From travelling on the world’s highest altitude train to self-driving a vintage-style electric car around an ancient city, Asian Trails has rolled out a wealth of exciting new alternative transport options which are kinder to the planet.

As part of our ongoing drive to provide the best leisure products possible across Asia and meet our sustainable and responsible tourism goals, guests can enjoy some new fun and eco-friendly leisure travel activities.

Visitors to Bangkok can undertake a smoother, cleaner and more environmentally conscious start to their holiday with an electric car transfer from the capital’s Suvarnabhumi Airport to city centre hotels.

We also use electric cars and tuk-tuks on excursions around the metropolis. Besides zero carbon emissions, some of these vehicles have CCTV and free Wi-Fi for an enhanced experience.

For an electrifying trip around Bangkok’s Chinatown, our E-scooter tours enable tourists to avoid traffic jams and whizz down narrow alleyways to discover hidden attractions on speedy two wheelers with natural air-conditioning and 360-degree views!

In Malaysia, our design specialists have created the ultimate sustainable tour which takes adventurers down Borneo’s Semadang River in kayaks to interact with riverside communities. Explorers paddle down a 10-km stretch famed for its pristine environment and idyllic scenery.

This themed ‘Sustainable Trail’ minimises negative impacts on the environment through clean, water-based travel. It also maximises positive impacts on local communities, such as sourcing locally produced food for meals, thereby raising revenue for our hosts.

For those keen to enjoy a culinary insight without weight gain, our ‘bike and bite’ tour in Singapore takes cyclists to the Chinatown, Kampung Glam and Little India districts to try the island’s three main cuisines – Chinese, Malaysian and Indian.

Another possibility in the city-state is a night bike tour to see iconic landmarks, such as world-famous Marina Bay illuminated with powerful floodlights. As using a cycle instead of a car for short trips can reduce travel carbon emissions by around 75 per cent, according to the UK Government’s Department for Energy Security, this tour follows Asian Trails’ sustainable directives.

Our China team has created abundant excursions that capitalise on the world’s largest high-speed rail network. Super-fast routes include Beijing to Shanghai in just over four hours.

We also provide exceptionally scenic journeys, such as travel on the Silk Road Orient Express, one of the most luxurious rides available.

Another highlight is the overnight train from Xining to Lhasa, the world’s highest rail link which takes passengers over 4,000-metres above sea level for 960-km. With the highest point at Tangula Mountain Pass, a dizzying altitude of 5,072-metres, it is easy to see why this is known as the ‘railway to the sky’.

One more outstanding product in China is the Tea Trail Caravan, a combined hiking and glamping multi-day adventure along the ancient Tea Horse Road trade route. Reaching heights of up to 4,200-metres above sea level in Yunnan province, the trail is led by local sherpas, using horses. This takes guests back to the 6th century when horses leisurely plodded from East to West carrying goods, such as tea, through the remote mountain terrain.

In Laos, our team is offering a range of exciting electric vehicles to discover the ancient palaces and temples of Luang Prabang. These include a vintage 1920s-style car with space for eight, and a speedy compact four-seater with a top speed of 105-kph and a range of 170-km from one battery charge. These can be driven without a licence.

Over in Vietnam, a new luxury rail link between the capital Hanoi and the coastal city of Danang takes indulgence to a higher level in super comfortable carriages, with the ever-changing landscape unfolding through expansive windows.

This form of transport is also better for the planet; a rail journey, compared to a car can cut carbon emissions by around 80 per cent, according to the UK government’s data. Environmentally friendly is the only way to go!

Visitors to the paradise island of Bali can ride all-terrain vehicles on a guided outing through sublime scenery, with stops to enjoy locally grown fruit at plantations and refreshing dips in natural rockpools fed by spectacular waterfalls.

Phnom Penh’s compassionate side is revealed on a tour that takes in development projects that benefit the underprivileged, with travel partly conducted in three-wheeled cyclos, a form of transport that has long been a mainstay in the capital.

Highlights include visits to the vibrant city’s landmark attractions, including the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda. Participation also financially benefits the cyclo-drivers who use pedal power to convey guests around the capital. Read more about giving back via our collaboration with Phnom Penh’s KVL Hotel and the Cyclo Conservation and Careers Association (CCCA).

Whatever form of transport we use in our tours and transfers, we go that extra mile to deliver unique and alternative experiences. The routes are not set in stone either – we produce bespoke products to meet every individual’s need. For more details and bookings, connect with our inbound teams via the link below.