There is so much to see and do in Thailand that few visitors can resist returning. With an expansive coast line and gorgeous tropical islands, Thailand is justly famed for its wonderful beaches and laid-back lifestyle. Inland there are the iconic sights of lush jungles, rolling hills and rice paddies. As a country of Buddhists, there is also an abundance of golden temples and beautiful, spiritually-inspired architecture. One word of caution though: to avoid the common fate of temple fatigue, don't try to see too much. Rather concentrate on a few key attractions and spend some quality time in each of them.

1. Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
The Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is an escape from the Western-style shopping malls of Bangkok and a glimpse into the past, revealing the centuries' old way of life of the residents whose stilt-houses perch on the canals.

2. Royal Grand Palace
Construction of the palace began in 1782 and was completed in time for the coronation of King Rama I, and opened in 1785 to signify the end of the Burmese invasion of Thailand. The palace itself is made up of a complex array of smaller buildings, most notably the Wat Mahatat (the Palace Temple) and the Wat Phra Keow (the Royal Chapel), which houses the famous Emerald Buddha sculpted from a single piece of jade, and one of the most revered objects in the Kingdom.

3. The Golden Buddha
Dating back to the 13th century, Wat Traimit stands nearly 10ft (3m) tall, weighs over 5 tons and is believed to be solid cast gold. It was discovered by accident in 1957 when an old stucco image was dropped by a crane, shattering the plaster shell to reveal the brilliantly shining gold underneath. The statue is breathtaking and is thought to have come from the Sukhothai period when it was covered with plaster to hide it from the Burmese invaders.

4. Chatuchak Market
Chatuchak or JJ market is said to be the largest flea market in the world. 'Organized' along narrow grid lines under tin roofs this enormous market is packed tight with all of Thailand's wears. Around 15,000 stalls are loosely categorised into clothing, crafts, food, and animal sections and it is probable that shoppers will quickly become disoriented. Some of Thailand's illegally traded animals are sold here and vendors are quick to spot signs of oncoming raids. The market is only open on the weekends from 8 am to 6 pm and on Fridays for wholesalers.

5. Wat Benchamabophit
Wat Benchamabophit, also known as the Marble Temple, is constructed of white Carrara marble and is known as one of Bangkok's most beautiful wats where even the courtyard is paved with polished white marble.

6. Wat Suthat and the Giant Swing
This temple is among the oldest and largest in Bangkok and is home to the beautiful 14th-century Phra Buddha Shakyamuni, a Buddha image that was brought from Sukhothai. It is also known for its exquisite wall paintings which were done during the reign.