Mainland Southeast Asia
The peninsula and river deltas: Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar. Overland travel is easy here, tied together by night trains, sleeper buses, and the Mekong.
Bangkok
Gilded temples, river ferries, and street food that never stops. How to time Bangkok, where to base yourself, and how to beat the traffic.
Chiang Mai
The laid-back north: a temple-packed old city, misty mountains, cooking classes, and lantern nights. When to visit Chiang Mai and what to do.
Hanoi
Vietnam's dense, atmospheric capital: Old Quarter chaos, lake-side calm, and coffee culture. When to go, where to stay, and the day trips worth taking.
Ho Chi Minh City
Saigon at full speed: markets, war history, coffee, and food. How to time Ho Chi Minh City, where to base yourself, and the best day trips.
Hoi An
A lantern-lit old port of tailors, bicycles, and rice paddies, with a beach close by. When to visit Hoi An and how to do it well.
Siem Reap
The easy base for Angkor: sunrise over Angkor Wat, jungle temples, and Khmer food. When to go to Siem Reap and how to plan your temple days.
Luang Prabang
A serene UNESCO town where the Mekong sets the pace: dawn alms, waterfalls, and sunset over the river. When to visit Luang Prabang.