As the majority of the country’s population are practicing Theravada Buddhists, one of the most prominent sights around Thailand from Bangkok to Chiang Mai are the tiered rooftops of grand temples (known as wats).

Thanks to its combination of such fascinating culture with a low cost of living, Thailand attracts thousands of backpackers each year, with numerous hostels in Thailand providing cheap accommodation for travelers exploring the country’s sights.

Bangkok

Often the first point of call for backpackers in Thailand, the hectic modern surface of the capital city, Bangkok, conceals a history that’s bound up with its numerous impressive temples.

Home to the country’s most famous attraction, the Grand Palace, Bangkok is at the heart of the Thai Kingdom and its cultural heritage. In the grounds of the Palace complex lies Wat Phra Kaeo, or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha – Thailand’s most sacred site.

Whilst the Emerald Buddha is small in size, it’s often considered to be the most important image in Thailand. Moved to its current location in 1784, legend places its origins in India with years of Southeast Asia fighting around (and over) it in between.

In addition to this celebrated image, there are paintings and figures inside the wat which depict the mythology of Ramakien, the Thai version of the Hindu epic of the hero Rama.

Just to the south of the Grand Palace, the dazzling Wat Pho is also a popular attraction in Bangkok. The oldest temple in the city, it dates back to the 17th century and is famous for its huge reclining Buddha.

With regards to a place to stay, there are a number of hostels in Bangkok offering both cheap private rooms and dorms to travelers exploring these stunning sights. Many of the best (and most affordable) hostels are situated in Banglamphu, a hub for travelers in the city and in easy reach of the Grand Palace.

However, these temples are just part of Bangkok’s rich history – other highlights include the Wat Mangkon Kamalawat, beautifully decorated with Chinese dragons, and the large Wat Arun, one of the city’s most distinctive landmarks.

Old Sukhothai

North of Bangkok, the ruins of the walled city of Sukhothai lie on Thailand’s central plains. Easily accessible by bus via the modern settlement nearby, there are also some convenient hostels in the vicinity.

Dating back to the 13th century, the city originally housed around 40 separate temples. Today, the most important site is the large Wat Mahathat, surrounded by a moat and filled with the remains of many of Sukhothai’s ancient monuments.

Chiang Mai

Heading further north, public transport whisks backpackers on to Chiang Mai. This laidback and old-fashioned city is an intriguing sight in itself, although it’s mainly a center for hilltribe trekking in the mountains which surround it.

The beautiful Wat Phra Singh is the city’s must-see temple with its exemplary 19th century Lanna architecture, interior murals and gilded roof pediment. To the east sit the ruins of Wat Chedi Luang, once home to the Emerald Buddha, but destroyed by an earthquake in 1545.

Wat Phu Tok

Thailand’s least visited region, the northeastern province of Issan is home to Wat Phu Tok, a stunning retreat perched on the rocky outcrops of the red hills to the east of Nong Khai.

Built by meditation master Phra Ajaan Juen, it winds itself into the cliffs with wooden walkways that represent the seven levels of Buddhist enlightenment. The top level, on the flat of the hill, is in the midst of an overgrown forest.

Although it’s best reached by car, Wat Phu Tok is also accessible by bus from Bung Kan or the nearest town, Ban Siwilai, where there are also a handful of budget hotels providing beds for backpackers exploring the region.

Fancy joining the world’s biggest water fight? Your timing’s perfect, visitors to Thailand during April will have a chance to get involved with the famous Songkran Festival. All across Thailand for four straight days you’re going to get wet, but you’ll have a lot of fun.

Celebrated annually with great gusto and, oh yes, a lot of water, Songkran is the highlight of the Thai festival calendar. It’s an event all children and those young at heart look forward to as the country takes a break from the hot season. Everything grinds to a halt as city centres and villages across the Kingdom relieve themselves with a refreshing splash.

Areas like Bangkok’s Khao San Road, Chiang Mai’s moat, Pattaya’s Walking street and Patong central in Phuket descend into a chaos of ‘friendly fire’ – from water pistols that is – as crowds gravitate towards the fun. Others resolutely avoid them, and if you lack a sense of humour and fun, or would rather not ruin your hairdo, you’re better off retreating to a spa or your hotel room for the duration.

What the rest can expect is an exhausting but riotous few days of mayhem where everyone and everything is a target for a drenching. And with temperatures soaring into the 40s (Celsius) you won’t mind having a bucket of ice cold water dumped on you. Some streets are closed to traffic and are crowded with locals and foreigners alike whose only aim is to get everyone else wet. They use buckets, hoses, small pails, water pistols, cannons and all sorts of paraphernalia on sale. Most restaurants and businesses located in the thick of it provide large drums of water supplies, often laced with blocks of ice, and there are specially installed taps on hand to fill up your weapon of choice.

But there is far more to Songkran than just drenching others. Its roots in tradition mean there are a host of activities for all, including parades, pageants, sand castle building competitions, religious ceremonies and the all important lustrating of the Buddha. This is pious part of the festival when an important Buddha statue is paraded through each town for lay Buddhists to pour ‘religious water’ on. Wrap your camera up well in plastic covering and you will capture some wonderful moments of the Thai concept of fun, known as ‘Sanook’.

Songkran is in fact a time for Thais to visit their home villages, spend time with the family, enjoy hearty meals and help spring clean the house. Many will make house calls to visitors and present hampers to the elderly of the village. What started out as a beckoning of the rainy season with a gentle tipping of some water onto the shoulders of others has turned into a typically Thai celebration of fun. And even among all the chaotic splashing you’ll still experience old ladies coming up to you and softly tipping water from a pewter cup onto your shoulder.

And it’s not all a wet affair, it is possible to observe from the sidelines or to find quieter temple grounds where kids activities are taking place. However, if you want to go anywhere be prepared for a spoiling as someone defies your polite requests and drenches you anyway. Keep spare clothes in a waterproof bag, and put your phone and money in a ziplock. There are no rules during Songkran

That brings us to another point. Take care. With so many people enjoying themselves they tend to get carried away. Thais seldom let responsibility get in the way of fun, and there can be drunken and disorderly people about. Accidents are higher than usual, especially when kids line busy roads throwing buckets full of water at passing motorbikes. Use a car and you might find yourself stuck in congestion. Others fail to notice you might have a camera in your hand and cover you in water.

