Bangkok Banglamphu

Starting at the Bangkok Tourist Board building, walk north on the riverside walk along the Chao Phraya River. There's plenty to see along the river – colorful longtail boats, barges and tugs, the beautiful Rama VIII Bridge. Benches and cold drinks are available along the walkway.

The walkway ends at a small park with grass to run around and Sumen Fort. Sumen Fort (Phra Sumeru) is an 18th century watchtower, one of 14 original watchtowers built to guard the river. You can't go in the fort, but it looks cool, and check out the black cannons poking through the fortifications.

Walk along Thanon Phra Sumen, and stop for a fresh pineapple snack or to watch vendors making flower garlands (phuang malai). Flower garlands are used for offerings for spirit houses and shrines, and are also worn for festive occasions and celebrations.

Turn into Wat Bowonniwet, a quiet temple, far from the bustle of the big temples. The gleaming golden chedi contains relics of Thai royalty, and don't miss the lovely reclining Buddha and two large Buddha footprints. Around the temple complex are many Chinese style lion-dogs and ceramic reliefs with scenes from Chinese mythology. Be sure to dress appropriately (no shorts) as this wat is a royal Buddhist monastery.

The Express Boat stop for Banglamphu is Phra Athit.

Climbing up the mountain is easy on a walkway that goes round and round, even toddlers can do this. Along the way, kids can ring bells and deep big gongs, and look at statues of goddesses and other legendary figures. The view from the mountaintop is Bangkok old and new – nearby are one-story buildings with orange and green tiled roof, in the distance modern skyscrapers mixed with shining golden temples.