Hanoi, Vietnam

Not many backpackers on the traditional Southeast Asian trail pass through this city of 8 million, the capital of Vietnam and a city of immense cultural significance. Looking for a bit of history? Stop by the Neo-Gothic Cathedral of St. Joseph or the Mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh, former President of Vietnam and leader of the Vietnamese Revolution.

In the Old Town, your senses will work overtime. You'll find souvenir shops, late-night food carts, bustling markets, and locals sitting in small chairs for a cup of Vietnamese coffee, one of the country's most important export products.

Coffee lovers will drool down Nguyn Hu Huân Street, a street full of cafes that could be called "Coffee Street." Hoan Kiem Lake, with its beautiful and colorful central bridge tower, is a great place to hang out after sunset.

Bangkok, Thailand

If New York is the "city that never sleeps" for the Western world, then Bangkok should be the ever-moving equivalent of Asia. With a lively nightlife, street food culture, and serene shrines, Bangkok is the capital of contrasts. Magnificent structures emerge on the banks of the Chao Phraya River; The Grand Palace with its gold leaf roofs, Phra Sumen Fort and the impressive Wat Phra Kaew Buddhist temple. Don't forget to see the incredible decorations, historical artwork, and the giant reclining Buddha inside the Wat Pho temple.

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Eating in Bangkok is a great way to explore the city. Chinatown is a foodie's paradise, with lots of steaming kiosks at night, showcasing treats from Chinese dumplings to legendary Thai fried dishes.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

In terms of movement, Kuala Lumpur can't compete with Hanoi and Bangkok, but the Malaysian capital has a few highlights up its sleeve. One of them is without a doubt food. Kuala Lumpur is home to people of Malay, Indian and Chinese descent, which translates to heavenly food. Most of the food courts and small restaurants are in the middle of Chinatown, where you can enjoy everything from Hainanese chicken to delicious vegetarian Indian dishes.

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Visit the Central Market, go see the famous Sultan Abdul Samad Building or climb the Petronas Twin Towers for magical views of the city. On a hot afternoon, it is advisable to rest in the shade at Kuala Lumpur's garden complex, where rare tropical plants grow and exotic birds roam.

Saigon, Vietnam

Saigon, also known as Ho Chi Minh City, is located in the hot and humid south of Vietnam. With a population of 9 million in the city itself, Saigon is a vibrant city where you can find dozens of street markets and millions of motorcycles. History buffs shouldn't miss the War Remnants Museum, which displays information and eyewitness reports on the American invasion and the war between the two countries between the 1950s and 1970s. The Jade Emperor Pagoda also worth a visit; One of the most important temples in Saigon has exquisitely detailed decorations.

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Saigon has incredibly unique restaurants and low-key vendor stands, satisfying all the culinary passions you may have on any budget. Some of the best ways to experience Saigon are to simply have a cold beer and a plate of pasta on a low chair by the side of the road and observe the life of the city.

Singapore

Singapore is a country and a city of superlatives; it is the wealthiest Asian nation and has modern architecture, theme parks, and fancy eateries. If shopping is your gem, Singapore boasts megamalls such as the ones at Orchard Road and Marina Bay Sands, the latter being a splendid hotel that’s illuminated wonderfully at night. Little India is a fascinating district to discover, as you can find colourful buildings, Hindu temples, and delightful restaurants.

Bustling Chinatown is home to the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, a captivating structure that houses a museum on Buddhism and a garden with thousands of small Buddha figures.

If you’re travelling with your family, it’s good to know that Singapore is home to attractions like Universal Studios, the Marine Life Park, and Wild Wild Wet Singapore waterpark.