Bangkok
The capital is loud, hot, beautiful, and impossible to see in a single trip. The Grand Palace and Wat Pho are the headline sights; Wat Arun across the Chao Phraya is best viewed from the river at sunset. Chatuchak Weekend Market is the largest in Asia and a full-day commitment. The river ferries are the most efficient way to move between the old city and the modern centre, and a long-tail boat tour into the Thonburi canals shows the older, water-borne city most visitors miss. Eat boat noodles at least once, and an entire dinner at a street stall at least twice.