Hong Kong -TO- Bali (Benoa)

In 1841, Hong Kong became a British Crown colony when it was acquired from China. In 1984, Britain and China signed an agreement which stated Hong Kong would return to China, but that it would maintain in its capitalist system for 50 years. This transfer took place during on June 30, 1997 under great pomp and ceremony. Its enormous harbor, vast industrialization and free port status make it a major Asian crossroad, and perhaps the best place to shop in the world.

Drink in the exquisite beauty of Ha Long Bay with its breathtaking monolithic limestone islands and famous morning mists before going ashore to visit Hanoi. Enjoy the broad boulevards, French colonial architecture and wonderful old quarter. Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Vuon Bach Thao park where locals practice Tai Chi.

Ho Chi Minh City, formerly and still commonly known as Saigon, is the largest city in Vietnam, situated in the south. In the southeastern region, the city surrounds the Saigon River and covers about 2,061 square kilometres.

Ho Chi Minh City, formerly and still commonly known as Saigon, is the largest city in Vietnam, situated in the south. In the southeastern region, the city surrounds the Saigon River and covers about 2,061 square kilometres.

Bangkok is the capital and largest city in Thailand. It began as a small trading center on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River serving the Ayutthaya Kingdom, the precursor of modern Thailand which existed from 1350 to 1767. Indulge your senses in the city’s fabulous golden temples and palaces, the royal barges and the Emerald Buddha. And explore the hidden city of teak mansions and lovely gardens or learn about Thai culture. Look for luxurious silk, wood carvings and fine jewelry among other crafts. Tempt your palate with chili-based dishes or sweet and sour recipes. Try some sate with peanut sauce, sticky rice and grilled fish and meats.

Bangkok is the capital and largest city in Thailand. It began as a small trading center on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River serving the Ayutthaya Kingdom, the precursor of modern Thailand which existed from 1350 to 1767. Indulge your senses in the city’s fabulous golden temples and palaces, the royal barges and the Emerald Buddha. And explore the hidden city of teak mansions and lovely gardens or learn about Thai culture. Look for luxurious silk, wood carvings and fine jewelry among other crafts. Tempt your palate with chili-based dishes or sweet and sour recipes. Try some sate with peanut sauce, sticky rice and grilled fish and meats.

Koh Samui is Thailand’s third largest island. Surrounded by eighty smaller islands, this stunning, natural beauty has been relatively undiscovered until recent years. Rumor claims that in 1971 the first tourists to set foot on Koh Samui were hippies who arrived by way of a coconut boat from Bangkok. While Koh Samui still exports up to 2 million coconuts to Bangkok every month, recent urban developments include a no-frills airport and an ostentatious Reggae bar.

Straegically located at the end of the Malaysian peninsula, the island nation of Singapore is a modern,

thriving metropolis and a true melting pot of cultures. Singapore offers diverse colorful ethnic quarters; a fantastic array of superb cuisines; and a shopping mecca second to none. In many ways Singapore (the name means Lion City) was built by Sir Stamford Raffles. Coming ashore to a tiny fishing village in 1819, through trade treaties and business acumen, he laid the foundation for one of the most amazing urban success stories in history. Today, travelers can embrace exotic sights and sounds as they stroll or ride a trishaw through Chinatown, the Arab Quarter or Little India. Head down to the scenic Boat Quay for unrivaled views of the harbor and stop at one of the many international eateries for a refreshing repast. Shop along famous Orchard Road with its merchandise from every corner of the Pacific Rim; embark on a night safari at the Singapore Zoo or relax in the verdant shade of the Bukit Timah Nature Preserve. Be sure to leave time to try a refreshing Singapore Sling at the bar at Raffles Hotel.

Spend the day discovering this cosmopolitan city and its many cultural levels, from the soaring Petronas Towers to a Royal Palace, Gothic churches, stolid Colonial remnants and a restored Malay timber house, once the residence of a local headman in a lovely Heritage Center. Browse in the markets and shops. Shop for crafts, excellent pewter, jewelry, batik. The fusion of cultures here offers a variety of menus from Malay and Chinese to continental cuisines. Try a curry or spicy broiled duck, a satay or broiled fish.

Explore the relaxed charm of Langkawi with its farms, fishing villages and peaceful rice paddies. Langkawi boasts colorful myths and legends, dramatic mountains, and vast, pristine beaches. Begin with a visit to Eagle Square. Then soar to the height of eagles on the Langkawi cable car and admire the amazing views at Kereta Kabel. Look for beautifully handcrafted plates made from cinnamon trees. Discover the impact of rice agriculture in Malaysia with a visit to the Laman Padi Langkawi. Try seafood sizzlers made with coconut and chile paste or tea and chocolate treats in this romantic paradise.

With a land area of 215 square miles, Phuket Island is about the same size as Singapore, making it Thailand’s largest island. Known as the “Pearl of Thailand,” this beautiful retreat offers pristine beaches, lush vegetation, traditional villages, and seascapes of huge limestone pillars that tower over the turquoise waters of Phang-Nga Bay. Apart from tourism, much of the province’s wealth derives from tin production, which started back in the 16th century.

Pulau Pinang, as it is known locally, is the northern gateway to Malaysia and also the country’s oldest British settlement. The word “Pinang” in Malay refers to the areca nut palm, which provides the betel nut, an essential ingredient in a delicacy chewed by millions in the Far East. Today Georgetown is noted for the largest collection of pre-war houses in all of Southeast Asia and the Penang Heritage Trust has been established to maintain its unique heritage.

Jakarta is the capital and largest city of Indonesia, located on the northwest coast of Java. It is sprawling with shopping malls and traditional markets, and is known for its inexpensive, but fair quality textile and fashion products. Don’t miss the Istiqlal Mosque, the largest in Southeast Asia, and the National Monument in Merdeka Square. Visit the National Museum to learn more about the cultural heritage of Indonesia.

Surabaya is the gateway to a world of wonders, from Buddhist temples to Arab quarters. You will notice the vast differences in architecture as you move around the various neighborhoods. In particular, tour the Sampoerna Museum, a well-preserved historical site built in the 19th-century Dutch colonial-style. Also, visit the Grand Mosque of Surabaya and witness the tall minaret, with exquisite bright blue and green mosaic titles on the top of the pyramid-looking roof and dome. It’s a 21st-century masterpiece showcasing stylish religious structural design and layout. There’s plenty to do in the city center of Surabaya, whether you’re a history buff, a relentless shopper or an intrepid foodie.

Bali is an Indonesian island known for its forested volcanic mountains, iconic rice paddies, beaches and coral reefs. The island is home to religious sites such as cliffside Uluwatu Temple. To the south, the beachside city of Kuta has lively bars, while Seminyak, Sanur and Nusa Dua are popular resort towns. The island is also known for its yoga and meditation retreats

Bali is an Indonesian island known for its forested volcanic mountains, iconic rice paddies, beaches and coral reefs. The island is home to religious sites such as cliffside Uluwatu Temple. To the south, the beachside city of Kuta has lively bars, while Seminyak, Sanur and Nusa Dua are popular resort towns. The island is also known for its yoga and meditation retreats