Ask most travelers what comes to mind when they picture Vietnam, and you'll likely hear about street food stalls (picture the small, colorful stools) or backpacker trails. The culinary traditions of Vietnam are one of the primary reasons many of my clients want to travel to this incredible country, but it’s not the only cultural highlight.

During my recent trip to Malaysia with EXO Travel, we started our journey in Kuala Lumpur and Ipoh. After leaving Ipoh, we traveled north to Penang and then to Langkawi island. These latter destinations were very special and could each merit their own dedicated trip.

I recently returned from a journey through Malaysia exploring Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh, Penang, and Langkawi. What surprised me most was how approachable luxury travel felt here. Incredible hotels, thoughtful service, fascinating culture, and world-class food all delivered with a level of value that’s hard to match elsewhere.

Asia is often the trip people dream about—but hesitate to book. If you’re considering your first journey to Asia, three destinations consistently rise to the top: Vietnam, Thailand, and Japan. Each offers unforgettable culture, food, and experiences—but they’re very different trips.

If Vietnam has been on your radar but feels a little intimidating, you’re not alone. It’s a destination that feels big and exciting—and with the right planning, incredibly rewarding. Vietnam is ideal for first-time visitors to Southeast Asia because it offers depth without discomfort: excellent hotels, unforgettable food, and a fascinating blend of history and modern life. A thoughtfully designed itinerary allows you to experience vibrant cities, charming old towns, and peaceful countryside without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

Our guide for how to explore the dynamic city of Bangkok - from hotels, rooftop bars, cultural experiences, and more.

Luxurious and unique experiences we offer our clients in Southeast Asia.

Highlights from my first trip to Japan and destination tips and planning info.

If you’re thinking about a trip to Japan, start here. Know when to go, where to go, and what to do once you get there. We can help design your perfect itinerary for a Japan trip.

A look at a luxury trip around Thailand’s beautiful islands and the bustling city of Bangkok.

River cruises may be right for you - what to know about planning a river cruise vacation.

Direct flights from major US cities, such as New York and Los Angeles, have made it convenient to reach places once considered far away and complicated. Here are five diverse destinations—Korea, India, UAE, Singapore, and Taiwan—easily accessed by non-stop flights from the US

Vietnam is one of our favorite countries and there is so much to see from North to South. Read on to learn more about what you can experience in Vietnam’s varied destinations.

Sharing some of our favorite experiences in Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia.

We love Southeast Asia and want to share the higlights of our favorite destinations including Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos.