Bangkok's favourite family day out: drive through the open Safari Park among giraffes, zebras and big cats, then catch the dolphin, sea lion and stunt shows at the Marine Park.

A full day island-hopping by speedboat from Phuket: Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon and Viking Cave on Phi Phi Leh, snorkelling stops, lunch on Phi Phi Don, and the white sands of Khai Island.

See northern Thailand's most photographed temples in one day: the dazzling White Temple, the sapphire Blue Temple, and the Golden Triangle where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet.

A two-hour cruise on the Chao Phraya River aboard the White Orchid, with an unlimited international buffet, live music and a cabaret show as Wat Arun and the Grand Palace light up.

A hands-on half day with rescued elephants near Pattaya: learn their stories, feed them, join them for a mud spa and river bath, then share a Thai meal – no riding, no shows.

Bangkok's three must-see temples with a licensed guide: the Grand Palace and the Emerald Buddha, the giant Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho, and Wat Arun across the river – entrance fees included.

A wildlife park in Ayutthaya province where you can get close to lions, tigers, giraffes and zebras, with feeding experiences, animal shows and a safari-style area.

Speed through Phang Nga Bay's towering limestone islands: canoe into hidden lagoons at Hong Island, see James Bond Island, have lunch in the stilt village of Koh Panyee and swim at Naka Island.

Two of Thailand's most famous markets in one morning: watch the train squeeze through the stalls at Maeklong Railway Market, then shop from the boats at Damnoen Saduak Floating Market.

Step back into Siam's former capital: a guided day among the UNESCO-listed ruins of Ayutthaya, from the Buddha head in the tree roots at Wat Mahathat to the three great chedis of Wat Phra Si Sanphet.

Bangkok's highest observation deck: 360-degree views from the 74th-floor indoor deck and the 78th-floor rooftop, and the thrill of standing on the glass tray 310 metres above the city.

One of Southeast Asia's largest aquariums, right under Siam Paragon: walk through the shark tunnel, meet penguins and see thousands of sea creatures across themed zones.

Phuket's most famous evening show: 70 minutes of glamorous costumes, lavish sets and comedy from Simon Cabaret's celebrated performers in Patong.

Phuket's spectacular cultural theme park: an evening in the carnival village, an international buffet dinner, then the Kingdom of Elephants show with acrobats, illusions and Thai legend.

Swap the city for clear water and soft sand: speedboat to Koh Larn (Coral Island), relax on Tawaen Beach with an Indian buffet lunch, and add parasailing if you dare.

One of Asia's great gardens: 500 acres of themed gardens, Dinosaur Valley and orchid nurseries near Pattaya, plus the Thai cultural show with dance, martial arts and an elephant performance.

Thailand's best snorkelling: speedboat from Khao Lak to the Similan Islands for crystal-clear water, coral reefs, turtles and the famous Sail Rock viewpoint.

History and nature in Kanchanaburi: the Bridge on the River Kwai, the war cemetery, a ride on the Death Railway and a longtail boat on the river.

A 105-metre temple carved entirely from wood on the seafront, covered in sculptures of Hindu and Buddhist gods – still being carved today.

Pattaya's world-famous cabaret: dazzling costumes, glittering sets and lip-sync numbers from Broadway to K-pop and Bollywood, running since 1974.

Thailand's highest mountain: the twin royal pagodas in their gardens, Wachirathan and Sirithan waterfalls, a cloud-forest walk and a Karen hill-tribe market.

The famous Yi Peng mass lantern release: thousands of sky lanterns rising together, with Lanna performances, a Thai dinner and transfers from Chiang Mai.

A lakeside Yi Peng lantern release at Nong Sariam: sky lanterns, floating krathongs, Lanna food and shows – a smaller, better-value festival evening.

Ride open trams through two night-time safari zones to see lions, tigers, giraffes and rhinos, with a walking trail and evening shows.

Feed, walk with and bathe rescued elephants at an ethical no-riding sanctuary in the hills – for half a day, a full day or overnight.

A private tour of Phuket's best-known sights: the 45-metre Big Buddha, Wat Chalong, Karon viewpoint, Promthep Cape and Phuket Old Town.

Phuket's biggest water park: a huge wave pool and man-made beach, a long lazy river and more than a dozen slides, themed on Thai myths.

Meet rescued elephants at a no-riding sanctuary in Phuket: feed them, join the mud spa and rinse them off in the shower, with a guide.

See tigers up close at Phuket's tiger park, with the option to enter an enclosure with a trainer for photos.

Thailand's largest aquarium, under the Central Phuket mall: sharks, rays, otters and penguins, with walk-through tunnels.

Two hours on Bangkok's river at night: an international buffet dinner, a live band, and Wat Arun and the Grand Palace lit up as you sail past.

Pattaya's glittering cabaret: 70 minutes of dance numbers, lavish costumes and huge stage sets, performed several times every evening.