Hong Kong Is A Unique Destination—a crossroads of sorts that mixes cutting-edge fashion and centuries-old Chinese culture. Last July, Hong Kong (pictured) celebrated its 10-year anniversary of its handover from Britain back to Chinese sovereignty with an impressive display of fireworks on the Kowloon waterfront.

While the party was in full swing, neighbor Macao—37 miles to the southwest—made a racket of its own with full-tilt construction to the tune of billions of dollars. In past decades, Macao (also spelled "Macau") has flown under travel agents' radar as a possible destination for their clients. That's about to change in a big way, as investment is flowing into the gambling mecca.

Getting to Macao from Hong Kong is a simple matter. High-speed catamarans and jetfoils make frequent roundtrip, one-hour journeys between Hong Kong and Macao. There is also regularly scheduled helicopter service—a 20-minute flight—between the two destinations, operated by Heli Express.

It's hard to say if Americans will come to Macao in significant numbers. At present, the easily reached island, which mixes Portuguese and Chinese culture, makes a colorful and exciting add-on to a Hong Kong journey.

Thailand is known as the land of a thousand smiles, and nowhere is that more evident than Bangkok. From the vendors at the floating market to the expert Thai therapists at the luxurious spas and the waiters at the five-star restaurants, the famous Thai hospitality can be found throughout this energetic city.

The Sukhothai Hotel (www.sukhothaihotel.com), a member of the Leading Hotels of the World, is in the heart of Bangkok. The property's Thai details, from the fabric used on the pillows and bed coverings to the rich silks that cover the walls and the teak-wood finishings found throughout the hotel, will immediately make visitors feel a sense of place.

A signature design element is the extra large bathroom—complete with Jacuzzi bathtub, separate shower, double sinks and changing area.

Recommend the Deluxe Suites for families; the corner suites offer the best views and are the most spacious. For high-end travelers, look no further than the Sukhothai Suite, which has hosted movie stars and diplomats and features a baby grand piano, full kitchen, study, bedroom with spacious dressing room and grand bathroom. This suite occupies the top floor of the main building and commands sweeping views of the gardens and the city skyline.