From opium wars to junks and barges, images of Shanghai flood the senses. The real Shanghai is a teeming metropolis of 11 million, bustling with energy, towering skyscrapers and art deco buildings, honking traffic and shopping crowds. But once you enter China's largest city, you'll find Eastern ways abound: Tai Chi along the Bund, the serenity of exquisite ponds and gardens, and an endless flotilla of sampans edging along the Huangpu River. Explore Shanghai old and new: the busy bazaars and alleyways of the Old Town, Yu Garden, the Wuxingting Tea House, Long Hua Temple and more.

Hong Kong is the cosmopolitan hub of the Far East. This former British colony reverted to Chinese control in 1997, yet the culture-rich atmosphere remains. See the Wong Tai Sin Temple, tour local markets and the floating village of Aberdeen. Take the Tram to the top of Victoria Peak for one of the world''s most exciting views, or cross the harbor aboard one of the famous Star Ferries. After shopping and exploring, enjoy high tea at the favored retreat of many world travelers-the Peninsula Hotel.

Halong Bay rest right above the Red River Delta and is covered by beautiful green seas. Halong Bay is the most beautiful sight to see, it''s also covered with over 3,000 one of a kind mountainous islands. These mountainous islands are known for their dolomite and limestone rock symmetry. Legend tells it that this very bay was formed when a large dragon hurtled to earth before history was recorded. By the carvings and formation of the lime stones, the legend doesn''t seem too unbelievable.

Besides the legend that Halong Bay holds, this bay also possesses a couple tourist attractions. One of the sights to see would be the large caves that can be found in some of the larger islands. The caves add a little spunk to a extensive, laid back boat ride. Even though you''ll need to take a couple safety precautions while inside of the caves, it doesn''t take any excitement from the things to be seen.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

Formerly known as Ceylon, Sri Lanka means "Resplendent Land," an apt description for this beautiful island. Sri Lanka lies fifty-five miles north of the equator, just off the southern tip of India. With its unique beauty, warm climate and near-perfect beaches, Sri Lanka is one of Asia's most adored destinations. Since the sixteenth century, the Portuguese, Dutch and British have all left their architectural and cultural marks in Sri Lanka's capital of Colombo. Yet despite its colonial architecture, Sri Lanka has always remained Oriental in spirit, with colorful bazaars, dancing elephants, graceful women in saris, and many Buddhist shrines and temples.

The Maldives are the vision of a castaway paradise with a garland of 2,000 coral atolls crowned with coco palms floating in the Indian Ocean. Their houses are built from blocks cut from the surrounding coral. Taste the golden coconut candy that is their passion, snorkel in the clear waters, see an astounding variety of fish, or soar by helicopter to a nearby isle.

Like a magic carpet spread before the sea, Oman's coastal plain is one of the most fertile areas of Arabia. Famous since antiquity as the source of frankincense, Salalah was already a prosperous town when Marco Polo visited it in the 13th century! Inland rise the forbidding Al-Quar... Mountains, and the desolate "Empty Quarter" of central Saudi Arabia.

Situated on the Red Sea along the East Coast of Egypt, Safaga serves as a gateway to the magnificent antiquities of Luxor and Karnak. Site of the ancient metropolis of Thebes, Luxor has a history which goes back to 2000 B.C. Like Babylon and Nineveh, it was considered one of the great cities of the ancient world, but of the three it is only here that the splendor survives. Marvel at the massive columns and statues. Stroll down the Avenue of the Sphinxes to the grand ceremonial gateway of the Temple of Amun-Ra. Sail across the Nile to the Valley of the Kings, sacred burial ground of the Pharaohs.

This small town at the tip of the Sinai Peninsula, is known for its spectacular dive sites in the coral reefs of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aqaba. With its strategic geographical position, Sharm El Sheikh became the gathering place for ancient nomadic tribes and a pivotal site for several biblical events; Mount Horeb is said to be the ancient Mount Sinai where Moses encountered the Burning Bush and received the Ten Commandments from God. Beyond the beaches of the coast you can find the world-famous treasures of St. Catherine's Monastery on a full-day tour, or follow caravan trails to the Monder Valley desert for snacks and tea in a Bedouin tent.

A lovely seaport in its own right, Haifa is a departure point for Tel Aviv and Holy Land sightseeing. Jerusalem beckons with the Mount of Olives and the Western Wall. Jericho, Nazareth, Bethlehem, and the crusader city of Acre are also within reach.

Also spelt Ayios Nikolaos. On the Isle of Crete.

The narrow passageways of Mykonos are a twisted maze of whitewashed houses, miniature churches, lazy windmills, and tiny cafes serving up Greek specialties. Sample the freshest squid or lobster just snatched from the blue Aegean Sea, or shop for typical flokati rugs.

This charming, picturesque resort where Antony and Cleopatra used to vacation is best known as the port for the ancients ruins of Ephesus - one of the world's most wondrous archaeological sites. Explorations should include such masterpieces as the Great Amphitheatre, where St. Paul addressed the Ephesians, the Library of Celsus, and the temples of Athena and Apollo - all connected by marble streets rutted by the wheels of countless chariots.

Piraeus is the seaport for Athens, the capital of western civilization, which boasts a fantastic mix of classical ruins and vivacious modern life. In a single day, you can climb the hill of the Acropolis to wonder at the Parthenon, join the lively Athenians in Constitution Square, and then find a welcoming taverna for some spirited bizouki music, plenty of ouzo to drink, and with luck, energetic Greek dancing.