Things not to miss in Thailand

#01 Ko Kood

An untamed beauty, fringed by very pretty beaches.

#02 Ayutthaya

River boats and bicycles are the perfect way to explore the scattered temple ruins of this former capital.

#03 Vegetarian Festival, Phuket

During Taoist Lent, fasting Chinese devotees test their spiritual resolve with acts of gruesome self-mortification.

#04 Khmer ruins

The Khmers of neighbouring Angkor left a chain of magnificent temple complexes across the northeast, including this one at Phimai.

#05 Chatuchak Weekend Market

Thailand’s top shopping experience features over eight thousand stalls selling everything from cooking pots to designer lamps.

#06 Wat Pho

A lively and lavish temple, encompassing the awesome Reclining Buddha.

#07 Nakhon Si Thammarat

Home to superb food and the chief religious and cultural riches of the south.

#08 Khao Yai National Park

Easy trails and tours, night safaris and a healthy cast of hornbills and gibbons.

#09 Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai

One of the most harmonious ensembles of temple architecture in the country.

#10 The Mae Hong Son loop

A spectacular 600km trip, winding over steep forested mountains.

An agricultural tourist attraction during the rainy season, Mae La Noi, Huay Hom district, Mae Hong Son © napat intaroon/Shutterstock

#11 The Grand Palace

No visitor should miss this huge complex, which encompasses the country’s holiest and most beautiful temple, Wat Phra Kaeo.

#12 Thai cookery classes in Chiang Mai

Of the many courses on offer in the town, cookery classes are the most instantly gratifying and popular.

#13 Nan

Set in rich mountain scenery, with a strong handicraft tradition and some intriguing temples.

#14 Traditional massage

Combining elements of acupressure and yoga, a pleasantly brutal way to end the day.

#15 Full moon party at Hat Rin, Ko Pha Ngan

Apocalypse Now without the war.

© NicoElNino/Shutterstock

#16 Ko Lanta

A popular choice for families, with its many long beaches and plentiful but low-key resort facilities.

#17 Trekking

Walking through the beautiful, rainforested scenery of northern Thailand’s mountains comes with the bonus of getting to know the fascinating hill tribes.

#18 Riding the Death Railway, River Kwai

Thailand’s most scenic train journey is also its most historic, using the track constructed by World War II POWs.

#19 Rock-climbing

Even novice climbers can scale the cliffs at Ko Yao Noi, Phi Phi or the Railay peninsula for an unbeatable perspective on the Andaman seascape.

#20 Sukhothai

Hire a bicycle to explore the elegant ruins of Thailand’s thirteenth-century capital.