Although Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, was severely damaged during recent conflicts, there are still plenty of things to see in the city. The beautiful Babur’s Gardens have now been completely restored. You can learn about Afghanistan history at the Kabul Museum and the OMAR Landmine Museum or climb the City Walls for great views of the city and the mountains.

Elsewhere in Afghanistan, you should visit Samangan, a place for caves and shrines dedicated to Takht-e-Rostam, a delightful Buddhist gem. Bamiyan is also worth a visit and even though the giant Buddha statues were recently destroyed, this area is beautiful and serene.

The best time to visit Afghanistan is during April to June and September and October. In the springtime, the north of Afghanistan turns from a dusty brown colour to a beautiful vivid green and flowers appear all over the hills. The autumn is harvest time and the best time to try out the delicious Afghan fruits.

Accommodation outside the main cities can be very basic and fairly expensive; however, new hotels and guest houses are appearing every day. On the other hand, the cost of food and travelling is fairly cheap. Kabul has a handful of well-facilitated Afghanistan hotels with internet and other luxuries.

The best way to get to Afghanistan from Europe or North America is via Dubai, where you will find plenty of onward connections to Kabul. From Asia and Australia, the best way is via Delhi or Islamabad. You can also arrive by land through Pakistan and Iran. A tourist visa is required.

Yerevan is Armenia’s capital city and is one of the world’s oldest cities. It was founded in 783 BC. It is an interesting city with plenty of museums, art galleries, restaurants and as a backdrop to the city, Noah’s Mt Ararat. Not to be missed are the Armenian Genocide Memorial and the National Art Gallery.

There is much to see and do in Armenia. Visit the beautiful medieval churches hidden in the forests and canyons of the Lori region. Or hike around the mountain town of Dilijan looking for hidden monasteries. Goris is a picturesque town with lovely 19th century architecture and many cave dwellings on the surrounding cliffs. Around Vavots Dzor, mountain paths lead you to many caves and hot mineral baths.

The best time to visit Armenia is spring and autumn. In the spring, the country is at its greenest, but during the autumn the flora is spectacular, particularly in the region surrounding Dilijan and Jermuk. The winters can be extremely cold.

Accommodation to suit all budgets is available throughout Armenia from four-star hotels to friendly homestays. Bed and breakfasts are popular and affordable while American style hotels typically feature rooms at Western prices.

The main gateway into Armenia is Zvartnots International Airport (EVN) in Yerevan. Austrian Airlines, British Airways, Czech Airlines, Lufthansa and Air France all offer direct flights from Europe. It is also possible to cross the border by land from the Bagratashen border in Georgia or the Meghri border in Iran.

Azerbaijan has many interesting tourist attractions for the visitor. Explore Baku, the nation’s bustling capital. Visit Sheki, a historic mountain capital with a beautiful 18th century khan’s palace, Khansarai. You should also go and see the strange mud volcanoes in Oobustan and spend some time in the quaint mountain villages of Lahic and Laza.

April to June is the best time to visit lowland Azerbaijan. This is when the skies are blue, the countryside green and flowers are in bloom. October is also a good time to visit Baku, when the days are warm and the nights cool. The summer months can be extremely humid, but a great time to go trekking in the higher mountains. Winters are pleasantly mild around the Caspian Sea but can get incredibly cold inland with temperatures dropping to below -20°C in Laza or Lahic.

Accommodation is available to suit all budgets from international hotel chains to simple guest houses. Budget options are very cheap but you get what you pay for. The main cities have well-facilitated Western style hotels at European rates.

Most people coming to Azerbaijan fly into Baku and there are direct flights to Baku from most major cities in Europe. Visas are available on arrival at the airport. It is also possible to arrive by land; however, visas must then be arranged in advance.

The capital city, Dhaka, is home to seven million people, and is the largest city in Bangladesh. There are a plethora of things to see and do in this surreal but captivating city. Ride through the lively streets on a rickshaw, or visit the Liberation War Museum and experience first-hand some of the atrocities that occurred during dark periods in Bengal history. For cultural and historical enthusiasts, a must-see is the National Museum.

