Thailand

Bangkok is packed with markets which play a central role in community life and act as popular tourist attractions for visitors to the city. The long-established street markets sell just about anything you can imagine ranging from locally-grown tropical fruits to gold jewellery and fake Levis. As well as bargain-hunting and enjoying the atmosphere of these traditional markets visitors can also splash out at any number of enormous, air-conditioned shopping malls which are up there with some of the most luxurious retail outlets on the planet.

Whether you book a private tour with a guide or decide to go it alone you simply must visit the city’s most famous landmarks. Ideally you should start at the Grand Palace at opening time (8.30am) so as to avoid the worst of the crowds. Within its grounds you will visit the sacred Wat Phra Kaew which is home to the Emerald Buddha. Next you can walk to the neighbouring Wat Pho which is the city’s oldest temple and home to an enormous reclining Buddha which is one of Bangkok’s most Instagrammed sights.

With more than 20 million visitors per year, Bangkok is one of the world’s most visited tourist destinations. Its Buddhist temples and beautiful palaces are the city’s main cultural attractions whilst its colourful markets and lively nightlife add to its appeal. Bangkok is a hub for travellers visiting countries throughout South-East Asia as well as serving as an important global business centre. This diverse visitor profile is reflected in the accommodation on offer which ranges from some magnificent 5-star hotels overlooking the Chao Phraya River to the plethora of budget hostels along Khao San Road.