12 Nights Asia

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Vietnam's first privately-owned deep water port, occupied by the Japanese during World War II, now serves primarily as a portal to Ho Chi Minh City?the "Pearl of the Orient". Nearby, the Cu Chi tunnels offer grim reminders of the Vietnam War.

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.

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.

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.