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.

This beach-rimmed resort city sits on the island-studded Bay of Thailand. Serendipity Beach is a mile-long stretch of white sand, among the prettiest. Wats are abundant, including Wat Otters behind Otres Beach and Wat Lu Pagoda, with a three-headed elephant statue topped by Buddhas. Ream National Park has two wats and is a birdwatcher's paradise. In downtown, a tuk-tuk ride can pass the Golden Lions Monument en route to Phsar Leu market.

Ho Chi Minh City, on a bend of the Sài Gòn River, blends skyscrapers, food markets, and French colonial architecture. Visit the War Remnants Museum and Củ Chi tunnels for Vietnam war history, see Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office, explore the city by motorbike, and enjoy the Jade Emperor Pagoda, Reunification Palace, and street food like pho and savory crepes.

Ho Chi Minh City, on a bend of the Sài Gòn River, blends skyscrapers, food markets, and French colonial architecture. Visit the War Remnants Museum and Củ Chi tunnels for Vietnam war history, see Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office, explore the city by motorbike, and enjoy the Jade Emperor Pagoda, Reunification Palace, and street food like pho and savory crepes.

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.

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.

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.

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).

Osaka offers superb cuisine, shopping, and a friendly spirit, with restored Osaka Castle as a standout link to Japanese history. Known as Tenka no Daidokoro ("The Nation's Kitchen"), it was once Japan's rice-trade hub and is now a gourmand's paradise. Enjoy views from Abeno Harukas, Japan's tallest skyscraper, then visit the aquarium and Dotonbori. Nearby Kyoto invites you with remarkable architecture, including thousands of Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines.

Osaka offers superb cuisine, shopping, and a friendly spirit, with restored Osaka Castle as a standout link to Japanese history. Known as Tenka no Daidokoro ("The Nation's Kitchen"), it was once Japan's rice-trade hub and is now a gourmand's paradise. Enjoy views from Abeno Harukas, Japan's tallest skyscraper, then visit the aquarium and Dotonbori. Nearby Kyoto invites you with remarkable architecture, including thousands of Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines.

Once a modest fishing village, modern Tokyo is a vast metropolis of distinct neighborhoods: Shinjuku's Golden Gai bars, Nihombashi's culinary and shopping scenes, Akihabara's gadgets and manga culture, and Asakusa's pottery shops. Explore museums covering Japanese history and culture, especially the Tokyo National Museum. Visit the Imperial Palace and Senso-ji in Asakusa, enjoy Tokyo's exceptional food scene, and take a selfie at Shibuya Crossing.