Dramatic tension runs high in Battambang’s bamboo big top. At center stage a female figure is surrounded by figures in demonic facemasks. They flail their arms and lean in close on her prone form, tormenting her dreams.

The musical accompaniment on guitar and xylophone has softened to a whisper. Outside a torrential tropical storm sends down sheets of rain on the roof as intense as the day’s earlier heat.

Ten minutes later the atmosphere has changed completely. As the two musicians kick up a frenzy of joyous Khmer noise, the performers take it in turns to defy gravity and make the most of the suspended disbelief of the audience.

Sinew straining holds and balletic manoeuvres are made to look as simple and enjoyable as a game of Frisbee. Best of all are the amazing balancing feats on the tightrope and on a loose concoction of metal cylinders and precariously balanced horizontal planks.

While the scene described would not be a feature of most conventional tour itineraries, it is indicative of the thrills in store for those prepared to steep themselves in the Asian experience.

The phrase “immersive travel” has been bandied around in the travel industry for decades. But in recent years appetite for carefully curated, culturally sensitive tourism has increased exponentially as guests seek out stimulating and innovative experiences that go way beyond standard tourist fare.

With its focus on keeping things local, immersive tourism – as well as providing a wealth of inspiration for visitors – has the advantage of helping to create jobs, preserve traditions and inject much-needed funds into often impoverished communities.

As Asia’s leading Destination Management Companies , EXO Travel has a well-established track record of developing journeys that go above and beyond to put the spotlight on local culture.

An evening excursion to the Phare Cambodian Circus Show – a branch of Phare Ponleu Selpak, a charitable arts foundation established by former refugees – is an undoubted highlight of visiting Cambodia. And other immersive journeys throughout the region are equally compelling.

Whether it’s haggling with a stallholder at one of Hanoi’s colourful markets, learning how to wield a samurai sword with one of Japan’s most famous sword artists, or appreciating the art of Thangka – which is commonly found adorning Tibetan monasteries – guests have broad scope to peel back the layers of the region.

That they are able to do so through EXO Travel is largely down to the expertise of teams on the ground. In each Asian market, consultants with specialist knowledge of their destinations go the extra mile to create inspiring experiences for visitors.

“Our product teams live in the field, uncovering a wide-range of these experiences,” says Richard Ludwig, Director of Product for EXO Travel.  “Once we have identified an immersive experience, we train operations, guides and sales to deliver these in the best way possible.  But they are never scripted as this takes away from the authenticity our travellers seek.”

An example of how indigenous knowledge is applied to create an outstanding journey is the “Experience Hanoi Like A Local” tour. During the journey guests will visit vibrant markets, stroll down narrow passageways to hidden temples and pagodas and enjoy lunch with a Hanoian family.

While the tour is a step into the unknown for most visitors, they are safe in the expert hands of EXO Travel’s local team who have tailored the tour around their own experiences.

“Shopping in one of the city’s typical markets, submersed in the sounds of the people bargaining and buying all sorts of items, matches well with my hobby of repairing old things for my house and helps me to recover my energy after the busy weekdays,” says Pham Thi Thanh Phuong, an Adventure Travel Consultant with EXO Travel Vietnam.

Such passion is apparent throughout EXO Travel’s portfolio of curated, cultural journeys.

In Java – and indeed throughout Indonesia – jamu, a catch all name for a range of traditional herbal remedies, has been used to cure ailments for over a thousand years. Despite rapid modernisation, jamu culture is still very strong in Java, with sellers wandering the streets with colourful bottles of herbal medicines. On this in-depth tour, visitors can get a first-hand insight to this unique aspect of Javanese culture by visiting a market and conferring with a jamu seller on which herbs to purchase in order to make their own medicine under the guidance of a dukun (traditional doctor).

Another example of how immersive travel can bring visitors closer to local culture is in Vientiane, the charming capital of Laos. By conferring with monks at Wat Sok Pa Luang, one of the country’s most important monasteries, guests will get an insight to the Buddhist heritage of Laos. The journey also puts guests in touch with some of the charities working hard to improve the lives of the less fortunate.

“An immersive experience provides stimulation for all the senses beyond simple sights,” adds Richard Ludwig. “You can smell the incense burning at a monks blessing, you can hear the stories of an architect trying to save his country’s buildings, you can feel the samurai sword in your hands, and you can taste the rich, fiery flavours of a curry after an enthralling cooking class.”