The Grand Palace, Bangkok

The Grand Palace was begun in 1782, when King Rama I moved the capital across the river to Bangkok, and it grew for a century and a half into a walled city of throne halls, offices and shrines. The kings have not lived here since the early twentieth century, but it remains the setting for coronations, state funerals and the most important royal ceremonies.

Inside the same walls stands Wat Phra Kaeo, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha - the royal chapel, and the reason most visitors come. The Emerald Buddha itself is a small jadeite figure raised high on a gilded altar, and its robes are changed by the king three times a year with the seasons. The surrounding cloister carries a painted retelling of the Ramakien that runs the entire way round the courtyard.

The compound sits on the river's east bank in Rattanakosin, the old royal island, a short walk from Wat Pho and directly across the water from Wat Arun. The strictest dress code in Bangkok applies: shoulders and knees covered, for everyone.