Around Bangkok Feature

Heading into the Wild: There's a huge expanse of untouched jungle around Kanchanaburi, which is the kickoff point for trekking, elephant riding, and river-rafting adventures.

Floating Markets: This area has more floating markets than anywhere else in Thailand. The most famous is at Damnoen Saduak—it's the only daily floating market left in the region.

Seeing Old Siam: History awaits outside Bangkok at a Neolithic site, the remains of a Khmer temple (Muang Singh Historical Park in Kanchanaburi), and in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand's oldest seat of Buddhist learning.

Bridge on the River Kwai: For a glimpse of more recent history, visit what remains of the "Death Railway" in Kanchanaburi and walk across the bridge made famous by the movie of the same name.

Converging Cultures: The area around Sangklaburi on the Thai-Myanmar (Burma) border is a mix of Thai, Burmese, and hill tribe communities.

River Views in Ayutthaya: This city, which can be visited as a day trip from Bangkok, combines great river views—most of its hotels offer them—with an island full of fascinating wats.