We suggest getting out for the first or second of the official days (12 and 13 April) when enthusiasm is at its best, by day three many have had enough and deserted the party, but there’s still plenty of water throwing about so plan your itinerary carefully. Travelling between the 11th and 20th of April is going to be congested, so book your flights, buses or trains now. There is also likely to be higher incidents of road accidents on each weekend buffering this festival, so drive with caution or preferably not at all. All businesses, except tourist related, will be closed. Fortunately, the splashing ends at dusk and you can move about freely.

Where to join the fun:

Chiang Mai: is considered the best place in Thailand to experience Songkran since its moat around the old city provides the ideal venue, with plenty of water. This historic town is popular with Thais and it fills up, so arrive early. Thapae Gate is the busiest but all around the moat you’ll find a great atmosphere. All roads leading there are usually congested. There is also a huge party held outside the Kad Suan Kaew Mall nearby the Northwest corner of the moat.

Bangkok: actually empties out during Songkran as many go back to their family homes, which makes it more pleasant and less congested. The pedestrianised Khao San Road near the Grand Palace is the place to be, it’s complete mayhem but the atmosphere is great. Alternatively head to Siam Square or parts of Sukhumwit road such Soi Nana. Silom road is also lively. Bangkok’s best festivals

Phuket: the Thais all celebrate in their adminstrative centre, Phuket Town, and the town’s central streets are full of local revellers. But tourists won’t escape the fun if they remain in Patong or Karon. Patong is perhaps the best place to be, centred on Bang La road. At resorts in the quieter areas like Bang Tao, Surin or Kata Noi you might miss it entirely, but each hotel puts up a small ‘fight’ for the tourists.

Pattaya: all along beach road lining Pattaya bay, and the popular Walking Street at the southern end you’ll find the action. The particular atmopshere here includes all the bar girls as the open fronted beer bars down all the lanes are ideal for retreating for a beer and break in-between splashing those passing by. Look out for the ladyboys who just love an opportunity to show off their busty bodies!

Samui: Chaweng and Lamai beach centres, along their main roads, are where you can join the fun. The other beaches have no real nucleus so you’re better off catching a taxi to the heart of the action on the West coast. You can always escape to the beach if you’ve had enough. Guide to festivals on Samui

Krabi: there are two choices here, Ao Nang beachfront road and Krabi Town. The former is for the tourists and likely to be full of fun if you couldn’t be bothered commuting 20 minutes to the provincial capital where all the Thais are enjoying themselves. But sometimes it’s better to join the locals in their city centre, afterall they really do know how to have fun.

Locals advise:

1. Rent a tuk tuk for the day (they take their canopy off), pick up a drum of water, squeeze in a prowl around the action – it will be slow going   however and you’ll be a prime target for pedestrians with water guns.

2. Go solo by abandoning all plans, and carrying nothing but some money. Pick up a water gun at one of the road side vendors and drift from one location to the next. When you’ve hadd enough exit the action on foot to a point where you can safely catch a taxi home.

3. Wrap your valuables: such as cameras, mobiles and money in a plastic bag and keep it safe.
4. Mind your drink: it’s easy to get carried away, but lots of others will be drunk too, including those driving vehicles which share the roads with all the water fighters.

5. Have a sense of humour: all sense of protocol disappears and you can expect to be a target everywhere, wet or dry, ice water or tap water.
6. Choose you weapon wisely: there are vendors on the spot, the biggest ‘cannons’ are often impractical to carry, if you are going to be mobile choose one with a large reservoir. The pump action ‘stick’s are supposed to be banned, but will be on sale anyway. By the end of the day you might have lost your gun, they only cost $5-10.

Fancy joining the world’s biggest water fight? Your timing’s perfect, visitors to Thailand during April will have a chance to get involved with the famous Songkran Festival. All across Thailand for four straight days you’re going to get wet, but you’ll have a lot of fun.

Celebrated annually with great gusto and, oh yes, a lot of water, Songkran is the highlight of the Thai festival calendar. It’s an event all children and those young at heart look forward to as the country takes a break from the hot season. Everything grinds to a halt as city centres and villages across the Kingdom relieve themselves with a refreshing splash.

Areas like Bangkok’s Khao San Road, Chiang Mai’s moat, Pattaya’s Walking street and Patong central in Phuket descend into a chaos of ‘friendly fire’ – from water pistols that is – as crowds gravitate towards the fun. Others resolutely avoid them, and if you lack a sense of humour and fun, or would rather not ruin your hairdo, you’re better off retreating to a spa or your hotel room for the duration.

What the rest can expect is an exhausting but riotous few days of mayhem where everyone and everything is a target for a drenching. And with temperatures soaring into the 40s (Celsius) you won’t mind having a bucket of ice cold water dumped on you. Some streets are closed to traffic and are crowded with locals and foreigners alike whose only aim is to get everyone else wet. They use buckets, hoses, small pails, water pistols, cannons and all sorts of paraphernalia on sale. Most restaurants and businesses located in the thick of it provide large drums of water supplies, often laced with blocks of ice, and there are specially installed taps on hand to fill up your weapon of choice.

But there is far more to Songkran than just drenching others. Its roots in tradition mean there are a host of activities for all, including parades, pageants, sand castle building competitions, religious ceremonies and the all important lustrating of the Buddha. This is pious part of the festival when an important Buddha statue is paraded through each town for lay Buddhists to pour ‘religious water’ on. Wrap your camera up well in plastic covering and you will capture some wonderful moments of the Thai concept of fun, known as ‘Sanook’.

Songkran is in fact a time for Thais to visit their home villages, spend time with the family, enjoy hearty meals and help spring clean the house. Many will make house calls to visitors and present hampers to the elderly of the village. What started out as a beckoning of the rainy season with a gentle tipping of some water onto the shoulders of others has turned into a typically Thai celebration of fun. And even among all the chaotic splashing you’ll still experience old ladies coming up to you and softly tipping water from a pewter cup onto your shoulder.

