One of the oldest, largest and most revered temple complexes in Bangkok, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho) is a must-see for all visitors to the Thai capital.

It's now one of Thailand's top landmarks, attracting visitors who come to wander the complex and its interior and those who clamber up the steep steps to enjoy unparalleled vistas of Bangkok's skyline and the winding Chao Phraya River.

The weekend-only Chatuchak Market is a one-stop shopping spot in the Thai capital, with stands selling everything from street food to blue jeans, and silk scarves to beauty products.

Tour the house and gardens for a look at traditional Thai architecture, to see Thompson's collection of Southeast Asian art, and to learn more about traditional silk-weaving techniques.

The spectacularly ornamented Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew) is one of the most important Buddhist temples in Thailand. A site highlight is a sacred pre–15th-century statue of the Buddha in a seated meditation pose carved from a single block of jade.

Shopaholics will be in their element in Siam Square. An open-air shopping complex surrounded by huge malls and alleyways lined with street stalls and small boutiques, Siam is a baffling contrast of creativity and commercialism.

Home to the world's largest gold Buddha statue, the Temple of the Golden Buddha (Wat Traimit) is a prominent stop on Bangkok's temple trail. Measuring nine feet (three meters) tall and weighing more than five tons (4,535 kilograms), the Buddha attracts floods of visitors.

The Temple of the Golden Mount, or Wat Saket, is a low hill with a pointed golden temple (chedi). Visit today for great views of Bangkok and to see its Buddha relic.

Travelers agree that the easiest, safest and cheapest way to traverse the city is aboard the BTS Skytrain (Bangkok Mass Transit System). This elevated subway system allows visitors to take in the view and skip the traffic jams.

Bangkok's glittering Grand Palace is one of the most popular attractions in the Thai capital. Built in 1782, this sprawling 54-acre (21.8-hectare) complex served as the royal court and administrative seat of Thailand for 150 years. Today, while it continues to host royal Thai functions, the palace also impresses swathes of visitors with its intricate golden-spired architecture and cultural history.