Thailand

Bangkok is everything you'd expect from the capital of Thailand: it's noisy, crowded, colorful, exciting, infuriating, and smile-inducing. There are temples, ancient sites, and other attractions to be visited, as well as modern shopping malls that have a kitschy yet high-end ambience. Bangkok can be overwhelming, but it's also a fascinating city that represents Southeast Asia's tension between the developed and developing worlds. Bangkok also serves as a gateway to many other parts of Thailand. From here, you can hop a short flight to Phuket, Chiang Mai, Koh Samui, and other popular destinations. You can also board a train or hop on a bus for little money, and visit national treasures such as Ayutthaya, Lopburi, and many other gems around the country.

If you only visit one major historical tourist attraction in Bangkok, this should be the one. The royal compound lives up to its name, with spectacular structures that would put the most decadent modern monarchs to shame. It's also the home of Wat Phra Kaeo, which houses the Jade (or Emerald) Buddha. Built in 1782, the grand palace was the royal residence for generations and is still used for important ceremonies and accommodating heads of state. Dress modestly when visiting the Grand Palace, which basically means covering your arms and legs and avoiding any sloppy attire.

Wat Pho is best known for the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, where you'll find a statue so big (45 meters long and 15 meters high), it cannot be viewed in its entirety but only appreciated in sections. The soles of the feet, inlaid with a myriad of precious stones, are particularly beautiful. Look also for the long earlobes signifying noble birth, and the lotus-bud configuration of the hand to symbolize purity and beauty.

Sheer luck (or lack thereof) makes this attraction special. During the 1950s, the East Asiatic Company purchased the land around the temple. A condition of the sale was the removal of a plaster statue of Buddha, but the statue proved too heavy for the crane being used. The cable parted and the figure was dropped, being left overnight where it fell. It happened to be in the rainy season, and when next morning some monks walked past, they noticed a glint of gold shining through the plaster. The coating was removed, revealing a 3.5-meter Buddha cast from 5.5 tons of solid gold. All attempts to trace the origin of this priceless statue have so far failed, but it is assumed to date from the Sukhothai period, when marauding invaders threatened the country and its treasures, and it became common practice to conceal valuable Buddha figures beneath a coating of plaster. No one knows how it came to Bangkok, but here it stands, available for the admiration of visitors from all over the world.

History buffs will want to devote at least half a sightseeing day to the national museum. Until the mid-1970s, this was Thailand's only museum, which explains why its collection is so big and diverse. King Rama I's Wang Na Palace, located within the grounds of the museum, remains essentially as it was, and stands as a testament to Thai history. Visitors can see regalia, religious and ceremonial artifacts, ceramics, games, weaponry, musical instruments, and the Viceroy's throne, as well as an impressive collection of Buddha figures arranged according to period.

Bangkok's sprawling semi-outdoor weekend market is the largest in the world. Shoppers can find everything from jewellery and religious icons to pet supplies, paper lamps, and delicious street food here. Chatuchak Market is home to over 15,000 stalls offering just about anything you can dream up—even better, any souvenir you might want is probably available here at a much cheaper price than anywhere else in Bangkok. This is a great place to mingle with locals and immerse yourself in everyday Thai life, so arrive early and clear your schedule for the rest of the day if you want to do this place justice.

For an even more interesting market experience, you can arrange a tour to Damnoen Saduak, a famous floating market located in Ratchaburi (about 1.5 hours outside Bangkok). The popularity of floating markets once earned Bangkok the nickname "Venice of the East." Keep in mind that floating markets are now highly touristic enterprises, so don't expect an exclusive morning of shopping by boat—but you will be able to buy fresh and delicious foods and interact with locals in an authentic way.

Phuket is Thailand's largest island, and arguably the most famous. Blue waters, sandy beaches, spicy Thai cuisine, and excellent snorkelling and diving are all part of the appeal. Arriving from all over the world, travellers flock to Phuket for relaxation and adventure and the island rates as one of the most popular destinations in Thailand. Phuket has an exceptional climate with warm, sunny days year-round. Phuket is also easy to access; it's a short one-hour flight from all the big-city attractions of Bangkok.

Phuket's longest beach was also once its most beautiful, until development and tourism turned it into a bustling hub of activity rather than a retreat from the world. Still, Patong is great for people watching and part of the fun of Thailand is that (in addition to being a land of smiles) it is one of contrasts. You may not be able to find a quiet spot on Patong to read and contemplate life, but you'll find plenty of shopping and activity to keep you entertained.

