Most people associate Bangkok with crowded floating markets with boats heavy loaded with fruits in any color of the rainbow along the many canals. Bangkok does still have canals, but the authentic floating markets are something of the past. Today you can instead visit some sad recreation outside Bangkok, where Damnoen Saduak is the most popular one. Here the cargo of the boats have been replaced with tourists in any color of the rainbow and the shore are lined with tacky shops selling the same crappy souvenirs. It is fun to see the Thailand tourist machine in full action, but if you are looking for a trip through some canals, it is better to rent a long-tail boat in Bangkok, markets or not.

The largest island in Thailand is Phuket. It is so big that it does not fell like one, which is kind of good for the place is welcoming several millions tourists every year. Most only make it to the main strips of sand at Patong, Karon and Kata, leaving a fair bit of beaches and green countryside to travellers seeking more than Starbucks, jetskies and expat bars. Phuket admirable manage to offer something for everyone. Even the Old Town of Phuket city is inviting and is a great base for the money tights more interested in exploring the island than spending money on prime beach location.

For an idea of the different beaches on Phuket, check out the photo gallery.