Top 10 things to do in Thailand

1. Visit a beautiful Buddhist temple in Bangkok like the Reclining Buddha, Golden Buddha or Wat Benchamabophit, the Marble Temple

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2. Head for one of Bangkok’s rooftop bars, such as the Vertigo bar at the Banyan Tree Hotel or the Sky Bar at Lebua State Tower for incredible vistas

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3. Visit the huge Chatuchak weekend market for endless eccentric bargains

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4. Explore the Golden Triangle, the meeting point of Burma, Thailand and Laos where ancient temples and traditions are exist alongside the relaxed pace of life

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5. Try a cooking course and rustle up the classic Thai favourites – pad thai, cashew chicken and som tam – delicious

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6. Launch a lantern into the inky sky at the Lanna festival in Chiang Mai

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7. Relax on the islands of the Gulf of Thailand – diving off Koh Tao, dancing at the Full Moon party in Koh Phangan and lounging by the pool on Koh Samui

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8. For picture-postcard beaches, head west and hop between Koh Phi Phi and the neighbouring islands for the ultimate beach town vibe

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9. Explore the crumbling temples of Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of Siam

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10. Help feed, walk and wash your new elephant friend on an ethical mahout training day just outside of Chiang Mai

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