SOUTHEAST ASIA

An island of dense verdant jungles and prolific wildlife claimed by both Indonesia and Malaysia, Borneo is one of the most biodiverse areas of the planet. Developed with a sophisticated, eco-conscious infrastructure, Borneo’s countless nature paths and aerial walkways offer a unique opportunity to truly immerse yourself in the unforgettable landscape.

• SEE THE BORNEO CENTRAL MOSQUE • HIKE THROUGH THE LUSH, JUNGLE WONDERLAND • SEE ORANGUTANS AND MIGRATING SEA TURTLES • SNORKEL AMONG VIBRANT CORAL

CAMBODIA

The instantly recognizable Khmer ruins at Angkor are Cambodia’s crown jewel, yet there is much more to this fascinating and ancient country. Tonle Sap Lake boasts quaint villages that hug the water’s edge, while the captivating Cardamom and Elephant Mountains shelter Cambodia’s white sand beaches and mysterious cave systems, replete with ancient shrines.

• WANDER BENG MEALEA AND KOH KER • SAVOR SECRET BEACHES • KAYAK TO LOCAL STILTED VILLAGES • GLIMPSE THE SOMBER KHMER ROUGE AT TUOL SLENG AND CHOEUNG EK

INDOCHINA

The countries of old French Indochina—Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia—are culturally linked, yet remarkably distinct. This unique amalgam of divergent, interwoven cultures offers the traveler unsurpassed richness and diversity with the opportunity to explore charming colonial towns, iconic archaeological sites, stunning wilderness areas and remote tribal communities.

• ENJOY A PRIVATE LAO WELCOME CEREMONY AND DANCE • VISIT UNESCO SITES • HANDS-ON COOKING LESSONS • VISIT REMOTE TRIBAL AREAS

INDONESIA

Indonesia’s 17,000 islands are scattered across the Pacific, covering an area comparable to that of California to Bermuda. Over 300 distinct cultures comprise Indonesia’s panoply of peoples, making this archipelago arguably the most culturally diverse nation on earth. The landscape is equally impressive, featuring everything from sculpted rice fields and dense forests to idyllic beaches.

• DISCOVER BALI'S HINDU CULTURE • SEE ORANGUTANS AT CAMP LEAKEY • EXPLORE KOMODO NATIONAL PARK • EXPLORE JAVA, HOME TO FOUR UNESCO SITES

LAOS

Closed to visitors during the 1960s and 1970s, Laos retains the mystique of an unexplored wonderland. Its striking natural beauty, genuine hospitality and ancient culture surprise and enchant. Though much of the country remains a traditional agrarian society, the locals warmly welcome visitors from all walks of life.

Visiting Myanmar is a chance to step outside the ordinary and visit a world far from your own, in areas that were completely off the map only a decade ago. You will find archaeological treasures, great natural beauty, colorful bazaars, joyous religious festivals and some of the most welcoming people on the planet.

• VIEW INLE LAKE VIA A HOT AIR BALLOON RIDE • ATTEND A COLORFUL SHAN STATE TRIBAL MARKET • VISIT ISOLATED TRIBAL VILLAGES • SAIL ON AN OVERNIGHT CRUISE (SEE PG. 32) • SNORKEL THROUGH THE MERGUI ARCHIPELAGO

PENINSULAR MALAYSIA

A prosperous center of trade for many centuries, Peninsular Malaysia has always been a cultural melting pot—a fascinating amalgam of Indian Hinduism, Indonesian Islam, European colonialism and Chinese panache. Contemporary Malaysia is sure-footedly embracing its complex identity making a stop in brash Kuala Lumpur, colorful Melaka or stately Penang Island a fascinating addition to any trip to Borneo.

THAILAND

A magical and gentle land, Thailand offers rich diversity: traditional Buddhist culture, exotic hill tribes, lively arts, exciting nightlife, deserted islands, lush rainforests and one of the world’s greatest cuisines. No matter what corner of Thailand you explore, the gentle allure of its people is sure to entrance. Known as the “Land of Smiles,” Thailand is Asia at its most welcoming.

• EXPLORE THE HILLS OF THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE • SOAK UP THE WHITE-SAND BEACHES • SEE WILD ELEPHANTS, EXOTIC ORCHIDS AND BIRDS • LEARN TO CRAFT ICONIC THAI DISHES

VIETNAM

With one foot firmly planted in the ideology of Ho Chi Minh and the other striding confidently into the global, free-market economy, Vietnam is a fascinating study in contradictions. From rural villages to opulent ancient sites to buzzing urban environments, there is something around every corner to surprise and delight the curious traveler.

• SEE THE STUNNING ARCHITECTURE OF HUÉ • TAKE A CYCLO (BICYCLE TRISHAW) TOUR OF HANOI • VISIT TRIBES • SHOP COLORFUL TRIBAL MARKETS • TAKE A STREET FOOD TOUR • ENJOY A RIVER CRUISE ON THE MEKONG DELTA

SOUTH ASIA