Thailand^s capital is a fast, buzzing city of over eight million people. Known for its cosmopolitan feel and vibrant street life, Bangkok is also a great gateway to the country^s best temples and palaces. And while it^s easy to forget when walking among Bangkok^s skyscrapers, the city^s heart is on the water—the many canals networking throughout the neighborhoods and the vibrant Chao Phraya River, which you can tour on a long-tail boat cruise.

Shrouded in misty, jungly mountains, Chiang Mai is one of the best destinations in Thailand for travelers looking to see a different side of the country—a city of ancient constructions, thick tropical rainforests, and hill trekking. A good way to see the wild side of Chiang Mai is to head out to Doi Inthanon National Park, which is part of the Himalayan mountain range and home to remote villages and stunning viewpoints.

Located about 80 kilometers north of Bangkok, the ancient city of Ayutthaya was once Thailand^s capital—back in the 14th century, when the kingdom of Siam was at its strongest. Today, the ruins of the kingdom can be toured while walking the Ayutthaya Historical Park, a UNESCO site. Home to many prang (reliquary towers), wat, and stucco statues, the park is surrounded by three rivers and deep moats and covers an area of 289 hectares.

Found within the same complex, the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew (also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha) are major tourist destinations in the Thai capital. Few people visit Bangkok without visiting the famous landmarks. The intricate details and grand architecture appeal to photography lovers and those interested in history and culture are sure to enjoy the various displays. The celebrated Emerald Buddha is one of the nation’s most revered religious statues.

Koh Samui is one of the best places to go in Thailand for palm-fringed beaches and luxury resorts, but the country^s second largest island has a lot more to offer than sunbathing heaven. One of the most popular holiday spots in Thailand, Koh Samui is home to mountainous rainforests, postcard-worthy beaches, and breathtaking sunsets. There are also plenty of spas and temples to discover here, including the famous Wat Phra Yai and its 12-meter-tall Big Buddha.

Kanchanaburi is best known for its dark connection to WWII, especially the construction of the bridge over the River Kwai. Infamous for being part of the "Death Railway," the bridge was part of the line meant to connect Thailand with Burma (Myanmar), and it was built using forced labor provided by Allied prisoners of war. Over 16,000 POWs died during the construction of the railway, including many British soldiers. The Royal Air Force bombed and damaged the bridge extensively during the war—but it was quickly rebuilt and still stands today. Most of the railway line, however, was eventually abandoned or not finished.