Benoa's charms are most evident in Nusa Dua, one of the most beautiful beaches in already-legendary Bali. In this land of rice terraces, spectacular volcanoes and over 20,000 temples, the main destination is the stunning 17th-century royal temple complex of Pura Taman Ayun in nearby Mengwi, surrounded by a lotus-filled moat, giving it the feel of a garden sanctuary. Another favorite is the Sunset Temple, Tanah Lot, and don't miss the batik factories for that perfect gift or souvenir.

Benoa's charms are most evident in Nusa Dua, one of the most beautiful beaches in already-legendary Bali. In this land of rice terraces, spectacular volcanoes and over 20,000 temples, the main destination is the stunning 17th-century royal temple complex of Pura Taman Ayun in nearby Mengwi, surrounded by a lotus-filled moat, giving it the feel of a garden sanctuary. Another favorite is the Sunset Temple, Tanah Lot, and don't miss the batik factories for that perfect gift or souvenir.

Indonesia's isolated Komodo Island is a natural wonder of tropical savanna and scrubland, home to the famed pre-historic Komodo dragon. Komodo National Park is the only place on earth that they can be found in the wild. The island of Komodo itself is about 60 squares miles in area with dramatic landscapes of 2,000 foot craggy mountains, canyons, Savannas and monsoon rain forests in the valleys. Human habitation is therefore limited to only one settlement in Slawi Bay.

Discover a hidden-gem island where tranquility meets natural wonders. Dive into the azure waters of Lembar Strait, explore coral reefs, relax on Selong Belanak Beach, and trek Mount Rinjani for breathtaking sunrise views. Experience Sasak culture in Sade and Ende, where artisans craft textiles and pottery by hand, and savor authentic cuisine from spicy sambal to grilled seafood.

Probolinggo on East Java's north coast is known for its fish market and its access to Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park, home to Mount Bromo. Reach Bromo via the mountain village of Cemoro Lawang, then take a pony ride to the edge of the volcano's vast caldera. In town, ride a pedicab to the Chinese temple, swim at Bentar Indah Beach, and buy authentic batik.

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.

Explore Langkawi's relaxed charm: farms, fishing villages, rice paddies, myths, dramatic mountains, and pristine beaches. Start at Eagle Square, then ride the Langkawi cable car for sweeping views from Kereta Kabel. See handcrafted plates made from cinnamon wood and learn about rice farming at Laman Padi Langkawi. End with seafood sizzlers, coconut-chile dishes, and tea or chocolate treats in this romantic 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.

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.

From Laem Chabang, discover Bangkok's contrasts: exotic temples, lavish palaces, busy markets, and a striking skyline. Once a small trading center, Krung Thep now hums with street food, graceful Thai architecture, and saffron-robed monks. Ride a tuk-tuk to Wat Pho, home to a huge reclining gold-plated Buddha. Take a boat on the Chao Phraya River past floating grocery stores and teak houses on stilts. Shop for Thai silk and jewelry, then enjoy pad Thai, khao mun gai, and mango sticky rice.

From Laem Chabang, discover Bangkok's contrasts: exotic temples, lavish palaces, busy markets, and a striking skyline. Once a small trading center, Krung Thep now hums with street food, graceful Thai architecture, and saffron-robed monks. Ride a tuk-tuk to Wat Pho, home to a huge reclining gold-plated Buddha. Take a boat on the Chao Phraya River past floating grocery stores and teak houses on stilts. Shop for Thai silk and jewelry, then enjoy 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.

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.

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.

Hirara is a tropical paradise on Miyako Island, Okinawa. Relax on the white sands and cobalt-blue waters of Yonaha and Sunayama beaches, visit Miyako Shrine, take in views from the iconic Irabu Bridge, and stroll through the colorful Hirara Tropical Botanical Garden. Enjoy the relaxed island lifestyle, Okinawan cuisine, and plenty of sun.

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.

Kagoshima is Japan's southernmost major city, and is nicknamed the "Naples of the Eastern World," based on its caldera bay location, hot climate, and volcano. The majestic view of Mt Sakurajima, one of the world's most active volcanoes, dominates the city's landscape, towering over the beautiful Kinko Bay. The city abounds in historic sightseeing spots such as the memorial site of St. Francisco Xavier, who landed in Kagoshima and first introduced Christianity to Japan.

Nagasaki, Japan's early gateway to the West, offers European-style homes, a busy harbor, fusion cuisine, and Castella sponge cake from Portuguese missionaries. It is also marked by the second atomic bomb, so a visit to Peace Park is a deeply moving must. Take in views from Mount Inasayama, drive through the countryside to Arita, birthplace of Japanese porcelain, and return to Nagasaki's oldest Chinatown for Chinese food adapted to Japanese tastes.

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.