Asia: Cities, Regions, and Countries

Macau The West’s oldest outpost in the Orient, Macau has gone from a sleepy Portuguese enclave to the "Las Vegas of Asia," where towering casino hotels and garish neon lights coexist with centuries-old churches, Taoist temples, and a culinary heritage unique in the Far East. See our Macau Travel Guide

Bangkok Beneath an often-gritty surface, the Thai metropolis rocks with unforgettable sights and sizzling shopping and nightlife possibilities. A Bangkok vacation can be a sensory overload, so don't leave without taking advantage of the city's seemlingly limitless spa options. See our Bangkok Travel Guide

Seoul If cities have personalities, Seoul is a type-A, on steroids. An insatiable appetite for money, a chaotic "me-first" street life, and a hurry-hurry approach to everything makes visiting the South Korean capital an entertaining, if occasionally jolting, adventure. See our Seoul Travel Guide

Beijing An extensive municipal makeover has prepared China’s capital for the 2008 Olympic Games – and enabled it to challenge the dominance of its nemesis, Shanghai, in terms of dining, nightlife, shopping, and sky-high architecture. Beijing is ready to welcome the world. See our Beijing Travel Guide

Hong Kong Designated a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China after the British handed it back in 1997, Hong Kong is a study in opposites: colonial, historical buildings nuzzle up against cutting-edge skyscrapers, while the entire city stands starkly against lush, green mountains and the jewel-blue buffer of the surrounding South China Sea. See our Hong Kong Travel Guide

Singapore A tiny 263 square-mile island republic, Singapore lies just above the equator between Malaysia and Indonesia. A polyglot population (languages spoken include Mandarin, English, and Malay) of 4.6 million make up this financial powerhouse, seaport, and oil refinery center in Southeast Asia. See our Singapore Travel Guide

Shanghai If you want a dynamic introduction to modern China, then Shanghai is the place. The city’s reputation as “Paris of the East” declined after World War II, but its resurgence is again attracting legions of “foreign adventurers.” Here you can visit a 1000-year-old temple, a bleeding-edge art gallery, and the birthplace of the Chinese Communist Party – all on the same day. See our Shanghai Travel Guide

Siem Reap/Angkor Once lost in the dense, Cambodian jungle, Angkor, a UNESCO world heritage site and home to the world’s largest religious structure, has been discovered in a big way. Siem Reap, the gateway to this 1,000-year-old Khmer city, lies just 4 miles south and is, itself, a town rich in history, culture, and hospitality.

Taipei The capital of Taiwan, Taipei—like Scarlett O’Hara—is not beautiful, but people seldom realize this when “caught up in her charms.” This city, which hustles and bustles 24 hours a day, is becoming increasingly green as city officials make great progress in doing what they can to beautify this concrete jungle.

Tokyo Tokyo spent most of history as an out-of-the-way backwater, but about 400 years ago the shogun (military ruler) built his castle here and the city has never looked back. Now a world-leader in business, education, finance, media, manufacturing and shipping, it’s managed to avoid the problems that plague cities elsewhere: poverty, homelessness, and crime are virtually unheard of. What’s left is a sprawling metropolis populated by literate, cosmopolitan, gourmet, gracious, hospitable and stylish denizens. Public transportation works like a dream, and people respect each other’s quiet and privacy. And you can forget that old saw about Tokyo being prohibitively expensive – while it’s possible to spend a fortune, you certainly don’t have to. See our Tokyo Travel Guide

Phuket Thailand's largest island, Phuket offers jungle-clad hills, striking beaches, fantastic diving, and a cultural mix of Buddhist and Muslim peoples. Add to it endless shopping opportunities and a vibrant nightlife and you have the perfect holiday destination. Though mobbed with tourists for a good part of the year, it's easy to escape the hordes. See our Phuket Travel Guide

Southern Thailand Beaches Southern Thailand is the stuff vacation dreams are made of – a seemingly endless number of tropical islands with picture-perfect white-sand beaches and verdant jungles. The vibrant coral reefs on both coasts are a diver’s paradise, and excellent transport options make island hopping easy and fun.

