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These luminous events, from Chiang Mai to O‘ahu, are rooted in ancient cultural traditions.

These are the best places to stay in Bangkok, whether you’re looking for a contemporary boutique hotel or a riverside grande dame.

Why do monks wear saffron robes, what does rambutan taste like, and how does it feel to wear necklaces of brass rings? Join one of these tours in “The Land of Smiles” for a chance to chat with a monk, help a farmer, or meet Lisu villagers.

Overview

My favorite place in Thailand is Sukhothai – the first capital of Thailand. It’s a photographer’s dream and a great stopover en route to Chiang Mai. After rising to power in the mid-13th century, the kingdom spanned 200 years and nine kings before being absorbed by Ayuthaya. The old city is now a World Heritage historical park and features five kilometers of ruins that can be visited easily by bike. Don’t miss the giant Buddha at Wat Si Chum! I’ve lived in Thailand a few times and always go back to visit the ruins. My favorite thing to do is rent a bike at sunrise and take a solo trip through the ruins when the light is nice. Sukhothai Historical Park is open 6 a.m. - 9 p.m. and costs 150 Thai baht.

On this week’s episode of Unpacked, we explore one of the world’s most diverse cities—which didn’t really start out that way.

Often bypassed by tourists rushing to the mountains in the north or the beaches in the south, central Thailand is the country’s cultural heartland. Fed by the Chao Phraya River, the fertile plain north of Bangkok births much of the nation’s rice crop while towns such as Ayuthaya and Sukhothai were formerly capitals of once-mighty Thai kingdoms. Steeped in colorful history, the majestic ruins at both towns reward exploration by bike or by foot. Other highlights include the beach town of Hua Hin.