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Kathmandu, Nepal
Start in the ancient Thamel district and explore Pashupatinath Temple and Boudhanath Stupa. Acclimatise and consider a short trek to Nagarkot for Himalayan views. Nepalese dal bhat is a must-try staple meal.
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Pokhara, Nepal
Gateway to the Annapurna Circuit with stunning lakeside views of Phewa Tal. Take a sunrise hike to Sarangkot for panoramic Himalayan vistas. The lakeside area is packed with great cafes and adventure tour operators.
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Paro, Bhutan
Home to the iconic Tiger's Nest Monastery (Taktsang), perched dramatically on a cliffside. Bhutan requires a licensed guide and daily sustainable development fee for visitors. The dzong architecture and pristine mountain scenery are truly breathtaking.
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Thimphu, Bhutan
Bhutan's capital is the only capital city in the world without traffic lights. Visit the massive Buddha Dordenma statue and the vibrant Weekend Market for local produce and crafts. Ema datshi, a spicy chilli and cheese dish, is the national favourite.
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Dhaka, Bangladesh
One of the world's most densely populated cities, Dhaka is a sensory overload in the best way. Explore Old Dhaka's Sadarghat river port and the stunning Lalbagh Fort. Don't miss a rickshaw ride through the old city lanes and a plate of biryani.
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Chittagong, Bangladesh
Bangladesh's second city sits on the Karnaphuli River and is the gateway to the Chittagong Hill Tracts. The nearby Cox's Bazar boasts the world's longest natural sandy beach stretching over 120km. Fresh seafood and mezban beef feast are local culinary highlights.
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Bangkok, Thailand
Thailand's vibrant capital dazzles with the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and buzzing street food markets. Explore the Chao Phraya river by boat and lose yourself in the eclectic Chatuchak Weekend Market. Khao San Road is great for nightlife while Silom offers upscale dining.
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Chiang Mai, Thailand
Northern Thailand's cultural capital is home to over 300 ancient temples including the hilltop Doi Suthep. The Sunday Walking Street market is a fantastic spot for crafts and northern Thai dishes like khao soi. It's also a great base for ethical elephant sanctuary visits.
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Vientiane, Laos
Laos' laid-back capital sits along the Mekong River with a distinctly French colonial charm. Visit the iconic Patuxai victory arch and the sacred Pha That Luang golden stupa. Try Lao-style baguettes and the local Beer Lao at a riverside bar at sunset.
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Luang Prabang, Laos
This UNESCO World Heritage town is one of Southeast Asia's most magical destinations. Wake early for the almsgiving ceremony where monks collect offerings at dawn. The night market, Kuang Si waterfall, and temple-hopping make for wonderfully slow-paced days.
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Hanoi, Vietnam
Vietnam's ancient capital charms with its French colonial architecture and the serene Hoan Kiem Lake. The Old Quarter's 36 guild streets are perfect for wandering and sampling bun cha and egg coffee. A day trip to Ha Long Bay or Ninh Binh is highly recommended.
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Hoi An, Vietnam
Hoi An's lantern-lit Ancient Town is a UNESCO-listed gem filled with tailor shops, art galleries, and cafes. Try a bowl of cao lau and white rose dumplings at the central market. The nearby An Bang beach is a perfect half-day retreat from the town's charm.
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Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Vietnam's southern powerhouse pulses with energy, rooftop bars, and world-class street food. Visit the War Remnants Museum and the Cu Chi Tunnels for powerful historical context. The Ben Thanh Market area and District 1 are great bases for exploring.
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Siem Reap, Cambodia
Gateway to the magnificent Angkor Archaeological Park, one of the world's greatest ancient wonders. Rise before dawn to catch sunrise over Angkor Wat reflected in the moat. Beyond temples, Pub Street and the Phare Cambodian Circus offer great evening entertainment.
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Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Cambodia's capital sits at the confluence of the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers with a rich and complex history. The Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda are stunning, while the Tuol Sleng Museum offers sobering historical insight. The riverside promenade is lovely for an evening stroll.
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Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Malaysia's cosmopolitan capital gleams with the iconic Petronas Twin Towers dominating the skyline. Explore the colourful streets of Chinatown and Little India before heading to Batu Caves. Jalan Alor food street is legendary for hawker food like char kway teow and satay.
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Penang, Malaysia
George Town is a UNESCO-listed heritage city famous for its extraordinary street art and Peranakan culture. Penang is widely regarded as Malaysia's food capital — don't miss asam laksa, char kway teow, and cendol. The Khoo Kongsi clan house and Fort Cornwallis are must-visits.
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Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei
Brunei's quiet capital is home to the magnificent Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, one of Asia's most beautiful. The massive Istana Nurul Iman palace is the world's largest residential palace and visible from the river. Explore Kampong Ayer, the world's largest water village, by water taxi.
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Jakarta, Indonesia
Indonesia's sprawling capital is a megacity bursting with culture, history, and incredible food diversity. Visit the National Museum, Kota Tua (Old Town), and the Istiqlal Mosque for historical context. Nasi goreng, gado-gado, and soto betawi are local street food staples.
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Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Yogyakarta is the cultural heart of Java with the spectacular Borobudur and Prambanan temple complexes nearby. The Kraton (Sultan's Palace) and Malioboro Street are great for batik shopping and Javanese culture. Try gudeg, a sweet jackfruit stew, for an authentic local meal.
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Bali, Indonesia
Indonesia's island paradise blends spectacular Hindu temples, terraced rice fields, and world-class surf beaches. Ubud offers cultural immersion with monkey forests and traditional dance, while Seminyak and Canggu are great for beach clubs. Don't miss Tanah Lot temple at sunset.
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Manila, Philippines
The Philippines' chaotic but charming capital is home to the historic walled city of Intramuros. Nearby Rizal Park and the National Museum of Fine Arts are great cultural stops. Manila is the main hub for island-hopping flights to the rest of the archipelago.
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Palawan, Philippines
Consistently rated one of the world's best islands, Palawan is a paradise of turquoise lagoons and limestone karsts. El Nido and Coron offer spectacular island-hopping tours through UNESCO-protected seascapes. Fresh seafood barbecued on the beach is an unmissable experience.
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Cebu, Philippines
The Queen City of the South is the gateway to the stunning Visayas region with world-class diving at nearby Malapascua. Swim with whale sharks in Oslob or explore the chocolate hills of Bohol on a day trip. Lechon (roast pig) is Cebu's most celebrated culinary icon.