The first recommendation comes from my Conde Nast Traveler partner in crime Hanya Yanagihara, who hops around Asia all the time and wrote the magazine's Southeast Asia Iconic Itinerary. Hanya has a thing for historic cities--as opposed to, say, beach towns. Here's her suggestion:

"From Hong Kong you could fly to Beijing for three nights--obviously, you could spend much longer, but three nights is enough to whet your appetite, explore the city's arts scene and museums, and contrast it to Hong Kong. Hong Kong may be more crackling, but I think it's a gap that's fast closing. Then I'd have her change pace and visit another seat of government and learning, Hanoi. Northern Vietnam is very close, culturally, to China, and I think she'll see many of its echoes there, in its temples and old universities, etc. I'd say two to three nights there. But Hanoi was, of course, also beloved by the colonizing French, who left (beautifully maintained) architectural souvenirs everywhere. She'll see more of the work of colonization with a few nights in slow, sleepy Luang Prabang, best known to backpackers but possessed of some lovely hotels, an outsize share of temples, and a fascinating history.

It's the Cold War triangle, if you will: Three cities in three countries whose fortunes have changed so profoundly in the past 150-odd years or so, and all examples of how colonization and intervention from the West is written across Asia, as well as the vast differences--in infrastructure, in modernity, in reverence for the old and desire for the new--between countries so close to one another in historic and religious origins. Hope that helps."

As you may surmise, Hanya -- like yours truly -- is accustomed to moving at a breakneck pace. Which is understandable if you must travel for work the way Hanya and I must, but may not be how you want to spend a vacation.

Therefore, I also contacted Asia travel expert Sandy Ferguson of Asia Desk. Sandy is one of the rock stars on my annual list of the world's best travel agents. I've received rave reviews about him from dozens of Conde Nast Traveler readers who've booked Asia itineraries through him. He's also the person I handpicked to design and book Hanya's Southeast Asia Iconic Itinerary.

This from Sandy:

"Okay, let's say 10 land nights, with Hong Kong as the first stop. May is a good month for central Vietnam and the southern coastal parts of Vietnam. It's starting to rain by May in Luang Prabang. My suggestion, to avoid Hanya-induced travel overkill, is that Megan focus her 10 nights in Hong Kong and Vietnam, starting with two nights in HK and connecting through HK on her way home.

Day 1: Arrive Hong Kong for 2 nights at the Mandarin Oriental (Deluxe Harbour View Room)

Day 2: Explore Hong Kong

Day 3: Fly to Hanoi for 2 nights at the Sofitel Metropole (Classic Deluxe Room)

Day 4: Explore Hanoi

Day 5: Excursion to Halong Bay by private air-taxi & overnight train to Hue.

Day 6: Arrive Hue for 1 night at La Residence (Deluxe Riverview Room in the Original Building)

Day 7: Drive to Hoi An for 2 nights at Life Resort (Riverview Junior Suite)

Day 8: Explore Hoi An

Day 9: Fly to Saigon for 1 night at the Park Hyatt (Park Room)

Day 10: Connect through Hong Kong home"

A few explanatory notes from Sandy:

"The new Tulico Huong Giang Train from Hanoi to Hue adds a real sense of adventure, especially after a couple of nights at the Metropole in Hanoi. The private compartments for two people are excellent. The "train" is really just four restored cars that are attached to the Vietnam Rail regular overnight service to Hue. It leaves around 7 p.m. and gets in 12 hours later, giving early birds great views as the train hugs the coast after sunrise and also crosses the old DMZ before arriving in Hue.

Also the helicopter air-taxis to Halong Bay are new and so is the equipment: no more Russian birds that flew in Afghanistan carting folks out there. We suggest taking the air-taxi out in the morning and coming back by road after a cruise. Or, charter an air-taxi for the day and land far out in the bay and meet your boat there. The chopper then meets you at another spot after your cruise and runs you back to Hanoi."

Funny thing is, I did almost exactly the same Vietnam itinerary eight years ago--including the overnight train--only that was before the decent train car and air-taxi and most of these cushy hotels existed.

Megan, I hope this gives you some direction. I cannot emphasize enough the importance of booking this through Sandy rather than on your own; a trip arranged by him includes all manner of special touches and insider access that you can't get on your own (as is the case with all the travel specialists on my list; that's why they're on the list). Sandy can be reached here. Bon voyage!

Oh . . . and if anyone is China-bound and wants to download my 12-day China Iconic Itinerary, you can do so here.