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.

Saint-André is Bordeaux’s main cathedral — parts of it date back to the 11th century, though most of what you see now is from the 13th to 15th centuries. It’s a classic Gothic structure and has seen a fair bit of history, including the marriage of Eleanor of Aquitaine. Just next to it is the Tour Pey Berland, a separate bell tower you can climb for panoramic views over the city and the cathedral roof.

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.

Set in a former 16th-century convent, this museum dives deep into Bordeaux and Aquitaine’s history, with more than 70,000 items on display — from prehistoric tools to objects linked to the city’s past as a busy port.