Pressed for time and wanting to make the most of your Thailand travel? Don’t fret, here are some ideas on how you can spend a week in the Land of Smiles.

Day 1: Bangkok
For international travelers, Bangkok is the ideal starting point to arrive, and terminal point to depart as numerous airlines fly directly to and from the city. Begin your wonderful journey in Bangkok through its famous temples such as the Vinmanek Palace or Royal Palace. Try something new: the generous serving of the street food pad thai, watch the traditional game of kickboxing at Lumpini Stadium or watch cultural shows at the Rose Garden at Nakhon Pathom and take the Damnoen Saduak floating market afterwards.

Day 2: Ayutthaya
Take the bus or train (via Hualamphong Station, now connected to a subway station) to Ayutthaya. This ancient city features some of the ancient ruins as evidence of its rich historical imprint. Don’t miss the Wat Phra Mahathat, which is the most striking of the ruins. You can also enjoy the views of the old city through a short ferry ride. Should you stay for the night, a Hua Raw night market is an option to take your dinner.

Day 3: Phitsanulok and Lopburi
Get up early and take the first trip to Phitsanulok via a short stop at Lopburi. You can catch some of the attractions of Lopburi such as the King Narai’s Palace or Lopburi National Museum. Take the one-hour train travel to Phitsanulok in the afternoon and spend the night there. Note that Phitsanulok is not a well-known tourist destination so the city preserves its natural charm as a traditional big city in Thailand.

Day 4: Sukhothai
Take the bus ride to Sukhothai, but before leaving Phitsanulok, make sure you pay a visit to Wat Phra Si Ratana Mahathat or the Bronze Casting Foundry. Sukhothai is 58 kilometers from Phitsanulok and takes an hour travel by bus. When you get there, rent a bike and explore the Old Sukhothai, now declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. In the new Sukhothai, you can enjoy local food (local noodles is a must-try). There are plenty of motorbikes for rent and allows you to explore the local communities.

Day 5: Chiang Mai
Trip from Sukhothai to Chiang Mai takes 5 hours over 373 kilometers so an extra day would be necessary to cover the basic attractions of the city. Motorbikes are available for a more convenient trip to Thailand’s highest peak at Doi Inthanon or simply wandering about the city. The Night Bazaar offers a variety of souvenir products significantly cheaper than their counterparts in Bangkok.

Day 7: Bangkok
Save yourself some time so taking the plane from Chiang Mai back to Bangkok is a wise choice. Before flying, and if luggage allowance permits, take time to do shopping in Chiang. Upon arrival in Bangkok, try the Chao Praya river cruise and start at Saphan Taksin station. Other options include a visit to Wat Arun, Grand Palace, night market at Patpong or at luxury malls in Central Paragon.

As you travel across the countryside, accommodation will never be a problem, from the high-end luxury Thailand hotels, to modest guesthouses for backpackers.

In a word, Las Vegas is often described as gambling, casino or entertainment. But don’t be fooled of the general perception that the city is now too limited to its Sin City moniker. There are lots of many meaningful things to do on your first Las Vegas travel other than get your poker chips or pretend to taste married life.

Bellagio Fountains
This dancing fountain accompanied with light and sound is one amazing sight to see. No seats required, just secure a good view in front of Bellagio (3600 Las Vegas Blvd South). It’s free and all ages admitted.

Eiffel Tower Replica
There’s a touch of Paris in Las Vegas and you can find it at Eiffel Tower Replica (3645 S. Las Vegas Blvd), which is about half the size of the original one. It is ideal for couples who want to spend a romantic night at The Strip.

Simulated Volcano Eruption at The Mirage Casino and Resort
Similar to the Bellagio Fountains, the volcano eruption presented at the Mirage Hotel (3400 S. Las Vegas Blvd) takes place between 6pm and close to midnight, every 15 minutes. The hotel offers majestic view of the unleashing of nature’s power, only on a controlled environment

Fremont Street Experience
Boasting one of the largest screens – projected in a giant canopy -- in the world, the Fremont Street Experience (425 Fremont Street) is one of the most exciting of the free things to do in Las Vegas. The attraction occupies the five westernmost blocks of Fremont. Free concerts and lively New Year’s Day fireworks are among its highlights.

Gondola Ride at the Venetian
Experience Italy’s famed gondola ride in Venice right at the heart of the Venetian Hotel (3355 S. Las Vegas Blvd). Riding the authentic Venetian gondola, you’ll be serenaded by a gondolier as you go under small bridges and pass by indoor cafes.

Decided to stay in Las Vegas and fully enjoy its nightlife? Las Vegas hotels are scattered all around the Strip and surrounding neighborhoods. They provide not only accommodation, but also in-house entertainment with guest stars, while featuring great buffet meals.