Yokohama, with 3.6 million-plus residents, is Japan’s second most populous urban area after Tokyo, and is also one of the country’s major ports.

Located on the southwest tip of Kyushu, Japans third largest island, this seaside city is the capital of Kagoshima and lies at the top of the Satsuma Peninsula—a mountainous, geothermal wonderland of hot springs, geysers and golf courses. Kagoshima features dramatic coastlines, national parks, volcanic mountains, and historic castles and temples. Tour an active volcano and feast your eyes on the giant daikon (Japanese radish), which grow unusually large due to the volcanic soil. Go for a scenic hike and then rejuvenate in the medicinal steam baths.

Located halfway between Tokyo and Taiwan, Okinawa is the largest island in the Ryukyu Archipelago, one of a group of 100-plus islands tied together by sea routes. Okinawa’s strategic location has long made it a center for trade and conflict. In its history, the island has been an independent kingdom and tributary state of China, the feudal possession of a Japanese daimyo, a prefecture of Japan after the Meiji Restoration, a U.S. military possession, and, since 1972, an integral part of Japan once more.

The only subtropical prefecture of the Japanese islands offers splendid coral-reef diving, plus many interesting sights to occupy your time. Students of history will remember the battle for Okinawa as the largest amphibious invasion and last major campaign of the Pacific War. Given its turbulent history, Okinawa has evolved into a unique melting pot of cultures — a mix of Ryukyuan, Chinese and Japanese traditions permeated by American pop culture from the U.S.’s long military presence on the island.

Tucked at the southern end of Taiwan, Kaohsiung is a thriving city with a foot firmly planted in its past yet with an eye towards the future. As Taiwans second largest city, its rapidly becoming an economic powerhouse, yet it fully embraces its historical heritage. Through the centuries, Kaohsiung, like the rest of Taiwan, would be bounced back and forth between the Dutch, Chinese and Japanese, and today its a thriving metropolis thats home to the World Game Stadium, the worlds largest solar-powered stadium, and Lotus Pond, a delightful attraction overflowing with colorful temples and shines. Its also the gateway to a number of spectacular must-see sights: Tainan, Taiwans oldest city and its capital for 200 years; and the Fokuangshan Monastery, a Buddhist retreat known for its spectacular scenery, serenity and Buddha statues.

Skyscrapers form a glistening forest of steel and glass, junks and sampans ply the busy harbor waters, and the green, dragon-crested hills of Kowloon beckon. This is Hong Kong.

Now a semi-autonomous region of China, Hong Kong has lost none of its excitement or exoticism. Explore the narrow streets crammed with vendors. In the duty-free capital of the world, the endless array of shops offer the visitor everything from hand-tailored suits and antique Chinese porcelain to the latest electronics.

The former British colony has plenty of things to do and see. Take in the entire spectacle with a panoramic view from Victoria Peak. Enjoy lunch on one of the city’s floating restaurants. Walk the crowded streets to feel the rapid pulse of the city. Shop the old-world markets and modern-day malls and don’t forget to ride the famed Star Ferry.

Four decades ago, Da Nang was Americas major strategic base in Vietnam. The 1968 Tet Offensive saw bitter fFour decades ago, Da Nang was Americas major strategic base in Vietnam. The 1968 Tet Offensive saw bitter fighting for control of the old imperial capital of Hue – the turning point of the war. But that was 40 years ago. Today Danang is your gateway to the scenic and cultural riches of Vietnam. A World Heritage Site, Hue is the most visited spot in the entire country. Travelers will long remember their visit to its Imperial Citadel, modeled on Beijings Forbidden City. China Beach, where Marines landed in 1965, is an internationally acclaimed resort. And against an exotic backdrop of forested hills and Cham ruins, farmers toil in paddy fields still worked with water buffalo. Once a fishing village on the Han River, Da Nang is a city of over 400,000 people. Hue is a three-hour drive from Da Nang. Da Nang is an anchorage port. Passengers transfer to shore via ships tender.

Over three decades have passed since the Vietnam War ended with the fall of Saigon. Today, the name of this bustling metropolis on the Mekong River is Ho Chi Minh City. Yet, the essence of the city, a major trading center since the 18th century, remains unchanged. The air is filled with the cries of street hawkers and honking horns. Bicycles, motorbikes and automobiles fly down the boulevards at dizzying speeds. And everywhere, friendly faces and warm greetings meet you.

The port of Phu My (pronounced “Foo Me”) is your gateway to Ho Chi Minh City and the seaside resort of Vung Tau.

The commercial center of Southeast Asia, this island city-state of four million people is a metropolis of modern high-rises, Chinese shop-houses with red-tiled roofs, Victorian architecture, Buddhist temples and Arab bazaars. It is a melting pot of people and cultures — Malay, Chinese, English and Tamil are official languages; Buddhism, Taoism, Islam, Hinduism and Christianity are the major faiths. Ever fascinating, Singapore boasts diverse cultures, luxurious hotels, and some of the finest duty-free shopping in the world.

