Thailand special fares from £577

Base yourself within walking distance of the Grand Palace and explore this indredible complex by foot. Walk on a little further and you get to the stupendous golden reclining Buddha at Wat Po. Hop on a tuk tuk or bus 507 to Lumphini Park in the late afternoon and join the locals in enjoying the cool environs. Bus (504 or 505), taxi or tuk tuk to Central World Plaza for dinner and, for a glitzy end to your day, cocktails on the 55th floor of the Centara Grand Hotel. Enjoy the view!

Take your pick of one of the many cooking schools or glamorous malls to while away a few hours. By now you should be ready to see some more temples: serene Wat Shutat and Wat Traimit are well worth a visit. Wat Traimit is situated in Chinatown where you can explore bustling markets and purchase a trinket or two. You're now just a short bus ride (204 or 508) to Jim Thompson's house. Admire the architecture then relax beside the canal with a cool drink.

Just outside of the city is the open air museum of Muang Boran or Ancient City. OK, so it's a bit touristy but it's a great way of learning about Thailand's history, culture and traditions. It boasts an impressive collection of artifacts and can my reached by taxi or bus 511 and then 36. Continue being touristy and go on a trip around Taling Chan floating market before heading back to the city in time for sunset, best seen aboard one of the ferries plying the temple-lined Chao Phraya.