Temples & heritage
From the Grand Palace to the ruined capitals of Ayutthaya and Sukhothai. We go early, we dress properly, and we explain what you are looking at.
Thailand has three historic capitals within reach of Bangkok, and each needs a different approach: Ayutthaya by bicycle, Sukhothai by bicycle and a night, Bangkok on foot before the heat.
A guide matters more here than anywhere else. Without one, a field of brick is a field of brick; with one, you can read the Ramakien murals, understand why the Buddha faces east, and know which site to skip.
Where to do it
Places that make it work
Palace & temple
The Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew
The royal palace compound and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, all gold spires and mirrored mosaics behind a wh…
Temple
Wat Pho & the Reclining Buddha
A working temple with a 46-metre gold-leaf reclining Buddha, a courtyard of 91 stupas and Thailand's original sc…
Temple
Wat Arun, Temple of Dawn
A porcelain-encrusted prang on the west bank of the Chao Phraya, best seen from the water as the light drops.…
Temple
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
The golden chedi on the mountain above Chiang Mai, reached by 306 steps or a very short funicular.…
National park
Doi Inthanon National Park
Thailand's highest mountain, 2,565 metres, with cloud forest, two royal chedis and the Wachirathan waterfall.…
Temple
Wat Rong Khun (White Temple)
Chalermchai Kositpipat's white, mirror-studded temple outside Chiang Rai — part sacred site, part contemporary a…
Tours built around it
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