Cambodia
Currency: Riel
Value of US$1 today: 4,080
Value five years ago: 4,008
Percent Change: +1.8
Phnom Penh's Raffles Hotel Le Royal is a French colonial confection as impressive today as it was when it opened in 1929. Its pool is one of the loveliest of any hotel, and the excellent $21 dinner buffet is a steal. The Royal Palace, the National Museum, and the devastating killing fields of Cheung Ek are all close by (855-23-981-888; phnompenh.raffles.com; doubles, $150-$200). In Siem Reap, the cosseting Le Méridien is the hotel nearest to Angkor Wat and offers a welcome respite after a morning of temple viewing (855-63-963-900; starwoodhotels.com; doubles, $185–$300).

Laos
Currency: Kip
Value of US$1 today: 9,775
Value five years ago: 7,905
Percent Change: +23.7
Luang Prabang's remarkably preserved Buddhist temples earned it a UNESCO World Heritage Site designation; the town's gracious indolence and its setting on the mighty Mekong have won it a spot on the short list of Asian must-see destinations. Once the home of a prince, the Maison Souvannaphoum is a 24-room hotel a stroll from the center of town. Its inviting pool and fine restaurant will tempt you to stay put, but don't miss the night market, where what you pay is determined by how hard you bargain. Watching the morning procession of monks doesn't cost a thing, and making an offering of food is said to do wonders for your karma (856-71-254-609; coloursofangsana.com/souvannaphoum; doubles, $160–$280).

Maldives
Currency: Rufiyaa
Value of US$1 today: 12.94
Value five years ago: 12.69
Percent Change: +1.9
The Maldives has several dozen resorts, each on its own islet, most freshly refurbished following the 2004 tsunami. One of the newest developments is the Thai-owned Anantara Resort, with its thatched-roof bungalows on the beach and over the sea, as well as a first-rate spa, a restaurant, and dive excursions (960-664-4100; maldives.anantara.com; doubles, $500–$600).

Vietnam
Currency: Dong
Value of US$1 today: 16,272
Value five years ago: 16,005
Percent Change: +1.6
Far from Vietnam's popular beach resorts and teeming World Heritage Sites, Sapa is a quiet mountain town near the Chinese border. It's known for clean air, mountain vistas, and the colorful culture of nearby hill tribes. The Victoria Sapa Resort has what could well be the country's best restaurant, a spa, and fireplaces that take the chill out of the evening air. The overnight journey from Hanoi on the elegant Victoria Express train alone is worth the trip (84-20-871-522; victoriahotels-asia.com; doubles, $145–$160; entrées, $12–$22; round-trip train ticket, $125 per person).