Market – Day 4

Take the Skytrain to Mo Chit Station and the Chatuchak Weekend Market. It makes Camden look like a corner shop. Here you'll find anything from Burmese antiques to pet flying squirrels, mongooses or Vans trainers.

Three hours will have you on your knees but you'll love it. Get there at 10am when most stalls are open and it's not too hot.

Take time out to rest in the afternoon before taking one of the sunset buffet river cruises – the food is usually very good and it's hard to imagine a more beautiful sight than the Temple of Dawn and the Royal Palace seen at night.

River City – Day 5

Visit River City, an expensive, high-quality mall and then head for the great-value Sunday buffet brunch back at the Shangri-La (I haven't got shares – honest!). It costs about £14 (half for 6-12 year olds). When you've had your fill, wander next door through the wedding parties milling about the Mandarin Oriental.