Find it irresistible or hate it, Bangkok is a metropolis that by no means ceases to amaze. With its glittering temples, bustling markets, towering skyscrapers and infinite eating choices, the consistently evolving Thai capital pulses with power day and night time.
However generally it get’s a bit an excessive amount of, generally you yearn to see a extra laid-back facet of Thailand. Fortunately, the capital metropolis makes an excellent base from which to discover extra of Central Thailand.
Whether or not you’re traveller trying to discover extra of Thailand, or an expat dwelling in Bangkok needing a weekend escape from town, there are many choices for straightforward day journeys from Bangkok.
There are such a lot of attention-grabbing locations to go to close to Bangkok the place you’ll be able to expertise a unique facet of Thai life. From floating markets to historic wonders, lush nationwide parks to tropical seashores, and conventional Thai cities, these Bangkok day journeys provide a refreshing escape from the site visitors and crowds.
Exploring past Bangkok additionally offers you an opportunity to see Thailand’s magnificence and variety and a extra laid again, conventional lifestyle. So be sure you go away time in your Bangkok itinerary to discover past town too!
The Greatest Day Journeys From Bangkok
As a frequent customer to Bangkok, right here is my decide of one of the best locations to go to close to Bangkok that are perfect for day journeys. I’ve included all probably the most well-known vacationer points of interest together with some hidden gems you’ve probably by no means heard of!
- Most Iconic – Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
- Greatest For Historical past Buffs– Ayutthaya and Lopburi
- Most Scenic – The River Kwai and Erawan Nationwide Park, Kanchanaburi
- Greatest For Nature Lovers – Khao Yai Nationwide Park
- Greatest For Greatest Seashores – Pattaya and Hua Hin
- Most Genuine Native Tradition – Nakhon Pathom
- Greatest Day Journey Inside The Metropolis– Bang Krachao
- Greatest Hidden Gem – Koh Kret
- Greatest Museum – Mueang Boran (The Historical Metropolis Museum)
- Greatest For Children – Dream World Theme Park
- Bonus Suggestions – Angkor Wat From Bangkok?
Preserve studying and I’ll reveal one of the best locations to go to close to Bangkok that you may go to on a day journey. In addition to explaining why these locations are value visiting, I’ll provide you with some recommendations on tips on how to get to those locations through public transport in addition to recommending the highest rated guided excursions.
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Suggestions For Exploring Central Thailand
Bangkok has fairly good public transport and many of those close by locations in Central Thailand are additionally accessible through bus or practice. Rome to Rio is an effective technique to test transport schedules and plan your route and the simplest technique to guide bus and practice tickets is on 12 Go Asia. For brief distances, Seize Taxi is a handy technique to journey.
Nevertheless some locations might require a number of strategies of transport which may be complicated and wastes priceless time and makes your day a bit aggravating. In the event you’d wish to take the stress out of getting round and have an area information to handle the whole lot and convey the sights to life then taking a guided day tour is effectively value it. You will note extra that you could possibly by yourself, plus the guides often take nice images!
The simplest and most handy technique to guide these Bangkok day journeys and excursions is on Viator or Get Your Information. On these trusted platforms, you’ll be able to learn sincere evaluations and guide your day journeys earlier than you get to Thailand. Klook can also be fashionable in Thailand, and generally gives cheaper costs, so it’s effectively value checking Klook out too.
Most non-public excursions from Bangkok additionally embrace resort pick-up for a stress-free expertise, whereas price range group excursions typically require you to get to a gathering level. At all times test what’s included – some excursions don’t embrace entrance charges so bear in mind to deliver sufficient money in Thai Baht to cowl this and any drinks, snacks, or souvenirs you may need to purchase.
The Greatest Bangkok Day Journeys
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market & Maeklong Railway Market
You’ve in all probability already seen Bangkok’s floating markets throughout your social media feed, so this iconic website is probably going already on the high of your Bangkok bucket checklist!
Bangkok was often known as the ‘Venice of the East’ resulting from it’s quite a few canals and waterways and, whereas roads have changed lots of them within the metropolis middle, you’ll be able to nonetheless get a glimpse into the previous by visiting a floating market exterior town.