Away from the bustling mayhem of Dhaka lie some of the world’s most alluring natural resources. Take a boat ride upon the Sangu River and maybe even spot a Bengal tiger in its undisturbed habitat. Or, visit one of the many national parks dotting the countryside such as Madhupur and Satchari, which are homes to a diverse range of native South Asian animals.

Bangladesh is predominantly Muslim, but does have a rich Buddhist history. The nation possesses some of the world’s most fascinating and breathtaking mosques and temples which appeal to thousands of tourists a year. Some of the religious places of interest include the Somapura Mahavihara in Paharpur, the Sixty Dome Mosque of Bagerhat, and the Baitul Mukarram, Bangladesh’s national mosque in Dhaka.

Accommodation in Bangladesh ranges from small, very basic sleeper hotel room, to comfortable and nicer hotel, with amenities included. Bangladesh is an extremely cheap country by comparison with other nations therefore travellers looking to experience an unforgettable escape on a shoestring budget will be impressed with what Bangladesh provides.

Visitors travelling to Bangladesh by air will be able to fly into Chittagong, Dhaka, or Sylhet international airports. Biman is the main carrier in Bangladesh; however, the newer GMG Airlines is a safer and more efficient option for flight choices. Domestic air travel is available for venturing out within Bangladesh, but buses and trains are also a cheap and popular means of travel although quite crowded at times.

For a tour of this enchanting nation, travellers must pay a steep daily tariff, making Bhutan one of the world’s most expensive destinations. Bhutan’s capital city, Thimpu, is the busiest and most contemporary town. Within this melting pot of traditional culture and attempted modern development, travellers are greeted with many attractions that radiate pure Bhutanese culture, such as the Dechen Phrograng Monastery and the Dechencholing Palace, Bhutan’s royal residence.

Bhutan is rich in Buddhist heritage, unique culture and phenomenal natural beauty. Travellers can tour the stunning country and experience all of Bhutan’s famous attractions along the way. Visit the Taktsang Monastery and be totally mesmerised by the sheer radiance of Bhutan’s most famous monastery resting on the side of a cliff, some 700 metres above the Paro Valley. The doorstep to the Himalayas provides a plethora of magnificent valleys and mountains for hiking enthusiasts. The world’s highest unclimbed mountain, Gangkhar Puensum, is located in Bhutan’s northern region.

Accommodation in Bhutan is quite basic, but can be very comfortable. There are no elegant hotel chains, but the daily tariff for tours usually includes accommodation. Hotels are not graded according to international standards, but are generally comfortable and convenient. Thimpu has a rather nice selection of hotels and inns, particularly the premium Druk Hotel.

Getting into Bhutan by air is possible from Bangkok, via Dhaka or Kolkata, and New Delhi via Kathmandu. Drukair is the sole carrier into Bhutan, and for this reason, tickets can be quite expensive. Travellers destined for a Bhutanese holiday generally fly into Kathmandu, Kolkata, or Dhaka and then transfer via Drukair for the final leg into Paro International Airport. Unfortunately, Drukair does not have alliances with other airlines therefore all passengers must re-check their baggage before flying Drukair.

Brunei Darussalam has been blessed with an oil-rich maritime territory, making it a pocket-sized nation with enormous wealth. However, the capital city is unlike other lavish, oil-rich capitals such as Dubai, being quite a modest town.

First stop on your agenda should be the Sultan’s Royal Palace, Istana Nurul Iman, which is the largest palace in the world. Other attractions not to be missed include the Brunei Museum, Royal Regalia Museum, Jame’Asr Hassanal Bolkhia Mosque, and just outside the city, Taman Peranginan Tasek, an extensive parkland ideal for tranquil strolls and picnicking.

