In Asia, visit peaceful countryside, serene temples, glorious beaches and ultra-modern cities. Plan annual vacations to individual countries or spend a summer backpacking across the continent.

China has greater than half of Asia’s area and more than 1.3 billion people, many living in the large eastern cities of Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Beijing. Enjoy the mix of Chinese culture and modern sophistication. See temples and museums from ancient dynasties. Do some luxury shopping next to neighborhood wet markets featuring fresh foods of all kinds.

Explore inland sites, including Xian’s ancient terracotta warriors, the Great Wall of China, Guilin’s limestone mountains, Harbin’s ice castles and the wide Yangtze Gorge. Ride horseback on the vast plains of Mongolia.

Hong Kong, a special administrative region of China, brings traditions from its 100-year British occupation. View the island from Victoria Peak or the Star Ferry, ride the double-decker tram through busy streets, board a junk on the South China Sea and shop in luxury stores in Central.

Indonesia is an island nation with hundreds of millions of people. Enjoy a resort vacation on Bali’s beaches and hike along countryside rice terraces to tall waterfalls. Visit the capital, Jakarta, for luxury shopping.

In Japan, ancient traditions and modern science create a fascinating blend of culture, technology and entertainment. Spring cherry blossom viewing is particularly beautiful. Appreciate Japanese art and architecture in temples, museums and gardens across the country.

Singapore is a modern enclave on the tip of the Malay Peninsula. Its many family attractions include an orchid garden, zoo, innovative waterfront gardens and numerous Sentosa Island attractions. Moving north on the peninsula, visit Malaysia. The Petronas Twin Towers rise dramatically over the capital, Kuala Lumpur.

For relaxing beach vacations, Thailand offers great choices. Come to Patong, Pattaya, Ko Samui and other fabulous spots. Ride a tuk tuk, visit the floating garden and see large Buddhist temples in the capital, Bangkok.

Vietnam was once an area of military conflict with global participation. Now the reunified country welcomes visitors to see historic artifacts from the 20th-century wars and explore a beautiful countryside. See the old French Quarter in Hanoi and walk through the Cu Chi Tunnels in Ho Chi Minh City. Travel to nearby Laos and Cambodia to hike through jungle wilderness. Explore ancient temples, such as the Angkor Wat.

While North Korea remains closed to visitors, South Korea’s mountainous terrain is a fascinating spot for trekking. Enjoy great skiing and visit the site of the 2018 winter Olympics in PyeongChang.

India is a magical land of nearly thirty states, with a variety of climates, cultures, food and languages. Visit the metropolis of Delhi in the north, where sacred cows roam the streets near bustling markets. View the magnificent white Taj Mahal in Agra, considered one of the modern wonders of the world. Enjoy the beaches of Goa. Eat delicious curries, naan breads and legumes across the country. Extend your visit with a trek through the mountains of neighboring Nepal.

Whatever type vacation you choose, select from many appropriate destinations in Asia.