Asia – Southeast, South and East

There are eleven countries of impressive diversity in religion, culture and history that comprise the region referred to as Southeast Asia: Brunei, Burma (Myanmar), Cambodia, Timor-Leste, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Indochina is a subregion comprised of five of these: Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam.

Throughout these countries you will be able to delve deep into the culture that permeates the region as the people of Southeast Asia are warm and hospitable and will share their rich heritage through art, dance, and rituals that are as diverse as the landscapes they inhabit.

Experience the grandeur of ancient temples like Angkor Wat in Cambodia or the pagodas of Myanmar. Immerse yourself in bustling markets scented with spices, incense, and the irresistible aroma of street food from fiery curries in Malaysia to delicate pho in Vietnam.

Festivals like Thailand's Songkran or Bali's Nyepi will envelop you in vibrant traditions and communal joy. There are lush rainforests teeming with exotic creatures, from playful gibbons and orangutans to majestic elephants, with trails leading to hidden waterfalls and secret caves. Wander through emerald rice terraces that cascade across the hills of Bali and Vietnam and immerse into the timeless rhythm of rural life. Trek through misty mountains, hike to the summits of volcanoes, sail along the Mekong River, or bask in the tranquil beauty of a sunrise. Dive into tropical waters brimming with coral reefs and marine life, from the world-renowned beaches of Thailand and the Philippines to the pristine archipelagos of Indonesia - all part of the Coral Triangle and the most bio-diverse underwater place on the planet.

Whether a trip filled with adventure, a path of discovery, or a haven of harmony with nature, Southeast Asia will stir the soul.

Embark on a journey through South Asia’s most captivating corners that include the countries of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka; a subregion of Asia that's defined by both geography and ethnicity that is home to about a quarter of the world's population. The region is bordered by the Indian Ocean to the south, and the Himalayas, Karakoram, and Pamir Mountains to the north. It is a kaleidoscope of landscapes, wildlife, and cultural wonders.

There are the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas, cascading rivers, lush green valleys filled with tea gardens, golden deserts and tropical coastlines with sandy beaches and coral reefs of the Indian Ocean. There are bustling bazaars alive with the scent of spices, intricate temple carvings with tales of devotion, architectural wonders like the Taj Mahal and festivals filled with colors, music, and dance.

Trek high into the mountains to precipitous monasteries to celebrate the achievement, learn about the age-old practice of Buddhism, or delve into the traditions of yoga and meditation. Nature aficionados will appreciate the abundant wildlife, from the elusive Snow Leopard and Bengal Tiger to majestic elephants roaming freely in verdant forests, and countless colorful bird species flitting through serene wetlands.

A visit to South Asia offers a connection to a land where history, natural beauty, and cultural richness converge to create unforgettable experiences for the curious traveler.

East Asia is a region where ancient traditions, history and modern culture intertwine with natural wonders and are defined in both geographical and ethnic cultural terms.

East Asia includes China, Japan, Mongolia, North Korea, South Korea, and Taiwan. Hong Kong and Macau are also included as autonomous regions under Chinese sovereignty. Vibrant cities, from Tokyo to Seoul, blend cutting-edge modernity with well-preserved cultural treasures.

Festivals like Japan's cherry blossom celebrations or China’s Lunar New Year burst with color, music, and culinary delights. There is hiking through the serene bamboo forests of Japan, where the whispers of the wind carry tales of centuries-old samurai lore. Sailing along the Li River in Guilin, flanked by dramatic karst mountains that mystically rise through the mist. In the vast Mongolian steppes, horseback riding where nomadic herders welcome travelers into their gers (yurts) with warm hospitality and tales of Genghis Khan.

Whether tracing ancient trade routes, immersing in timeless rituals, marveling at natural wonders, skiing the slopes of Hokkaido, or savoring steaming bowls of ramen under lantern-lit streets, East Asia promises a journey as diverse and vibrant as its storied history and stunning landscapes.