Beyond the capital city awaits a vast, almost untouched rainforest. The best way to see Brunei’s rainforests is by visiting Ulu Temburong National Park. Tourists can experience the abundance of flora and fauna, hike through the many jungle trails, enjoy a walk in the tree tops on the world’s longest canopy trek, and for real adventurers, embark upon a two-day walk to Bukit Belelong, protected as part of Belelong National Park.

Accommodation in Brunei Darussalam ranges from five-star luxury hotels to unrated hostels. Some of the more elegant hotels include the Sheraton Utama and Centrepoint Hotel, which have rates in line with top European hotels. Cheap to moderate lodges and guest houses are available, and suitable for those travellers desiring basic accommodation for a reasonable price.

Although Brunei Darussalam is only a small country, it has an extremely reliable and comfortable airline carrier, Royal Brunei Air. Travellers fly in and out of Brunei International Airport, which is only 10kms from the centre of Bandar Seri Begawan. Serasa Ferry Terminal received regular ferries from Sarawak, Malaysia.

Once upon a time, Cambodia’s borders were primarily crossed by backpacking travellers searching for a get-away off the beaten track. Today, tourism is Cambodia’s second highest source of income, with over two million people visiting its beautiful landscape in 2008.

Cambodia’s capital city, Phnom Penh, is located upon Asia’s largest and most important waterway, the Mekong River. Beyond the markets and motorbikes of Phnom Penh’s bustling streets lies a city drenched in cultural splendour, historical influence, and alluring attractions.

Visitors will be amazed at the Silver Pagoda and its 5,000 bedazzling silver tiles. Those interested in Khmer arts mustn’t miss the National Museum and its display of Khmer sculpture. Or take a tour of Tuol Sleng Museum and learn about Cambodia’s genocidal past and the horrors that occurred during this dark chapter in world history.

Undoubtedly, Cambodia’s most famous tourist attraction is the alluring Angkor Wat, part of Angkor Archaeological Park. This stunning structure is the central figure of the Angkor World Heritage site and never ceases to astound tourists with its phenomenal carvings and religious significance. Cambodia also provides breathtaking beach resorts along the coast, specifically Sihanoukville. With white, sandy beaches and top scuba diving spots, this destination is not to be missed.

Accommodation in Cambodia is extremely varied, from five-star resorts to inexpensive hostels. If travellers are looking for comfort rather than luxury, then Cambodia has a plethora of cheap hotels with basic amenities. Cambodian cuisine is outstanding, and generally cheap. A decent meal in a Cambodian restaurant won’t cost you much; however, there are some upper-class restaurants which are more expensive and opulent.

Getting to Cambodia is generally done through Vietnam or Thailand. Visitors usually fly into Bangkok or Ho Chi Minh City, and then board a flight to Phnom Penh International Airport Siem Reap – Angkor International Airport. Alternatively, buses from Bangkok to Cambodia are relatively inexpensive but journeys can be tough. Buses from Ho Chi Minh City also cross into Cambodia.

China is a country of diversity. From bustling cities of the eastern coast, to traditionally isolated villages of the Himalayan highlands; from the five-star luxury hotel casinos of Macau to the poor villages of Beijing’s periphery and from the ancient design of the Forbidden City to the revolutionary architecture of Beijing’s Olympic Stadiums, China provides an unforgettable escape for the cultural, historical, and adventure enthusiast.

The capital of China, Beijing, offers a vast array of world-renowned landmarks. Among these is the ancient imperial palace otherwise known as the Forbidden City, built between 1406 and 1420. Inside the Forbidden City stands the Palace Museum, exhibiting ceramics, paintings, bronze ware and other palace artefacts from the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Empire. Visitors can also visit many other famous landmarks, including Tiananmen Square, the Temple of Heaven Park, and the Great Wall of China (from just outside Beijing).

For those in search of historical wonder, the city of Xi’an is a must-see destination. Presiding over 3,100 years of ancient Chinese history, Xi’an is one of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China. The most alluring attraction in this city is the Terracotta Army, an inspiring display of over 10,000 pottery soldiers, archers and chariots. Other attractions include the Old City Walls, the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda and the Drum Tower.

