18 Nights Asia

Thailand's largest, most modern and busiest deep-sea shipping port is the nation's pride and its main transportation and export gateway. The famed beach resort of Pattaya is nine miles to the south, while Bangkok is 68 miles north of the port.

Ko Samui, Thailand's second largest island, lies in the Gulf of Thailand off the east coast of the Kra Isthmus. It's known for its palm-fringed beaches, coconut groves and dense, mountainous rainforest, plus luxury resorts and posh spas. The landmark 12m-tall golden Big Buddha statue at Wat Phra Yai Temple is located on a tiny island connected to Ko Samui by a causeway.

This small, roughly diamond-shaped island at the end of peninsular Malaysia may be coated in modernity, but underneath lies conservative Confucian values. Chinese, Malay, Indian and Eurasian influences make Singapore a highly tolerant city with a wealth of fascinatingly sundry cultures.

This small, roughly diamond-shaped island at the end of peninsular Malaysia may be coated in modernity, but underneath lies conservative Confucian values. Chinese, Malay, Indian and Eurasian influences make Singapore a highly tolerant city with a wealth of fascinatingly sundry cultures.

Home to nearly 2 million people, Malaysias bustling capital Kuala Lumpur is a massive city of skyscrapers and historic architecture. See the Petronas Towers, the tallest twin towers in the world, with their ultra-modern style and contrasting traditional motifs from Islamic art. Then, stroll down to KLCC Park and walk around its man-made lake and fountain backdropped by the modern skyline. Cruise to Malaysia and explore the historic side of Kuala Lumpur at the iconic Thean Hou Temple, with its red pillars, intricate carvings and decorative artifacts from Buddhist, Confucian and Tao tradition. Or see the Moorish architecture of Jamek Mosque, situated at the crossing of the Klang and Gombak rivers.

An island state just off the coast of northwest Malaysia, Penang is rich in diverse cultural influences thanks to its history as a trading center between India, China, Britain and the Middle East.

Langkawi is the jewel of Malaysias Andaman Sea, a paradise island that feels far-removed but is easy to reach. Cruise to Langkawi and take the popular cable car ride up Mount Mat Chinchang, the islands second-tallest mountain ? enjoy ocean vistas from the viewpoint halfway up, then take the remainder of the trip to the summit and walk the SkyBridge, a 400-foot-long viewing platform suspended 2,300 feet in the air between two forested peaks

The island of Phuket (pronounced "Poo-ket") is often called the Pearl of Thailand at Kata Noi Beach, a smaller, more secluded spot where you can soak in the sun and sand and unwind.

The island of Phuket (pronounced "Poo-ket") is often called the Pearl of Thailand at Kata Noi Beach, a smaller, more secluded spot where you can soak in the sun and sand and unwind.

Colombo is the gateway to Sri Lanka for most travelers?but don't be tempted to simply pass through this diverse and interesting city. Take a train ride along the coast to Mount Lavinia, a popular beach, or explore the Talangama Wetland, which several TripAdvisor travelers say is the perfect place to take a break from the bustling streets of the city.

Colombo is the gateway to Sri Lanka for most travelers?but don't be tempted to simply pass through this diverse and interesting city. Take a train ride along the coast to Mount Lavinia, a popular beach, or explore the Talangama Wetland, which several TripAdvisor travelers say is the perfect place to take a break from the bustling streets of the city.

Kerala is the talk of the town when it comes to travel in India, and the city of Cochin gives you a glimpse into why people love the state so much. Walk the streets of Cochin Fort ? here, youll find the St. Francis Church, Indias oldest colonial-built place of worship, as well as bustling Princess Street, with its colorful architecture displaying Dutch, Portuguese and British influence. See the Chinese fishing nets at the bay, purportedly brought here in the 14th century by emissaries of emperor Kublai Khan. Cruise to Cochin and explore the ornate Paradesi Synagogue and learn more about Keralas historic Jewish community, or feast on a paratha flatbread at a local eatery.

Discover Indias Mangalore highlights and Pilikula Nisargadhamas Artisan Village on a 3-hours and 45-minutes tour. Enjoy a ride past the city of Mangalores main-highlights, including Gokarnath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, Town Hall, and a local fish and vegetable market.

Known as Bombay in colonial times, Mumbai today is one of Indias most cosmopolitan cities. Marvel at the towering Gateway of India, the enormous arch thats one of Indias most recognizable symbols.

Known as Bombay in colonial times, Mumbai today is one of Indias most cosmopolitan cities. Marvel at the towering Gateway of India, the enormous arch thats one of Indias most recognizable symbols.