There are a number of floating markets round Bangkok, the most important and most well-known of which is Damnoen Saduak. On daily basis, many flower, fruit and memento sellers commerce instantly from their small picket boats, whereas consumers cruise previous in conventional long-tail boats making their purchases.
Another excuse why most vacationers select Damnoen Saduak market is as a result of it’s very shut to a different Insta-famous Bangkok sight – Maeklong Railway Market.
Sure, that is the distinctive market constructed alongside (and dangerously near) a rail monitor! A number of occasions a day, trains go by way of the market, which is a bewildering sight to see. Watch how the practice goes proper over the distributors’ merchandise, skimming them by lower than an inch!
It’s positively one among these experiences that makes you suppose, “Solely in Asia!”
Different floating markets, just like the Amphawa floating market, solely occur on the weekend, plus it isn’t as huge as Damnoen Saduak. The floating markets are fairly touristy these days however are nonetheless one of the vital enjoyable, vibrant, and distinctive experiences you’ll be able to have in Thailand – don’t overlook to haggle although!
Getting right here
The floating markets and the railway market are situated exterior of Bangkok and is usually a bit difficult to achieve through public transport. It’s a lot simpler to go to these markets by way of a tour, which takes you to each sights.
For instance, this high rated Floating market and Railway Market tour gives group or non-public journeys from Bangkok to each markets, with resort pick-up and drop-off. The tour features a practice journey by way of the railway market and a long-tail boat journey by way of the floating market.
Alternatively, visiting the markets with no tour is feasible by taking a bus from the Southern Bus terminal in Bangkok. Nevertheless, the general public bus can get cramped, and the journey takes longer as there are numerous stops alongside the best way.
Entrance to the floating market is free, however you need to hire a ship to journey by way of it (costing round 2,000 baht for one hour) so in the event you’re on a price range it’s higher to go along with a gaggle tour that features this.
Additionally, observe that the railway market has round six trains passing by way of it every day, so in case you are going by your self fairly than on a tour, plan accordingly to see the spectacle.
The Ruins of Ayutthaya – The Historical Capital
Earlier than Bangkok – there was Ayutthaya. The island metropolis of Ayutthaya was the capital of the Kingdom of Siam between 1350 and 1767.
Ayutthaya was one of many world’s wealthiest and most cosmopolitan cities earlier than it was razed by the Burmese. It’s now an archaeological and UNESCO world heritage website and one of the vital fashionable Bangkok day journeys!
Visiting Ayutthaya Historic Park looks like stepping again in time. It’s house to many desirable historical ruins, together with Buddhist temples, monasteries, palaces, and statues, making it one of the best day journey exterior Bangkok for anybody inquisitive about Thai historical past.
Highlights embrace Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Wat Yai Chai Mongkol, the reclining Buddha at Wat Lokayasutharam, and Wat Mahathat the place you’ll see the well-known Buddha head entangled in a Bodhi tree.
Even in the event you’re not a historical past buff, you’ll nonetheless take pleasure in a day journey to Ayutthaya, as it’s undoubtedly a stupendous and peaceable place with a calming vibe.
You’ll be able to hop on a motorbike and journey between ruins, relax by the water, or discover little markets at your personal tempo. This picturesque historical metropolis is a must-see when visiting Bangkok.
Getting there
You will get to Ayutthaya from Bangkok by bus or practice. Buses are the quickest and most cost-effective possibility, taking 1 to 1.5 hours and costing roughly 50 Baht. By practice, it takes 1.5 – 2.5 hours and prices round 80 Baht.
Whereas getting public transport there’s simple, it’s additionally value choosing a guided tour to study extra concerning the historical metropolis and historical past of Thailand. There are alternatives for each price range pleasant group excursions and personal excursions, some additionally embrace a go to to Bang Pa Palace or a ship journey on the river so as to add to the expertise.
This high rated small group Ayutthaya tour consists of spherical journey transport from Bangkok, entrance charges and a guided tour to discover the park’s primary highlights.
In the event you’d choose a personal expertise this non-public Ayutthaya tour consists of personalised service from your personal driver and native information. Plus, you’ll additionally take pleasure in a ship journey around the island in addition to visiting the traditional metropolis.
