There’s more to Wat Pho than the gigantic reclining Buddha and traditional Thai massage. Once a centre for public education during the reign of King Rama III, Wat Pho (or Wat Chetuphon) harbours a fascinating collection of murals, inscriptions and sculptures that delve into various subjects, from warfare to literature, astronomy to archaeology. Apart from the main pavilion, the vast temple complex contains a landscaped garden with stone sculptures, stupas adorned with glazed porcelain, a souvenir shop and the College of Traditional Medicine.

The pioneer of all floating markets, Damnoen Saduak continues to offer an authentic experience despite its increasingly touristy atmosphere. Imagine hundreds of wooden row boats floating by, each laden to the brim with farm-fresh fruits, vegetables or flowers. Food vendors fill their vessels with cauldrons and charcoal grills, ready to whip up a bowl of ‘boat noodle’ or seafood skewers upon request. Floating markets are like living museums where you can immerse in the local culture and way of life as it once was before the arrival of global consumerism.

The deep ocean is underneath your feet. That is, if you are somewhere inside Siam Paragon. Occupying a colossal basement area of the glitzy downtown mall, Siam Ocean World brings a slice of the natural aquatic wonderland within your reach. This underground aquarium houses more than 30,000 species in its seven exhibition zones, where you can walk amongst the ocean’s fiercest predators, feed the marine creatures, and even dive with the sharks and rays. Not in for the thrill? Simply enjoy a stroll beneath the underwater tunnel – Thailand’s longest – or hop aboard a glass-bottom boat and sneak a peek at the unfolding scene below.

Ripley Museum is the display of Mr. Ripley's collection of curious objects which have been picked up from every nook and corner of the world. While of some of these are actual items, some are look-alikes. The unusual museum has the Motion Master Theatre with flight simulator technology or Laser Trek, where you battle against fellow space creations in a futuristic arena. You can enjoy so many optical illusions and also witness the lifestyle of unusual people.

Khao Pattaya is a small hill which offers panoramic view of Pattaya City and Pattaya Bay. A Buddha idol is also located at the top. An asphalt road leads one to the top of the hill. It is also the site of the Naval Sor Tor Ror radio station.

A dazzling site from afar, the Grand Palace and Wat Prakaew command respect from all who have walked in their sacred grounds. Built in 1782, and for 150 years the home of the Thai King, the Royal court and the administrative seat of government, the Grand Palace continues to have visitors in awe with its beautiful architecture and intricate detail. Wat Pra Kaeo enshrines Phra Kaew Morakot (the Emerald Buddha), the highly revered Buddha image meticulously carved from a single block of emerald, dating from the 15th century AD.

The pioneer of all floating markets, Damnoen Saduak continues to offer an authentic experience despite its increasingly touristy atmosphere. Imagine hundreds of wooden row boats floating by, each laden to the brim with farm-fresh fruits, vegetables or flowers. Food vendors fill their vessels with cauldrons and charcoal grills, ready to whip up a bowl of ‘boat noodle’ or seafood skewers upon request. Floating markets are like living museums where you can immerse in the local culture and way of life as it once was before the arrival of global consumerism.

Chinatown is a colourful, exotic and pleasingly chaotic area, packed with market stalls and probably the highest concentration of gold shops in the city. The Chinese communities, relocated here from southern China in the 1700s, still continue their own traditions and religious practices. During major festivities like Chinese New Year and the Vegetarian Festival, the dynamism and spirit of celebration spreads across town like wildfire, and if you happen to be around, don’t miss an opportunity to witness Bangkok Chinatown at its best.

Bangkok owes much of its fascinating history to the communities that flourish along the Chao Phraya riverbanks. The areas from Wat Arun to Phra Sumeru Fortress are home to some of the oldest settlements in Bangkok, particularly Bangkok Noi, where you can still revel in the charming ambience of stilt houses and markets flanking the complex waterways. One of the most scenic areas, the riverside reflects a constantly changing scene day and night: water-taxis ferrying commuters and heavily laden rice barges chugging upstream, set against a backdrop of glittering temples, historical landmarks and luxury, five-star hotels.