ASIA/PACIFIC

Cambodia
Temple Repast
History
Visit the ruins of Angkor Wat with a researcher working on mapping and conserving the site. He or she can usually escort you to spots that are typically closed to the public, where you'll see crews helping preserve the temples. The researcher will then join you for tea or dinner to explain the ongoing efforts to protect the ruins. Cost: $600. Source: Ashley Isaacs Ganz, Artisans of Leisure (800-214-8144; info@artisansofleisure.com; artisansofleisure.com).

China
The Emperor's Bedroom
The Arts, History, Politics
Take a tour of Chonghuagong—Qing dynasty emperor Qianlong's private chambers within Beijing's Forbidden City, which are normally closed to the public. The emperor, who ruled from 1735 to 1796, was known for his literary prowess, and his calligraphy adorning the walls is of particular interest. (He was also a major patron of the arts, commissioning a 36,000-volume catalog of every important work in Chinese culture.) You'll see fine examples of imperial jade, ceramics, and rosewood furniture. Cost: $500. Source: Guy Rubin, Imperial Tours, San Francisco (888-888-1970; guy@imperialtours.net; imperialtours.net).

Better than Takeout
Culinary
Tour a wet market in Beijing or Shanghai with Jereme Leung, founder of the Whampoa Club restaurants in those cities and one of the youngest-ever master chefs. After picking up ingredients, Leung will bring you back to one of his restaurants for a cooking lesson. The chef grew up in Hong Kong and worked in Singapore, so he's well versed in a range of Asian cuisines. Cost: $2,500. Source: Guy Rubin (see the preceding).

India
The Royal Jewels
The Arts
Design your own jewelry with Munnu Kasliwal, owner of Jaipur's famed Gem Palace and considered by some a twenty-first-century Fabergé. Kasliwal, whose family has been crafting jewelry for eight generations, including pieces for the Mogul court, personally helps two visitors annually choose the stones and settings for their pieces. For inspiration, you can even consult the royal jewels in Kasliwal's collection—bought back from faltering maharajas in the last century. Cost: $4,980, including three nights' accommodation. Source: Victor Biswas, International Ventures and Travel, New York City (800-338-2624; victor@ivat.com; ivat.com).

Feast for a King
Culinary, Local Traditions, History
Have a cooking demonstration of local Marwari cuisine by an executive chef from the royal kitchen at Jodhpur's Umaid Bhawan Palace. The palace is still the residence of the maharaja of Jodhpur, although some sections have been turned into a hotel and museum. Vegetarian Marwari dishes are traditionally very spicy and extremely rich, making maximum use of the ingredients available in Rajasthan's desert. You'll pick herbs in the royal garden, purchase ingredients from the city markets, and then watch the chef prepare a meal fit for a king but to be enjoyed by you. The best time of year for this is late September through early October. Cost: $425, including one night's accommodation. Source: Kay Merrill, Are We There Yet, Larkspur, California (888-300-0536, ext. 215; kmerrill@andavotravel.com).