As a melting pot for the world's cultures and nationalities, Singapore's diversity stands out among its surrounding nations. Its cultural and religious diversity, along with the fact it has no less than four national languages (including English) give it a progressive feel. For those who appreciate architecture, the mix of colonial-era buildings and ultra modern skyscrapers and condos mean they will constantly be in awe of their surroundings. The impeccable standards of cleanliness present in the city are astonishing. Strict laws surrounding this issue mean the municipality is a joy to spend time in.

Phuket is located in southern Thailand in the Andaman Sea. The country's largest island is well renowned for its marvelous white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, colorful fish and coral reefs, but Phuket is also full of vibrant nightlife and great tourist attractions. Visit Laem Phromthep at the island's southern tip to watch the stunning sunset, see the great work being done at Phuket Gibbon Rehabilitation Center, or laze around and do nothing but relax on the 8km long Hat Bang Thao beach.

Colombo is the capital of Sri Lanka and should definitely be on your must-see list when visiting the island. The city used to be known as 'the garden city of the East' and though unlikely to reclaim this moniker, it is still a compelling place. The colonial architecture of the Fort, the lively markets of Pettah and growing number of stylish galleries and shops make Colombo an excellent start or finish to your Sri Lankan expedition. The ever-growing number of eateries serving anything from Sri Lankan to street food, is another reason travellers are starting to flood to the city.

Overnight

Malé is the capital of the Maldives. The city shares its name with the island it is located on. Due to its rapid growth in population, the island has had to be extended artificially. The throbbing city of Male is a fascinating place, offering you the chance to learn about the real life in the Maldives, away from the laid-back pace in the rest of the country. Even though, the sights are here few and far between, the city's lively markets, bright buildings and alcohol-free cafes are definitely worth a visit.

La Digue is the smallest of the three main inhabited Seychelles islands, its population consists of only 2000 people. There is no airport and only a handful of vehicles but thanks to its modest size, you can easily cycle around the whole island - the journey from one settlement to another won't take you longer than 10 minutes. La Digue is laid back, full of beautiful beaches, green hills and bewitching bays - a real tropical paradise. Although, not totally undiscovered by tourists, there are still deserted bays and beaches to be enjoyed.

Victoria is the capital of the Seychelles, the country's economic, political and commercial centre and home to one third of the total population. Despite all of the aforementioned, it is still one of the smallest capital cities in the world and has a strong provincial town feel. Just like other provincial towns, Victoria has its charm: the beautiful botanical gardens, the busy market, the colourful colonial buildings and the city's backdrop of hills make it well worth a visit.