From the nomadic steppes of Kazakhstan to the frenzied streets of Hanoi, Asia is a continent so full of intrigue, adventure, solace and spirituality that it has fixed and bewildered travelers for centuries. From sublime coasts to snow-capped mountains, from the majestic Mekong River to the jungle rich in wild animals, Asian landscapes have an immediacy and vitality that captivate and enchant. Huge expanses of desert descend from inhospitable mountains, which in turn give way to seemingly impenetrable forests. Almost all of the world's climates are represented here; hike the arched Gobi dunes or sunbathe on the tropical sand-fringed islands of the South China Sea.

From the nomadic steppes of Kazakhstan to the frenzied streets of Hanoi, Asia is a continent so full of intrigue, adventure, solace and spirituality that it has fixed and bewildered travelers for centuries. From sublime coasts to snow-capped mountains, from the majestic Mekong River to the jungle rich in wild animals, Asian landscapes have an immediacy and vitality that captivate and enchant. Huge expanses of desert descend from inhospitable mountains, which in turn give way to seemingly impenetrable forests. Almost all of the world's climates are represented here; hike the arched Gobi dunes or sunbathe on the tropical sand-fringed islands of the South China Sea.