MUST VISIT PLACES

Bangkok blends gilded temples and cutting-edge city life, from the Grand Palace and Wat Pho to neon-lit markets and sky-high rooftops. Drift along the Chao Phraya River, sample legendary street food in Chinatown, and shop everything from Chatuchak Weekend Market to luxe malls. Unwind with a traditional Thai massage, then dive into the city’s vibrant nightlife. Easy day trips include Ayutthaya’s ancient ruins and floating markets—perfect for first-timers and families alike.

Phuket mixes postcard-perfect beaches with lively island culture—think turquoise bays, jungle viewpoints, and colorful Sino-Portuguese Old Town. Spend days island-hopping to Phi Phi or Phang Nga Bay, snorkel or dive in clear waters, then unwind with sunset dinners and Patong’s buzzing nightlife. Family-friendly resorts, chic beach clubs, and quiet coves mean there’s a corner for every traveler.

Bali pairs emerald rice terraces and cliff-top temples with surf-ready beaches and serene wellness retreats. Stay in Ubud for culture and waterfalls, Seminyak/Canggu for cafés and sunsets, and Uluwatu/Nusa Dua for luxe sands—plus easy day trips to Nusa Penida’s dramatic coastlines.

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) blends French-era boulevards and buzzing modern energy. Browse Ben Thanh Market, the Central Post Office, and Notre-Dame Cathedral, then dive into street food—pho, bánh mì, and strong cà phê—before sunset drinks on a rooftop. Powerful history at the War Remnants Museum and easy day trips to the Cu Chi Tunnels or Mekong Delta round it out.

Ha Long Bay dazzles with limestone karsts rising from emerald water—a UNESCO icon best seen by boat. Cruise on a traditional junk, kayak into hidden lagoons, and explore caves like Sung Sốt. Add a Ti Top Island viewpoint stop, then stay overnight on the bay for sunrise mist and calm seas (easy access from Hanoi).

Koh Samui blends palm-fringed beaches with easy island living. Lounge on Chaweng or Lamai, wander Bophut’s Fisherman’s Village night market, and catch sunset on quiet Lipa Noi. Visit the Big Buddha and Wat Plai Laem, then cool off at Na Muang Waterfalls. Day trips run to Ang Thong Marine Park for kayaking and snorkeling, or to Koh Phangan and Koh Tao. With chic beach clubs, family-friendly resorts, and top spas, Samui suits couples, families, and wellness escapes alike.

Singapore is a sleek garden city where futuristic skylines meet heritage shophouses. Wander Gardens by the Bay and Marina Bay Sands, then feast at hawker centers like Lau Pa Sat and Maxwell. Explore Chinatown, Little India, and Kampong Glam by MRT, and cap it off with beachy fun on Sentosa.

Kuala Lumpur pairs soaring icons with vibrant street life—from the Petronas Twin Towers and KLCC Park to lively Bukit Bintang and foodie-famous Jalan Alor. Explore heritage at Merdeka Square and Masjid Jamek, then ride the easy LRT to the rainbow steps of Batu Caves. Shop mega-malls, sip sky-bar views at sunset, and sample Malay, Chinese, and Indian flavors in one city. Easy day trips include Genting Highlands or historic Melaka.

Siem Reap is the laid-back gateway to Angkor’s temple wonders. Catch sunrise at Angkor Wat, wander Bayon’s smiling faces and tree-wrapped Ta Prohm, then tuk-tuk back to town for cafés, spas, and the Old Market. Evenings buzz around Pub Street, with Khmer dishes like fish amok and traditional Apsara dance shows. Add a day trip to Tonlé Sap’s floating villages or cycle quiet country lanes for a glimpse of rural Cambodia.

Istanbul bridges Europe and Asia with layers of history and modern buzz. See Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and Topkapı Palace in Sultanahmet, then wander Galata and İstiklal for cafés and boutiques. Cruise the Bosphorus at sunset, bargain in the Grand Bazaar, and refuel with meze, kebabs, and baklava. Easy ferries and trams make exploring both shores—Karaköy to Kadıköy—a breeze.

Chiang Mai charms with a walled Old City, gilded temples, and cool mountain air. Climb to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep for city views, browse the Night Bazaar and Sunday Walking Street, and dive into cafés, cooking classes, and handicraft villages. Choose ethical elephant experiences, day-trip to Chiang Rai’s White Temple or the “sticky” Bua Tong waterfalls, then unwind at spa retreats or jungle lodges.

Cancún serves up powder-soft beaches and turquoise Caribbean water, anchored by the Hotel Zone’s oceanfront resorts and family-friendly shores. Snorkel the MUSA Underwater Museum or nearby reefs, then hop a ferry to Isla Mujeres for relaxed beach days. Cool off in jungle cenotes, or day-trip to Mayan icons like Tulum and Chichén Itzá. Evenings bring sunset dinners, lively clubs, and late-night tacos in downtown.