And it’s not all a wet affair, it is possible to observe from the sidelines or to find quieter temple grounds where kids activities are taking place. However, if you want to go anywhere be prepared for a spoiling as someone defies your polite requests and drenches you anyway. Keep spare clothes in a waterproof bag, and put your phone and money in a ziplock. There are no rules during Songkran.

That brings us to another point. Take care. With so many people enjoying themselves they tend to get carried away. Thais seldom let responsibility get in the way of fun, and there can be drunken and disorderly people about. Accidents are higher than usual, especially when kids line busy roads throwing buckets full of water at passing motorbikes. Use a car and you might find yourself stuck in congestion. Others fail to notice you might have a camera in your hand and cover you in water.

We suggest getting out for the first or second of the official days (12 and 13 April) when enthusiasm is at its best, by day three many have had enough and deserted the party, but there’s still plenty of water throwing about so plan your itinerary carefully. Travelling between the 11th and 20th of April is going to be congested, so book your flights, buses or trains now. There is also likely to be higher incidents of road accidents on each weekend buffering this festival, so drive with caution or preferably not at all. All businesses, except tourist related, will be closed. Fortunately, the splashing ends at dusk and you can move about freely.

Where to join the fun:

Chiang Mai: is considered the best place in Thailand to experience Songkran since its moat around the old city provides the ideal venue, with plenty of water. This historic town is popular with Thais and it fills up, so arrive early. Thapae Gate is the busiest but all around the moat you’ll find a great atmosphere. All roads leading there are usually congested. There is also a huge party held outside the Kad Suan Kaew Mall nearby the Northwest corner of the moat. Chiang Mai events

Bangkok: actually empties out during Songkran as many go back to their family homes, which makes it more pleasant and less congested. The pedestrianised Khao San Road near the Grand Palace is the place to be, it’s complete mayhem but the atmosphere is great. Alternatively head to Siam Square or parts of Sukhumwit road such Soi Nana. Silom road is also lively.

Phuket: the Thais all celebrate in their adminstrative centre, Phuket Town, and the town’s central streets are full of local revellers. But tourists won’t escape the fun if they remain in Patong or Karon. Patong is perhaps the best place to be, centred on Bang La road. At resorts in the quieter areas like Bang Tao, Surin or Kata Noi you might miss it entirely, but each hotel puts up a small ‘fight’ for the tourists.

Pattaya: all along beach road lining Pattaya bay, and the popular Walking Street at the southern end you’ll find the action. The particular atmopshere here includes all the bar girls as the open fronted beer bars down all the lanes are ideal for retreating for a beer and break in-between splashing those passing by. Look out for the ladyboys who just love an opportunity to show off their busty bodies! Pattaya festivals

Samui: Chaweng and Lamai beach centres, along their main roads, are where you can join the fun. The other beaches have no real nucleus so you’re better off catching a taxi to the heart of the action on the West coast. You can always escape to the beach if you’ve had enough.

Krabi: there are two choices here, Ao Nang beachfront road and Krabi Town. The former is for the tourists and likely to be full of fun if you couldn’t be bothered commuting 20 minutes to the provincial capital where all the Thais are enjoying themselves. But sometimes it’s better to join the locals in their city centre, afterall they really do know how to have fun.

Locals advise:

1. Rent a tuk tuk for the day (they take their canopy off), pick up a drum of water, squeeze in a prowl around the action – it will be slow going however and you’ll be a prime target for pedestrians with water guns.

2. Go solo by abandoning all plans, and carrying nothing but some money. Pick up a water gun at one of the road side vendors and drift from one location to the next. When you’ve hadd enough exit the action on foot to a point where you can safely catch a taxi home.

3. Wrap your valuables: such as cameras, mobiles and money in a plastic bag and keep it safe.

4. Mind your drink: it’s easy to get carried away, but lots of others will be drunk too, including those driving vehicles which share the roads with all the water fighters.

5. Have a sense of humour: all sense of protocol disappears and you can expect to be a target everywhere, wet or dry, ice water or tap water.

6. Choose you weapon wisely: there are vendors on the spot, the biggest ‘cannons’ are often impractical to carry, if you are going to be mobile choose one with a large reservoir. The pump action ‘stick’s are supposed to be banned, but will be on sale anyway. By the end of the day you might have lost your gun, they only cost $5-10.

After a widely publicised nomination process, the Bangkok Post has announced the shortlist in its nine month quest to find Thailand’s top nine destinations as voted by its readers.

More than thirty of Thailand’s favourite destinations are now vying for the final list which will be announced in February 2009, following a six month second round voting process. These finalists were selected by popular vote from scores of nominations made during the last three months. The final nine will be made by a panel of travel specialists based on second round public votes.

As featured on their website 9destinations.com, some of the tourists’ perennial favourites have taken an early lead. Not surprisingly Krabi, with its stunning Karst scenery, is currently tops, claiming more than 10 per cent of all votes. It’s followed closely by a locals’ favourite Kaeng Krachan National Park in Petchaburi, near Hua Hin.

Chiang Mai province’s Doi Inthanon is further back in third place, offering visitors the highest point in Thailand and some wonderful waterfalls. The North claims fourth spot at present too, with the popular bohemian town of Pai.

Koh Turatao, a pristine and seldom crowded island near the southern border comes in fifth in the early voting stages, and then it’s back North again to the remote and pretty mountain clad town of Mae Hong Son. Chiang Mai is weighing in once more at seventh with Doi Chang Dao, a striking massive described as the ‘last tooth of the Himalaya’

The remaining two are in the Southern Provinces, comprising the popular uninhabited diving islands of the Similan archipelago, and Khao Sok National Park on the mainland between Khao Lak coast and Surat Thani.

Although the order is likely to change over the ensuing months there are some notable early exceptions such as Koh Chang, Doi Suithep temple in Chiang Mai, Samui and Pha Nga Bay. However, with most of the voting coming from within Thailand, particularly among locals, there has been a clear tendency to vote for some of the less touristy or obvious sites, especially getaway parks and natural beauty areas. Although Phuket town has been nominated, it’s crowded beaches have not, and the shortlist contains some names that are little known outside of Thailand, such as; Phu Soi Dao National Park, Phu Hin Rongkla National Park, Wat Phumin and Phanon Rung Historic Park.

