Bangkok

Bangkok's riverside — the Mandarin Oriental, the Peninsula, Capella, Four Seasons and the Siam along the Chao Phraya — offers arguably the best value in world-class hospitality anywhere. The Grand Palace, Wat Pho and Wat Arun are the classic circuit; Chinatown (Yaowarat) at night and the Or Tor Kor market by day are the food circuit; Thonglor and Sukhumvit are where the city goes out. November to February is cool and dry; March to May is very hot; the rainy season brings short heavy downpours rather than washed-out days. Dress modestly at temples (shoulders and knees covered, shoes off), never disrespect the monarchy, and take the BTS Skytrain, MRT or river boats to avoid the traffic.