Riviera - October 22, 2025

One of the most popular destinations in Asia, Hong Kong offers a plethora of options: some of the world's best cuisine, first-class entertainment, and of course, shopping! For a more relaxing afternoon, watch the sun set over Victoria Harbour or take a stroll downthe beach, alongside the green mountains and the South China Sea.

One of the most popular destinations in Asia, Hong Kong offers a plethora of options: some of the world's best cuisine, first-class entertainment, and of course, shopping! For a more relaxing afternoon, watch the sun set over Victoria Harbour or take a stroll downthe beach, alongside the green mountains and the South China Sea.

One of Vietnam's favorite travel destinations, Halong Bay is famous for it's amazing limestone cliffs, numerous caves, and unbelievable scenic beauty. The vast majority of travelers going to Halong Bay arrive to either of Vietnam's two largest cities first- Hanoi, or Saigon, and then make arrangements from there. Hanoi is the closer of the cities to the destination of Halong.

Located on the southernmost tip of Hainan Island, the resort city of Sanya is a haven for beach lovers. Hainan Island itself lies off the southern coast of the Chinese mainland in the South China Sea. While evidence shows that the island has been inhabited for a thousand years, Sanya is a modern resort community. Be sure to sample the local seafood delicacies here.

Vietnam's third-largest city, Da Nang serves as a main port for neighboring Laos, once the capital of the kingdom of Champa. Near Da Nang are the Marble Mountains, the five peaks of which are named after the elements: water, earth, metal, fire, and wood. The mountains are complete with caves and secret passages containing Buddha images and shrines.

Lai Chau Province, in the far west, shares borders with China in the north and Laos in the west. Dien Bien Phu is situated almost at the border with Laos on an immense gorge 20 km long and 3 km wide. It is in Dien Bien Phu that the Vietnamese fought the decisive battle on May 7, 1954 that brought French colonial rule to an end.

Lai Chau Province, in the far west, shares borders with China in the north and Laos in the west. Dien Bien Phu is situated almost at the border with Laos on an immense gorge 20 km long and 3 km wide. It is in Dien Bien Phu that the Vietnamese fought the decisive battle on May 7, 1954 that brought French colonial rule to an end.

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.

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.

Koh Samui is Thailand's third largest island. Surrounded by 80 smaller islands, this natural beauty has been relatively undiscovered until recent years. Rumor claims that in 1971 the first tourists to set foot on Koh Samui were hippies who arrived by way of a coconut boat from Bangkok. While Koh Samui still exports up to 2 million coconuts to Bangkok every month, recent urban developments include a no-frills airport and an ostentatious Reggae bar.

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.

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.

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.

Koh Samui is Thailand's third largest island. Surrounded by 80 smaller islands, this natural beauty has been relatively undiscovered until recent years. Rumor claims that in 1971 the first tourists to set foot on Koh Samui were hippies who arrived by way of a coconut boat from Bangkok. While Koh Samui still exports up to 2 million coconuts to Bangkok every month, recent urban developments include a no-frills airport and an ostentatious Reggae bar.

The city of Malacca dates back to around 1400 A.D. and was the site of Paramesvar's founding of the Malay kingdom. Great examples of Dutch, Chinese, Malay, and Portuguese art and architecture abound here. Visit the Old Fort and St. Paul's Church ruins, Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, and a Chinese cemetery, which has graves dating back to the Ming dynasty.

Port Kelang (Klang) serves as a port for Kuala Lumpur. Malaysia's capital rises like a vision from the deep jungles. Its fascinating array of architectural styles includes Malay stilt villages, Islamic minarets, Hindu temples, Chinese shop houses and the indescribable opulence of the Royal Palace. In the background rise the world's tallest buildings, the Petronas Twin Towers completed in 1996.

The swirl of Batik in eastern bazaars, the cascade of waterfalls in the Botanical Gardens, jungle-clad hills ringed by golden beaches, these are the images you will take from Penang. This lovely resort island and its bustling capital of Georgetown are the picture of Malaysian diversity. Visit the Temple of the Reclining Buddha and Kek Lok Si, one of the most beautiful temples in Southeast Asia. See the ornate Khoo Kongsi, and old Chinese clan house; and an 18th century British fortress. Enjoy the Chinese embroidery and Malay daggers in the Penang Museum, or marvel at the Penang Bridge (third longest in the world).

The West Malaysian island of Langkawi is a popular site for climbers wishing to tackle its steep limestone hills and the impressive Raya Mountain. Go fishing, search for coconuts on one of the island's beaches, or go swimming in the many waterfalls and hot springs. Amateur spelunkers can explore the many caves.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Surabaya exhibits a strong influence from its colonial past. You'll get the feel of being in a 1930's Asian village in some parts of Surabaya, of being in a Dutch colony in others, and in an Islamic city in others. The mosques in Surabaya are quite impressive. Be sure to plan a visit to the Surabaya Zoo to see a family of Komodo dragons.

Did you ever imagine that you would see a dragon in person? On the remote island of Komodo, travelers have been know to see the Komodo Dragons. These giant lizards are the last vestiges of the dinosaurs that roamed the earth millions of years ago. As if that weren't enough, the other wildlife on Komodo is stunning as well.

