Highlights of Malay Peninsula

The northern city of Chiang Mai is one of the most attractive in Thailand, less frenetic than Bangkok and the altitude means it's much cooler and less humid than the capital. Chiang Mai has over 300 temples, the most impressive and revered being Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, located on the peak of Doi Suthep at 1,676 metres, which offers superb views of the city and surrounding countryside. The city is home to some of the best food in Thailand and is a great place to have a Thai cooking lesson. Chiang Mai is also famous for its Night Bazaar, where you can buy local Lanna handicrafts and the traditional goods of the hilltribe people. The Tribal Museum is well worth a visit, to gain an insight into the cultures and customs of the hilltribe peoples of northern Thailand.

Bangkok is Thailand's huge and bustling capital, a chaotic and cosmopolitan city with many attractions. The most spectacular of these is the opulent and magnificent Grand Palace, reached on one of Bangkok's renowned waterways or klongs. Built in the late 18th century when Thailand was re-emerging from Burmese oppression, the complex is a vast collection of palaces, golden stupas, ornately decorative statues and wats, of which Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) is the most impressive. Wat Po, home of the famous 46 metre long gold-plated Reclining Buddha, is another must-see. Elsewhere in the city, Jim Thompson's House is a museum containing superb examples of Thai art and furniture, collected by the former CIA officer and silk magnate. Shops and markets such as Chatuchak Market sell a huge range of Thai goods while at night Bangkok comes alive with a huge variety of restaurants, bars and nightclubs.

Penang Island, just off the north-western coast of Malaysia, has been dubbed the "Pearl of the Orient". Its capital George Town was an historic trading port and was ruled by the British between the 18th and 20th centuries. With one of the most diverse populations in Asia, it's a fascinating town to wander and explore its rich cultural heritage and sample the huge variety of cuisines available. Sites of interest include Fort Cornwallis (built in 1808 to defend the island) and the Chinese Clan bridge houses built on stilts. Elsewhere on Penang you can visit Wat Chayamangkalaram, a Thai architectural Buddhist Temple which houses a 32 metre reclining Buddha, the majestic Kek Lok Si Temple and the Botanical Gardens as well as numerous villages, beaches and mosques and Buddhist temples.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Melaka and George Town, Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca

Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur, or KL, is a fascinating city combining the traditional with the modern and with a vibrant and diverse ethnic mix. Its most prominent features include Merdeka Square, the Petronas Towers (the world’s tallest twin-towered buildings) and the 421 metre tall Menara Kuala Lumpur, which offers great views of the city. KL has strong Indian and Chinese, as well as Malay, influences and some of the best markets and restaurants in the region. Close to KL at Kampung Kuantan is one of the world's largest colonies of fireflies, producing a spectacular synchronised and rhythmic display at night. You can also visit the Batu Caves to explore the vast underground chambers of stalactites and stalagmites.

Melaka

Melaka was founded in the 15th century and soon became an important trading port on the route between the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It underwent three successive periods of European rule (Portuguese, Dutch and British) before gaining independence with Malaysia in 1957. This historic heritage and a cosmopolitan cultural mix makes Melaka a fascinating town to explore. Attractions of note include the tomb of Huang Kasturi, Cheng Hoon Teng Temple (the oldest Chinese temple in Malaysia) and the Kampung Kling Mosque but Melaka's highlight is wandering the old, narrow streets, shopping for antiques and tasting the distinctive Nyonya cuisine at the many open air restaurants.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Melaka and George Town, Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca

Yogyakarta is the cultural capital of Java with a myriad of cultural influences including 8th century Buddhist and Hindu temples, 18th century Islamic palaces and colonial Dutch architecture. Its main attraction is the Sultan's Palace complex, a huge walled city containing the 18th century Kraton Palace as well as markets and mosques. There are many museums to learn about Javanese history including the Sonobudoyo Museum, which contains an excellent collection of Javanese masks, batiks and puppets. The markets in Malioboro Street offer opportunities to purchase batik, silver and leatherware. Cultural shows in Yogyakarta include gamelan concerts with traditional dancing, Wayang or shadow-puppet shows and Ramayana Ballet, an adaptation of the Hindu epic.