Thailand, main attractions

Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha)

Located near the Royal Grand Palace, the temple of Wat Pho is Bangkok's largest and oldest. More than 1,000 statues of the Buddha pepper the temple grounds. It also houses one of the most memorable attractions of Thailand - the 157-foot Reclining Buddha. This gold-plated statue is also inlaid with mother-of-pearl at the soles. It is truly a breath-taking sight. Visitors to the temple can learn about Thai medicine, one of the country's most ancient arts.

Address: 2 Sanamchai Road
Opening time: Monday - Sunday, 8am - 5pm
Admission: Bt20

Royal Grand Palace

Began in 1782, the Royal Grand Palace was timed to be completed for the coronation of King Rama I and was officially opened in 1785 and marked the end of the Burmese invasion into the country. The Palace is actuall composed of a large number of smaller buildings - the most famous of which are the Wat Mahatat (Palace Temple) and the Wat Phra Keow (Royal Chapel). The latter houses the Emerald Buddha, a statue sculpted from a single piece of jade. This is considered as one of the most revered artifacts in the whole country.

Address: Na Phralan Road, Phra Nakhon
Opening time: Monday - Sunday, 830am - 330pm
Admission: Adults, Bt200; children are free

Doi Suthep Temple

Ten miles from the province of Chiang Mai is the famous Wat Phrathat temple on the summit of Doi Suthep Mountain. This temple is a part of Thai legend. According to stories, King Ku Na, looking for a site to erect a temple, placed holy relics onto an elephant's back. The elephant climbed the mountain and, upon reaching the summit, trumpeted three times indicating that it was the perfect spot. Visitors who want to visit the temple will have to climb 290 steps.