Even though Chittagong is the second biggest city in Bangladesh, its old town feels less claustrophobic than its insane big brother, Dhaka. There are not much to see or do here, beside the usual Bangladesh activities like people watching and getting lost in the streets and bazaars. Though Chittagong has once been a proud seaport, these days the town is probably most famous for the many ship breaking plants along the coast, where huge ships are pull apart by pure manpower for scrap recycling. Unfortunately these plants can be difficult to get into, for no site manager is happy to see a happy-snappy tourist lurking around these polluting death traps.

Let us be hornest, Cox's Bazar is not the prettiest place on earth, or Bangladesh for that matter. A more appropiated name for this beach town would have been Cox's Bizar, for it is quit frankly hiddious and bizar. It is everything that can go wrong with a holdiday resort area, and makes Costa del Sol looks like an architectorial masterpiece. The shore is lined with neverending concret sceletors of upcoming hotels in the worst third-world design, so ugly that they hurt your eyes. The wide beach is a different story and the reason to come here. It is a surprisingly nice stretch of sand and part of the longest beach in world (see also Inani beach). But even here it can get crowded with lazy cows, stray dogs and curious gawkers. Funny enough, hardly anyone swims in sea, a group photo knee deep in the Bay of Bengal is the main idea of beach fun. And the scary part, local tourists just adore the place.

The town of Rangamati lies at the bank of the Kaptai lake and is among the most charming towns in whole of Bangladesh. It spreads out over several bridge-connected hilly islands in the man-made lake, which is a result of the Kaptai dam. The beauty of the place is not just restricted to the nice lake views, but span to the whole countryside around the lake. Here you can find indigenous tribe villages, waterfalls and plenty of lush scenery, that make Bangladeshis believe that they live in the most beautiful country on the globe. Keep in mind, that along with Cox's Bazar, Rangamati is a favorite with local tourists who adores boat trips on the lake.

Brunei River, which snakes trough the capital, is home for about 30.000 people who live on stilt in water villages. Neighbourhoods are connected with a maze of wooden walk boards balancing several meters above the water level. Longer distances are done by zigzagging water taxis that shuttles between the city and the villages, and every point in between. Some have called it The Venice of the East though that might be stretching it a bit too far, but it's probably the liveliest area you will experience in Brunei.

Beside being the second biggest town in East Timor, Baucau can also boost of a bit grand architecture from the Portuguese period. Sure the old colonial buildings are falling apart or covered with weed and graffiti, but hey, this is East Timor. The old Mercado Municipal would certainly have been impressive if it was still in use. Now it just lies as a ghostly reminder from the past with grassing goats as the only visitors. Other points of interest are the Catholic church and the public swimming pool, if there is any water in.

A colonial leftover from the Portuguese. It has been through a lot of war, massacres and general neglect. Burnt-out buildings are still a common sight and the roads are dotted with bottomless manholes, but it has edge and charm like a street urchin. The packed Santa Cruz cemetery along with the Truth Committee center CAVR can give some insight of the violent recent history of this young nation. For a bit tranquility head for nice waterfront which has several narrow beaches and clear view to Atauro island. These day the town is fueled by UN and NGO money, meaning there exists a surprising good selection of eating places. The best part thought, the locals are still friendly, honest and welcoming.

Kagoshima would be fairly ordinary Japanese mid-sized city pleasantly located on the shore of a bay, if it wasn't for the huge and active volcano Sakurajima on the other side. Last major eruption was in 1914 when it covered the town deep in ashes. Today it's one of the most active volcanoes in the world and blows smoke and ashes over the city frequently which make an umbrella handy. The schools have taken this one step further and added a yellow helmet to their school uniforms, which make the kids look like Bob the Builder. The volcano can be visited (though not climbed) and please note the many concrete shelters in case of Sakurajima should rumble.

Pakse is slowly developing into a charming travel hub. Beside being used as a gateway for the neighboring countries (yes all of them; Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia) and access point to the Four Thousands Islands further south, it works nicely as a base to explore the rich surroundings. Within a day travels you can visit the Khmer ruins of Wat Phu Champasak, peek over the highest waterfalls in the country and go coffee tasting on the Bolaven plateau. A cheap rental scooter can even bring you around on the multi-days Southern Loop. Back in Pakse, you can relax down at the Se Don or Mekong river with a mandatory Beer Lao in your hand. How easy can it be!

Another appealing seaside town with an ancient history as a flourishing trading port. Today Sidon is the third largest city in Lebanon, but the reason to come here is the old quarter near the harbour. A confusing maze of twisting lanes and narrow passages with low hanging dodgy wirings. This is the real deal, not an open-air museum, which is very much alive with people, houses, souqs, mosques and even an old khan (rest place for caravans). Some parts are getting immaculate renovated, almost too sterile, but we are sure that the place won't loose all of its charismatic chaos.

Myanmar is full of long lost places and the little mountain town of Pyin U Lwin is just such example. Located at about 1000m in the cool hills it makes a great getaway from the hot Mandalay in summertime. Sweater shops are the hot thing here and occupy some of the grand old colonial houses that stand along the main street. Tea houses are hidden in the side alleys along with the mosque, church, Buddhist monastery, and even a Chinese temple. Beside bike cycles, the primary transportation is horse wagons and the railway pass by here, making it a grateful stop on the way northeast.