Visit Chiang Rai

Visit Bangkok, capital of Thailand. Explore the Grand Palace (home of the Emerald Buddha and intricate Thai architecture), take a boat ride along the Chao Phraya River (passing temples and local life), shop at Chatuchak Weekend Market (one of the world's largest markets with over 15,000 stalls), and sample street food like pad thai and mango sticky rice at Yaowarat (Chinatown's vibrant food scene).

Visit Phuket, Thailand's largest island. Explore Patong Beach (famous for its vibrant nightlife and water sports), see the Big Buddha (a 45-meter-tall marble statue with panoramic views), wander through Old Phuket Town (historic Sino-Portuguese architecture and colorful shophouses), and take a boat trip to Phi Phi Islands (stunning limestone cliffs and clear turquoise waters).

Visit Chiang Mai, the cultural capital of northern Thailand. Explore the Old City with its moat and ancient temples like Wat Phra Singh (housing a revered Buddha image) and Wat Chedi Luang (ruined 15th-century chedi). Experience the Yi Peng Lantern Festival (thousands of paper lanterns released into the sky) and browse the Sunday Walking Street Market (handicrafts and local street food).

The first Thai kingdom’s capital: lotus ponds and walking Buddhas in a historical park best seen by bicycle.

Limestone cliffs at Railay for climbing, longtail boats to Phi Phi and the Four Islands.

A valley town of 762 curves from Chiang Mai, hot springs, a canyon and a slow backpacker scene.

The Bridge on the River Kwai, the Death Railway to Hellfire Pass and the Erawan waterfalls.

The royal family's seaside resort since the 1920s, with a teak palace, night markets and a long beach.