Prime Tip: In the event you’re touring solo, a gaggle tour is the best choice for a shocking place like this, because it means you will get loads of images of your self in entrance of the ruins!
Lopburi and the Monkey Temple
Lopburi, often known as town of monkeys, is one among Thailand’s oldest cities with a laid again vibe, a wealthy historical past and a smattering of historic Khmer temples in an analogous type to these discovered at Angkor Wat, Cambodia.
Like Ayutthaya, Lopburi is house to fascinating historical ruins, together with temples and palaces, however what makes it distinctive is the abundance of playful rhesus macaque monkeys that roam the streets and stay freely in temples like Phra Prang Sam Yot and San Phra Kan.
Getting there
You’ll be able to journey to Lopburi from Bangkok in 2 – 3 hours through bus, practice, taxi, or guided tour. The practice journey prices round 90 Baht, whereas air conditioned mini vans price roughly 200 Baht.
It’s also possible to be part of this Ayutthaya and Lopburi Tour which will provide you with a deeper perception into town’s historical past and tradition and permit you to go to the highlights of each Ayutthaya and Lopburi in simply in the future.
Aspect observe: Watch out when visiting Lopburi’s monkey temple as these are wild animals not pets. Don’t deliver any meals, safe your belongings, and simply watch the playful antics of those cheeky monkeys from a secure distance.
The Bridge Over The River Kwai & Erawan Nationwide Park, Kanchanaburi
Kanchanaburi is a much less visited province west of Bangkok which gives a mixture of historical past and nature to discover. In the event you’ve solely obtained a day then two should go to spots in Kanchanaburi are The River Kwai and Erawan Nationwide Park.
The well-known Bridge over the River Kwai, is a part of the Thailand – Burma Railway, also called the “Demise Railway” and Hellfire Go as a result of it was constructed by World Warfare II prisoners below harsh circumstances.
There’s a number of museums and memorials together with the JEATH Warfare Museum and the Thailand – Burma Railway Centre, the place you’ll be able to study concerning the attention-grabbing historical past of the world and why it’s so necessary.
It’s also possible to take a stroll down the city’s heritage strolling road to absorb the historical past, browse the lovable retailers and cafes, and don’t miss the new glass skywalk over the river Kwai for one of the best views.
The close by Erawan Nationwide Park is nice for climbing, swimming, and stress-free in nature. The spotlight is the seven-tiered Erawan Waterfall, the place every stage has crystal-clear swimming pools you’ll be able to swim in. You’ll be able to hike to every of the tiers, and the issue stage will increase the upper you get.
Visiting each sights on this charming province makes an excellent day journey from Bangkok for each historical past and nature lovers wanting to flee the capital’s buzz.
Getting there
You’ll be able to attain Kanchanaburi by practice, from Thonburi Prepare Station in Bangkok. This can be a excellent possibility because the practice truly crosses the well-known River Kwai bridge. There are two departures a day and the journey takes 2.5 hours and prices 100 Baht.
Alternatively, you’ll be able to take a bus from Bangkok’s Southern Bus Terminal, which takes about three hours. Upon arriving in Kanchanaburi province, you’ll be able to take a songthaew (shared taxi) to the points of interest.
It’s also possible to take an organised small group Kanchanaburi day tour from Bangkok which incorporates spherical journey AC transportation and stops on the bridge, JEATH museum, and Erawan nationwide park.
Personal excursions are additionally obtainable, these are customisable so if you wish to spend longer at some locations and skip others you’ll be able to see solely what pursuits you. This tour additionally visits an elephant sanctuary on the best way. Word that you may solely feed, bathe, and observe the elephants – they don’t permit driving because it harms the light giants.
Khao Yai Nationwide Park
While you consider Bangkok, you envision large skyscrapers, glittering temples, bustling road markets and extremely trendy malls. However you may not understand there’s tons of lush greenery exterior town, comparable to Khao Yai Nationwide Park.
