53 days in Asia Itinerary

Maldives has come to be seen as a quintessential island holiday destination, with entire sand-circled islands owned by resorts, who manage each part of the island's environment to give it the look and feel of paradise. The clear waters surrounding the islands offer plentiful dive sites, rich in tropical fish and coral formations, with the smaller, less-populated islands surrounded by the richest marine environments, largely undisturbed by industry and tourism. Larger islands here offer an array of bars, restaurants, and clubs--their higher population means they also feature religious sites and markets selling local produce.

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.

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.

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.