The Best Budget-Friendly Organized Tours to East Asia

Guided Group Tours, Vacation Packages, or Planned Itineraries

East Asia

Are you craving an unforgettable travel experience without draining your savings? Look no further than these incredible budget-friendly and affordable organized tours, holiday packages, and guided tour packages to East Asia that we've meticulously analyzed to find the absolute best. From price-conscious itineraries and rave guest ratings to top-notch service, captivating destinations, and exciting activities, these handpicked budget tours in East Asia offer an incredible value for your money. Get ready to embark on an adventure of a lifetime without breaking the bank.


The Top 3 Tours:

  • 7 Days, $989.00

  • 12 Days, $1325.00

  • 8 Days, $670.00
East Asia
The Best Budget Tours through East Asia

Including guided tours, organized tours, holiday packages, all-inclusive vacations, and guided itineraries.

All tour prices are listed in US Dollars before taxes, and come from a base price that is reported by TourRadar. Peak season prices can vary significantly, particularly in destinations where seasonal travel fluctuates dramatically. While we do our best to evaluate all tours to maintain accuracy, always confirm the details directly with TourRadar or the tour company before booking. The information provided on this website is sourced directly from TourRadar and may change at any time.

Organized by Tibet Vista 7 Days Lhasa to Kathmandu 9 Destinations
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
  • Personal: offers a smaller group size.
  • Efficient: you'll cover a variety of destinations swiftly.

Great for:
  • Adventure Travelers
  • Nature Lovers
  • Animal Lovers

starstarstarstarstar 4.5 rating

Age Range: 7 to 80
Maximum Group Size: 12
Price per Day: $141

This tour visits Lhasa, Shannan, Gyantse, Shigatse, Lhatse, Xegar, Everest Base Camp, Gyirong County, and Kathmandu.

  • Overland Truck
  • Family
  • Partially Guided

By Tibet Vista
Tibet Vista is a smaller tour company providing personalized service with a focus on China and Nepal. The small group sizes, often less than 13, make for a very personal experience. Budget travelers will appreciate the relative affordability of the company's offerings.



$989
on TourRadar

Organized by Intrepid Travel 12 Days Beijing to Shanghai 5 Destinations
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for budget tours in East Asia.
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
  • In Depth: you'll spend a longer amount of time in each place.
  • Local Transit: ride the rails and experience the local trains.

Great for:
  • Adventure Travelers
  • Culture Lovers
  • History Enthusiasts

starstarstarstarstar 4.4 rating

Age Range: 15 to 99
Maximum Group Size: 16
Price per Day: $94

This tour visits Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai, Huangshan, and Hongcun.

  • Train & Rail
  • Sightseeing
  • In-depth Cultural
  • Historical
  • Fully Guided

By Intrepid Travel
Intrepid specializes in small-group adventure travel with a strong focus on sustainable tourism and authentic experiences. They cater to different travel styles, from budget-friendly backpacking-style tours to premium small-group adventures.



$1,126
on TourRadar

Organized by World Unite Japan KK 8 Days Start/End in Sado Island 1 Destinations
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for budget tours in East Asia.
  • In Depth: you'll spend a longer amount of time in each place.

starstarstarstarstar 4.3 rating

Age Range: 14 to 99
Maximum Group Size: 52
Price per Day: $84

This tour visits Sado Island.

  • Volunteering
  • Fully Guided

By World Unite Japan KK
Focusing on Japan, World Unite Japan KK is a smaller tour company providing a more personal service to customers. This company's tour offerings are generally priced lower than others, which makes them attractive for budget travelers.



$670
on TourRadar

Organized by On The Go Tours 22 Days Start/End in Shanghai 8 Destinations
  • On Sale: 15% Off
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for budget tours in East Asia.
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
  • In Depth: you'll spend a longer amount of time in each place.
  • Great for Adventure Travelers

starstarstarstarstar 4.5 rating

Age Range: 18 to 55
Maximum Group Size: 20
Price per Day: $97

This tour visits Shanghai, Guilin, Yangshuo, Chengdu, Xi'an, Zhengzhou, Beijing, and Hangzhou.

