From Laem Chabang, explore Bangkok (Krung Thep), the City of Angels, with its temples, palaces, markets, and skyline. Once a small trading center, it now buzzes with street food, Thai architecture, and saffron-robed monks. Ride a tuk-tuk to Wat Pho to see the giant reclining golden Buddha. Take a Chao Phraya boat tour past floating shops and teak houses on stilts. Shop for Thai silk and jewelry, then try pad Thai, khao mun gai, and mango sticky rice.

Ko Samui, once an isolated "Coconut Island," became a tourist destination in the early 1990s and is now Thailand's second most popular island after Phuket. Expect white-sand beaches, coral reefs, rainforest waterfalls, and local plantations where monkeys help harvest coconuts. Visit Wat Phra Yai, the 49-foot golden Big Buddha, then enjoy simple, delicious food and a cold coconut cocktail in Thailand's bright-blue paradise.

This island nation at the end of the Malaysian peninsula offers rich culture, history, and cuisine. Explore Chinatown, the Arab Quarter, and Little India; take in harbor views at Boat Quay; shop along Orchard Road; enjoy a night safari at Singapore Zoo; relax in Bukit Timah Nature Preserve; wander futuristic Gardens by the Bay; and unwind with a Singapore Sling at the iconic Raffles Hotel.

This island nation at the end of the Malaysian peninsula offers rich culture, history, and cuisine. Explore Chinatown, the Arab Quarter, and Little India; take in harbor views at Boat Quay; shop along Orchard Road; enjoy a night safari at Singapore Zoo; relax in Bukit Timah Nature Preserve; wander futuristic Gardens by the Bay; and unwind with a Singapore Sling at the iconic Raffles Hotel.

Spend the day discovering this cosmopolitan city and its many cultural layers, from the Petronas Towers and Royal Palace to Gothic churches, Colonial remnants, and a restored Malay timber house in a heritage center. Browse markets and shops for crafts, pewter, jewelry, and batik. Enjoy the fusion of Malay, Chinese, and continental cuisine-try curry, spicy broiled duck, satay, or broiled fish.

Pulau Pinang, as it is known locally, is the northern gateway to Malaysia and also the country's oldest British settlement. The word "Pinang" in Malay refers to the areca nut palm, which provides the betel nut, an essential ingredient in a delicacy chewed by millions in the Far East. Today Georgetown is noted for the largest collection of pre-war houses in all of Southeast Asia and the Penang Heritage Trust has been established to maintain its unique heritage.

With a land area of 215 square miles, Phuket Island is about the same size as Singapore, making it Thailand's largest island. Known as the "Pearl of Thailand," this beautiful retreat offers pristine beaches, lush vegetation, traditional villages, and seascapes of huge limestone pillars that tower over the turquoise waters of Phang-Nga Bay. Apart from tourism, much of the province's wealth derives from tin production, which started back in the 16th century.

With a land area of 215 square miles, Phuket Island is about the same size as Singapore, making it Thailand's largest island. Known as the "Pearl of Thailand," this beautiful retreat offers pristine beaches, lush vegetation, traditional villages, and seascapes of huge limestone pillars that tower over the turquoise waters of Phang-Nga Bay. Apart from tourism, much of the province's wealth derives from tin production, which started back in the 16th century.

Colombo, once the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Kandy, has welcomed Roman, Chinese, Arab, and European traders for over 2,000 years. See its colonial landmarks-the Presidential Secretariat, Grand Oriental Hotel, and Lighthouse Clock Tower-and visit Pettah, the city's bustling bazaar district. Also notable: Viharamahadevi Park and the mansions of Cinnamon Gardens.

Malé, the capital of the Republic of Maldives, is located at the southern edge of North Male' Atoll Kaafu Atoll. Traditionally, Malé was the "King's Island," from where the ancient Maldive Royal families had their palace and ruled the country. Malé is dotted with mosques, wide streets, parks and markets. Tour the national Museum, the colorful Fish Market and the Friday mosque with its splendid golden dome.

Malé, the capital of the Republic of Maldives, is located at the southern edge of North Male' Atoll Kaafu Atoll. Traditionally, Malé was the "King's Island," from where the ancient Maldive Royal families had their palace and ruled the country. Malé is dotted with mosques, wide streets, parks and markets. Tour the national Museum, the colorful Fish Market and the Friday mosque with its splendid golden dome.

Cochin (Khochi), the "Queen of the Arabian Sea," has been a trading post since Roman times, owing to its strategic location between Europe and China. From Kubla Khan's court to Europe's Age of Exploration, merchants came for spices, sandalwood, and ivory. Visit St. Francis' Church, India's oldest surviving European church, and one of the world's oldest synagogues, noted for its brass columns, Belgian hanging lamps, and blue-and-white Chinese porcelain tiles.

A major port on the Arabian Sea located in Southern India, Mangalore derives its name from a goddess. The city has a rich historical past, part of it even dating back to major epics that are the bedrock of the Hindu mythological pantheon. Mangalore has 11th century temples, scintillating beaches dotted with coconut palm trees, museums and lighthouses. Red-roofed houses against the lush greenery provide a much-needed escape from the ordinary.

Enjoy this marvelous old Portuguese and Hindu city studded with vibrant temples and majestic churches. Visit the stunning baroque cathedral and quaint, colorful Panjim for a taste of Portugal in India. Explore the countryside and its spice farms, local markets and the region's exquisite beaches. Buy fragrant spices and search for colorful local crafts in the bustling markets. Enjoy fresh seafood, curries, stuffed oysters and roast suckling pig among other tasty specialties.

Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay, is the capital of the Indian state of Maharashtra and one of the most populous cities in the world. This bustling city offers a seemingly endless array of sights and cultural activities, and is the commercial and entertainment capital of India. Mumbai is home to India's Hindi film and television industry, known as "Bollywood." Mumbai is also one of the few cities that accommodates a national park, the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, within its city limits.

Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay, is the capital of the Indian state of Maharashtra and one of the most populous cities in the world. This bustling city offers a seemingly endless array of sights and cultural activities, and is the commercial and entertainment capital of India. Mumbai is home to India's Hindi film and television industry, known as "Bollywood." Mumbai is also one of the few cities that accommodates a national park, the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, within its city limits.