The full list of short listed candidates for the Bangkok Post/Today’s Thailand 9 Destinations is (in no particular order):

Doi Inthanon National Park – Thailand’s highest peak, in Northern Thailand, with fabulous waterfalls and chilly weather.

Doi Luang Chiang Dao – one of the highest peaks in the country, just north of Chiang Mai with excellent cave systems.

Turatao Marine Park – a pristine and unspoilt Andaman island in Satun Province south of Krabi.

Krabi Sea and Islands – a tourist favourite near Phuket comprising of Phi Phi islands, Railay peninsula and other lovely islands and beaches.

Lam Klong Ngu National Park – cavernous caves and subterranean rivers to explore in the Kanchanaburi region.

Pha Taem National Park – noted for its prehistoric rock paintings and spectacular rainy season waterfalls, near the banks of the Mekhong.

Moo Ko Similan Marine Park – a lovely uninhabited chain of islands offshore from Khao Lak, great for diving.

Kaeng Krachan National Park – dramatic scenery on the Burma border near Hua Hin, a favourite with Bangkokians.

Khao Sok National Park – a tourist favourite midway between Phuket and Samui with striking inland karst topography set around a large reservoir.

Hala-Bala Wildlife Park – a premier bird watching venue in the trouble Southern provinces which has kept tourists away from this one since 2004.

Rattanakosin Isle – the historic section of Bangkok which

Khao Yai National Park – one of Asia’s finest and Thailand’s largest and oldest sanctuaries, northeast of Bangkok.

Si Satchanalai Historic Park – understated ruins of the Sukhothai era on the Ping river banks, near Sukhothai.

Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall – a neo Baroque palace in the Dusit neighbourhood of Bangkok popular for official ceremonies.

Wat Phra That Lampang – one of the country’s most important and historic temples in this Northern town.

Mae Hong Son – possibly Thailand’s most remote town, a charming mountain enclave along the inaccessible northwest border.

Pai – also in Mae Hong Son, a popular backpacker destination and lately with Bangkokians looking to go hippie.

Phu Soi Dao National Park – a mist shrouded highland area on the Laos border noted for its wild flowers and waterfalls.

Sukhothai Historic Park – a must on all Thailand tours and a World Heritage site dating from Thailand’s golden era of the past in the 15th C.

Phanom Rung Historic Park – outstanding elevated Khmer ruins in the Northeast entered by 15 celestially planned gates.

Ayutthaya Historic Park – ancient Siam’s great seat of power before falling into ruin, a vast preserved city on an island of the Chao Praya, North of Bangkok. Ayutthaya visitors guide

Amphawa Community – responsible for the popular floating markets on the Klong river in Samut Songkham southeast of Bangkok

Phu Kham Khao Dinosaur park – as the name suggests, a wonderful theme park for the whole family, on the Korat plateau.

Klong Suan 100 year old market – the floating market to get to if you’d rather not rub shoulders with loads of tourists, in ChaChoengSao province near Suvarnabhumi airport.

Phuket Town – grand old mansions away from the tourist beaches that suggest the original wealth and importance of the city.

Wat Phra Kaew Don Tao – Another Lampang temple on the list, this Burmese styled templed housed the famous Emerald Buddha for centuries. Great for cameras.

Wat Phumin – one of the country’s oldest temples, somewhat understated in the sleepy remote Northern province of Nan – the Thailand of yesteryear.

Phra Kradueng National Park – is in Loei, one of the kingdom’s lesser visited and more remote corners, lofty scenery near the Mekhong Northeast. It’s a gruelling hike to the top.

Phu Hin Rongkla National Park – unusual moonscape highland scenery in Phitsanulok, once the bastion of the Communist insurgency in the seventies.

Ancient City – Bangkok’s best kept secret, a wonderful theme park of Thailand’s most famous sites replicated and packaged into a convenient single day trip. Bangkok highlights

After a widely publicised nomination process, the Bangkok Post has announced the shortlist in its nine month quest to find Thailand’s top nine destinations as voted by its readers.

More than thirty of Thailand’s favourite destinations are now vying for the final list which will be announced in February 2009, following a six month second round voting process. These finalists were selected by popular vote from scores of nominations made during the last three months. The final nine will be made by a panel of travel specialists based on second round public votes.

As featured on their website 9destinations.com, some of the tourists’ perennial favourites have taken an early lead. Not surprisingly Krabi, with its stunning Karst scenery, is currently tops, claiming more than 10 per cent of all votes. It’s followed closely by a locals’ favourite Kaeng Krachan National Park in Petchaburi, near Hua Hin.

Chiang Mai province’s Doi Inthanon is further back in third place, offering visitors the highest point in Thailand and some wonderful waterfalls. The North claims fourth spot at present too, with the popular bohemian town of Pai.

Koh Turatao, a pristine and seldom crowded island near the southern border comes in fifth in the early voting stages, and then it’s back North again to the remote and pretty mountain clad town of Mae Hong Son. Chiang Mai is weighing in once more at seventh with Doi Chang Dao, a striking massive described as the ‘last tooth of the Himalaya’.

The remaining two are in the Southern Provinces, comprising the popular uninhabited diving islands of the Similan archipelago, and Khao Sok National Park on the mainland between Khao Lak coast and Surat Thani.

Although the order is likely to change over the ensuing months there are some notable early exceptions such as Koh Chang, Doi Suithep temple in Chiang Mai, Samui and Pha Nga Bay. However, with most of the voting coming from within Thailand, particularly among locals, there has been a clear tendency to vote for some of the less touristy or obvious sites, especially getaway parks and natural beauty areas. Although Phuket town has been nominated, it’s crowded beaches have not, and the shortlist contains some names that are little known outside of Thailand, such as; Phu Soi Dao National Park, Phu Hin Rongkla National Park, Wat Phumin and Phanon Rung Historic Park.

The full list of short listed candidates for the Bangkok Post/Today’s Thailand 9 Destinations is (in no particular order):

Doi Inthanon National Park – Thailand’s highest peak, in Northern Thailand, with fabulous waterfalls and chilly weather.

Doi Luang Chiang Dao – one of the highest peaks in the country, just north of Chiang Mai with excellent cave systems.

Turatao Marine Park – a pristine and unspoilt Andaman island in Satun Province south of Krabi.

