Situated in the heart of the historic district, San Lorenzo is the primary cathedral of Genoa, renowned for its striking black and white striped marble facade, which dates back to the 12th century. Inside the cathedral, visitors can marvel at the breathtaking interior, replete with high ceilings, towering columns, and exquisite stained glass. The basement of the cathedral is home to the Treasure Museum, which is definitely worth a visit.

The National Museum Bangkok is the biggest museum in Southeast Asia and a great stop, alongside the Museum of Siam, if you want to understand Thai history and art. It’s spread across several buildings, showcasing everything from ancient sculptures and royal regalia to traditional costumes and ceramics. The collection can feel a bit overwhelming, so it’s worth focusing on the highlights—like the giant Buddha statues and the Bangkok-period royal artefacts. Guided tours are available if you want the backstory behind the displays, but wandering on your own gives a good sense of Thailand’s past at your own pace.

This stunning, white-limestone church was constructed between 1087 and 1197 and has always held the remains of San Nicola (who is also known as Santa Klaus). It is both a Catholic and an Orthodox church and, partly for this reason, it is a place of annual pilgrimage for many people from all over the world.

About 80 km north of Bangkok, Ayutthaya was once the capital of Siam. Today, the Historical Park is full of temple ruins, giant Buddha statues, and prang (reliquary towers). Wat Mahathat is famous for the Buddha head caught in tree roots, and Wat Phra Si Sanphet was the royal temple of the old city. Most travellers do a day trip from Bangkok by train, bus, or river cruise, though staying overnight gives you a quieter look at the ruins.