Central Thailand

Central Thailand is where almost every journey begins. At its heart is Bangkok, a city that wakes at dawn with monks collecting alms and longtail boats crossing the Chao Phraya, then glows after dark with rooftop bars and street-food stalls. The Grand Palace and the Emerald Buddha, the reclining Buddha of Wat Pho and the porcelain spires of Wat Arun sit within a few minutes of each other along the river.

Away from the landmarks, the old city keeps its own pace: wooden houses along the Thonburi canals, flower sellers at Pak Khlong Talat working through the night, and the teak rooms of Jim Thompson House telling the story of Thai silk.

An hour north, the plains open out to Ayutthaya, capital of Siam for more than four centuries and once one of the largest cities in the world. Today its brick prangs, headless Buddhas and the famous Buddha head wrapped in tree roots stand among quiet lawns, best seen by bicycle in the cool of the morning. Closer to the city, the floating market of Damnoen Saduak and the railway market of Maeklong make lively half-day trips.