Krabi Sea and Islands – a tourist favourite near Phuket comprising of Phi Phi islands, Railay peninsula and other lovely islands and beaches.

Lam Klong Ngu National Park – cavernous caves and subterranean rivers to explore in the Kanchanaburi region.

Pha Taem National Park – noted for its prehistoric rock paintings and spectacular rainy season waterfalls, near the banks of the Mekhong. Guide to Northeast Thailand attractions

Moo Ko Similan Marine Park – a lovely uninhabited chain of islands offshore from Khao Lak, great for diving.

Kaeng Krachan National Park – dramatic scenery on the Burma border near Hua Hin, a favourite with Bangkokians.

Khao Sok National Park – a tourist favourite midway between Phuket and Samui with striking inland karst topography set around a large reservoir.

Hala-Bala Wildlife Park – a premier bird watching venue in the trouble Southern provinces which has kept tourists away from this one since 2004.

Rattanakosin Isle – the historic section of Bangkok which includes the Grand Palace, Wat Po, National Museum, Temple Mount and many other of the capital’s attractions.

Khao Yai National Park – one of Asia’s finest and Thailand’s largest and oldest sanctuaries, northeast of Bangkok.

Si Satchanalai Historic Park – understated ruins of the Sukhothai era on the Ping river banks, near Sukhothai.

Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall – a neo Baroque palace in the Dusit neighbourhood of Bangkok popular for official ceremonies.

Wat Phra That Lampang – one of the country’s most important and historic temples in this Northern town.

Mae Hong Son – possibly Thailand’s most remote town, a charming mountain enclave along the inaccessible northwest border.

Pai – also in Mae Hong Son, a popular backpacker destination and lately with Bangkokians looking to go hippie.

Phu Soi Dao National Park – a mist shrouded highland area on the Laos border noted for its wild flowers and waterfalls.

Sukhothai Historic Park – a must on all Thailand tours and a World Heritage site dating from Thailand’s golden era of the past in the 15th C.

Phanom Rung Historic Park – outstanding elevated Khmer ruins in the Northeast entered by 15 celestially planned gates.

Ayutthaya Historic Park – ancient Siam’s great seat of power before falling into ruin, a vast preserved city on an island of the Chao Praya, North of Bangkok.

Amphawa Community – responsible for the popular floating markets on the Klong river in Samut Songkham southeast of Bangkok.

Phu Kham Khao Dinosaur park – as the name suggests, a wonderful theme park for the whole family, on the Korat plateau.

Klong Suan 100 year old market – the floating market to get to if you’d rather not rub shoulders with loads of tourists, in ChaChoengSao province near Suvarnabhumi airport.

Phuket Town – grand old mansions away from the tourist beaches that suggest the original wealth and importance of the city. Guide to Phuket Town

Wat Phra Kaew Don Tao – Another Lampang temple on the list, this Burmese styled templed housed the famous Emerald Buddha for centuries. Great for cameras.

Wat Phumin – one of the country’s oldest temples, somewhat understated in the sleepy remote Northern province of Nan – the Thailand of yesteryear.

Phra Kradueng National Park – is in Loei, one of the kingdom’s lesser visited and more remote corners, lofty scenery near the Mekhong Northeast. It’s a gruelling hike to the top.

Phu Hin Rongkla National Park – unusual moonscape highland scenery in Phitsanulok, once the bastion of the Communist insurgency in the seventies.

Ancient City – Bangkok’s best kept secret, a wonderful theme park of Thailand’s most famous sites replicated and packaged into a convenient single day trip.

Bangkok and Pattaya are inseperable, those in the capital love to come to Pattaya for the week and those spending part of their holiday or time by the sea can’t help being lured to the big city for a weekend of shopping, nightlife, culture, sightseeing and sophistication. It’s worth planning time in your itinerary for a Bangkok stopover.

Sightseeing, sports and other activities including courses, shopping, amusement parks and nightlife are all close at hand in Bangkok. There are temples, monuments, palaces, museums and galleries as well as a river to cruise and parks and neighbourhoods to explore such as Chinatown and the famous backpacker area of Khao San road. Try one of the city’s many organised tours or explore on your own by taking the Skytrain (BTS), the new subway (MRT) or a river boat.

The spectacular Grand Palace with Wat Phra Kaew, and Wat Pho and Wat Arun are on top of the list of things to see in Bangkok. There’s detailed information on these and other temples to be found in our temples section. If your interest is in museums and galleries, there is plenty on offer from the Jim Thompson House, with its collection of fine Thai artefacts in a traditional Thai wooden house, to the Vimanmek Teak Mansion, the former home of King Rama V and the largest teak mansion in the world. Then of course there is the enormous National Museum, one of Asia’s finest. An interesting blend of Thai history and culture can be found at these and several other museums and galleries around Bangkok. Read more on Bangkok museums.

For visitors who are looking for things to do of a physical nature, there’s a variety of sports options available including state-of-the art fitness centres, tennis and swimming facilities and great golf courses. You might also want to try your hand at Thai boxing (Muay Thai), and there are courses offered on this popular sport. Maybe you’d prefer something a little less physical, like a course in Thai cooking or Thai language.

There’ll be no problem filling your evenings with the many entertainment options that Bangkok features. From world-class dining, to sampling the local food, live music venues to the more hedonistic night-time pursuits, there’s an endless array of night attractions and things to do. Sukhumwit road is popular with expats for its choice of fine restaurants and bars, and those looking for some of the city’s famous naughtiness (if you haven’t already been worn out by Pattaya’s) head for Nana Plaza or Patpong on Silom road. Clubbers should take a taxi to RCA, a remote area set aside for a dozen or more clubs in one location.

If shopping is what you’re looking for, Bangkok is a paradise. Everything you can imagine is for sale, from well-priced top-of-the-line designer goods to small handmade items that make for great souvenirs. Be sure to practice your bargaining skills at any of Bangkok’s markets because the asking price is always negotiable.

Emporium, Siam Paragon and Gaysorn Plaza are a few of the ultra-chic shopping centres where designer labels dominate. The all-encompassing mega-malls such as Seacon square or MBK have an endless selection of things to buy. If technology and gadgets are more to your liking, head to lively Pantip Plaza (Petchaburi road) or the slightly less frenetic Fortune Town (Rachadapisek road) for the latest in everything.