  • Partially Guided

By On The Go Tours
On The Go Tours is a large multi-national travel company which offers trips to destinations around the world. Many of their tours are priced in the mid-range category.



$2,505 $2,129
on TourRadar

Organized by The Dragon Trip 26 Days Start/End in Hong Kong 8 Destinations
  • On Sale: 10% Off
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for budget tours in East Asia.
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
  • In Depth: you'll spend a longer amount of time in each place.
  • Local Transit: ride the rails and experience the local trains.

Great for:
  • Adventure Travelers
  • Culture Lovers

starstarstarstarstar 4.6 rating

Age Range: 18 to 55
Maximum Group Size: 20
Price per Day: $102

This tour visits Hong Kong, Yangshuo, Chengdu, Xi'an, Dengfeng, Beijing, Hangzhou, and Shanghai.

  • Train & Rail
  • In-depth Cultural
  • Fully Guided

By The Dragon Trip
The Dragon Trip is a smaller tour company that offers trips to 13 countries, including China, Japan, South Korea, and India. Budget travelers will appreciate the relative affordability of the company's offerings.



$2,947 $2,652
on TourRadar

Organized by The Dragon Trip 9 Days Hong Kong to Chengdu 4 Destinations
  • On Sale: 5% Off
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for budget tours in East Asia.
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
  • In Depth: you'll spend a longer amount of time in each place.

Great for:
  • Adventure Travelers
  • Culture Lovers

starstarstarstarstar 4.5 rating

Age Range: 18 to 55
Maximum Group Size: 20
Price per Day: $102

This tour visits Hong Kong, Yangshuo, Guilin, and Chengdu.

  • In-depth Cultural
  • Fully Guided

By The Dragon Trip
The Dragon Trip is a smaller tour company that offers trips to 13 countries, including China, Japan, South Korea, and India. Budget travelers will appreciate the relative affordability of the company's offerings.



$964 $915
on TourRadar

Organized by Journaway 10 Days Tokyo to Osaka 3 Destinations
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
  • In Depth: you'll spend a longer amount of time in each place.
  • Local Transit: ride the rails and experience the local trains.
  • Independence: immerse yourself in the culture with self guided travel.

Great for:
  • Culture Lovers
  • History Enthusiasts

starstarstarstarstar 4.8 rating

Age Range: 99 to 99
Maximum Group Size: 15
Price per Day: $115

This tour visits Tokyo, Kyoto, Fuji, Fushimi, Uji, Ise, Arashiyama, and Osaka.

  • Train & Rail
  • Sightseeing
  • In-depth Cultural
  • Historical
  • Self-Guided
  • Temples
  • Fully Guided

By Journaway



$1,150
on TourRadar

Organized by The Dragon Trip 10 Days Beijing to Shanghai 3 Destinations
  • On Sale: 5% Off
  • In Depth: you'll spend a longer amount of time in each place.
  • Great for Adventure Travelers

starstarstarstarstar 4.3 rating

Age Range: 18 to 55
Maximum Group Size: 20
Price per Day: $107

This tour visits Beijing, Hangzhou, and Shanghai.

  • Fully Guided

By The Dragon Trip
The Dragon Trip is a smaller tour company that offers trips to 13 countries, including China, Japan, South Korea, and India. Budget travelers will appreciate the relative affordability of the company's offerings.



$1,124 $1,068
on TourRadar

Organized by Great Tibet Tour 8 Days Start/End in Lhasa 5 Destinations
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
  • Personal: offers a smaller group size.
  • Great for Adventure Travelers

starstarstarstarstar 4.9 rating

Age Range: 3 to 80
Maximum Group Size: 12
Price per Day: $131

This tour visits Lhasa, Gyantse, Shigatse, Xegar, and Everest Base Camp.

  • Family
  • Fully Guided

By Great Tibet Tour
Great Tibet Tour offers local cultural tours through China, Nepal, and Bhutan. Traveling with Great Tibet Tour provides for a very personal experience, because most of their tours have less than 12 people. This company's tour offerings are generally priced lower than others, which makes them attractive for budget travelers.



