Things not to miss
#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.
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