Asia

Towering castles, tranquil gardens and breathtaking seascapes embrace the enduring cultural treasures of Japan and South Korea. Japan’s UNESCO-protected icons range from the floating torii gate off Miyajima Island to the ancient capitals of Kyoto and Nara near Kobe. Across the Korea Strait, the metropolitan energy of Busan contrasts with the striking volcanic landscapes of Jeju Island. Further south, the subtropical beauty of Okinawa’s coral reefs meets a fascinating heritage shaped by maritime trade.

Millennia of history meet modern luxury in China and Taiwan. Traditional temples are tucked within the shadows of Hong Kong’s towering skyline, and ancient shrines are woven into the fabric of metropolitan Taipei, where landmarks like the Taipei 101 skyscraper soar toward the clouds. From street food to teahouses, the region’s culinary scene is as diverse as its architectural heritage.

The shores of Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand are home to some of Southeast Asia’s greatest treasures. In Vietnam, the towering limestone karsts rising from Ha Long Bay offer a profound sense of tranquility, while the spirited streets of Ho Chi Minh City pulse with modern vitality and rich culinary traditions. The sun-drenched beaches of Sihanoukville blanket the Cambodian coast, while opulent palaces and gilded temples line Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River, where longtail boats dart along the lively waterways.

Singapore and Malaysia fuse centuries-old heritage with ultramodern sophistication among a host of natural wonders. A futuristic skyline rises over the garden oases of Singapore, where culinary delights await on the streets of Chinatown and Little India. On the Strait of Malacca, Penang reveals ornate temples and UNESCO-protected colonial architecture, while Kuala Lumpur is dominated by the iconic Petronas Twin Towers. Further east in Malaysian Borneo, the azure lagoons of Bohey Dulang Island contrast brilliantly with the dense rainforest sanctuaries near Sandakan.

In the pristine archipelagos of Indonesia and the Philippines — and throughout the Coral Triangle — cultural treasures are surrounded by raw natural beauty. Bali’s spiritual traditions come alive amid emerald rice terraces and seaside retreats. The dramatic landscapes of Komodo and nearby Moyo Island comprise rugged coastlines, pink-sand beaches and rare wildlife found nowhere else. In the Philippines, discover the towering limestone karsts and emerald lagoons of Palawan, as well as an entirely new world of vibrant marine sanctuaries beneath the waters of the Coral Triangle.

Traverse ancient spice routes across the Indian Ocean to lush wildlife sanctuaries and pristine archipelagos. Along India’s Malabar Coast, Kochi reveals a rich maritime heritage in the city’s iconic cantilevered fishing nets and diverse cultural enclaves. Sri Lanka evokes urban energy amid the colonial architecture of Colombo and offers encounters with majestic elephants in the nature reserves near Hambantota. Further into the azure expanse awaits a remote tropical haven in the white sands and brilliant coral reefs of Mahé and the Maldivian atolls.