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.

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.

Phu My is the gateway to Ho Chi Minh City, best explored on foot to escape the bustle and find tranquil parks, peaceful pagodas, and timeless alleyways. You can also cruise the Mekong, which splits into dozens of tributaries and becomes the Cuu Long (Nine Dragons), fanning across a rich delta of rice paddies and orchards. By river boat, head to Thoi Son Island to taste local fruit and honey tea.

A quieter town than its neighbor Nha Trang, Cam Ranh offers a landscape of white beaches, turquoise waters and lush forests. Those with an interest in history will have plenty to explore, as Cam Ranh has been a military stronghold for various world powers, including France, the Soviet Union and the United States. For a cultural experience, set off to tour peaceful temples and pagodas. Journey an hour north and you'll be in the heart of Vietnam's most popular seaside resort town.

Da Nang, on the southern curve of a vast bay, is an important port city with French colonial ambiance. Visit the Cham Museum and famed China Beach. Nearby Hue, the former imperial capital on the Perfume River, is enjoying a renaissance with lovely temples, pagodas, and a moat-ringed citadel. Shop for woven cotton cloth, lacquerware, and silk paintings. Savor Vietnamese cuisine, especially lobster, shrimp, crab, fish, noodles, and soups.

Situated on the island of Hainan and renowned for its tropical climate, Sanya has been called "China's Hawaii." Sanya boasts splendid beaches stretching for miles and offers water sports from snorkeling to jet skiing. Asian Dragon Bay is one of the most famously scenic spots. Other popular attractions include Nanwan Monkey Island, home to more than 1,800 endangered macaque monkeys, and the Guanyin Statue of Hainan, one of the tallest statues in the world.

Hanoi is a gateway to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Southeast Asia's most stunning sights. Thousands of limestone and dolomite islets rise from the water, with grottoes, caves, arches, and coves best seen by wooden junk or kayak. In Hanoi, explore the Old Quarter and visit the Vietnam Military History Museum, Temple of Literature, and Ho Chi Minh Museum.

Hong Kong blends an iconic harbor skyline with lush mountains and parks. Explore its culture and history at Man Mo Temple, ride the steep funicular to Victoria Peak, cruise a fishing village by sampan, and unwind on the sands of Repulse Bay. After shopping in Asia's commercial hub, enjoy dai pai dong street food and yum cha tea with dim sum.

Hong Kong blends an iconic harbor skyline with lush mountains and parks. Explore its culture and history at Man Mo Temple, ride the steep funicular to Victoria Peak, cruise a fishing village by sampan, and unwind on the sands of Repulse Bay. After shopping in Asia's commercial hub, enjoy dai pai dong street food and yum cha tea with dim sum.

Kaohsiung, Taiwan's southwest-coast port city and "Harbor Capital," is lively yet laid-back. Walk around Lotus Pond past colorful temples and flamboyant pagodas guarded by giant dragon and tiger statues-enter through the dragon's mouth and exit through the tiger's jaws for luck. Enjoy local Chinese dishes, excellent Japanese food, and desserts made with Cishan bananas. Take a short ferry to Cijin Island for black-sand beaches and fresh seafood.

From Keelung, head west to Taipei, one of East Asia's most intriguing cities, where Chinese, Japanese, and Western influences meet. See Taipei 101, Longshan Temple, and the National Palace Museum. Try xiaochi, beef noodle soup, and Taiwan beer. North of Keelung, visit Yehliu Geopark for eroded rock formations like Queen's Head and Elephant Rock.

Ishigaki, gateway to the Yaeyama archipelago in Japan's far south and west, is famed for picture-perfect beaches, diving, snorkeling, and surf. See colorful fish and coral at Kabira Bay on a glass-bottom boat, then take in island views from Tamatorizaki Observatory or Hirakubozaki Lighthouse. Nearby Taketomi, Kuroshima, and Kohama are great bicycle day trips. Enjoy folk songs with the sanshin and island-specific pottery traditions.

From Naha, explore Okinawa's culture and traditions: visit colorful Shuri Castle, then the tranquil Shikinaen Gardens, built in 1799 as a royal villa. Shop for Tsuboya-yaki pottery, Ryukyuan glass, and lacquerware in the Tsuboya District. Stroll Kokusai Dori's shops, galleries, markets, restaurants, and arcades. Finish with soba or tempura, plus sanpincha (jasmine tea) and sata andagi (fried donut with black cane sugar).

Shanghai, a glittering historic city on the Yangtze River Delta, draws visitors with striking architecture, lively streets, and endless dining. Walk the Bund for skyline views and colonial buildings, visit Jade Buddha Temple, explore Shanghai History Museum in Pudong, and wander the 400-year-old Yuyuan Garden. Don't miss the city's street food, from crab shell pies to soup dumplings.

Shanghai, a glittering historic city on the Yangtze River Delta, draws visitors with striking architecture, lively streets, and endless dining. Walk the Bund for skyline views and colonial buildings, visit Jade Buddha Temple, explore Shanghai History Museum in Pudong, and wander the 400-year-old Yuyuan Garden. Don't miss the city's street food, from crab shell pies to soup dumplings.

From Incheon, visit Seoul, where modern life meets tradition. See Cheong Wa Dae (Blue House), the president's official residence; browse Insadong's antique shops, galleries, and craft stores; learn Korean history at the National Museum; and admire Changdeokgung, a UNESCO-listed palace. In Incheon, visit the memorial to General Douglas MacArthur's September 1950 landing operation, a key Korean War victory.

From Incheon, visit Seoul, where modern life meets tradition. See Cheong Wa Dae (Blue House), the president's official residence; browse Insadong's antique shops, galleries, and craft stores; learn Korean history at the National Museum; and admire Changdeokgung, a UNESCO-listed palace. In Incheon, visit the memorial to General Douglas MacArthur's September 1950 landing operation, a key Korean War victory.