Red-bricked former Thai capital north of Bangkok, sacked by the Burmese and left to molder.

Shown: Decapitated Buddha statues, Wat Mahathat

The capital of Thailand, with the best and worst of the country rolled into one steaming mass of humanity.

Shown: Wat Arun (the Temple of Dawn)

The opulent Summer Palace of Thailand's kings.

Shown: Aisawan Thiphya-At, the archetypcal Thai pavilion

Hill-tribe trekking in the mountains on northern Thailand.

Shown: View from near the Lisu village of Baan Pha Suay

The gateway to the north of the country, infinitely greener and more relaxed than Bangkok.

Shown: Bells, Wat Phra Doi Suthep

Provincial city near the Burmese and Lao borders, with a few temples worth visiting.

Shown: Detail of guardian statue at Wat Klang Wiang

The point where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet to extract dollars from tourists

Shown: Detail of dragon (naga) outside temple

The site of the infamous Bridge over the River Kwai, plus Thailand's biggest chedi (stupa).

Shown: One of the few trains per day crossing the bridge

A small rustic island to the north of Bangkok, well known for its Mon pottery.

Shown: Simple farmhouse, Pottery Vilage #1

Beaches, gravity-defying limestone outcrops, diving, sea kayaks...  and thousands of Scandinavians!?

Shown: Thaiwand Wall and the beach of Phra Nang

Market town on the border with Myanmar.

Shown: Scorpion shaking its claw menacingly at would-be Burmese invaders

Refugee camp of the Chinese Nationalist Army, now switching over from opium production to making oolong tea

Shown: Tea leaves drying outside a shop

Small town near the border to Laos, notably primarily for the supremely weird temple-cum-sculpture park of Sala Kaew Ku.

Shown: Buddha meditating under the Nagas, Sala Kaew Ku

Universities, shopping malls and the headquarters of a multi-million-strong UFO and concrete worshopping cult.

Shown: The Great Cetiya, with 300,000 (count 'em) golden Buddhas on the dome

A festival of banana-leaf floats (or in these days just styrofoam), reputed to make wishes come true.

Shown: Krathong traffic jam