The Top 10 Tourist Destinations in Asia

Many travelers prefer Thailand's pleasant northern capital over the hectic pace of life in Bangkok. Most of the tourist action happens within Chiang Mai's Old City, where orange-robed monks from the many temples smile as they pass.

From cultural festivals and sprawling night markets to mountain trekking and numerous temples -- Chiang Mai attracts over a million visitors annually who can't wait to come back.

• Read about some free activities in Chiang Mai.
• Learn about Thai temple etiquette before you visit the many wats in Chiang Mai.

Known as the “Pearl of the Orient,” Penang is a place to relax, eat to the brink of misery, and appreciate Malaysia in a new way. Malaysians are quite proud of their large island.

A legacy of colonization in Penang has produced what is arguably some of the best cuisine in all of Southeast Asia. Penang food combines the best of Malay with influences from Chinese and Indian immigrants to produce mouthwatering creations such as laksa noodles.

Superb eating is not the only indulgence on the island. Home to nesting sea turtles, the Penang National Park is Malaysia's youngest national park.

• Read about great things to do in Penang.

Many people often wonder: Is Hong Kong part of China? The short answer is yes; however, Hong Kong has a distinctly different feel from mainland China. Hong Kong is a buzzing city where East meets West; years of colonization have made English widely spoken. The resulting fusion of cultures makes for an unforgettable experience.

After enjoying Hong Kong's famous street cuisine, head to Hong Kong Harbor for a postcard view of soaring skyscrapers outlined by the Kowloon Mountains.

• Read about all the things to do and see in Hong Kong.

Sabah, one of two states belonging to Malaysian Borneo, is a natural paradise. Plentiful rainforest, endangered orangutans, and indigenous cultures are certainly worth grabbing a cheap flight from Kuala Lumpur.

Sabah is the perfect balance between wild and developed. Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah, is a happening tourist city in the shadow of towering Mount Kinabalu. When you've had enough shopping and cheap seafood, trade the concrete for East Sabah, where there are plenty of opportunities to experience Southeast Asia at its wildest.

• Plan to visit the interesting Rainforest Discovery Centre.

Siem Reap is the gateway for exploring one of Southeast Asia's most fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Angkor Wat. Over 900 years old, the temples of Angkor are scattered across 600 square miles of jungle. The jungle is slowly reclaiming the ancient temples as vines strangle ruins and break apart bricks.

The picturesque Angkor temples frequently serve as movie sets and bring to life the inner-archaeologist in over one million visitors each year.

• After visiting temples, check out 10 things to do in Siem Reap.
• Read this visitor's guide to Siem Reap.

Crowded, polluted, dreadfully appealing -- love it or hate it, Beijing is the pounding heart of China. Amazing UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the Great Wall and the Forbidden City make navigating Beijing's urban sprawl well worth the effort.

Give Beijing a chance; rather than fleeing from the madness, stick around long enough to become a part of it. Wandering the busy streets can actually become quite addictive!

• Know what to expect with these photos of Beijing.
• Learn what to see with three days in Beijing.

Some too small to merit a dot on a map, the islands in Thailand are among the world's most beautiful. Imagine white sand and blue water, cheap diving, and your choice of isolated tranquility or savage nightlife -- all for far less than the cost of a trip to Hawaii.

The diversity of the Thai islands is amazing. Phuket and Koh Samui are developed, tourist hot spots with vibrant nightlife, while tiny Koh Lipe barely maintains electricity. Beautiful Koh Phi Phi is the perfect compromise.

• Learn where to find the best beaches in Thailand.
• Read about the island of Koh Chang.

Bali, with its miles of beaches and volcanic landscapes, is nothing short of magic. Once only a destination for honeymooners and surfers, Bali is now one of the top destinations in Asia.

Most of the action culminates in South Bali at hedonistic Kuta Beach. Travelers in search of more than a hangover head for Ubud -- the peaceful cultural center of Bali -- or even opt to climb a volcano in the Kintamani Region.

Excellent beaches, a welcoming Hindu culture, and beautiful scenery make Bali the busiest island in Indonesia.

• Read about some of the fun things to do in Bali.

Perhaps not the cheapest of places to visit in Asia, bustling Tokyo is the world's largest metropolitan economy, even exceeding our very own New York City. Urban marvels, talking toilets, and an aloof culture begging to be understood await as soon as you exit the airport.

If you have enough time, consider visiting Japan's interesting take on American culture in the Tokyo Disneyland.

• Get excited about Japan with these photos of Tokyo.
• Read about the hundreds of things to see in Tokyo.

Goa is India's smallest and wealthiest state, mostly thanks to abundant tourism. Once mainly a haven for hippie culture and electronic music lovers, Goa has grown into a sophisticated destination. Today, many excellent beaches ranging from highly developed to relatively untouched lure travelers away from hectic Mumbai and Delhi.

Baga Beach is one of Goa's busiest beachs, while quiet Agonda Beach provides refuge from the thumping techno music.

• Figure out which of the many beaches in Goa is right for you.