Best of Bangkok and Chiang Mai

Buzzing, humid and energetic, Bangkok is the city where magnificent temples, historic markets, skyscrapers and rooftop bars create an intoxicating vibe that's hard to resist. The city is a mesmerizing blend of old and new, East and West, and dizzying contradictions. Historical sites next to vibrant nightlife areas, bustling markets near modern shopping malls, and street food vendors close to world-class restaurants. Hence, the city is still fascinating for its traditional culture. Saffron-robed monks weave among the morning rush hour to collect alms; communities dwell in stilt houses by the Chao Phraya River, eking out a living using centuries-old skills. A city tour in Bangkok often begins in Rattanakosin, drawn by the Grand Palace and Wat Pho. It's here the Chao Phraya River separates the city proper from its old capital Thonburi, a spot where quitet, narrow canals and floating markets illustrate why Bangkok was once called 'Venice of the East'. East of the canals is modern Bangkok, a hive of activity with countless businesses, markets and shopping malls handily connect by the BTS Skytrain. As a city that feels alive day and night, Bangkok is the destination for all, from foodies, shopaholics, culture seekers, history lovers, urban explorers, even party animals. That makes the well-known Southeast Asian gateway one of the world's most visited cities.

Kanchanaburi, located about 150 kilometers away from Bangkok, is a popular escape for those hoping to lose the crowd. This lush province and its pleasant capital is rich in rivers, waterfalls and outdoor adventure. It also occupies a tragic place in World War II history when Kanchanaburi region was the home of a Japanese prisoner-of-war camp. Popularized by the book and movie 'The Bridge on the River Kwai', the infamous bridge and railway is a notable part of the Kanchanaburi landscape. During World War II, Japanese forces used allied prisoners of war (POWs) and conscripted Asian laborers to build a rail route from Thailand to Burma (Myanmar). War cemeteries, museums and the chance to ride a section of the so-called 'Death Railway' draw numerous visitors to this quaint town. As a beautiful town with plethora of diverse attractions, Kanchanaburi is stacked full of great day-tripping opportunities. You can refresh yourself with a swim in one of the many sparkling pools at Erawan Falls; take a stroll down the city's heritage walking street for a look at the different Sino-Portuguese, Thai and Chinese building styles, or explore the famous temple caves built into the limestone hills surrounding Kanchanaburi.

Ayutthaya, short for Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, was once the capital of the ancient kingdom of Siam. It not only plays an important role in Thai's history but was also made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991. Founded in 1350 and became the biggest city in the world by 1700, its wealth generated by trade with countries from all over Asia, the Middle East and Europe. However, it all came to an end in 1767 when war with Burma led to the devastation of the city. It was almost burnt to the ground and the capital of Siam moved to Bangkok. Nowaday, most of the ancient remains are on the western half of the island called the Ayutthaya Historical Park. There are temples, royal palaces, museums and more which are easy to explore on foot, by bike or tuk tuk. The most iconic sight of Ayutthaya resides in Wat Mahathat or the Temple of the Great Relic. Its signature is the tree root with a Buddha head embraced in it and no one knows exactly how it was made. Also worth a visit is the royal temple of Wat Phra Si Sanphet which was the original home of the Emerald Buddha, now located in the Grand Palace in Bangkok. Wat Phra Si Sanphet is the largest and one of the most famous temple in Ayutthaya which was once used for royal ceremonies and contained the ashes of royal family members. For an overview of Ayutthayan-style art, visit the Chao Sam Phraya National Museum, which holds well-preserved statues recovered from the ruins. There are beautiful bronze Buddhas dating from the 13th and 14th centuries, 17th- and 18th-­century door panels with religious, traditional or floral carvings, and a hoard of 15th-century gold jewellery.

Fame as 'the rose of the North', Chiang Mai is an alluring city brimming with glittering temples, lush jungle, delicious streetfood and the bustle of lively markets. As the gateway to the mountains in northern Thailand, Chiang Mai has grown far beyond the medieval city walls that once marked it as the ancient capital of Lanna Kingdom. Nevertheless, its temple-lined backstreets still conjure up the glory of the old empire and it is still possible to get a feel for Chiang Mai's Thai culture and traditions. Ancient shrines and traditional wooden houses jostle for space with boutique hotels, stylish restaurants and trendy bars of this northern town as well as its welcoming customs and laidback pace of life leads to a rising footfall of enthusiastic tourists with each year. Home to a vast number of national parks, lush tropical jungles, hidden waterfalls, stunning rivers, and animal sanctuaries, Chiang Mai is an unmissable stop-off point for many outdoor adventure-seeking travellers. From trekking to the villages of Thailand's hill tribes to other adrenaline activities including mountain biking, white-water rafting, rock climbing expeditions and zip-lining through the rainforest canopy that makes Chiang Mai a perfect getaway.