47 days in Asia Itinerary

It may very well be fair to call India "incredible," given its mind-boggling diversity of landscapes, climates, cultures, and languages. The world's largest democracy, and second only to China in terms of population, India contains majestic peaks dusted with glistening snow, sun-drenched beaches, ancient hand-carved temples, and sprawling cities jam-packed with people, vehicles, and animals. Many tour India during the country's devotional festivals, which range from immense parades that convert cities into giant performance stages, to simple farming fairs dedicated to relatively obscure local deities. Whenever you choose to vacation in India, make sure you see some of the country's World Heritage Sites, which include the legendary Taj Mahal and Chilika Lake, the planet's second-largest lagoon.

Thanks to its location in the Himalayas, tiny Bhutan's main tourist attraction is its stunning natural scenery. The last of the world's Buddhist kingdoms, this mountainous country boasts stretches of fertile land and a small population surviving on subsistence farming. Visitors seeking culturally enriching experiences take a trip to Bhutan to discover a mysterious and magic mountain kingdom where traditional Buddhism slowly and carefully accepts the developments of the modern world. Popular things to do in this "Last Shangrila" include bird-watching, hiking, and biking through some of the planet's least-spoiled wilderness areas, where commercial tourism still seems a concept from a distant future.

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.

Offering a rich culinary heritage, sun-kissed beaches, exotic culture, tropical climate, and stunning landscapes, a Thailand vacation remains one of the world's greatest magnets for curious travelers. In between the busy and crowded cities, the Asian nation features a quiet countryside: a blend of lush rice paddies, flourishing tropical forests, and tiny villages living according to an age-old agricultural clock that continues to play a major role in the locals' lifestyle. A tour of Thailand reveals a deep devotion to Buddhism, exemplified by eye-catching temples lavishly decorated with golden Buddha statues, simple shrines, and lively religious festivals celebrated throughout the country.

Long overlooked by travelers due to its reputation as one of the world's poorest nations, Laos is drawing a growing number of visitors with its laid-back charm, natural beauty, and numerous archaeological sites and historic temples. Many visitors make the trip to Laos from nearby Thailand, combining the two neighboring countries into one memorable experience of Southeast Asia. Others focus their Laos vacation on the Mekong River, which serves as a major source of irrigation for local farms and represents a popular alternative for sightseeing by car. On top of the rich cultural heritage and impressive natural landscapes, its major treasure remains its people--friendly and devout Buddhists welcoming visitors with a genuine hospitality rarely felt in other parts of the world.

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.

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.

A province of Indonesia, the island of Bali remains one of the world's top tourist destinations thanks to its beaches, diving spots, and resorts. Take a trip to Bali to discover the island's smiling and famously hospitable locals--perhaps the biggest treasure of this tropical paradise. More than just another fun-in-the-sun getaway, Bali also reveals a rich history and varied geography of mountains, rugged coastal areas, sandy beaches, thriving rice terraces, and stark volcanic hillsides that seem transported from another planet. A Bali tour uncovers some of the world's best surfing spots, as well as a deeply spiritual local culture and globally significant archeological attractions.