Bangkok

The city's most iconic landmark: a dazzling complex of gold spires and mosaics that served as the royal residence for 150 years.

The 'Temple of Dawn,' an architectural marvel covered in colorful porcelain and seashells on the west bank of the river.

Home to the massive 46-meter long gold-leaf Reclining Buddha and the historic birthplace of traditional Thai massage.

The local way to travel: a high-speed river transit system offering a breezy, scenic perspective of the historic skyline.

A sensory assault of neon lights and sizzle in Chinatown, serving as the world's greatest open-air seafood and street food buffet.

A therapeutic art form using rhythmic pressure and yoga-like stretching to release physical and energetic tension.

Bangkok's premier urban park, offering a peaceful lake, running tracks, and the famous resident water monitor lizards.

The 'Art of Eight Limbs': a high-energy combat sport and deeply respected part of Thai cultural identity.

Sophisticated bars focused on high-fidelity sound and curated vinyl collections ranging from vintage Thai pop to global jazz.

A stroll through one of Bangkok's oldest neighborhoods where scrap metal yards sit alongside historic mansions and street art.

A massive jungle island in a bend of the river, accessible only by boat and best explored on two wheels.

One of the world's largest outdoor markets, featuring over 15,000 stalls selling everything from vintage fashion to furniture.

Trendy, modern night markets featuring white tents, hipster food stalls, live music, and photogenic 'Instagram' food.

Bangkok's primary flower market: a 24-hour operation that is a riot of color, fragrance, and frenetic midnight logistics.

High-altitude cocktail bars offering dramatic, panoramic views of the city's neon-lit sprawl and the winding river.

Thailand's most famous dish: stir-fried rice noodles with shrimp, tofu, peanuts, and a signature tangy tamarind sauce.

A spicy, fragrant stir-fry of minced meat and holy basil, widely considered by locals to be the 'true' national dish of Thailand.

A flexible style of street dining where customers choose ingredients and a cooking style from a modular, high-heat wok menu.

Thailand's most popular communal hotpot (Suki) chain, known for its clean, family-friendly environment and green-themed branding.

A bold, aromatic soup featuring shrimp, lemongrass, and galangal that masterfully balances spicy, sour, and salty profiles.

Rich noodle soup traditionally served in small portions with a dark broth thickened with pig or cow blood for depth.

Succulent poached chicken served over fragrant rice cooked in chicken fat, ginger, and garlic, accompanied by a spicy dipping sauce.

The quintessential Thai morning ritual: savory rice congee (Jok) paired with airy, deep-fried dough sticks (Pa Thong Ko).

A boiled rice soup served with an array of small savory side dishes, popular as a restorative meal after a night out.

A vibrant green papaya salad pounded in a mortar to blend sweet, sour, salty, and fiercely spicy flavors.

Thailand's most beloved dessert, featuring sweet glutinous rice, rich coconut cream, and slices of perfectly ripe mango.

Thinly sliced, marinated pork grilled over charcoal until caramelized, usually served with a small bag of sticky rice.

A thick, mild, and nutty curry featuring potatoes and peanuts, often ranked as the world's most delicious dish by food critics.

A bold category of cuisine from the Northeast characterized by grilled meats, sticky rice, and funky, spicy salads.

A savory, crispy omelet made with a glutinous batter and plump oysters, served over fresh bean sprouts.

A colorful array of bite-sized treats like coconut pancakes (Kanom Krok) or mung bean cakes sold from street-side carts.