Pusan/Kyongju, Korea
Korea's "museum without walls" is akin only to China in its depth and cultural wonder. From Pusan, you can journey to the ancient Silla capital of Kyongju, a dynasty which reigned in Korea for almost a thousand years. Today this small provincial town is virtually a museum without walls, dotted with many splendid ruins. Nearby, the forested mountains and valleys shelter hundreds of beautiful Buddhist shrines including the renowned Sokkuram Grotto, and Tongdosa and Pulguksa Temples. Pusan is also a shopper's mecca and Korea's vital southern link to Japanese and American trade.

Seoul (Inchon), Korea
Inchon is the port of Korea's booming capital, a shopping paradise which vies with Hong Kong. But historic Seoul also brims with treasures. Begin with a bird's-eye view atop Namsan Hill. Visit Kyonbok Gun, the Palace of Bright Happiness, and the 14th-century Changdok Palace, home of the royal family. Stroll through its beautiful Secret Garden, 80 acres of ponds, tea houses and pavilions. Discover the extensive collection of Korean art in the National Museum. Or travel beyond Seoul's ancient gates to the Nanhan Mountain Castle or historic Suwon and its wonderful Folk Village of Minsokchon.

Cebu, Philippines
Cebu is the Philippines' oldest city, first discovered by Ferdinand Magellan in the 16th century. Today, Cebu attracts scuba divers and beachcombers alike with its fascinating marine life and beautiful white-sand beaches. You'll find that Spanish influence lingers in the island's staunch Christianity, the names of the Cebuano people, the flavors of their food and the sounds of their music.

Corregidor, Philippines
For thousands of American veterans, the mere mention of Corregidor brings back memories of the valiant 1942 stand against the Japanese which, although hopeless, was in many ways our finest hour. On this island fortress which guards the entrance to Manila Bay, American troups held out for 27 days against impossible odds. See the Malinta Tunnel which sheltered Generals MacArthur and Wainwright, the mile-long barracks and the battlements, and stand before the eternal flame of the Pacific War Memorial. From the lighthouse, you can enjoy a sweeping view of Manila Bay, Bataan and the China Sea.

Manila, Philippines
Bustling Manila is the second largest city in Southeast Asia, with its towering skyscrapers and remarkable joie de vivre. Yet amid the big-city turmoil are oases of calm: lush tropical parks, magnificent cathedrals, dramatic Spanish forts. Choose from the cultural riches of the Metropolitan Museum and the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Intramuros, Manila's famous walled city, was founded by the Spanish in the 16th century. A "must see" is the Malacanang Palace with its opulent displays of Ferdinand and Imelda's decadent indulgences.

Singapore
One of Asia's great success stories, this island republic has merged diverse cultures into a dynamic and thriving nation. Clean, modern and full of green gardens, its neighborhoods reflect the Chinese, Malay, Indian, Arab and European backgrounds of its past. After sampling the legendary shopping, retire to Raffles Hotel's famous bar and toast Maugham, Kipling and Noel Coward with a Singapore Sling.

Keelung/Taipei, Taiwan

Across the Formosa Strait from mainland China is the bustling port of Keelung, on the island of Taiwan. Just 20 miles inland is Taipei, the national capital, one of the most prosperous cities in Asia. Marvel at the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, the Grand Hotel, and the National Palace Museum, with its art treasures from Beijing's Forbidden City.

Bangkok, Thailand
A mirror of Venice in Asia, this "City of Angels" is a bustling place with a maze of extensive waterways constantly in motion. In between the office towers and royal palaces are beautiful parks, boulevards and gardens. Bangkok is a city with more than 400 Buddhist temples. The most famous of these is the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, containing a statue carved from a single piece of jade. Gaze at one of Bangkok's best known landmarks, Wat Arun, the Temple of the Dawn. Spend time in the city's oldest and biggest monastery, Wat Pho, where you'll be awed by its famed Reclining Buddah. Shoppers will enjoy the excitement of the floating markets.

Phuket, Thailand
Set like a jewel in the Andaman Sea, Thailand's largest island has great expanses of sandy beaches that lure sun-seekers to their shores, and a unique culture combining influences from China and Portugal. Visit the fabled monastery of Wat Chalong, the Orchard Garden and the Thai Village, where examples of the country's culture are presented in a tranquil lakeside setting.

Da Nang, Vietnam
Today this lovely town on the South China Sea reflects the peaceful era of pre-war Indochina. And up the coast, the grand Thien Mu Pagoda and stately Tu Duc Tomb welcome you to Hue, Vietnam's ancient royal capital, on the banks of the Perfume River.

Haiphong/Hanoi, Vietnam
In Haiphong, gateway to the Vietnamese capital of Hanoi, you can see the Du Hang Pagoda, a fine example of the country's traditional architecture, and the Hang Kenh House, famed for its intricate wood carvings. Or, enjoy an excursion through the stunning landscape and miles of rice paddies along the Red River Delta en route to Hanoi. The city is considered an architectural museum piece with a rich history dating to Neolithic Times. The One Pillar Pagoda, built in the 11th century during the reign of Emperor Ly Thai Tong, is constructed of wood and designed to resemble a lotus blossom—the symbol of purity. The Temple of Literature also dates to the 11th century and is a fine example of traditional Vietnamese architecture. Ho Chi Minh's final resting place, his mausoleum, is near the Citadel and is open to the public. The Old Quarter is an especially fascinating area, reflecting the country's French colonial past.

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam
After 20 years of isolation, this history-laden Vietnamese capital will charm and fascinate you with her vibrant sights. Formerly Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is a blend of magnificent French colonial architecture set against spacious boulevards thronged with trishaws, motorcycles, bicycles and pedestrians. Leave time to shop in the Ben Thanh Market or wander in the landmark Reunification Hall. The more adventurous may opt for an excursion to the Cu Chi Tunnels, a network of underground tunnels used by the Viet Cong in hiding from Allied troops.