In the heart of Bangkok, the Democracy Monument was built in 1939 to mark the 1932 coup that ended the absolute monarchy and introduced a constitutional government. The central sculpture shows soldiers and civilians, but the change of power happened mostly without bloodshed while the king was away. It’s a quick stop if you’re exploring Rattanakosin, and the surrounding traffic circle gives you a real sense of the city’s pace and energy.

This is the last surviving part of the former 14th-century town hall. It has become, accidentally, the city’s own leaning tower, as it bends slightly off-centre by 55 centimetres, apparently caused by the wind and the passage of time.

The Swan Valley in Western Australia is a fascinating mix of award-winning wineries, tasty food, impressive art and interesting events, all of which take place in beautiful scenery just 25 minutes away from Perth’s city centre. The best way to experience the region is to follow the scenic route called the Swan Valley Food and Wine Trail. Discover fine wineries, distilleries, breweries, cafés and art.

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.