Shopping opportunities in Bangkok don’t stop at these shopping centres. Your experience isn’t complete without a trip to one of the many night markets or the gigantic Chatuchak market which is probably the most popular place to buy Thai arts and crafts. It is a vast and busy place with hundreds of small stalls selling goods from all over Thailand. Make sure to bargain hard here; bargaining is part of the fun and you’ll be sure to come away with some great finds and even better memories.

Surrounded by friendly smiles, it’s all too easy for tourists to let their guard down in Bangkok. Naivety, coupled with a basic lack of knowledge of where the negative element in Thai society lie hidden, sees some visitors get exploited by scamming locals. Our guide will help you avoid some of the potential pitfalls of the Thai capital.

Thais present themselves largely as passive, non-confrontational people with kind and accommodating natures, and this is encouraged by the philosophy of Buddhism, which takes a central role in the lives of so many here. Generally, few visitors to the country witness any form of violence or hostility when in Thailand.

However, individuals out to make a buck by dishonest means are as prevalent in Bangkok as they are in any of the world’s capital cities. The good news is that visitors can protect themselves by recognising the most common ruses employed by the local scoundrels. Fortunately, these don’t differ very much from those sought by dishonest characters elsewhere around the world.

Much as it’s a cliché, the biggest rogues on the streets of Bangkok, from a visitor’s perspective, are taxi drivers. While it’s unfair to tar all with the same brush, there’s good reason why stereotyping of these individuals persists. Unfortunately, many are out to squeeze every last baht out of their passengers and seek a variety of means for doing so.

The most common scam is to insist that the meter is non-operational in a bid to invent an arbitrary figure for the passenger’s proposed journey – way over what would be the regular metered fare. In this situation, your course of action is simple: refuse the services of the driver and get out of the vehicle. Getting around Bangkok

With drivers whose meters are in working order, it’s still wise to ask for a ballpark figure for your journey before you agree to travel and wiser still to have a good idea what that figure would normally be. This way, drivers are less likely to drive you around the same block several times in order to bump up the fare on the meter. It’s not difficult to get an idea of what honest taxi drivers charge; this kind of information can be easily gleamed from other tourists or from staff at your hotel or guesthouse.

Taxi drivers offering to show you the Grand Palace, Jim Thompson’s House, the Floating Market, Wat Arun and Wat Pho – all for less than 100 baht – should be avoided unless you want to end up spending more time at gem shops and tailors than at the attractions themselves. If you want to visit the city’s most popular attractions by taxi, then insist that these are your only stops and cancel the arrangement at the first sign of any deviation from your agenda.

Unless you know your stuff, gem shops and jewellers are best avoided as you’ve no guarantee of the quality of goods on sale. Some outlets are notorious for making deals in which goods purchased are meant to be shipped to the customer’s home country, but in fact never arrive.

The famous gem scam is perhaps the worse of them, and weekly someone reports a rip off, it’s been going on for years. Generally, those foolish enough to be lured into buying cheap smuggled Burmese gems find they’ve been sold fakes and when they go looking for the shop again, it’s suddenly disappeared. Over the years greedy individuals have lost a lot of money falling for this one.

The other really popular scam is the ruse that the Grand Palace is ‘closed for the day’ but alternative sites are offered. If you’re ever approached outside this famous ‘always open’ national treasure with someone trying to tell you otherwise, don’t fall for it, they’re likely to take you off on an expensive personal guided tour.

Tailors are often trickier to judge. Many tailors in the budget tourist areas like Banglampu genuinely offer workmanship of a reasonable quality and at affordable prices. The danger lies in agreeing to let a suit shop ship clothing to you, as you can’t guarantee that the goods will arrive. Certain tailors that maintain arrangements with taxi or tuk-tuk drivers commonly size up the financial status of customers by their appearance and charge a figure way over the local rate, convincing them that they’re getting the highest quality available in the city for the price that they’re paying.

The best advice we can give with regards to tailors is to get quotes from several before choosing one, and to take finished suits away with you when possible or at least see the finished product, as opposed to a work in progress, before you agree to a shipping arrangement.

With regards to shopping in general, there are a number of caveats that visitors should consider. Buying anything without a fixed price can be a problematic scenario as visitors can never really be sure of the true market value of goods. If visiting the Chatuchak Market, for example, it’s sensible to compare the cost of similar goods from different vendors before making a purchase.

The haggling process is intended to establish a price that’s satisfactory to both seller and buyer; however, the former will have no scruples whatsoever in taking reams of cash from you for an item that’s worth peanuts if you appear willing to pay over the odds. Think carefully before purchasing electrical goods as you have little or no recourse should the product prove faulty after you’ve left the scene. Bangkok shopping guide.

Backpacker tourists staying around the popular Khao San road should be aware of the pitfalls of arranging onward travel with local agents. Travel deals to the islands or other destinations south can be appealing because of their affordability; however, it’s not uncommon for agents to omit certain details such as the need to change buses half-way along routes or arriving 3 hours ahead of a connecting service.

Ask plenty of questions and establish the exact itinerary of travel plans, enquiring specifically about any changes and hidden costs, before making a purchase. Comparing the same deal from several agents can also be useful. Bangkok’s Patpong area is a notorious red-light district and a place guaranteed to bring pleasure to many a male visitor as well as tears to plenty of others who fall prey to the scams of some of its working girls and guys, and their operators.

Visitors frequenting bars in the area should be aware that the same rules apply here as in any of Thailand’s girly bars. Ladies can be taken out of the bar for extra-curricular activities provided the customer pays a fee, known as a ‘bar fine’, to the establishment. After that, anything that takes place and at what cost is at the agreement of the customer and bar girl.

It’s wise for visitors seeking female company to keep a close eye on their cash and valuable items and keep them well out of reach of their hired bed fellows, else risk waking up alone having had such things pilfered from their room. There is little hope of getting authorities involved if this happens, as prostitution is technically illegal.

There are numerous other aspects of travelling around Bangkok that can lead visitors to be parted from their money surreptitiously, with enterprising individuals constantly coming up with new ways to get their hands on tourist wealth. Should you be unfortunate enough to be taken for a ride, try to keep the episode in perspective and not let it ruin your holiday. The ability to shrug your shoulders and say mai pen rai (‘never mind’), as the locals would say, will allow you to move on and enjoy the rest of your holiday.

