29 days in Southeast Asia Itinerary

Visitors usually come back from their holiday in Krabi Province deeply impressed by the region's natural attractions, which include white-sand beaches, extensive coral reefs, numerous waterfalls, caves, and more than 130 islands. The area encompasses some of the most popular destinations floating just off the picturesque Andaman Coast, including the six islands protected as a national park of impressive natural beauty. Most tours of Krabi Province include an exploration of the vertical karst formations jutting from the sea, a dramatic backdrop for water-based adventures. Although mass tourism in the province increasingly exerts pressure, many of the islands here retain a relaxed feel and offer a bit of solitude in a heavenly tropical setting.

For over six centuries, the mighty Khmer Empire flourished in Cambodia, a scenic land of majestic temples, pristine waterfalls, and dense jungles. A protectorate of France between 1863 and 1953, the country suffered under the Khmer Rouge, a ruling party remembered mostly for its part in organizing the bloody Cambodian genocide of the 1970s. Today, a trip to Cambodia will reveal the region's troubled history, but also some of Southeast Asia's most significant archaeological sites. Few tourist attractions in Cambodia match the splendor of Angkor Wat, a World Heritage-listed temple complex that represents the biggest religious monument on the planet.

While most Southeast Asian countries have at least one booming metropolis, none seem to bustle nearly throughout like Vietnam does. While busy locals zoom about on motorbikes, visitors fill their Vietnam vacations with a mix of cultural sightseeing and exploring the landscape. Big cities and towns boast colonial architecture, open-air markets, outstanding spa complexes, and modern restaurants. The country also features over 3,200 km (2,000 mi) of coastline dotted with sandy bays that attract scuba divers and kitesurfers. Away from busy urban centers, a tour of Vietnam reveals a rural landscape of lush rice paddies, jagged mountain peaks, and timeless villages unspoiled by the outside world.