29 days in Asia Itinerary

An unusual blend of a developing nation and the modern world, Malaysia ranks as one of the richest countries in Southeast Asia, its prosperity largely resting on thriving high-tech industries. Malaysia vacations remain a more affordable alternative to the expensive tourism in some neighboring countries. Take a trip to Malaysia to explore busy cities filled with colonial-era architecture, tranquil tea plantations supporting a large portion of the local population, and dozens of scattered islands happily evading the worst aspects of mass tourism. While there may be fewer visitors, there's no shortage of fine beaches, mangrove estuaries, and verdant rainforests filled with exotic wildlife.

Rugged beaches lure many to take their holiday in East Timor, a former Portuguese colony that gained its independence in 2002 after a brutal occupation by Indonesia. With pristine reefs, steep mountains, mysterious jungle caves, and misty hillside villages, the country represents one of Asia's most charming destinations, where it's still possible to have an off-the-beaten-track adventure. Many choose to tour East Timor by car, stopping at various locations to snap photos, dive into the sea, and mingle with the locals at quaint settlements preserving age-old traditions lost to the rest of the world. Those preferring urban experiences concentrate on Dili, the ultra-relaxed capital with access to both sea and mountains.

A sliver of land just off China's east coastline, Taiwan represents one of the world's most densely populated countries--and one of Asia's most powerful economies. History buffs on a tour of Taiwan will discover ancient artifacts stored at outstanding national museums narrating nearly 10,000 years of Asia's history. Those interested in more active pursuits can organize a Taiwan itinerary around its modern mountain resorts, well-developed beaches, and protected forests sheltering hundreds of species of native plant and animal life. Begin your visit in Taipei, a vibrant capital city with a thriving entertainment scene, relatively inexpensive accommodations, and an eclectic culinary scene.

Though it boasts a history spanning thousands of years, South Korea ranks among the world's most urbanized and modernized countries, with nearly half of its population living in high-rises concentrated in the national capital. In this land of pristine mountain scenery, many South Korea vacations involve some form of winter sports--not surprising for the country that won the bid to host the 2018 Winter Olympics. Curious travelers wishing to get to know South Korea's heart and soul spend only a small part of their holiday in big cities like Busan and Seoul, devoting much of their attention to the tranquil countryside that seems largely untouched by the 21st century.

Covering most of the northern edge of China beyond the Great Wall, Inner Mongolia has scenic grasslands dotted with natural lakes, deserts, and industrial cities. Tourist attractions in Inner Mongolia include a World Heritage-listed geopark with a granite forest, ethnic villages, and museums detailing the life of nomadic tribes. Numerous lamaist temples housing exquisite bodhisattva images give insight into this autonomous region's Buddhist heritage. Certain traditions of the vast grassland empire remain alive and well: an itinerary in Inner Mongolia can include horse races, camel rides, and sand sledging, plus visits to Mongolian yurts and plenty of samples of kumis (fermented horse milk).

With everything from snowcapped mountains and vast grasslands to dense tropical forests, Nepal represents one of the world's most ecologically diverse destinations. A trip to Nepal takes visitors to an ancient land situated between India and China, both of which influence the region's culture, cuisine, and religious traditions. Despite the country's natural appeal, commercial tourism in Nepal remains a relatively new industry and most of the area lies unspoiled and undiscovered by foreigners. Ideal for travelers interested in pushing their physical abilities to the limit, Nepal contains most of the world's tallest peaks, including the legendary Mount Everest.

Closed to Western travelers for most of the 20th century, Myanmar draws an increasing number of visitors with its gilded pagodas and elaborately decorated temples. Visitors looking for sun and sand opt to vacation on Myanmar's many isolated beaches, ideal for escaping the modern world and kicking back with a drink and a book. In the cities, savvy shoppers easily find bargains on high-quality textiles, antiques, traditional tapestries, and precious stones. A well-rounded Myanmar itinerary also includes a few leisurely activities, like drinking tea at a cozy teahouse, enjoying a hearty meal at a family-run eatery, and pausing to contemplate at a centuries-old Buddhist shrine.