And finally, although not an outright scam, the officially sanctioned airport limosine service at Suvarnabhumi airport is dishonestly promoted and three times the price of the metered taxis who are also authorised to operate there. Despite big signs warning you otherwise, and some aggressive sales agents who accost you with an unpleasant first welcome (upon exiting arrivals) don’t fall for it. We insist you go outside and use the cheaper, equally safe Bangkok taxis.

More information about scams in Bangkok on our travel forum.

Safety in Bangkok

From the bustle of Bangkok to the beaches of Phi Phi, Thailand is seeped in the very essence of backpacking. Stunning natural landscapes combine with the locals’ laid back approach to life and create a country that emits a siren call to any self-respecting backpacker.

Thailand, after all, is probably the home of budget travel – this is where fresh-faced students come to cut their teeth, and where hardened backpackers return over and over again. As long as you take in a few rules of thumb on how to save money in Thailand, traveling here can be the life-affirming experience so many talk about…

Transport

While transport in Thailand is generally cheap, choosing your methods of getting around can be absolutely crucial to making your budget stretch that little bit further.

For example, taking overland transport when traveling between cities proves drastically cheaper – and more enjoyable – than jumping on short-haul flights. The country’s interior is a fascinating spectacle, and taking it easy on a bus or train as you rattle through the countryside can come to define the experience of budget travel in Thailand.

Carefully selecting the time of these journeys can also help save a baht or three. Many journeys within Thailand last a good six hours or more, which means that an overnight sleeper will not only save you money in comparison with a flight, but it will also save you a night’s accommodation too.

Once installed in one of the major cities, the allure of jumping on tuk-tuks (small bike-and-carriage type taxis) can destroy the budget of even the most experienced of backpackers. While they may look fun, tuk-tuks really aren’t the way to navigate Bangkok on the cheap – that accolade belongs to the MRT and bus system. It may get a little hectic at times, but using public transport is considerably cheaper.

Accommodation

Accommodation is cheap. Really cheap! In fact, along with the Thai’s abiding commitment to hospitality, its probably one of the main reasons Thailand has established itself so successfully on the backpacking trail.

Wherever you are in the country, hostels in Thailand can normally be found for around $10 (or even less in some circumstances). Often called guesthouses or inns, these places tend to be small joints run by a family, who take care of their guests in true Thai style.

Food & Drink

Aside from the vibrant color that covers every building, the various smells of Thai food are perhaps what linger most in the memory having spent time here. The food is simply excellent, and it’s wonderfully cheap too…

The one and only rule for budget travelers looking to grab a bite is simple: Don’t eat Western food! Thai cuisine is not only immensely tasty, it’s also much cheaper than the soulless burger joints that peddle bad Western food at high prices to unsuspecting novices.

Simply head to one of the many roadside stalls, and for $3 or so you’re likely to find enough great tasting food to last you the whole day. Wash the food down with a bottle of Beer Chang (the strong local brew) whilst sitting on plastic tables, and you basically reach the nirvana of budget travel!

Fun Time

Thailand is, of course, famous for its nightlife – from gaudily lit sex joints to chilled beach hangouts, it just about has it all. Whatever the flavor of evening you’re looking for, however, a couple of simple rules can guard against blowing too much of the budget in one chunk.

For a start, pace yourself! It’s easy to get caught up in Thailand’s swirling hedonism, but a night on the tiles is always best followed by a night taking it easy. Cinema is an important part of Thai culture, and enjoyable evenings can be had simply sitting in a bar and watching whatever blockbuster is being pumped onto the television overhead.

If you are looking for a big night out, try starting at a supermarket. Beer is relatively expensive in Thailand, so it can be a good idea to grab a couple of bottles from the shop and enjoy them at your own leisure before drinking in the bars and clubs.

And Finally…

Barter! Negotiation is part of life here – it’s not embarrassing or malicious, as some Westerners may think. Try to bear in mind the first price quoted probably isn’t the final one, and never be afraid to walk away if you’re not happy with the numbers on offer.

For the budget traveler looking to do Thailand on the cheap, there can be no better way of feeling good about your budget than hammering a price down to what you think acceptable!

Thailand’s capital can seem daunting at first and it’s certainly not difficult to find yourself spending a day going round in circles and sat in endless traffic if you don’t know the city. If you know where to go and what to do however, a whirlwind day in Southeast Asia’s most extrovert capital is hard to beat.

Kicking off the day, the first thing to think about is beating the rush hour traffic. Either eat close to your guesthouse or hotel, or eat nearby to where you plan to spend the morning. Avoid travelling between 07:30 and 08:30, if possible.

Heading to Wat Phra Kaew and the Grand Palace makes for a great way to spend a morning and there is a very good authentic Thai restaurant overlooking this splendid, vast complex of Buddhist temples. Na Phra Lan on the road of the same name opens at 10:00, which is perfect if you want to enjoy a lie-in (after all, it will be a late night) and it offers the usual Thai favourites such as fried rice, curries and fried noodles.

After breakfast, head over to the Grand Palace and explore the many gold-gilded stupas and Buddhist images that adorn this 225-year old national treasure. Make sure you’re covering your shoulders and are dressed respectively and get ready to pay the 200 baht entry fee, which includes admission to the whole site.

If you’re still keen on more temples before lunch, it’s just a short walk south to Thaiwang road to see the elegant reclining Buddha at Wat Po or an equally brief stroll north of Wat Phra Kaew onto Na Phra That road for the National Museum.

Culture addicts can supplement their intake of Bangkok’s landmarks further by continuing north to Phra Pin Klao road and heading west across the bridge that spans the Chao Phraya River before taking the first major left onto Arun Amarin road to see the Royal Barge Museum.

By this time, it’ll be time to eat again and like most areas of Bangkok there are plenty of choices. If you’re looking for a treat, have lunch right on the river by heading to Supatra River House just off the same road as the Royal Barge Museum on soi Wat Rakhang. The views of the river here are excellent and extend across to the Grand Palace, so you’ll see a different side again of Bangkok’s most popular attraction. Bangkok sightseeing guide.