In most major cities, accommodation styles and prices can vary quite dramatically. For travellers on a budget, there are cheap dormitories, hostels and guesthouses, which can be comfortable and include basic necessities. However, for those tourists looking for elegance in their accommodation, Beijing, Shanghai, Macau and other major cities provide an endless list of world-class hotel chains for you to select from.

Getting to China is predominantly done by air through Beijing Beijing Capital International Airport or Pudong International Airport (Shanghai). The major carriers are China Eastern and Air China, but most national airlines have scheduled routes into China on a daily or weekly basis. Due to its vast size and the increase in tourism over the past decade, China has developed its popularly-used domestic air travel system.

Travellers will fall in love with Tbilisi, the capital and largest city in Georgia. A blend of modern architecture and pockets of traditional Eurasian heritage make Tbilisi an enchanting yet vibrant destination. Take in the sights of old Georgian churches, museums, and streets during the day then pulsate your senses in the European-style club scene at night.

Away from the capital, there are numerous Georgian destinations that travellers must not miss. Experience the splendour of the Caucasus Mountains in the town of Kazbegi, and take in the fabulous sights of the surrounding landscape and the beautifully designed Tsminda Sameba church. Tourists can also set aside three days to visit Svaneti, and marvel at the 175 ancient stone towers that still stand here.

Georgia possesses an ideal climate for wine growing and some believe that wine was invented here. Travellers can take a memorable daytrip to Kakheti and enjoy the local fruit and wine. The town of Batumi, along the sub-tropical Black Sea coast, is a dazzling jewel in the Georgian crown, offering a beautiful beach front setting for travellers to unwind.

Tbilisi has a wide range of accommodation at varying prices. Hostels and traveller inns are the cheapest options for tourists who are on a budget, and they usually come with basic amenities. However, there are a selection of four- to five-star hotels on offer, such as the Marriott and Radisson Sas Iveria hotels.

Tourists flying into Georgia will arrive at Tbilisi International Airport. The main carrier in Georgia is Airzena Georgia Airlines, and this operator links Tbilisi to a large number of destinations around Europe and Asia. Other national carriers with flights into Tbilisi include Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines and Czech Air. Travel within Georgia is most efficiently done by bus or car.

Now a contemporary melting pot where Western culture meets eastern traditions, Hong Kong never ceases to amaze travellers. Brimming with dazzling landscapes, phenomenal architecture, ancient temples, and mouth-watering cuisine, Hong Kong is a destination unlike anywhere in the world. Undoubtedly, the most spectacular scenes occur at night, when the lights of Hong Kong’s skyscrapers compete for attention, stunning the world with their illuminating features.

Hong Kong Island, also known as Central District, is undeniably the hub of Hong Kong’s vivacious ambience, and home to many captivating attractions. View the panoramic landscape of this vibrant island from Victoria Peak, the backdrop of Hong Kong’s concrete jungle. Or, take some time to enjoy the plethora of shops, restaurants and museums on offer throughout the island.

If travellers are looking to get away from the pulsating city, then they should visit one of the 260 islands that form this phenomenal area. See the enthralling monastery and giant Buddha at Lantau Island, or take the family on a beach trip to Cheung Chau or Lamma. If you’re a nature lover, then a must-visit destination is the Sai Kung Peninsula. Blessed with natural beauty, this breathtaking national park is a haven for those who enjoy camping, hiking, swimming, or even boating.

Accommodation in Hong Kong is in abundance, but can be quite pricey. Actually, Hong Kong is one of Asia’s most expensive destinations. Travellers on a budget, but still looking to enjoy their holiday, should reserve a large proportion of their money for a hotel. For those looking for luxury, Hong Kong has an abundance of grand hotels which substantially increase in premium locations.

Due to Hong Kong’s economic success and central location, Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) is one of the busiest hubs in the world, catering for over 40 million passengers each year. Cathay Pacific is the main carrier into Hong Kong; however, most national airlines have scheduled flights into HKIA, therefore accessing this destination by air is not an issue.