30 days in Asia Itinerary

Thailand's largest island, Phuket lures both die-hard divers and casual beach lovers interested in spending most of their time basking in the sand and munching on local delicacies. Picturesque lagoons and an abundance of modern amenities may be the main incentive for a Phuket vacation, but you can find plenty of other things to do here once you get your fill of sun and sand. Away from the busy waterfront, the island boasts many gardens, Buddhist temples, museums, and aquariums that deserve a top spot on any traveler's Phuket itinerary.

Krabi Town takes you away from the bustle of coastal beach resorts in this region. The city of about 25,000 people remains the main town in the province. Buddhist temples cling to the rocky landscape, and the town's many luxury spas and retreats draw many visitors. Outside the urban center you'll have the chance to explore the natural abundance of the surrounding national parks. Popular experiences include eco adventure tours into the wilderness or coastal activities like kayaking, sailing, and snorkeling.

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.

One of the most coveted tourist destinations in the Philippines for eco-tourists and those wishing to get away from city life, Palawan Province offers a variety of virgin beaches and lush rainforest vegetation sheltering untouched wildlife. Pristine beaches with turquoise waters and lagoons offer great opportunities for swimming, scuba diving, and snorkeling, while a number of spectacular karst formations fringed with tropical vegetation hide many limestone caves. A tour of Palawan Province usually includes a visit to the famous UNESCO-protected underground river and a reef marine park, or trekking to a lake atop a volcano crater. The island also includes a wildlife sanctuary with indigenous and exotic beasts, as well as a crocodile farm amid the mangroves. A number of natural science museums and Baroque Catholic churches add a cultural dimension to any Palawan Province holiday.