This UNESCO listed nationwide park situated within the Panom Dongrak Mountains was the primary one in Thailand. It’s one of the vital fashionable day journeys from Bangkok for nature lovers as a result of it gives the right escape from town’s hustle and concrete sprawl. Simply a few hours from town middle, it’s like getting into a unique world, with lush jungles, recent air, waterfalls, and wildlife in all places.
Right here, you’ll be able to hike by way of scenic nature trails, spot wild elephants, gibbons and hornbills, and loosen up by the well-known Haew Suwat waterfall (the one from ‘The Seaside’ film!) and absorb the gorgeous views. Plus, the cool mountain air is a refreshing break from Bangkok’s warmth!
Getting there
Khao Yai Nationwide Park is situated about 2.5 – 3 hours away from Bangkok. There isn’t a direct public transport path to the nationwide park from Bangkok, however you will get a bus or practice to Pak Chong, which is 20-30 km from the principle entrance of Khao Yai Nationwide Park. Then you definately’ll have to get a taxi from Pak Chong to the park entrance.
Contemplating this, the simplest technique to go to Khao Yai is on a tour. For instance, on this small group Khao Yai Nationwide Park Tour from Bangkok, you journey by mini-bus and go on a number of guided nature trails and hikes and go to the well-known waterfall.
Pattaya Seaside
Thailand’s world well-known seashores and islands are among the many greatest on the planet. Whereas there’s no seaside in Bangkok you’ll be able to nonetheless get your seaside repair fairly simply from the capital. The closest seaside to Bangkok is Pattaya, simply two hours south, which makes an excellent day journey.
Whereas Pattaya is understood for it’s nightlife there are nice seashores full with watersports and loads of family-friendly actions to do through the day, plus you’ll be able to simply go to Koh Larn (Coral Island) from Pattaya. One other should see is the distinctive Sanctuary of Reality, a hand-carved picket temple museum.
Getting there
You’ll be able to take a bus or minivan from Bangkok to Pattaya which takes 2 – 3 hours and prices round 200 baht. As soon as in Pattaya you should use taxis and songthaews to get round.
Alternatively, if you wish to simply loosen up and go away the organising as much as another person take a small group Pattaya day journey which incorporates visiting the sanctuary of fact, a shocking viewpoint, and a ship journey to Koh Larn (Coral Island) with time to loosen up on the seaside, swim and snorkel.
Hua Hin
If you wish to go to a seaside close to Bangkok however Pattaya isn’t your type think about Hua Hin, a royal retreat and fashionable weekend break for Bangkok residents with a extra laid again, household pleasant environment.
This charming, seaside city is situated about 200 km south of Bangkok, and boasts lengthy stretches of sandy seashores fashionable with kite surfers, historic royal palaces, quite a few seafood eating places and vibrant native markets. There may be additionally a improbable water park for teenagers and a picturesque winery providing wine tasting and gorgeous views for adults.
Getting there
Hua Hin’s historic practice station is likely one of the prettiest in Thailand. One of the best ways to get to Hua Hin is to catch a practice from Hua Lamphong Railway Station in Bangkok.
Whereas you are able to do Hua Hin as a day journey, it takes about 4 hours to achieve from Bangkok, so I like to recommend staying in a single day to benefit from it and keep away from dashing. There’s no scarcity of resorts together with The Hua Hin Marriot Resort which is located within the excellent location proper on the seaside and has the whole lot you want for the right seaside break.
A number of bus corporations additionally function companies from Bangkok to Hua Hin from the Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai) or Mo Chit Bus Terminal. This route is a bit shorter, roughly 3 to 4 hours.
Nakhon Pathom
Nakhon Pathom, a metropolis and province situated simply west of Bangkok, is house to one among Thailand’s oldest cities and gives a captivating glimpse into the nation’s previous.
Whereas it’s not one of the vital fashionable locations to go to close to Bangkok, it’s effectively value seeing in the event you choose much less touristy, extra offbeat, genuine locations. That being stated, it doesn’t lack stupendous sights.
Nakhon Pathom is house to the Phra Pathom Chedi, the world’s tallest stupa. This temple is a formidable architectural marvel and an necessary pilgrimage website. There are additionally a number of temples and the Sanam Chandra Palace value exploring too.
