28 Nights Asia

Tradition collides with pop culture in Tokyo, where you can reverently wander ancient temples before rocking out at a karaoke bar. Wake up before the sun to catch the lively fish auction at the Toyosu Market, then refresh with a walk beneath the cherry blossom trees that line the Sumida River. Spend some time in the beautiful East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, then brush up on your Japanese history at the Edo-Tokyo Museum. Don't forget to eat as much sushi, udon noodles, and wagashi (Japanese sweets) as your belly can handle

Japans southernmost major city, Kagoshima delivers a memorable mix of unique cuisine, historical attractions and outdoor activities in its temperate weather. Take the short ferry ride from the port to Sakurajima Yogan Nagisa Park and immerse yourself in its natural grandeur ? take a rejuvenating soak in the 100-meter-long natural hot spring, and take in views of the areas most iconic landmark: Sakurajima volcano, nicknamed the Vesuvius of Japan. Then, take in sweeping bayside vistas at Sengan-en, the elegant estate of the Shimadzu samurai clan, and stroll through its cherry blossom-filled gardens. Cruise to Kagoshima and head to Yurigahama Beach, with its bright waters and mysterious sandbar that appears each month in a slightly different spot, depending on the tides.

Long a popular destination for Japanese travelers looking for a relaxing beach break, Okinawa is gaining international popularity. Coral reefs provide great snorkeling and diving spots, but if you prefer to see beautiful fish without getting wet, Okinawa also has a fine aquarium. The ancient forests around the city offer a chance to view rare flora and fauna.

The "Wall Street of Asia" is one of the world's truly great cities. Reunited with China in 1997, it is a fast-paced, scintillating city brimming with Chinese medicine shops, British pubs, dazzling high rises, wooden boats, ancient villages, fish eateries and rugby lawns

Chan May is found on the coast of central Vietnam and is conveniently located between Hue and Da Nang (also spelled Danang). Cruise ships port in Chan May so that guests can travel to one of these two cities on tours. The road south from Chan May is scenic with tall sand dunes along the coast and numerous rice paddies and water buffalo in the fields. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

Though newer and more urban than other towns, Cambodia's second city is a relatively undiscovered gem with undeveloped beaches offering only sand, surf and a few seaside eateries. Cows wander the main road and foreign faces still draw curious smiles.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.