Burma, or the Union of Myanmar, is the largest country in mainland Southeast Asia. It has an ethnically diverse population whose culture, heavily influenced by its neighbours, is based on Theravada Buddhism. In traditional villages, the monastery is the centre of cultural life.

Due to Burma's economic and political isolation, visiting the country is like travelling back in time. While it is one of the region's poorest nations, its people are warm and the country is rich in experiences.

China is the world's oldest continuous civilization. It encompasses a varied geography from the high alpine Tibetan Plateau to the coastal areas of the South China Sea, the desert regions of Xinjiang to tropical Hainan Island. Hundreds of ethnic groups are represented within its borders, with the Han the most numerous.

It takes more time and effort to travel independently, off the beaten path, but patience and curiosity will see you amply rewarded with experiences of a lifetime.

The world's second-most populous country, India is a diverse collection of peoples that only came together as a country under the British. It is home to one of the oldest civilizations and gave birth to Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism.

Intense, colourful, and dynamic, India is an experience without neutrality. For better or for worse, it will leave a profound impression on you.

Hong Kong offers diverse experiences that are readily accessible with a very efficient transportation system. On the one hand, you can visit one of the most densely populated places on the planet; on the other, you'll find rural villages and country parks few foreigners have ever seen.

Hong Kong is both a modern metropolis with gleaming skyscrapers and a traditional Chinese society that practices a mixture of Buddhism, Confucianism, and animism. Either way, you're bound to have an adventure.

Sandwiched between India and Tibet, Nepal is a crossroads, both culturally and geographically. Most inhabitants are Hindu. However, there are a number of Tibetan refugees, along with the traditional Tibetan Buddhist regions of Dolpo and Lo (Mustang).

Although a small country, Nepal has an epic landscape that completely mesmerizes you. Most people visit to go climbing, rafting, or trekking. Others seek a spiritual experience, be they followers of Buddhism, Hinduism, or New Age religions. Whatever your attraction, you will be transformed.

With 7,107 islands, the Philippines is justly famous for its beaches and watersports. Azure waters, white sand, and tossled palm trees are the everyday, but not the only attractions for the adventurer.

Situated near a major trade route, Filipino culture has been shaped by outside influences and colonizers, such as Malays, Chinese, Spanish, and Americans. Not only are its people diverse, the Philippines is one of the most biodiverse places on Earth.

Taiwan is an interesting dichotomy of modernity and tradition. It's a young democracy with a vibrant, export-oriented economy, but also maintains Buddhist, Confucian, and Taoist customs. It also fuses influences from aboriginal inhabitants, Mainland Chinese immigrants, and Japanese colonists which makes for a fascinating culinary scene.

Geographically small, Ilha Formosa is surprisingly diverse—densely populated western plains, rugged throughout most of the interior and east coast, tropical in the south. Thus, a range of experiences are conveniently available within a small radius.