On the best way you could possibly cease and take a look at the distinctive Wat Sam Phran, also called the dragon temple as a result of dragon that’s wrapped across the pink 17 story tower.
For a style of native life, head to the Nakhon Pathom night time market and pattern some genuine Thai road meals. I significantly advocate the Khao Chae (rice soaked in jasmine-scented water), which is a well-liked native dish.
Getting there
Nakhon Pathom is only a 1.5 to 2-hour practice journey from Bangkok (Hua Lamphong Railway Station). It’s also possible to catch a bus from the Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai), which takes across the similar time.
You could possibly additionally be part of this tour of Nakhon Pathom which visits the large Phra Pathom Chedi, the distinctive Dragon Temple, a coconut farm and a few very instagrammable cafes.
Bang Krachao Island
In the event you’re in want of a fast nature escape with out leaving Bangkok take a look at Bang Krachao, a man-made island in the course of the Chao Praya River.
Often known as Bangkok’s Inexperienced Lung, that is undoubtedly one of many metropolis’s hidden gems, because it’s an oasis proper in the course of town’s chaos.
What makes it so particular is that you simply utterly overlook you’re in Thailand’s busiest metropolis. Bang Krachao is stuffed with lush greenery, small communities, and winding bike paths. There are not any skyscrapers or site visitors jams, simply loads of nature and recent air.
So, in the event you’re not a lot of a metropolis particular person and begin discovering Bangkok a bit suffocating, take the quick ferry journey to Bang Krachao, and benefit from the slower tempo for a day.
Getting there
Attending to Bang Krachao from central Bangkok is tremendous simple. From Khlong Toei Pier or Wat Bang Na Nok Pier, you are taking a small ferry throughout the river that takes just some minutes and prices just some baht.
One of the best ways to discover the island is by bicycle which you’ll be able to rent close to the pier. Half day guided biking excursions are additionally obtainable to provide you a greater perception into this distinctive a part of town.
In the event you go within the night you’ll be able to even see fireflies! This Bang Krachao night tour combines a motorbike journey, dinner at sundown and an evening time river cruise amongst the glittering fireflies!
Koh Kret
One other off beat place value visiting is Koh Kret, a tiny island within the Chao Phraya River in Nonthaburi province, simply north of Bangkok. It’s largely unknown to vacationers, making it a real hidden gem and a rewarding expertise for individuals who need to get off the crushed monitor.
Whereas Koh Kret is tiny, there’s tons of historical past and tradition right here. The island was settled by the Mon individuals who nonetheless craft conventional pottery at the moment. You’ll be able to go to pottery workshops to see native artisans exhausting at work, or in the event you’re feeling artistic, strive a pottery-making class to study the craft your self!
Apart from the distinctive pottery, you’ll be able to study extra concerning the Mon neighborhood by visiting the traditional temple ‘Wat Poramai Yikawat’ and, in fact, making an attempt the native road meals. There may be additionally a weekend market.
One other distinctive side of Koh Kret is that it’s a car-free island. As most of Bangkok (and Thailand) isn’t very pedestrian-friendly, Koh Kret makes for a peaceable and refreshing change. The island is stuffed with slender paths, permitting you to discover by foot or bicycle (you’ll be able to hire one on the pier) and luxuriate in a extra laid again facet of Bangkok life!
Getting there
The commonest technique to attain Koh Kret from Bangkok is by bus No. 166 from Victory Monument and No. 33 from Mo Chit go to Pak Kret Pier in Nonthaburi, the place you’ll be able to then take a ferry throughout to Koh Kret. The ferry journey is extremely low cost and takes just some minutes.
It’s also possible to take a guided bicycle tour of Koh Kret, which incorporates transport from central Bangkok, guided excursions, and numerous actions. For instance, on this 8-hour Guided Bike Tour of Koh Kret, you discover the island by bike, take part in a pottery workshop, and luxuriate in a standard Thai therapeutic massage.
Muang Boran (The Historical Metropolis Museum)
Do you know that you may now see gorgeous replicas of all Thailand’s most spectacular sights in a single simple day journey from Bangkok?!
