Make an early start and set out on a tour of Thailand’s traditional floating markets. The Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is one of the most popular and it’s a mesmerizing sight, with boats lining the canal and vendors selling everything from tropical fruits and delicious coconut candies to beautiful handcrafted goods.

Some of Bangkok’s most magnificent temples are in the heart of the city. Take a walking tour of the Grand Palace, where the star attraction is the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew). Nearby, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho), Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun), and Temple of the Giant Swing (Wat Suthat) are equally impressive.

Continue sightseeing with an after-hours tour of Chinatown, one of Bangkok’s liveliest neighborhoods renowned for its street food. End up on the legendary Khao San Road, where you can drink cocktails, browse souvenir shops, or just soak up the street’s atmosphere into the wee hours.

If you’re visiting on a weekend, make a beeline for the huge Chatuchak Market, where vendors sell everything from handicrafts and clothes to fun souvenirs and delicious street food. Otherwise, there are plenty of other markets to explore, including Sampeng, Wang Lang, and Khlong Toey.

See a different side of Bangkok on a scenic sightseeing cruise. Glide along the Chao Phraya River, past city landmarks like the Grand Palace and Wat Arun, then venture out along the khlongs (canals) for a glimpse of local life in suburban Bangkok.

Conclude your Bangkok trip with a cabaret show or a nighttime sightseeing tour of the city. Finish the evening with a drink at one of Bangkok’s stunning rooftop bars—popular choices include the Banyan Tree Hotel’s Moon Bar and the Sky Bar at Lebua State Tower.