The guide begins in Thailand's noisy and vibrant capital, Bangkok, with visits to Wat Po and other famous temples, as well as to Jim Thompson's house, where the famous silkmaker lived before his mysterious disappearance into the wilds of Malaysia, and an open-air residence on stilts once belonging to a princess. You'll learn about Thailand's exotic cuisine and the art of shopping in its famous night markets. The author then guides readers into the countryside, exploring Kanchanaburi, site of the bridge over the River Kwai; the ancient capitals of Ayuthaya and Sukhothai, and national parks alive with monkeys and elephants. The charming city of Chaing Mai awaits in the northern mountains; from there wilderness treks depart for remote hilltribe villages. Thailand is famous for its beaches - and all the best ones will be found in this guide. Phuket and Koh Samui, as well as many lesser known ones popular with Thais; all have been updated with reports on tsunami damage.