Most travellers don't come to Siem Reap because they're dying to explore Siem Reap—they come to Siem Reap because it's the closest city to the amazing Angkor... more »

Most travellers don't come to Siem Reap because they're dying to explore Siem Reap—they come to Siem Reap because it's the closest city to the amazing Angkor Archaeological Park. And Siem Reap is absolutely fine with that. In fact, it's a bit of a tourism boomtown. You'll find a wide range of hotels, restaurants and nightclubs here, many of them brand-new. « less

The Summer Palace, the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven—what traveller can resist attractions with such poetic names? You'll also find stunning contemporary... more »

The Summer Palace, the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven—what traveller can resist attractions with such poetic names? You'll also find stunning contemporary architecture in Beijing, and no visit would be complete without seeing the Great Wall of China. (TripAdvisor travellers recommend the section at Mutianyu because it's less crowded.) « less

Shanghai is the cool, confident face of modern China, and its energy is infectious. Drink and dance the night away in fashionable clubs and bars, or watch the... more »

Shanghai is the cool, confident face of modern China, and its energy is infectious. Drink and dance the night away in fashionable clubs and bars, or watch the crowds go by in People’s Square. And if you haven’t eaten Chinese food in China, be prepared for your mind to be blown.  « less

Spend your time in Chiang Mai visiting historic sites, eating delicious street food, and, oh, perhaps bathing and feeding an elephant. Several local elephant camps... more »

Spend your time in Chiang Mai visiting historic sites, eating delicious street food, and, oh, perhaps bathing and feeding an elephant. Several local elephant camps compete for your business (read our reviews to determine which one is best for you). Chiang Mai is also a great place to take a cooking class, according to TripAdvisor travellers. « less

The island capital of the Maldives teems with high rises and narrow streets, all ringed by seawalls. Shopaholics can savor Male's flavors in the local markets... more »

The island capital of the Maldives teems with high rises and narrow streets, all ringed by seawalls. Shopaholics can savor Male's flavors in the local markets, which are packed with fresh produce, and along Chaandanee Magu, the spot for local souvenirs, such as carved wooden dhonis, miniature replicas of the boats dotting area waters. The golden-domed Friday Mosque presides over the landscape, while the underwater riches of the atolls lure scuba enthusiasts from around the globe. « less

The hardest thing about visiting Goa might be deciding which beach to visit! You might see dolphins playing just offshore or find yourself in complete solitude on... more »

The hardest thing about visiting Goa might be deciding which beach to visit! You might see dolphins playing just offshore or find yourself in complete solitude on the beautiful white sands. For a unique experience, visit Sinquerim beach around 2 a.m., as one TripAdvisor traveller did, and watch the moon set. « less

At only 4.5 miles long, Boracay is small enough to navigate by rented bicycle or motorbike. But don't let its small size fool you—you'll have several excellent... more »

At only 4.5 miles long, Boracay is small enough to navigate by rented bicycle or motorbike. But don't let its small size fool you—you'll have several excellent beaches to choose from. Yapak Beach is known for beautiful white shells; White Beach has picture-perfect sunsets; and Balinghai Beach is a secluded spot, perfect for honeymooners. As long as you visit during dry season, you'll agree this is one of the best beach destinations in the world. « less

Hong Kong's a great city for an adventurous eater. Stop at a street vendor for fish balls on a stick or stinky tofu. Bakeries offer wife cake, pineapple buns and... more »

Hong Kong's a great city for an adventurous eater. Stop at a street vendor for fish balls on a stick or stinky tofu. Bakeries offer wife cake, pineapple buns and egg tarts. Or opt for as much dim sum as you can eat. If you're tired of local and regional Chinese specialties, check out upscale offerings from some of the world's top chefs, like Joel Robouchon and Alain Ducasse. « less

The charming Vietnamese capital has aged well, preserving the Old Quarter, monuments and colonial architecture, while making room for modern developments alongside... more »