Bangkok’s neighboring province of Samut Prakan is house to a different lesser-known sight, Muang Boran, The Historical Metropolis Museum. It’s an enormous, sprawling open-air museum with replicas of Thailand’s most vital monuments and historic websites. You’ll be able to discover by bicycle, take a tour by tram, or rent a golf buggy.
Additionally, you will discover the Erawan Museum, well-known for its gigantic, three-headed elephant sculpture. Plus, Samut Prakan has a really genuine, non-touristy vibe, so I like to recommend making an attempt one of many native eating places earlier than returning to Bangkok.
Getting there
Samut Prakan is lower than one hour away from Bangkok by automobile, so taking a taxi is the quickest technique to get there – relying on the site visitors.
Alternatively, you’ll be able to take the BTS Skytrain to Bang Na Station (on the Sukhumvit Line) after which get taxis to the Historical Metropolis and Erawan Museum. Or, take a bus to Samut Prakan from the Ekamai Bus Terminal or Mo Chit Bus Terminal.
It’s also possible to get a ticket and switch combo package deal that features entrance tickets to the museum and a resort switch.
Dream World
In the event you’re in Bangkok with children (or an enormous child your self), and in search of one thing enjoyable to do then take a look at the Dream World amusement park simply north of Bangkok.
Dream World boasts over 40 thrilling rides and points of interest, together with the Twister, Sky Coaster, and Grand Canyon. One stunning attraction is the indoor snow park, stuffed with ice sculptures and gives numerous snow actions like sledding. Whereas it’s not one thing you’ll anticipate finding right here, it offers a refreshing break from the extreme Southeast Asia warmth!
There are further reveals and parades on the weekends, so if potential, plan your journey for a Saturday or Sunday. Whereas the park will probably be busier (because it’s very talked-about with locals), you’ll have a richer expertise.
Getting there
The park is a few one-hour drive from Bangkok. You’ll be able to catch a bus (bus quantity 166 and BKS Route 538) from Mo Chit Bus Terminal or Victory Monument, which stops near the park.
It’s also possible to guide Dream World’s shuttle bus service from central Bangkok by reserving a Dream World combo entrance & journey ticket upfront.
Bonus Tip – Angkor Wat Day Journey From Bangkok?
The well-known temples of Angkor Wat in Cambodia are understandably high of most travellers Southeast Asia bucket checklist and they don’t seem to be that removed from Bangkok.
Some individuals have requested me if it’s potential to do a day journey to Angkor Wat from Bangkok? I’d need to say no.
Whilst you can fly from Bangkok to Siem Reap Airport in simply 1 hour, the overall journey time together with transfers and checking it is going to be extra like 4 – 6 hours.
The Angkor temple complicated is so massive that you simply received’t have sufficient time to see even probably the most well-known temples. Plus, you’d miss seeing the dawn at Angkor Wat.
I like to recommend spending at the very least 3 full days at Angkor Wat, however in case you have restricted time this 2 day/ 1night tour of Angkor Wat from Bangkok will take you to Siem Reap, present you all of the highlights, and get you again to Bangkok by the next night. The drive from Bangkok to Siem Reap takes about 6 hours.
Try my weblog with extra suggestions for visiting Angkor Wat and avoiding the crowds.
Able to discover past Bangkok?
Whereas the Thai capital metropolis has sufficient to maintain you entertained for a lifetime, there are such a lot of attention-grabbing locations to go to close to Bangkok that may present you one other facet to Thailand.
Whether or not you need to study extra about Thai historical past and tradition, or simply need to escape into nature, it’s simple to take a day journey from Bangkok to discover Central Thailand. In the event you’re taking public transport use Rome to Rio to plan your route or be part of an organised day tour for a stress free expertise.
From ruined historical cities and monkey stuffed temples, to nationwide parks, riverine islands, floating markets, and seashores, ensure that to discover exterior the capital to expertise Thailand past the hustle and bustle of the capital metropolis.
And in the event you plan to discover extra of Thailand take a look at my different blogs and guides for suggestions. My complete Thailand Journey Information and checklist of one of the best locations to go to in Thailand will provide you with loads of inspiration.
In the event you’d like extra suggestions for planning your go to to Bangkok take a look at these blogs: