Chiang Mai is on Thailand’s north. Historically, it was part of the country’s trade route. Today, it draws in travelers who come for business, or for the varied well-maintained sights within the city. It is likewise known for the productions of woodcarvings, handicrafts, umbrellas, and jewelry.

Perhaps one of the most daunting characteristics of Chiang Mai is its more than three hundred Buddhist temples, giving its landscape a surreal and somber look. The Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep is the most famous of these. The temple sits on top of a hill and dates back to 1383. Apart from the amazing architecture of the place, it also affords the visitor a unique view of the whole city. The Wat Chiang Man is another important Buddhist temple in the city. It was constructed back in the 13th century and was where King Mengrai lived while observing the building of Chiang Mai.

The city is also one of the best places to experience time with elephants. The Elephant Nature Park is an ideal visit and functions as a sanctuary for rescued elephants.

Travelers to Chiang Mai generally need a valid passport and visa when planning to stay at Chiang Mai longer. The city is typically safe – safer than tourist centers like Bangkok. However, there are “crossover” scams like the gem scam and the tuk-tuk scams. Basic watchfulness is advised.

Petra is said to be “half as old as time,” the “rose red city” of Jordan, referred to by the predominant color of its sandstones. It is an ancient Nabataean city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as of 1985. It was only in 1929 when the Trans-Jordan attempted full excavation of the city, even when Western explorers, such as Johann Ludwig Burckhardt and David Roberts, had caught sight of this archaeological wonder. Upon full excavation, it became Jordan’s most visited site.

Being a full-scale archaeological park, a fairly steep fee is charged at the entrance. Options are for single or double day tours. The expanse of the city will require two days for a full exploration.

The Treasury is one of the city’s relics that should not be missed. This is immediately accessible after going through the Siq, the sandstone canyon that serves as Petra’s entrance. Red and grand, the Treasury is an ancient architectural marvel. Atop this structure is an urn that is said to contain the Pharaoh’s treasure. Beyond the Treasury, one goes through the outer Siq, referred to as the Street of Facades, for the many tomb facades etched on its walls. The Roman Theater, Monastery, and Royal Tombs can be accessed after this stretch.

Travelers to Petra are required a valid passport and visa. Petra and Jordan are relatively safe. However, one should observe respect for the local culture and religion. Modest clothing should be worn in historical and religious sites.

The island was one of the badly hit areas when the December 2004 tsunami hit Asian shores. Casualties were in thousands, and included locals and tourists. For a while, it seemed like paradise had been tarnished beyond recognition. However, slowly, the people picked up the pieces. The island was reawakened from devastation to reign again as on of the continent’s top tourist destinations.

The attraction of Phuket is quite apparent. It is a hilly island surrounded by pristine waters. Most of the commercial beaches are to its west, varying in tourist draws and crowd density. The quiet beaches are towards the north and south ends. The party beaches are in the middle, particularly in the beaches of Patong and its neighbor Karon and Karon Noi. Several smaller islands (locally referred to as Ko) are within reach and brimming with possibilities for further adventure. Ko Bon is great for daytrips, snorkeling, and idling on the beach. Scuba diving is likewise popular in the adjacent islands of Ko Racha. Some of these islands have resorts, catering mostly to the high-end market – good alternatives for staying in Phuket.

Travelers to Phuket need a valid passport and visa. Since the island is a tourist center, there are typical traveler hassles, such as petty crime and inflated prices. The tuk-tuks – the local makeshift taxis – are known to gouge visitors with high rates. It is advised to haggle and agree on the best rates first, before riding a tuk-tuk. The climate is hot and humid for most of the year. The best months to go are from November to May.

The Kathmandu Durbar Square is such a place. The heart of Kathmandu, the square is home to several temples, palaces, and government offices. One can find the Taleju Temple here, built in the style of Newari architecture and is one of the oldest temples in the area. The Kumari Palace, towards the south of Dunbar Square, is the home of the living goddess – a young girl. The Krishna Temple, Bhagwati Temple, Narayan Temple, and others can also be found in the square; hence, a trip to Kathmandu is incomplete without a stopover at the square.

The Swayambhunath is a large stupa and one of the most revered Buddhist sites in Kathmandu and the rest of Nepal. It also provides an amazing view of the city. The site is only a short walk from Thamel, the city’s tourist hub.

Travelers to Kathmandu need a valid passport and visa. Citizens of select countries can acquire their visas as they enter Nepal for a small fee. Kathmandu is generally safe, especially after the conflict between Maoist rebels and the military. Of course, general precautions are advised against petty crimes, such as pick pocketing and mugging.

Damascus, within its old walled city, retains much of what it was eons ago. Its narrow streets flow into a maze of alleys. Intricately designed doors lead to rich courtyards, while homes are pale blocks from ancient times. This area is the main tourist attraction while in Damascus.

Over at the Souq al-Hamidiyya, a wide street marked by Roman columns, locals, tourists, and stall owners mingle. Tiny shops have been put up in several places. Felafel and shawarma stalls give off inviting smells. At the end of Souq al-Hamidiyya stands the Umayyad mosque, which used to be a Greek temple. This architectural curiosity still bears its conflicting symbols, reminiscent of its confused identity (from a Greek temple to a Roman one, onto a Christian church then a Muslim mosque).

Travelers to Damascus need a valid passport and visa. As in modern-day cities with a thriving tourism industry, panhandlers are often the eyesores, especially in tourist sites. It is relatively safe for travelers in Damascus. However, basic precautions should be taken. Flashy jewelry should be avoided, and wallets and purses should always be secured. It is also advised to ask recommendations from legitimate tourist information centers only. Travel to Damascus is best all year round.

The Christian Quarter is at the Old City’s northwest. This is where the Church of the Holy Sepulchre stands, a building that houses several areas where Christ was said to have been crucified and died. The Noble Sanctuary, on the other hand, is the centerpiece of the Muslim Quarter. It is said that this used to be Solomon’s temple and is known to many Christians and Jews as the Temple Mount. Access here is restricted on certain days for non-Muslims. The heart of the Jewish Quarter is the Hurva Square, which is pockmarked with snack bars, cafés, and souvenir stalls. The Hurva Synagogue is toward the west. The Citadel is a curious place in the Armenian Quarter. Studies reveal that a fortress stood in its place way back during the time of Herod. It is now the site of the Tower of David Museum of the History of Jerusalem.

Travelers to the Old City of Jerusalem require a valid passport and visa. Jerusalem is generally a safe place, with only a few typical tourist hassles like pickpockets and purse-snatchers. It is advised to be always aware of one’s surroundings. Wearing flashy jewelry and carrying money beyond what would be needed for the day are discouraged. Traveling to the Old City is ideal all year round. Comfortable clothes is a must but should be done within conservative standards.

Beyond the glamour of its metropolitan district, several other key destinations thrive in this city state. Cultural curios, such as the Arab Quarter, Chinatown, and Little India, attest to the city’s diverse mix of denizens, from which it has gained advantages. The Hindu temples and sari shops at Little India, and the Sultan Mosque at the Arab Quarter have attracted travelers ever since.

Sentosa Island is one of the highlights of a Singapore trip. The island resort was originally meant by the British to defend the city from the Japanese. It has been transformed since into a beach resort, amusement park, golf club, and soon a casino.

American travelers to Singapore need only a passport when going to Singapore. They are issued a 90-day visa upon arrival. A return ticket is required, to signify intent to leave the country. The city is generally safe, with only the occasional petty theft. The rainy season officially starts in November and ends in January, although one can expect some rain all year round. Even so, the climate is tropical so travelers would benefit from bringing comfortable clothes and shoes.

Over time, Beijing has transformed itself – from massive traditional structures to busy commercial districts that could match any of the West’s. This has resulted in a curious mix of venerable ancient sites and modern wonders.