The charming Vietnamese capital has aged well, preserving the Old Quarter, monuments and colonial architecture, while making room for modern developments alongside. Hanoi may have shrugged off several former names, including Thang Long, or "ascending dragon", but it hasn't forgotten its past, as sites such as Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum and Hoa Lo Prison attest. Lakes, parks, shady boulevards and more than 600 temples and pagodas add to the appeal of this city, which is easily explored by taxi.  « less

Nepal’s capital is surrounded by a valley full of historic sites, ancient temples, shrines, and fascinating villages. Mingle with locals and animals amid Durbar... more »

Nepal’s capital is surrounded by a valley full of historic sites, ancient temples, shrines, and fascinating villages. Mingle with locals and animals amid Durbar Square’s monuments, or join mountain trekkers in the bustling Thamel District. Explore shops for exquisite work by local artisans—carpets and paper prints are specialties. « less

Kyoto, with its many temples, shrines and gardens, is often regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Hike to the Fushimi Inari Shrine on a pathway... more »

Kyoto, with its many temples, shrines and gardens, is often regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Hike to the Fushimi Inari Shrine on a pathway beneath thousands of small, red torii gates. The Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji) can be crowded, but TripAdvisor travellers still agree it's a must-see. « less

Tokyo is a modern and cosmopolitan city of skyscrapers, neon, electronics stores, large shopping complexes and countless bars and clubs. But Tokyo is also steeped... more »

Tokyo is a modern and cosmopolitan city of skyscrapers, neon, electronics stores, large shopping complexes and countless bars and clubs. But Tokyo is also steeped in history and tradition, with shrines and temples, sushi and noodles, public bathhouses and ryokans (guest houses). The city's dozens of museums range from the traditional (art and history) to the unusual (parasites). Other popular attractions are the Tsukiji Fish Market, boat rides up the Sumida River and, of course, karaoke bars. « less

Singapore is known as a bustling metropolis that also happens to be one of the cleanest and safest cities of its size in the world. (Just make sure you heed the... more »

Singapore is known as a bustling metropolis that also happens to be one of the cleanest and safest cities of its size in the world. (Just make sure you heed the local laws—something like spitting in the street might merely be considered rude in your hometown, but here, it carries a severe penalty.) You'll find historic sites like the Thian Hock Keng temple, superlative shopping (including gargantuan malls) and numerous beaches. « less

Ubud is the home of the Balinese royal family and, for a relatively small town, boasts an impressive number of museums and galleries and a thriving arts scene... more »

Ubud is the home of the Balinese royal family and, for a relatively small town, boasts an impressive number of museums and galleries and a thriving arts scene. Visitors can learn the craft of silversmithing, visit one of Ubud's many spas or yoga centres or feed monkeys at the Monkey Forest. « less

This city on the central Vietnamese coast is a well-preserved example of the important Southeast Asian trading port it was from the 15th-19th centuries. Already a... more »

This city on the central Vietnamese coast is a well-preserved example of the important Southeast Asian trading port it was from the 15th-19th centuries. Already a common stop for backpackers, it is becoming better known to tourists. On the 14th day of each lunar month, the town trades its electric lights for traditional coloured lanterns. Sights include the Japanese Covered Bridge and the Quan Cong Temple. Let the town’s expert tailors make you some bespoke clothing. « less

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the former capital of Laos, and you'll see everything from golden-roofed temples to vestiges of colonial French architecture... more »

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the former capital of Laos, and you'll see everything from golden-roofed temples to vestiges of colonial French architecture here. Buddhist monasteries abound in Luang Prabang, and early every morning, monks process through the streets collecting alms (their food for the day). If you want to watch or participate, though, ask your hotel for a brief etiquette lesson first—you have to distribute the food in a specific manner. « less

Today the walls of the Ming dynasty and the Tang palace walls hint at the Xi’an’s glorious past. Stare in awe at the Terracotta Army, 7,000 terracotta statues of... more »

Today the walls of the Ming dynasty and the Tang palace walls hint at the Xi’an’s glorious past. Stare in awe at the Terracotta Army, 7,000 terracotta statues of Qin Bingmayong Bowuguan warriors and soldiers. Dating from 210 BCE, they were discovered in 1974 and are still being excavated. Don't miss the Shaanxi History Museum or a chance to heat up at former imperial bathing spot, Huaqing Hot Springs. « less

