This land of pristine beaches and aquamarine seas is home to a culture shaped by over 1,000 years of history, with influences from Chinese to Indian to Portuguese. In the central plains, the capital city of Bangkok is festooned with royal temples and futuristic high-rises, immense shopping centers and more than 100 museums. To the east, the coast stretches to the seaside playground of Pattaya, and the islands and beaches to the south are the place for dedicated sun worshippers. For an exotic alternative to the beach scene, the north is considered the cultural heart of Thailand. Chiang Rai, a popular base for exploring the Thai portion of the Golden Triangle, is full of simple quiet villages, ancient temples and stunning scenery. The coastal areas are dotted with palm-fringed islands, each with its own distinctive flavor, including exotic Phuket and Samui with their chic boutiques and colorful markets brimming with bargains.