
This wonderful building, synthesised from six traditional teak houses and packed full of Asian artefacts, was the work of Bangkok's silk guru and larger-than-life expat Jim Thompson. He transported the houses, most of which are over 200 years old, to Bangkok from as far away as Ayutthaya, adding quirky touches like the carved front of a Chinese pawn shop. The overall effect is cool, spacious and elegant - the perfect Bangkok retreat.
A first stop when visiting Bangkok, the Grand Palace with the Royal Temple (Wat Phra Kaew, or Wat Phra Kaeo), home of the Emerald Buddha, is the spiritual heart of the nation. The entire palace complex offers 218,400 square metres of intricate symbolism, history and cultural traditions.