Most of this limestone island is a protected marine reserve… which means you’ll enjoy unspoiled beaches, as well as fantastic diving and snorkeling. Several local... more »

Most of this limestone island is a protected marine reserve… which means you’ll enjoy unspoiled beaches, as well as fantastic diving and snorkeling. Several local dive shops get great reviews from our travelers. When you’re back on dry land, chill out even more with a session of yoga on the beach.  « less

Must-see sights in Taipei include both the ancient (e.g., 10th-century artwork at the National Palace Museum) and the strikingly modern (e.g., Taipei 101, the... more »

Must-see sights in Taipei include both the ancient (e.g., 10th-century artwork at the National Palace Museum) and the strikingly modern (e.g., Taipei 101, the world's tallest building from 2004-2010). If you're a foodie, you'll love the food in Taipei—you can try everything from fermented stinky tofu to amazing dumplings to bamboo charcoal peanuts. « less

Drifting serenely in the Gulf of Thailand, the palm-fringed island of Ko Tao takes its name from the abundant sea turtles that reside on its shores. White sand... more »

Drifting serenely in the Gulf of Thailand, the palm-fringed island of Ko Tao takes its name from the abundant sea turtles that reside on its shores. White sand beaches sheltered by steep hills – some only accessible with four-wheel drive vehicles – and 300 days of sun per year invite long afternoons of lounging.  « less

Seoul is home to cutting-edge businesses and ancient temples—it's an exciting and historic place to visit. Most tourist sights are in Gangbuk (north of the Han... more »

Seoul is home to cutting-edge businesses and ancient temples—it's an exciting and historic place to visit. Most tourist sights are in Gangbuk (north of the Han River), but if you want to find the hipster crowd, they're south of the river in Gangnam. Don't miss Changdeokgung Palace, a lovely 15th-century structure. « less

Vietnam's bustling largest city sets the cultural and economic pace for the country. The former Saigon boasts charming French colonial architecture and wide... more »

Vietnam's bustling largest city sets the cultural and economic pace for the country. The former Saigon boasts charming French colonial architecture and wide boulevards, usually thronged and choked with traffic. Taxis are an option for seeing the sprawling city. The War Remnants Museum shows the Vietnam War through Vietnamese eyes. Don't miss the impressive Jade Emperor Pagoda. Go to the frenetic Ben Thanh Market for food, flowers or frogs. Take a tour through the Mekong Delta, past rice paddies and houseboats.  « less

Laid out by British architect Edwin Lutyens, the Indian capital is a striking modern metropolis. A gracious contrast to Old Delhi's winding streets, the grand... more »

Laid out by British architect Edwin Lutyens, the Indian capital is a striking modern metropolis. A gracious contrast to Old Delhi's winding streets, the grand avenues and stately buildings of New Delhi are rich with history and culture, from Gandhi's Delhi home (and the site of his assassination) to the tomb of Humayun, a complex of Mughal buildings reminiscent of the Taj Mahal. Chaotic traffic is best left to the locals. Negotiate a good price for taxis or travel on the new Delhi Metro. « less

The north Indian city of Varanasi, or Benares, is regarded as sacred by Hindus, Buddhists and Jains. Situated in the fertile Ganga valley and on the banks of the... more »

The north Indian city of Varanasi, or Benares, is regarded as sacred by Hindus, Buddhists and Jains. Situated in the fertile Ganga valley and on the banks of the Ganges, Varanasi is a place of pilgrimage for Hindus, who come to bathe in the holy river. Known as the City of Temples and a beacon of culture, Varanasi has produced many renowned writers. It’s also a centre of silk weaving, so practise haggling at the chaotic bazaar for some beautiful souvenirs. Rickshaws are the best way to get about. « less

Travelers visit Halong Bay for an up-close look at its amazing limestone islands, rock formations and caves. Whittled away over centuries by wind and water, they’re... more »

Travelers visit Halong Bay for an up-close look at its amazing limestone islands, rock formations and caves. Whittled away over centuries by wind and water, they’re breathtaking. Rent a kayak or a junk boat, or take a tour to explore. « less