About 90 km southwest of Bangkok, Maeklong Railway Market —also called Talad Rom Hoop ('Umbrella Pulldown Market') — is one of Thailand’s quirkiest attractions. Stalls selling fresh seafood, fruit, and spices spill right onto the railway tracks, and when the train rumbles through several times a day, vendors casually pull back their awnings and goods with practised speed, only to set them back in place as soon as the carriages pass. It’s chaotic, fascinating, and makes for one of the most memorable market visits in the country.

About 35 km southeast of Bangkok, the Ancient City is an open-air museum where Thailand’s most important historical sites have been recreated at a smaller scale. Spread over 200 acres, you can explore miniatures of temples, palaces, and monuments from every corner of the country at your own pace. Many visitors hire bicycles or electric carts to cover more ground, but strolling lets you linger on the intricate details and take plenty of photos. It’s a convenient day trip from Bangkok for anyone interested in Thai history and architecture without travelling too far.

This magnificent mansion is the home and office of the governor of Puerto Rico and the governor's family. It has been in continuous use since it was built in 1540. The structure is also known as the Palacio de Santa Catalina (Saint Catalina’s Palace) as it integrates a chapel in keeping with the highly Catholic culture.