Things to See in Thailand

This is a fine example of authentic Thai residential architecture, with an impressive collection of southeast Asian art within. Located at the end of an undistinguished soi (lane) next to Khlong Saen Saeb, the premises once belonged to the American silk entrepreneur Jim Thompson, who successfully promoted Thai silk to Western markets.

The oldest wát (temple or monastery) in the city, Wat Chiang Man was founded by King Mengrai in 1296 and features typical Northern Thai temple architecture with massive teak columns inside the bòt (central sanctuary).

Wat Traimit shelters a 3m-tall, 5.5-tonne, solid-gold Buddha image - an impressive sight. This gleaming figure was once covered in stucco, but during efforts to move it in the 1960s, the figure fell, cracking the stucco and revealing the treasure inside. The covering was probably intended to hide it during one of Burma's many invasions.

Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) is an architectural wonder of gilded chedi (stupas) seemingly levitating above the ground, polished orange and green roof tiles piercing the humid sky, mosaic-encrusted pillars and rich marble pediments. One of the city's holiest and most spectacular sites, the temple inspires awe in even the most jaded traveller.

Wat Arun is a striking temple, named after the Indian god of dawn, Aruna. Looming large, it looks as if it were carved from granite; a closer inspection reveals a mosaic of porcelain tiles covering the imposing 82m (270ft) Khmer-style praang (spire). The tiles were left behind by Chinese merchant ships no longer needing them as ballast.