Port Klang is a town and the main gateway by sea into Malaysia. Known during colonial times as Port Swettenham but renamed Port Klang in July 1972, it is the largest port in the country. It is located about 6 kilometres southwest of the town of Klang, and 38 kilometres southwest of Kuala Lumpur.

Once a British Colony that was a major trading port for tea, spices, china and cloth, Penang is an island where European, Malaysian, Hindu, Middle Eastern, and Chinese cultures met, melded, and flourished. Today, its capital, Georgetown, is a bustling cosmopolitan city that has managed to preserve its unique heritage and its exotic blend of cultures. Georgetown is perhaps the best-preserved city in Southeast Asia. It boasts a European-style esplanade and a wealth of temples, mosques and Chinese clan houses.

Soak up the stunning beauty of the sparkling beaches. Hike the tropical jungles. Stroll the colonial-era streets of Georgetown. See a snake temple. Tour a batik factory and spice garden or visit a traditional Malay village

Langkawi is an archipelago of 99 islands floating in the Andaman Sea off northwest Malaysia. Steeped in mystery and legend, it offers diverse attractions

Phuket (pronounced poo-keht) is one of the premier travel destinations in Southeast Asia. Travelers from around the world are drawn to this province’s stunning beaches, crystalline waters, and dramatic limestone peaks. Its mountainous interior is densely forested with mahogany, rubber trees, tropical evergreen, royal palm, ficus and bamboo.

Located on Thailand’s long, thin southern coast and bordering Malaysia, Phuket island boasts a rich cultural mix of Thai, Malay, Chinese and Western influences.

Explore the modern shopping centers, take in a kickboxing match, visit the ancient Buddhist temples or go fishing and catch dinner. Plus, get your fill of snorkeling or scuba diving, as the diving is of world-class caliber.

Over three decades have passed since the Vietnam War ended with the fall of Saigon. Today, the name of this bustling metropolis on the Mekong River is Ho Chi Minh City. Yet, the essence of the city, a major trading center since the 18th century, remains unchanged. The air is filled with the cries of street hawkers and honking horns. Bicycles, motorbikes and automobiles fly down the boulevards at dizzying speeds. And everywhere, friendly faces and warm greetings meet you.

The port of Phu My (pronounced “Foo Me”) is your gateway to Ho Chi Minh City and the seaside resort of Vung Tau.

Travel from here on an overland tour to the lost city of Angkor Wat, which is the finest example of Khmer architecture in existence with its 100 magnificent temples. Built to honor the Hindu god Vishnu, Angkor Wat is the world’s largest religious complex, taking nearly 40 years to complete and using the manpower of some 50,000 artisans, workers and slaves. Bordered by Laos, Thailand and Vietnam, the country of Cambodia has a long and tragic history, as well as a fascinating culture. The Khmer civilization left the amazing temple ruins at Angkor, now a UNESCO Heritage site.

Laem Chabang is your gateway to Bangkok. This enchanting city on the Chao Phraya River is a magical place where graceful dancers perform in shimmering silk gowns, temples with gold-leaf spires harbor priceless Buddhas and riverboats cruise a maze of canals. The only nation in Southeast Asia to escape colonial rule, Thailand offers a rich and ancient culture that flowered unhindered by Western influence. Proud and strongly nationalistic, the Thai people call their nation Muang Thai – “Land of the Free.”

Founded in 1782 by King Rama I, Bangkok is home to more than eight million people. The capital’s proper name is Krung Thep – the “City of Angels.”

Laem Chabang is your gateway to Bangkok. This enchanting city on the Chao Phraya River is a magical place where graceful dancers perform in shimmering silk gowns, temples with gold-leaf spires harbor priceless Buddhas and riverboats cruise a maze of canals. The only nation in Southeast Asia to escape colonial rule, Thailand offers a rich and ancient culture that flowered unhindered by Western influence. Proud and strongly nationalistic, the Thai people call their nation Muang Thai – “Land of the Free.”

Founded in 1782 by King Rama I, Bangkok is home to more than eight million people. The capital’s proper name is Krung Thep – the “City of Angels.”

Once a hippie haven, today’s Koh Samui, is a heavily touristed hotspot year-round. Unspoilt natural attractions are the drawcard. The island’s wide, sandy beaches are lapped by velvety waves and fringed with coral reefs. Enjoy an array of aquatic activities including windsurfing, jet skiing, snorkelling and sailing.

The commercial center of Southeast Asia, this island city-state of four million people is a metropolis of modern high-rises, Chinese shop-houses with red-tiled roofs, Victorian architecture, Buddhist temples and Arab bazaars. It is a melting pot of people and cultures — Malay, Chinese, English and Tamil are official languages; Buddhism, Taoism, Islam, Hinduism and Christianity are the major faiths. Ever fascinating, Singapore boasts diverse cultures, luxurious hotels, and some of the finest duty-free shopping in the world.