Despite its often tragic past, Vietnam has continued to soar and is now one of the most popular destinations for travelers from around the globe. Once you set foot here, you will soon see why.

The capital city of Bangkok is the crown of Thailand, and the golden temples (wats) and palaces are the glittering crown jewels. Magical experiences can be found at any temple or palace no matter the size or fame of the place. Here are some of the most noteworthy ones to visit and some advice on how to find beautiful royal buildings without planning anything except an impulsive walk about.