revealed by them, guests are progressively led into the heart of the temple complex, learning fascinating and easy-to-miss tidbits of its history along the way.

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Indonesia: Leisurely Cycle from Kaliadem to Prambanan

As adventurous destinations go, Indonesia is gifted beyond imagination. Its volcano-studded landscapes, varied cultures, verdant rainforests and over 54,000km of coastline provide travellers options in spades. The key to EXO Active in Indonesia is balancing its abundance of options while maintaining a delicate balance of comfort and accessibility.

A great example of this is our featured Kaliadem to Prambanan cycling tour. Departing from the cultural heart of Indonesia, Yogyakarta, guests head to a village overlooking the billowing active volcano of Gunung Merapi. From there they cycle, mostly downhill, through dramatic volcanic scenery, stopping by charming rural villages along the way. The cycling tour concludes at the UNESCO-listed temple complex of Prambanan where guests take part in an insightful tour of its fascinating sites and learn about its history.

Check out the trip here

Laos: Walking with Giants

As the least densely populated nation in Southeast Asia, Laos is a nature lover’s dream destination. EXO Active’s offerings in Laos help travellers get in touch with the natural side of the country that makes it such a special travel destination. In a feel-good nod to both nature and the spirit of adventure, this engaging tour perfectly balances active exploration with pristine stretches of jungle and an unforgettable, close-up encounter with elephants.

Unlike other tours which often exploit these majestic icons of Asia, this experience allows travellers to become intimately acquainted with them by earning their trust, bathing them, then joining them rather than riding them on a trek through the surrounding rainforest. It’s an exclusive experience unlike any other that those with a penchant for adventure and a love of nature will not soon forget.

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Malaysia: Rural Cycling in Penang

Despite having one of the region’s richest offerings of natural and cultural attractions, Malaysia is often thought of more as a foodie destination than anything. Chief among foodie destinations within Malaysia is, without a doubt, the island of Penang whose culinary tradition has reached global notoriety.

EXO Active re-envisions the classic Penang tour by combining culinary highlights such as food sampling and visiting a buzzing local market with a cycling adventure through the island’s little-seen and stunningly beautiful countryside. To top things off, guests then cycle to Kek Lok Si Temple for a look at Malaysia’s largest and most fascinating Buddhist temple.

Contact our specialist for more information

Japan: Tokyo Street Photography Tour

The Japanese word ‘kaizen’ accurately reflects not only the mentality of its people, but also the country. Simply put, kaizen is the continuous quest for perfection. This can be seen in the way people approach the work that they do and the things they are passionate about, as well as the snow-capped peaks of Mt. Fuji and the architecture of Kyoto.

Japan’s ceaseless motion and elegance beckons travellers to get out, explore and to adopt this mentality of kaizen.

Built around the principles of kaizen, this Tokyo Street Photography tour helps travellers do just that. Rather than simply taking in sights of the city’s highlights, travellers are taught the fundamentals of photography and learn to perfect their skills in the art. From hidden corners to some of the city’s biggest attractions, guests not only see Tokyo at its best, but take amazing images of it as well. It’s the perfect Japan experience and a nod to the culture that makes it such a special place.

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China: Shek-O’s Dragon’s Back and Beaches Tour

When travellers envision Hong Kong, the first images to come to mind are towering modern skyscrapers and a buzzing metropolitan city. What many don’t know is that Hong Kong is a veritable paradise for those who love being in the outdoors. Just a short ride outside the city centre exposes guests to an entirely different side of the island– one of rich emerald landscapes, towering mountains and gorgeous coastal scenery.

Our Shek-o’s Dragon’s Back and Beaches tour is the perfect way to shatter preconceptions about Hong Kong. Starting from the 200- year-old village of Shek O, guests set out by taking a look at the roots of Hong Kong’s heritage. From there they head on an amazing 8km trek across the ‘Dragon’s Back’ for jaw-dropping views of lush natural scenery culminating in a panoramic view of Clear Water Bay and Stanley Beach. After taking in transformative views they then head to one of Hong Kong’s most pristine beaches for some rest and relaxation.

Discover the full itinerary here

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