$1,046
on TourRadar

Organized by ChinaWayz 6 Days Start/End in Beijing 1 Destinations
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
  • In Depth: you'll spend a longer amount of time in each place.
  • Great for Culture Lovers

starstarstarstarstar 4.8 rating

Age Range: 6 to 99
Maximum Group Size: 20
Price per Day: $131

  • In-depth Cultural
  • Family
  • Fully Guided

By ChinaWayz



$786
on TourRadar

Why does East Asia appeal to budget travelers?

East Asia's affordability and range of options make it ideal for budget travelers. The region's natural and cultural beauty, along with its wallet-friendly options provide exceptional value for budget-conscious adventurers. Kyoto is known for its Buddhist temples, cultural activities, and rich history. Beijing, Shanghai, and Tokyo offer plenty of amazing museums and sights to explore. Beijing, Shanghai, and Tokyo are foodie destinations with fantastic cuisine and world-class restaurants. Budget travelers love Beijing, Shanghai, and Osaka because of the affordable activities and social vibe. The affordable tour options here allow easy and affordable access to amazing experiences without breaking the bank.

East Asia


How much do budget tours cost in East Asia?

The average daily price of Budget Tours in East Asia is $114 per day. Prices can vary widely due to the included amenities, length of the trip, number of guests on the tour, and many other factors. If you want more information about prices, we have put together a complete analysis of the costs of Budget Tours in East Asia here.


We partner with TourRadar because they offer the world's largest selection of multi-day organized tours, offering seamless travel experiences while supporting local businesses. It's the perfect way to explore new destinations with ease and confidence.




$114
Average Price Per Day
24
Tours Analyzed
4.4
Average Rating
15
Tour Companies
20
Average Group Size

Which Tour Companies Offer Budget Tours?

A number of fantastic tour companies offer budget tours in East Asia. These are a few of the best, because they offer the highest rated service, provide the best overall quality, and have the most five-star guest reviews to prove it.

The Dragon Trip

The Dragon Trip is a smaller tour company that offers tours to 13 countries, including China, Japan, South Korea, and India. Budget travelers will appreciate the relative affordability of the company's offerings.

See All Tours from The Dragon Trip

Tibet Vista

Tibet Vista is a smaller tour company that focuses on China and Nepal. The small group sizes, often less than 13, make for a very personal experience. The company appeals to travelers of all ages, with many tours focusing on families with children. Budget travelers will appreciate the relative affordability of the company's offerings.

See All Tours from Tibet Vista

Intrepid Travel

Intrepid Travel logo Intrepid Travel is a large international travel company offering tours all over the world. Some of their most popular destinations include Australia, Thailand, Tanzania, and Italy. Many of the tours fall into the mid-range price category. The company's adventures often highlight activities such as camping, wine tasting, snorkelling, kayaking, cooking classes, island hopping, white water rafting, surfing, horse riding, whale watching, and bird watching.

See All Tours from Intrepid Travel

Great Tibet Tour

Great Tibet Tour offers local cultural tours through China, Nepal, and Bhutan. Most participants are adults and the tours range in length from 4 days to 2 weeks. Traveling with Great Tibet Tour provides for a very personal experience, because most of their tours have less than 12 people. Some of their offerings cater to families with children. This company's tour offerings are generally priced lower than others, which makes them attractive for budget travelers.

See All Tours from Great Tibet Tour


Budget Destinations in East Asia

Wondering where budget tours visit in East Asia? With a variety of stops and destinations along the way, there's something for everyone.

Beijing

Beijing is the capital city of China and it has a long history that dates back thousands of years. It offers a mix of modern and every changing architecture combined with ancient landmarks and historic neighborhoods. Beijing is a world class city that has amazing music, cuisine, culture, and shopping.

Shanghai

Shanghai is a financial and economic hub in China that brings international tourists, business workers, and backpackers. At the heart of its tourist scene is the Bund, which is a waterfront promenade that has colonial and modern buildings. Shanghai is a foodie destination that has great street food as well as high end restaurants.

Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a dynamic, cosmopolitan, and modern city. Many people use it as a gateway for exploring China and Southeast Asia. The city has modern skyscrapers, sweeping shopping malls, and colorful markets. There are parks and waterways and ferries that give it an energy unlike any other city in the world.

Tokyo

Tokyo is the high tech, ultramodern capital city of Japan. It's filled with neon lights and high reaching skyscrapers, but there are also many hidden temples and historic neighborhoods tucked away. You can spend your days wandering through green parks and your nights singing karaoke in one of the many bars around town.

More

Other popular destinations for budget tours through East Asia include Xi'an, Chengdu, Yangshuo, Hangzhou, and Lhasa.


Budget Tours vs. Independent Travel: Pros and Cons

If you're trying to decide whether to book an organized tour or plan the entire adventure yourself, keep in mind the following factors for each style of travel.

Pros
  • Pre-planned itineraries reduce stress.
  • Group discounts keep costs low.
  • Affordable accommodations and meals included.
  • Transportation is handled, saving time and money.
  • Access to experienced guides for insights and tips.
  • Opportunity to meet like-minded travelers.
  • No need to research every expense in advance.
  • Often covers popular destinations efficiently.
Cons
  • Limited flexibility in itinerary or activities.
  • Groups can be large, affecting experience quality.
  • Less focus on unique or personalized interests.
  • Unexpected extra charges for optional activities.


Pros
  • Total control over your itinerary and expenses.
  • Choice of accommodations that match your preferences.
  • Flexibility to travel slower.
  • Personalize transportation options to suit your needs.
  • Explore off-the-beaten-path destinations.
Cons
  • Time-consuming to find and compare low-cost options.
  • Risk of overspending without careful budgeting.
  • May miss out on group discounts for activities.
  • Requires managing all transportation and logistics.
  • Limited access to insider tips or local guides.
  • Uncertainty about hidden costs or scams.
  • Harder to predict overall trip expenses.
  • Requires extra effort to ensure safety on a budget.


Which is cheaper?

Are guided budget tours more expensive than independent travel? It depends. Tours typically bundle accommodations, transportation, meals, tickets, guides, and activities into one price, while independent travel requires paying for these elements separately. To understand the cost difference, compare the total price of a tour with the estimated cost of handling all arrangements yourself. Personal preferences, like staying in budget accommodations or dining at upscale restaurants, could tip the balance either way. Always check what's covered in the tour to make an informed comparison.

Also, before booking a tour, make sure you know exactly what is included as tour companies sometimes change their itineraries or included amenities to keep them updated with seasonal changes and customer interests.

More Tour Options

See also The Best Family-Friendly Tours to East Asia, The Best Wildlife Tours to East Asia, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in East Asia, The Best Historical Tours in East Asia, The Best 10-Day Tours in East Asia, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in East Asia, The Best 3-Day Tours in East Asia, The Best 2-Week Tours in East Asia, The Best River Cruises in East Asia, The Best Bicycle Tours in East Asia, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in East Asia, The Best Christmas & New Years Tours in East Asia, The Best Overlanding Trips in East Asia, The Best Coach Bus Tours in East Asia, The Best Adventure Tours to East Asia, The Best Eco Tours in East Asia, The Best Train & Rail Tours in East Asia, The Best Thrill-Seeking Tours in East Asia, The Best Art History, Museums, and Cultural Tours Tours in East Asia, The Best Sightseeing Tours in East Asia, The Best Cultural Tours in East Asia, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in East Asia, The Best Music Tours in East Asia, The Best Photography Tours in East Asia, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in East Asia, The Best Religious Tours in East Asia, The Best Walking Tours in East Asia, The Best Honeymoon Tours in East Asia, The Best Tours Under $1000 in East Asia, The Best Luxury Tours to East Asia, The Best Tours for Seniors to East Asia, The Best Contiki Tours to East Asia, or The Best G Adventures Tours to East Asia for more tour ideas. With so many options, there's a guided tour or vacation package for every type of traveler.

Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.

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