Things to Do in Thailand

The shimmering splendor of the Grand Palace (once home to the Thai King) has to be seen to be believed. Surrounded by defensive walls, highlights include the Wat Phra Kaew, which houses the famous Emerald Buddha.

A few kilometers to the west of the modern city are the ruins of the former capital. The complex of beautiful and ancient structures includes the large Wat Phra Si Sanphet temple, along with a host of other temples that are both in a state of atmospheric ruin, and fully functional.

The forests around Chiang Mai are famous for their large elephant population. While some elephant parks in Thailand may seem rather exploitative, this one (about 60km north of the city itself) serves as a genuine sanctuary for troubled elephants.

Given that the film version of Alex Garland’s ‘The Beach’ was shot here, Thailand’s famous ‘secret’ beach may not be so secret anymore. But, situated on one of the most beautiful tropical islands in the world, it remains a great attraction.

This traditional teakwood stilt house in the heart of Bangkok, functions as a preserved monument and an ethnographical museum. The ground beneath the house also displays an array of typical agricultural equipment.