Steamy, frenetic, and exhilarating, Thailand’s capital city, located in the Chao Phraya River Delta, is a legendary travel destination.
This metropolis is equally famous for its rich cultural offerings, effervescent nightlife, superb shopping, and diverse dining options.
Bucket list items include a visit to the Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho, a morning boat trip down the canals to immerse oneself in the bustle of the floating markets, and a walk around the opulent Grand Palace.
The tourist hub of Khaosan Road, the MBK Centre, Siam Square, or on weekends, the vast Chatuchak market, offer further excellent shopping opportunities, while restaurants span every style, from incredible street food to five-star haute cuisine.
The SkyWalk at King Power Mahanakhon is a great spot for couples and photographers, while the Siam Society and Kamthieng House provide an in-depth introduction into Thai culture and folklore.
Vientiane is one of the sleepiest capital cities in the world, with wide boulevards and little traffic.
The capital of Laos is very accessible by air or overland from Bangkok and is the springboard for travel into the north or south of Laos.
Vientiane has a few attractions including the stunning gilded That Luang Stupa and Laos’ own version of the Arch de Triumph. This impressive golden temple complex dates back to the 16th century.
Sunsets by the Mekong are always spectacular and most visitors find themselves by the Mekong for sun-down.
There are numerous restaurants, riverside markets and pavement cafes from where you can experience the serene atmosphere for which the city is known.
The Laos National Museum is another of the city’s cultural highlights, where some fascinating exhibits reveal the history of Laos through the ages.
This charming, sleepy city is the more laid-back alternative to bustling Chiang Mai and the capital of Chiang Rai province.
Besides its beguilingly slow pace, friendly locals and the beautiful setting amidst rolling rainforest-covered hills, Chiang Rai also encompasses a treasure chest of cultural and historical gems.
Don’t miss a visit to Wat Rong Khun,' The White Temple' – a contemporary architectural highlight with an exquisitely ornate, snow-coloured façade – or to the historic Wat Phra Sin, with its traditional Lanna-style interior.
There are also several interesting museums to explore, including the quirky Oub Kham Museum, with its collection of fascinating and often bizarre historical relics from the wider Lanna region; and the Hilltribe Museum and Education Centre, which provides excellent insight into the various hill-tribe ethnicities in the area.