Construction was on a frenzied pace for the 2008 Olympics. The period saw the rise of sports centers and arenas, new roads, and housing structures. There is the hard-to-miss Bird’s Nest, more formally known as the Beijing National Stadium, which is one of the distinguished features of the Beijing skyline. Modern buildings like the National Centre for the Performing Arts and the CCTV Headquarters highlight the diverse architectural styles of the city.

The remnants of China’s ancient majesty continue to draw many travelers to the city. The somber Tiananmen Square attracts both local and international travelers. Surrounded by Soviet-style buildings and guarded by four marble lions, the square is also the location of Mao’s Mausoleum.

The Forbidden City is also one of the landmark destinations while in Beijing. The City is the seat of the Ming and Qing dynasties, — the center of Eastern society for about five centuries. To this day, it has remained untouched by the modernity surrounding it.

The Great Wall is about 70 miles from the city. This majestic wonder can be viewed from Jinshanling and Simatai, where the wall has been kept unrestored and “authentic.” A trip here is marked by steep climbs and crumbling stones, all worthwhile endeavors to reach the stunning spectacle.

Travelers to Beijing need a valid passport and visa. While the city is relatively safe, a newcomer may feel daunted by the presence of armed guards, especially at government areas. The common traveler concerns include the presence of pickpockets, thieves, and the pervasive city smog.

Such diversity and change has been embraced fully by the Indian capital. Medieval-styled bazaars provide a sharp contrast to the fine restaurants and boutiques that have mushroomed in the city. The Red Fort, the red sandstone structure of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan during his reign, remains a famed tourist attraction, even with its slowly deteriorating interiors. Humayun’s Tomb, the prototype of the Taj Majal, also draws in a regular crowd. These go alongside more modern building like the Baha’i House of Worship or Lotus Temple, which is made of concrete and shaped like the powerful symbol in Indian mysticism.

It is not surprising that several shrines and museums can be found in such an old city. The National Museum, for one, houses some of the unique and precious collections of the region, as well as a few masterpieces from the city’s renowned artists. Another is the monument built for fallen Indian soldiers during World War I. This is the India Gate, where there is an eternal flame burning in honor of the heroes. Refreshing additions to these though are museums like the Sulabh International Museum of Toilets, which has a collection of those indispensable thrones, with some pieces dating as far back as 2500 BC.

Valid passports and visas are necessary when traveling to Dehli. These documents should be kept secured at all times. Likewise, money belts are advised to be worn to discourage petty theft common in the city.

The capital of Thailand, Bangkok is now one of South East Asia’s political and economic centers. It is also arguably its most exciting and vibrant city. Bangkok is a heady mix of the old and the new. The city’s landscape is marked with impressive skyscrapers, condominiums and commercial centers. Heavy traffic is a normal occurrence, and so is the bustle of day and night markets in the city. The city’s busy roads lead from the metropolitan attractions of Bangkok to its old houses and awe-inspiring temples. The royal island of Rattanakosin is within reach. Its antiquated buildings and temples beckon those wanting a feel of the old Thailand.

A new visitor to the city might feel lost at first. In this land where the fusion of the east and the west makes for a delirious delight, the traveler is drawn to the joys of visiting shopping malls and street markets, go-go bars, gay bars, ritzy night clubs, street food stalls, and modern buildings. At the same time, there is a slew of places to delight those in search of history. The city’s temples, old homes, and museums all speak of Bangkok’s colorful and tumultuous past.

The present Bangkok is still marred by instability every now and then. The political scene is volatile and regularly disrupts day-to-day commerce, as well as travel to the city and its nearby provinces. However, like its people, the city always gets back on its feet, with turmoil just like a passing storm – powerful yet ending quickly.

Travelers from the US only need a valid passport to get into Bangkok. The city is safe, except for the occasional scammers and unsavory characters. While tourism is active all year long, the best time to be in the capital is from November to February, when the weather is more cooperative to a traveler’s ramblings.