With its sparkling beaches, gorgeous wilderness, and ideal location on the shores of the Indian Ocean, Broome is truly the jewel of Western Australia. Feast your eyes upon the pearl-encrusted altar of Beagle Bay Church. Dare to feed the residents of Broome Crocodile Park, or search for the rumored treasure at Buccaneer Rock--but watch out for the pirate ghost who is said to return nightly for it!

Fremantle, the main port of Western Australia, was once a major whaling center. Today, Fremantle boasts a splendid climate, a huge fishing fleet, and warm people. Freo, as the city is known to the locals, is a great place for food lovers, with its many restaurants, cafes, and al fresco dining opportunities. Watch the sidewalk entertainment on South Terrace, a street known as Cappucino Strip.

The vast majority of South Australia's 1.4 million people live in this capital city. Adelaide enjoys a Mediterranean climate, and is home to miles of fine sandy beaches. Sample the fine wines and the fresh seafood. The surfing in the Adelaide region is legendary as well. The region is also home to countless gardens, parks, and nature reserves.

In Tasmania, the 'stones are time' and so are the trees, which are believed to be the oldest living things on earth. This small island-state has preserved one-third of its land as nature reserves to keep its many ecological treasures safe. You might even spot a platypus, a penguin, or even a Tasmanian Devil.

Say 'G'day' to one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Stroll along the world-famous Bondi and Watsons Beaches. Tour the Sydney Opera House on Bennelong Point, shop for Aboriginal art, or go on a photographic safari. This diverse land is home to crocodiles, koalas, emus, and, of course, kangaroos.

Lautoka is a very clean city and environmental concerned. It has a wonderful botanical garden and children's park. The main street of the city, Vitogo Parade, has been decorated with the planting of royal palm trees on one side. The city's municipal market, which has a floor area of about 58,000m, is another attraction for both residents and tourists.

Suva sits on the southeast shores of mountainous Viti Levu ("Great Fiji"), largest of the over 800 islands which comprise the Republic of Fiji. Local folk traditions remain strong, like fire walks and welcoming ceremonies, wood-carving and the fabrication of tree-bark cloth. The island's proud history is showcased in the Fiji Museum, with its impressive collection of war canoes.

The Kingdom of Tonga is the oldest, and last remaining Polynesian monarchy. See the place where Captain Cook landed in 1777, along with the now huge tree that was planted on that occasion. Visit the ancient tombs of Tongan kings. Then view local crafts at the Tongan National Centre.

Against a backdrop of steep green hills and dense forest lies the breathtaking Port of Refuge. Coral waters of aqua and turquoise glisten, while palm-fringed coral islets with deeply undercut cliffs almost seem to float above the crystal waters. The cathedral-like Swallows Cave, which is lit by shafts of multi-colored rays of light, can be entered by launch.

After years of wandering the south seas, Robert Louis Stevenson chose this paradise as his home. If you like, visit his house and Aggie Grey's hotel. After touring the island, you'll come to understand why the Reverend John Williams, the first European to visit Apia, dubbed Samoa the "Friendly Islands."

Pago Pago--pronounced Pango Pango --is the capital of American Samoa, a small island in the Pacific Ocean. Enjoy a traditional Polynesian feast. Be thrilled by the native singing, dancing, and music. Tuna canneries dominate the city. Also close by are the National Park of American Samoa, traditional Ta'u Island, and Aunu'u Island, a place of natural splendor.

Capital of the Cook Islands, Rarotonga is an exquisite slice of paradise. Only 20 miles wide and home to under 10,000 inhabitants, the island offers spectacular beauty without crowds or compromise. Visit a 19th-century trading post. Sample the delicacies at an Umukai feast. No snakes, poisonous insects, or wild animals live on Rarotonga, so your hikes are sure to be as safe as they are enjoyable.

James Michener called it the most beautiful island in the South Pacific. You may confirm his opinion, either by the local "Le Truck" transport, 4-wheel-drive van, or in a helicopter overhead. And the offshore beauty is accessible by a glass-bottomed boat or by snorkeling.

Less visited than the other Society Islands, Huahine maintains more of the traditional pace of life. There are ancient fares (temples) to explore, vanilla plantations to view or drives into the hinterlands in 4-wheel-drive-vans. The coral reefs offshore are excellent for snorkeling.

Here, you'll find the real South Seas' experience -- a casual, barefoot existence amidst white sand beaches and multi-hued lagoons surrounded by jagged mountains and volcanic spires that reach into the clouds, while below, valleys are blanketed with the colors that one only finds when tropical climates and rich, volcanic soils meet.

The largest of the Society Islands in French Polynesia, Tahiti held a magical attraction for artist Paul Gauguin and writer Robert Louis Stevenson. To understand why, simply listen to the winds whistling through casuarina trees on a secluded black-sand beach, or stroll through beautiful botanical gardens and marvel at island flora.

The largest of the Society Islands in French Polynesia, Tahiti held a magical attraction for artist Paul Gauguin and writer Robert Louis Stevenson. To understand why, simply listen to the winds whistling through casuarina trees on a secluded black-sand beach, or stroll through beautiful botanical gardens and marvel at island flora.