Family-Friendly Adventures in China and SE Asia: Where to Go and Why Families Love It

Family in a cooking class

Planning a trip with the whole family – whether that means toddlers, teens, or even grandparents – can be a logistical puzzle. That’s why our multi-day trips are designed to make travel easy, immersive, and delicious for everyone. With comfortable transport, English-speaking guides, and hands-on activities, our itineraries are packed with local flavor (literally) and experiences that bring generations together.

We’ve hosted families from around the world, and whether it’s making noodles in Yunnan or biking Xi’an’s ancient city wall, these trips have created memories that stick. Below are some of our favorite multi-day tours that are especially loved by families, with standout activities that have been kid-tested and parent-approved.

Xi’an: Biking, Markets & Meat Pies

Xi’an’s ancient history and down-to-earth food scene make it a hit for all ages. Felicia’s family – including her kids, 18-year-old nephew, and 77-year-old dad – kicked off their Xi’an trip with a visit to the Terracotta Warriors, followed by biking along the ancient city wall. But it was the tuktuk food tours that really stole the show.

“The tuk tuk food tours (evening and brunch!) were a hit — we especially loved the local meat pies,” Felicia shared. “The local market was fascinating — we saw everything from antiques to fresh produce to pet axolotls!”

Whether you’re riding through the city streets by tuktuk or trying Xi’an’s legendary dumplings, this 3-day trip packs in just the right amount of food and fun.

Chengdu: Pandas, Woks & the World’s Spiciest Hotpot

Few cities are as easy to fall in love with as Chengdu – especially when you start your day with pandas and end it with hotpot. Felicia’s family toured the Leshan Giant Buddha, wandered through bustling farmers markets, and even took part in a private cooking class where everyone (yes, even grandpa) stir-fried their lunch in oversized woks.

“From the adorable pandas to spicy hotpot night, everyone had fun,” Felicia told us.
“It was such a stress-free and immersive way to experience China.”

This 4-day trip is equal parts chill and adventurous – perfect for curious kids and adults who just want to eat their way through Sichuan.

Dali & Lijiang: Noodles, Old Towns & That Cooking Class

This 8-day trip through Dali and Lijiang is a family favorite for a reason – it’s slower-paced, includes plenty of free time to explore the ancient cobblestone streets of the old-towns we visit along the way, and packed with fun of hands-on moments you’ll talk about long after you’re home (like rose cake making, tie-dying, and market exploring). Not to mention an incredible overnight stay in Tiger Leaping Gorge in your own private villa – and the best hot tub views you’ll ever have.

One recent family (Steph and Pete, along with their little one) joined us for our cooking class in Lijiang and spent the morning exploring Elephant Hill Market – lightyears more local than anything in the touristy parts of town. With our guide Fancy leading the way, they sampled yak butter tea, picked up ingredients for lunch, and learned all about Yunnan’s hyper-local produce.

Then it was time to cook. In Fancy’s own kitchen, they prepared a trio of dishes: claypot rice noodles, a falooda-style dessert with roots from Persia to Myanmar, and the star of the show – ghost chicken. Think tender boiled chicken massaged with mint, chili, cilantro, and lemon juice until it becomes the most refreshing chicken salad you’ve ever tasted. The legend? It was created by the Naxi people to appease the ghosts… or maybe to avoid wasting the sacrificial chicken. Either way, it’s delicious.

“This was the kind of travel that makes your heart full – and your belly too,” Steph wrote afterward.

If your family’s into food, stories, and a bit of mountain magic, this is the trip to take.

Guilin & Yangshuo: Sidecars, Caves & Karst Peaks

If your idea of family bonding includes a bit of adventure and a lot of nature, this 4-day trip through Guilin and Yangshuo hits all the right notes. Hop into vintage sidecars and ride past rice fields and jagged peaks, float down the river on bamboo rafts, and explore secret caves hidden in the hills. There’s a hands-on cooking class where everyone gets a turn at the wok, and a short hike to a viewpoint that delivers postcard-worthy views of the karst landscape below. With cozy countryside stays, quiet village streets to wander, and even a pool to cool off in, this trip has just the right mix of action and chill.

Cambodia: Bats, Markets & Fire-Cooked Rice Paper

This 8-day journey through Phnom Penh and Siem Reap is packed with flavor, fun, and plenty of time to unwind. Families can take it slow with afternoons by the pool or dive into local life at buzzing markets and village visits. Hop in a tuktuk to explore lotus fields at sunset, visit hillside caves just in time to watch millions of bats pour out, and meet families in the countryside who still make rice paper the traditional way—over open flames, one sheet at a time. There’s a cooking class where you’ll learn to make dishes even the picky eaters will love, and in Siem Reap, a night at the circus brings the house down with acrobatics, music, and laughs for all ages.

Vietnam: Pools, Peaks & Peaceful Raft Rides

Our newest 7-day trip through Hanoi, Ninh Binh, and Halong Bay is made for families who want a little bit of everything—relaxation, adventure, and jaw-dropping scenery. In Ninh Binh, float through cave-filled rivers on a mellow raft ride, cycle through quiet villages, and catch golden hour with a lotus field walk at sunset. There’s a hands-on cooking class, kayaking in Halong Bay, and a short hike to a viewpoint that’s totally worth the climb. With free time to relax by the pool or explore town at your own pace, this trip strikes that sweet spot between exciting and easygoing.

Our Food Tours:

This one-of-a-kind experience travels from the capital city of Phnom Penh, through the vibrant countryside of Battambang, and finishes with a bang in Siem Reap and Angkor Wat’s ruined temples. We’ll discover Cambodia’s incredible cuisine, history, and beauty, and meet the locals who have called this place home for generations.
8 days, 7 nights
Discover China’s premier wine destination as we spend 2 days wine tasting our way through the northwest region of Ningxia. From exploring the area’s sprawling boutique vineyards situated against a rugged mountain backdrop, to enjoying copious amounts of lamb, beef, and noodles famous in the area, get ready for a delicious wine-filled adventure!
3 days, 2 nights
At the end of the Silk Road, Xian has the definitive say in how three continents and 11,000 kilometers can crescendo in flavor. From hand-pulled noodles to fried stewed chicken (yes, you read that right) to local organic ice cream, you’ll need to bring along your stretchy pants for this one.
3 days, 2 nights
Explore Guilin and Yangshuo away from the tourist traps on our food-forward 4-day trip through China’s most famous landscape. From eating all of the best (and unique) local dishes to exploring the countryside in vintage sidecars to boutique poolside views, get ready for a delicious adventure like no other!
4 days, 3 nights
Spend 8 days in the land of cured ham legs, homemade breads, bubbling bowls of rice noodles, and fried local cheese. We’ll eat our way through Yunnan’s Tea & Horse Caravan Road, from Dali to Lijiang, plus a unique overnight stay in Tiger Leaping Gorge.
8 days, 7 nights

Related Posts:

Bowl of noodles with chopsticks

9 Cultural Tips to Understand Before Visiting & Eating in China

Before you dive into China’s rich culture and delicious food, there are a few things you should know to help you feel more comfortable and avoid any awkward moments. From water etiquette to understanding the nuances of Chinese dining customs, this quick guide will help you navigate your way through everyday experiences with ease and confidence.

Read More »
Beijing's temple of Heaven

How To Get a Tourist Visa to China

Planning a trip to China? For most travelers, obtaining a tourist visa (L-Visa) is essential before arrival, but there are several exceptions and visa-free options that could simplify your journey. Here’s a comprehensive look at what you need to know.

Read More »

Signup for our newsletter!