Top 10 things to see & do in Thailand

Marvel at Bangkok's glittering Palace and Wat Phra Kaeo, a temple complex housing the Emerald Buddha. Upriver are the Royal Barges these richly ornamented barges are only used for special processions on the Chao Phraya River. Do not miss Wat Pho the oldest and largest temple in Bangkok and home to the Reclining Buddha. The Buddha's statue is enormous, an amazing 46m (150ft) long and 15m (49ft) high.

Discover the delightful 81-room Vimanmek Palace once a royal summer retreat, which was rebuilt in Bangkok in 1900. Be charmed by the former home of the American silk-dealer Jim Thompson Travel north to Chiang Mai, Thailand's second-largest city and a centre for excursions to the region's ancient temples, hill tribes and the Golden Triangle. Climb the 300 or so steps to Doi Suthep temple for sweeping views of the city.

Visit Kanchanaburi, inextricably linked with the horrors of WWII and the allied forces who were forced to build the Death Railway and the Bridge over the River Kwai. Use the town as a base to explore the area's waterfalls and jungles, and spend the night on a floating raft house. Step back in time with a visit to Ayutthaya, once the capital of Thailand. Ramble through the ruined palaces and wats on foot, by bicycle or even on the back of an elephant. A visit to Ayutthaya should be complemented with a trip to Sukhothai, an ancient capital of Thailand. Inside the old city walls are the ruins of ornate wats, with some beautifully preserved carvings.

Head to Phang Nga Bay, which is world-famous for its stunning seascape, with its hundreds of limestone islets emerging from a translucent sea. Easily reached from Phuket, many visitors will recognise scenery featured in the James Bond film, The Man with the Golden Gun.