Australia This island, continent and country, is a dynamic destination that is both culturally and geographically diverse. The land down under is a mixture of cosmopolitan culture and Aboriginal traditions, with nearly all of the country's population living within 50 miles of the coastline.
Bhutan Cut off from visitors until the 1970s, Bhutan's untouched beauty is otherworldly with centuries-old monasteries tucked in mountainsides and magnificently rugged terrain. The country requires an obligatory tourist tariff (of $250 a day), so many people visit using a tour company or private guide, however, if you stay at one of the many new luxury hotels, you won't have a problem hitting the daily spend.
Burma Burma is a breathtaking country—golden temples, snow-capped mountains, emerald green rice fields, white sand beaches and, in Rangoon, the largest city, incredible architecture frozen in time. After decades of isolation under a repressive regime, a democratically elected government is now steering the nation and progression seems promising.
Cambodia With stunning temples, charming French colonial architecture and growing urban affluence, Cambodia is drawing throngs of visitors. From the mesmerizing Angkor Wat and the chaotic cacophony of Phnom Penh to the buzzing beaches of Sihanoukville, travelers have a plethora of sights and sounds to behold.
China A vast country that spans an immense 9.6 million square kilometers, and that is home to an astounding 1.3 billion people and backed by a storied 5,000-year-old history, China is as diverse, exotic and complex as one could imagine. From the cultural powerhouse of Beijing in the north to the cosmopolitan Shanghai in the central Yangtze River basin to the ethnic potpourri of Yunnan in the southwestern hinterlands, this once-isolated kingdom is now a beguiling juxtaposition of ancient wonders and breakneck-speed development.
Hong Kong Hong Kong is an exciting city, where people enjoy life to the max. Its vivacious, brash, modern, traditional, innovative, stimulating.
India Home to over 1.3 billion people, India is a geographically diverse, culturally rich, and fascinatingly complex. Between buzzing metropolises, majestic mountain ranges, palm-fringed coastlines, and some of the most impressive fortresses you'll ever see, it's a destination as unique as it is abundant.
Indonesia Indonesia, the world’s largest archipelago, offers a mind-boggling range of natural attractions including sun-kissed beaches, majestic volcanic lakes, vast rolling plains, and striking mountain ranges. Combine that with a refreshing cultural experience and you are in for a real treat.
Japan Japan is a country marked by spectacular natural beauty, gracious hospitality and rich artistic heritage. Cities are a wonderland of gleaming skyscrapers, groundbreaking technology and frenetic pace of life whereas the countryside hums along with its rustic lifestyles and time-honored traditions.
Laos Savor the royal charm of Luang Prabang, marvel at the beautiful French boulevards of Vientiane and take a relaxed cruise down the gorgeous Mekong while watching the sunset—Laos allows visitors a chance to experience scenic beauty, laidback lifestyle and colonial-era history all in one place.
Macau There's more to Macau than meets the eye. Look beyond the blinding neon of the next new giant casino-hotel opening, and you'll find a lesser-known and quickly developing side of the city that offers a subtler slice of life. Independent restaurants and shops, designed by a pool of upcoming local talent, are dipping into Macau's history and natural bounty to offset the modern bright-light behemoths.
Malaysia Malaysia offers something for everyone without the loud and crowded hustle and bustle of an overdeveloped nation. Here, you enjoy pristine rainforests and marine parks, holiday on postcard-perfect beaches, take in the culture of its small towns, shop for inexpensive handicrafts, and eat some of the most flavorful food in Southeast Asia.
Maldives Sugar-white sands, sea breeze-tousled palms, and some of the bluest ocean you'll ever see, the Maldives definitely deserves its associations with paradise. The archipelago is made up of over 1,200 tropical islands, 200 of which are inhabited full-time and the rest being home to hotels and resorts. A groundswell of new, super-fly resorts have upped the luxury ante of the lowest country in the world, but the chilled-out island vibe remains.
Nepal In Nepal, “destinations are not measured in kilometers but by how many days it takes to hike there.” For good reason, the country is often thought of as a spiritual retreat in the heart of the Himalayas. Guilded temples, storied mountains, jungle wildlife and charming villages are just a few of the reasons why the country is so compelling.
Philippines This is a diverse country spread over more than 7,000 islands, with over half of them uninhabited. No surprise the scuba diving is world class. Above the sea landscapes range from sweeping rice plains to jungled peaks, and from rice-terraced cliffs to placid lagoons. And the warm, friendly people seal the deal for a rewarding trip.
Singapore Modern, super-efficient with first-class hotels, world-class cultural events, dozens of nightclubs, ultimate shopping-it’s a local pastime-superb food, the Lion City roars with activities to keep any visit sensational.
South Korea Dynamic, dazzling and progressive are some of the words commonly used to describe South Korea. Seoul is fast-paced yet offers a charming blend of traditions and modernity, while Gyeongju, in the southeast, is an ancient Shilla capital home to royal tombs and palaces. Further south, Busan is a buzzing port city, while the volcanic island of Jeju is a favorite among couples.
Sri Lanka Off the southern tip of India, the island nation of Sri Lanka is an all-encompassing destination with picturesque beaches, Serengeti-level wildlife, historic ancient ruins, and plenty of luxurious resorts. After a three-decade-long civil war, the resilient population is looking onward and the country is ripe for travel with rebuilt coastlines and infrastructure.
Taiwan Besides being a high-tech electronic base as well as a veritable center of Chinese pop and entertainment, Taiwan also boasts a veritable melange of impressive mountains, idyllic beaches, colorful aboriginal culture and a cuisine that is highly esteemed by people all over Asia.
Thailand Blessed with picturesque peaks in the north, idyllic islands in the south, and Bangkok, the kinetic capital in between, Thailand continues to astonish. Into the bargain, Thailand remains affordable. For visitors the crime rate is low and the fun factor is high.
Vietnam Vietnam’s captivating natural beauty and fascinating history make it a rising star on the Southeast Asian tourism circuit. Its charming colonial-era cities, lush green countryside and fabulous beaches provide excellent attractions for one and all.