Recommended dishes on the menu here include the excellent salmon satay with peanut sauce and cucumber or indeed any of the coconut curries � all the dishes here are very tasty. Lunch for two with drinks will cost around 1,000 baht, so if you fancy something cheaper or indeed non-Thai then get your next taxi journey out the way first. Next stop, lots of shops with plenty of alternative eating options.

Tell the taxi driver to take you to either Siam square or Siam Paragon, the latest edition to Bangkok’s mega-mall circuit. In the words of one American expatriate resident in the Thai capital: “Paragon is beautiful, sleek and ultra-modern� make sure to bring your savings though as things aren’t cheap.”

Whether you’re window-shopping or splashing the cash, Paragon is a museum of everything Armani, Prada and Gucci that has fast become a must inclusion on a Bangkok shopping tour. The Rama I road mall strip also includes Siam Discovery Center and the Siam Center on the eastern side of the road, while there are smaller ground-level boutiques on the opposite side to explore. Shoppers looking for something a little cheaper also have the option of making the short walk north to the Mah Boon Krong (MBK) mall right next to the National Stadium BTS Skytrain station. Complete guide to shopping in Bangkok.

After all that shopping, it’s surely time to take a breather and grab a quick coffee break in any one of the malls before heading back to base to shower up ready for a Bangkok night out.

Start with a good meal, which throws up any number of options. After a day of Thai food, it makes sense to try something different. Why not head to Sukhumvit soi 3 for some excellent Middle Eastern food. In a number of places here, you’ll instantly feel like you’ve been transported to Egypt or Lebanon, so atmospheric are some of the dining venues here.

Most of the venues here are almost exclusively frequented by the local Middle Eastern population and serve excellent kebabs, salads with yoghurt dressing, falafel and biryani. Alcohol is usually off the menu so order a refreshing lassi drink and finish the meal with shisha, a traditional Middle Eastern pipe in which different flavoured and very smooth tobacco is smoked.

After dinner its time for a short walk along Sukhumvit road a couple of blocks to soi 11 to the ever-present watering hole Cheap Charlie’s, a Bangkok institution. This tiny, peculiar-looking hole-in-the-wall type bar requires you to pull up a stool in the road while ordering is done at the bar, with just about any drink on offer.

Keep heading along the same street for the latest edition to Bangkok’s ever-expanding night scene, Bed Supper Club. This space-age dance venue has a strict dress code of no sandals and expects smartly dressed clientele. If you pass this test, it’s a steep 300 baht entry fee which includes one or two free drinks depending on the night. With two rooms available, each featuring DJs and a bar, Bed often recruits internationally-renowned DJs for special nights a couple of times a month and specialises in various forms of house music until about 01:30. Bangkok nightlife guide.

If you still want to carry on after that, the options are limited given Thailand’s strict crackdown on late night venues in the past 5 years but there always something going on so ask a taxi driver for his thoughts. From there on, it’s just pot luck.

With over seven centuries of history and traditions, Thailand is one of the most intriguing and exciting destinations in all of Asia. It is the capital Bangkok that leads the way in culture, art and vibrancy in Thailand. It would take several trips to explore all of the wonderful cultural attractions in this bustling metropolis, but here are a few of the ‘must-sees’ that visitors can fit into a one day tour.

A tour of Bangkok would not be complete without visiting the most famous structure in Thailand, the Grand Palace. The palace served as the official residence of the king of Thailand from the 18th century to the mid-20th century and is filled with an impressive collection of elaborate temples and other impressive structures. The design of the palace includes spectacular roof lines and elegant adornments. More on the Grand Palace.

This wonderful structure is also home to one of the countries greatest treasures, the Emerald Buddha. Tickets to the Grand Palace are not expensive and include admission to the Vimanmek Golden Teak Mansion, the largest teak mansion in the world.

Wat Pho is the oldest working temple in Bangkok as well as its largest. Situated adjacent to the Grand Palace, not only can visitors explore the grounds, they can also receive an invigorating Thai massage here as the temple is home to Thailand’s most prominent school of massage and herbal medicine.

At the temple, you can also pay a visit to the renowned Reclining Buddha, the largest Buddha in Thailand. This colossal monument makes for excellent photo opportunities. Those wishing to increase their luck or make merit can place coins in the pots along the wall behind the Buddha image and make a wish.

The Dusit Zoo is situated directly across the road from Vimanmek Mansion in the once private garden of King Rama V, who was responsible for commissioning the mansion. The zoo houses over 1,300 animals including several rare species and is worth a visit whether you are travelling with children or not.

The city has a few fascinating museums on offer. The National Museum is just a short walk from the Grand Palace grounds and is the largest museum in Southeast Asia. The museum houses exquisite exhibits of traditional Thai art and a plethora of historical artefacts from Neolithic times. The Royal Barges Museum is located on the opposite bank of the Chao Phraya River and has eight royal barges on display. More on museums in Bangkok.

Visitors touring the city at the weekend should not miss an opportunity to visit the Chatuchak Weekend Market. This is one of the largest outdoor markets in the world and offers over 15,000 vendor stalls. Keep in mind that shopping in this maze is not for the faint-hearted. Although you can find incredible bargains, the market is jam-packed with eager shoppers all trying to get treasures at a bargain price. The market can be conveniently reached by Sky Train. Visitors should take the train to Mo Chit and then follow the signs to the market. The area is also accessible by taxi and bus; however, traffic around the market can be bad.

By early evening, you will need to refill your energy supply. Luckily, you won’t have to search very far for Thai food outlets as they are on virtually every corner. There is also an abundance of Western food options. If you head to Chinatown (just east of Hualamphong Station) you will find a wide selection of eateries as well as plenty of temples and Chinese shop-houses.

While in Chinatown, a visit to Wat Trai Mit should not be missed. The most famous attraction in the temple is the Golden Buddha, which is made of solid gold and weighs five and a half tons.

If you have any time left, you may want to make a visit to the Damnernsaduok floating market to the west of Bangkok, in the Rajaburi Province. Other notable attractions include the Jim Thompson House, the Crocodile Farm and the Rose Garden, a beautiful country resort that gives a wonderful glimpse into Thai culture and includes folk songs and dance. More on the outlying attractions.