Cambodia's best-known attraction may be the ancient temple city of Angkor Wat, but this Southeast Asian country is far from a one-trick pony. From Phnom Penh's bright lights and bustling streets to Kampot's sleepy riverside vibes and Mondulkiri's elephant sanctuaries to Koh Rong Samloem's palm-fringed beaches, the best things to do in Cambodia are as varied as its landscapes—and its history. Marred by beauty, tragedy, and resilience, the stories and scars of Cambodia's past can still be seen in its ornate, crumbling temples, colonial architecture, Khmer Rouge prisons, and Killing Fields.

Vast and diverse, one of Earth’s oldest and largest civilizations, China is a country that attracts superlatives. Things to do in China span the gamut from Xian’s ancient Terracotta Warriors to Shanghai’s futuristic skyline via spectacular landscapes like Zhangjiajie and the Three Gorges. Many travelers, however, focus on just a handful of cities: Beijing for the Great Wall, Forbidden City, and Summer Palace; Shanghai for canal towns, Suzhou, Hangzhou, and the Bund; and Hong Kong, perhaps the easiest place for travelers to start a lifelong love affair with China.

Ancient traditions blend harmoniously with cutting-edge technology and futuristic fashion in Japan. A visit to this astonishing country can be disorienting, yet sights often feel familiar thanks to cultural touchstones like sushi, sumo, and manga. From exploring the bustling streets and one-of-a-kind restaurants of the high-energy cities of Tokyo and Osaka to strolling around the calming temples of Kyoto and soaking in the relaxing onsens of Hakone, you’ll find more than a lifetime’s worth of things to do in Japan.

Laos is a country that travelers often omit when visiting Southeast Asia—yet, once visited, it proves impossible to forget. From the mysterious Plain of Jars to rocks infused with dinosaur bones, from the lazy charm of Si Phan Don (Four Thousand Islands) to the soaring eaves of Luang Prabang, every type of traveler will find things to do in Laos. With the exception of Vang Vieng, a tourist-oriented town in the nation’s center, Laos remains largely unspoiled. Fascinating tribal cultures sit alongside fine French restaurants, while simple stilt homes nestle beside gilded stupas.

Myanmar is a culturally rich destination known for golden pagodas, ancient cities, and tranquil landscapes. Top places to see include Bagan, with its vast plains of temples best explored by e-bike or hot-air balloon at sunrise; Yangon, home to the iconic Shwedagon Pagoda and colonial-era streets; Mandalay, the cultural heart with nearby ancient capitals and monasteries; and Inle Lake, known for floating villages, markets, and unique leg-rowing fishermen. Key experiences include temple exploration, river cruises, visiting local markets, and slowing down to absorb the country’s spiritual and rural atmosphere.

Nepal, a tiny country between giants, offers multiple Himalayan mountain peaks and welcoming arms. Trekking and climbing are popular things to do in Nepal, but plenty more come for the culture. Nepal is a melting pot of religions, from Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, and more. Every day seems to be a religious festival. The south of Nepal has an entirely different feel, with jungle safaris showcasing elephants, protected tigers, and the native one-horned rhino. Nepal truly has something or everyone.

As one of Southeast Asia’s top travel spots, the Land of Smiles has long welcomed travelers to its dazzling cities, idyllic islands, and temple-topped highlands. From the bright lights of Bangkok to the lush jungles of the north and the beautiful beaches of the south, Thailand has something spectacular everywhere you look. That said, some of the best things to do in Thailand are less about sights and more about sensation—like the feeling of zipping around the capital in a tuk-tuk, joining street-food cooking classes, or relaxing in a hammock under a coconut palm.

Tibet remains a land of mystery, even in the 21st century. Although its reputation as a difficult place to visit is not entirely wrong—you do need a special permit and to travel on a tour—it’s also accessible with advanced planning. And it’s worth it. Whether you’re interested in hiking to Everest Base Camp, completing a kora (sacred circuit) of Mount Kailash, or sipping butter tea with monks in one of its estimated 1,700 monasteries, there are many things to do in Tibet.

Cultures have never clashed harder than they do in Vietnam. One part decidedly cosmopolitan, one part ancient and agricultural, all eras—and ways of life—simultaneously exist in this Southeast Asian destination. For travelers, the best things to do in Vietnam involve experiencing it all, from Saigon’s epic street food and markets to Ha Long Bay’s dramatic landscapes, from the lantern-lit avenues of Hoi An to the beaches of Nha Trang. To get a complete picture of Vietnam, one thing’s for sure: You’ll need to explore.