Located in the heart of Southeast Asia, Thailand is the perfect place for a stopover en route to Europe, India or the Middle East. The capital Bangkok is one of Asia’s most exciting cities, offering a fascinating confluence of ancient traditions and modern extravagance.

Key Highlights

Bangkok’s oldest and largest temple, Wat Pho is famous for its 46-metre-long reclining Buddha, which is covered in gold leaf and decorated with stunning mother-of-pearl inlay.

Sometimes referred to as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Wat Phra Kaew is the most important site in Thai Buddhism. A part of the Grand Palace complex, this temple houses a sacred Buddha statue carved of jade, believed to have been crafted in India nearly 2000 years ago.

One of the world’s biggest markets, the Chatuchak Weekend Market is the perfect place to hone your haggling skills and pick up some great souvenirs. The 15,000-odd stalls seem to sell everything from t-shirts, handicrafts and sarongs to live chickens and baby squirrels.

Enjoy a glimpse of the past at one of Bangkok’s renowned Floating Markets. The city’s canals spring to life early each morning as waterborne vendors peddle their wares while paddling canoes.

For a more modern shopping experience, head to Bangkok’s immense Mahboonkrong (MBK) shopping centre. This extremely popular mega-mall is a great place to score bargains on clothes, shoes, handbags, accessories, mobile phones and other electronics.

Bangkok’s largest area of greenery, Lumphini Park offers a refreshing escape from the noise and heat of the city streets. It’s a great place to mix with locals who flock here to practice tai chi, fly kites, go jogging, enjoy a picnic or paddle boats on the large artificial lake.