Bali Respected for its pristine scenery, Bali is a province of the Republic of Indonesia. Honeymooners and surfers (and sometimes honeymooning surfers) flock to the island for its beautiful beaches, while active travelers are drawn to hikeable volcanoes, rice paddies, and lakes. The predominantly Hindu island has strong spiritual roots, evidenced by its many temples and shrines. See our Bali Travel Guide

Taiwan The tropical, self-governing island of Taiwan is known for its lush, temple-dotted forests, pretty beaches, and colorful, happening city of Taipei.

Sri Lanka Tropical beaches, swaying coconut palms, tea-planted hill country, ancient city ruins, and a hospitable people – no wonder travelers think of this Indian Ocean island nation as paradise. See our Sri Lanka Travel Guide

Maldives A collection of coral atoll necklaces covered with emerald palms and set between turquoise lagoons in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is perhaps the ultimate tropical paradise. See our Maldives Travel Guide

India The world’s largest democracy and second most populous nation, India is home to Bollywood, cricket, Darjeeling tea, and 22 officially recognized languages. Discover a diverse country whose national parks showcase tigers and elephants, and where urban centers are buzzing with history, culture, shopping and nightlife. See our India Travel Guide

China Discover the best of the old and the thrill of the new in this stunningly diverse land. In 2008, China will host the Olympics, an event that could just make the country the world's most-visited nation. See our China Travel Guide

Japan Japan is a country defined by contrasts; a land where ancient culture and cutting edge technology meet. From geishas and cherry blossoms to bullet trains and gadgets, you’ll be struck by its rush for the future and respect for the past. See our Japan Travel Guide

Thailand Stunning tropical islands and an intriguing Buddhist heritage have turned Thailand into Asia’s tourism hub, and deservedly so. The famous hospitality of the Thai people serves as an ever-present backdrop to tranquil northern jungles, spectacular southern islands, and the bustling capital that is Bangkok. See our Thailand Travel Guide

Indonesia The beautiful archipelago of Indonesia, which stretches over 3,400 miles, is characterized by mind-blowing beaches, craggy volcanoes, and dense jungles. Bali, with its opulent, over-water bungalows, is the nation’s most visited island. Party-happy Jakarta and untouched Lombak are other popular tourist stops. Check travel warnings with the U.S. State Department before planning any travel: although not common, terrorist attacks have occurred in the past.

South Korea In just two decades, South Korea has emerged as a stable, democratic country with big ambitions. Energetic, happening Seoul defines the nation’s new spirit, while ancient temples provide a glimpse into the past. South Korea is also known for its vast network of beaches.

Malaysia Malaysia, a Southeast Asian country of 25 million, lies below Thailand and above Indonesia. Its potpourri of languages, religions, and cuisines is primarily influenced by Malay, Chinese, and South Asian cultures. See our Malaysia Travel Guide

Vietnam Physically, Vietnam is marked by tropical mountains, plains, and the Mekong river. Culturally, the country is unique combination of Vietnamese and French culture (part of the legacy of French colonialism in the 19th century). Musts include Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Halong Bay, with its famous limestone islets.

Philippines Set off the main backpacker trail, the Philippines is Southeast Asia’s odd man out, but not for want of beauty or things to do. A jigsaw puzzle of more than 7,000 tropical islands, this friendly country serves up delights aplenty for those who dare to be different. See our Philippines Travel Guide

Bhutan The very fact that it’s difficult to get into Bhutan – the government requires visitors to sign up with an authorized travel agent before they can enter the country – makes it simultaneously attractive and frustrating. Attractive because the nation’s Buddhist temples and Himalayan landscape are impeccably preserved; frustrating because you’re married to your itinerary for the duration of your stay. Visit this website for a list of authorized tour operators: http://designindia.com/dotbhutan

Tibet The flash of a monk's robes, the heady scent of incense wafting through the air, and the murmur of chanting pilgrims add to Tibet’s mystical allure. See our Tibet Travel Guide

Nepal Although Nepal is one of the poorest countries in the world, the land still attracts visitors, most of whom come for the challenge (and associated bragging rights) of hiking Mount Everest. The interior of the country is hilly and mountainous, while the exterior is comprised of lowlands.

Laos Mountainous and landlocked, Laos is the quiet backwater of Southeast Asia. For decades, this sparsely populated country between Thailand and Vietnam was hermetically sealed by a communist government. Today, the capital Vientiane (pronounced Vien-chan) bustles with renewed energy, and the splendors of the UNESCO World Heritage town of Luang Prabang attract thousands of visitors. See our Laos Travel Guide