Fringed with casuarinas and palms, Kata Beach is a lovely, curving bay hugged by lush hillsides at either end. It's more peaceful than Patong Beach with less hawkers. A tiny islet sits just offshore and the beach itself is broad, with soft, white sand and decent snorkelling spots at either end. If you want an even quieter slice of shoreline, head south to adjacent Kata Noi Beach.

Phuket Town lies on the southeastern coast of the island on a picturesque bay. This island city bustles with activity thanks to its many hotels, restaurants, massage parlours and other tourist attractions that have sprung up in the decades since Patong Beach was opened to development in 1980. The architecture reflects the influence of Chinese immigrants and a Portuguese aesthetic and provides an interesting contrast to the more traditional Thai styles seen elsewhere. Make sure you stroll through the streets of Old Phuket Town, with its well-preserved shophouses, Sino-Portuguese mansions, temples, and shrines.

You may be tempted to lounge on the beach for your entire stay. But if you're willing to exert just a little effort during your island getaway, sign up for an island tour to discover the stunning seascape surrounding Phuket. Particular mention must be made of Maphrao, Nakha Yai, and Nakha Noi (on the east coast, with pearl culture at the latter) as well as Koh Kaeo, Racha Noi, and Racha Yai (off the southern tip) and finally little Koh Poo on the west coast off Hat Kata. Organized tours are the best way to make sure you see all the highlights. The nine-hour, guided Phang Nga Bay Day Trip from Phuket includes a visit to the distinctive "James Bond Rocks," and the eight-hour Phuket to Phi Phi Islands Tour takes you to Koh Phi Phi and the famous Maya Bay beach from the Leonardo DiCaprio movie The Beach. An expert guide, transportation, food, and refreshments are all included.

The waters around Phuket Island offer some of the best diving and snorkelling in Thailand, with typically excellent conditions. Visibility is good, and the water temperature ranges from 26 to 30 degrees Celsius. Apart from colorful corals and tropical fish, you can see seahorses, sea turtles, manta rays, and even whale sharks. Many travellers come to Thailand to complete their scuba diving certification because the courses tend to be more affordable here than other countries. Some dive operators will take you to Koh Phi Phi, one of the world's most beautiful islands and other picturesque locations. Once you've earned your certification, consider checking out Similan Islands National Park. Comprised of eleven uninhabited islands, this area is famous for its superb diving.

Thailand's famous beach resort town of Pattaya has developed a colorful reputation over the years. Located less than 200 kilometers from Thailand's capital city of Bangkok, it's a convenient place to enjoy the sun, sand, and sea. Pattaya's is now one of the most popular beach destinations in Southeast Asia.

The sprawling park at Nong Nooch (pronounced "nung nut") Village offers a variety of activities for all the family. Walkways wind among colorful themed gardens, including a topiary garden; 17th-century French garden; European Renaissance garden; and species-specific gardens featuring plants like tropical palms, succulents, and bonsai. The magnificent orchid garden will awaken the inner horticulturist in anyone. Live shows at the Thai Cultural Hall add to the line-up with performances of traditional Thai dancing, sword-fighting, Thai kickboxing, and an elephant show of dubious ethical quality.

This 18-meter-tall golden statue of the Buddha looking peaceful and relaxed perches atop the wooded Pratamnak Hill south of Pattaya. Climb the steep stairs, adorned on both sides with golden Naga snakes, to see the statue up close and admire the several smaller Buddhas surrounding it. Many locals come here to pray for good health, happiness, and prosperity. You can also enjoy beautiful views over Pattaya and the bay from the top of the hill.

A 30-minute speed boat ride or 45-minute ferry ride from Pattaya, Koh Larn (also called Koh Lan) is a relatively peaceful escape from tourist-packed Pattaya. Several white-sand beaches stretch along the shores of the island, with food stalls, restroom facilities, and plenty of water sports. Parasailing, banana boat rides, and underwater Sea Walking are some of the most popular. Tien is one of the prettiest beaches, and monkeys frolic on Nual Beach.

The first and only floating market in Pattaya, this bustling hive of commerce is divided into different sections selling merchandise from the four major areas of Thailand. Souvenirs, arts, crafts and clothing are among the many items sold here and it's also a great place to indulge in some exotic cuisine.

Underwater World might not be as big as other aquariums, but it's home to an impressive array of sea creatures from different underwater environments. Here, at Thailand's first modern aquarium you can feed koi fish from bottles, get up close to sharks and rays, feel the texture of sea creatures in the touch pool and see Thailand's largest collection of jellyfish.