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Heritage, Nature & Markets: Perfect Day Trips from Bangkok

Ruins in Ayutthaya. Credit: Unsplash
Ruins in Ayutthaya. Credit: Unsplash

Millions of tourists are drawn to Bangkok every year. Its nightlife, food, museums, amusement parks, and luxury shopping malls make it one of the most popular travel destinations in the world.

But there is just as much to see outside of the city. As transport options improve and ambitious travelers seek destinations across Southeast Asia, excursions from Bangkok are becoming more popular.

In this guide, we’ll look at some of the best options. These day trips from Bangkok are perfect if you’re staying in the city for a week or more and want to see more of what Thailand can offer.

1. Heritage & Ancient Cities

Bangkok’s history dates back to at least the 15th century, when it fell under the influence of the Ayutthaya Kingdom, a powerful Asian civilization that built its capital a short distance from the city. It played a key role in Ayutthaya’s trade empire, and there are now various trips from Bangkok where you can explore this history for yourself.

Ayutthaya Historical Park

Thought to have been first settled by the Khmers over 1100 years ago, the Ayutthaya Historical Park became a key stronghold for the Ayutthaya Kingdom in the 14th century, before it was razed by the Burmese army in the 18th century.

It’s a fortress of ruined temples, palaces, statues, and other structures spanning a large area alongside the Chao Phraya River. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its highlights include:

The sheer scale of the city, along with its many temple ruins and centuries of history, makes it one of the best day trips from Bangkok.

The best way to travel from Bangkok to Ayutthaya Historical Park is to rent a minivan or join a private tour. It doesn’t cost anything to visit the park itself, but many of the temples charge an admission fee. It’s a vast complex, so we recommend renting a bicycle (available at nearby stations), hopping in a tuk tuk, or taking a boat tour around the ancient city.

Lopburi – “Monkey City”

Lopburi is a small city about 93 miles (150km) northeast of the capital. Just like the historic city of Ayutthaya, it’s home to some beautiful Buddhist temples and has a long and rich history. The reason it’s considered one of the best day trips from Bangkok, however, is the monkeys that live in the city and congregate around its temples.

These long-tailed macaques have adapted to urban life, with locals and tourists alike feeding them. For the most part, these guys are cute and friendly, but they are known to steal and harass on occasion, so keep your wits about you and don’t assume they’re all approachable.

The journey from Bangkok to Lopburi takes anywhere from 1.5 to 2 hours by train or around 3 hours on a minibus.

If you include “monkey city” as one of your day trips from Bangkok, be sure to explore the temples and artefacts. The monkeys are great, and they are a particular draw for Western tourists, but there are some breathtaking structures here that are just as deserving of your attention.

2. WWII History, Caves & Waterfalls

Ancient history, modern history, and natural beauty collide in the Kanchanaburi province. It’s one of the best day trips from Bangkok for fans of World War II history, as this is where the 1957 film The Bridge on the River Kwai was set.

Kanchanaburi. Credit: Unsplash.
Kanchanaburi. Credit: Unsplash.

Students of WWII history embarking on a Bangkok to River Kwai day trip should visit the Burma Railway, also known as the Death Railway. The construction of this railway served as the main plot for the seven-time Oscar-winning film. Thousands of Allied troops and local civilians were forced to work on the line by Japanese soldiers, and over 100,000 died.

It makes for a somber experience, and if you’re interested in learning more, we recommend visiting the JEATH War Museum, which tells their story. There is a museum in central Kanchanaburi, as well as one near the bridge over the River Kwai (Khwae Yai River).

A Bangkok to Kanchanaburi day trip takes about 3 hours each way by bus. Due to the popularity of the film and the importance of the story, there are numerous companies offering fully guided trips from Bangkok to River Kwai.

The province is also home to several national parks, waterfalls, and caves, so if you’re prepared to venture away from the famous bridge and its heartbreaking story, you will be well rewarded.

At Erawan National Park, for instance, you can see the seven-tiered Erawan Waterfall, with some of the most beautiful turquoise pools in Asia. Other hidden gems include the Huai Mae Khamin Waterfall at Srinakarin Dam National Park and the Sai Yok Noi Waterfall at the Sai Yok National Park, both of which are deserving of a Kanchanaburi trip from Bangkok.

3. National-Park Nature Escapes

If the promise of waterfalls has whetted your appetite, you’ll be happy to know that there are many other day trips from Bangkok where you can explore the breathtaking beauty of this landscape.

Khao Yai National Park

If ancient temple complexes and solemn war stories aren’t your thing, take a Khao Yai day trip from Bangkok. The Bangkok to Khao Yai National Park route takes a few hours and will drop you in Thailand’s third biggest national park.

The best time to visit this park is from November to April when the weather is relatively cool, dry, and well-behaved. It’s one of the best places to see some local wildlife up close, including lots of Asian elephants.

If you’re here on a full-day trip, we recommend joining a guided tour group. They know where to go and can show you the park’s many animals and nature spots, including its caves and waterfalls.

A full Bangkok to Khao Yai tour group will run you anywhere from $75 to $150 per person on average, but it depends on the time of year and the tour operator. The price of all-day trips from Bangkok can vary greatly.

Bang Krachao “Green Lung”

One of the most popular day trips from Bangkok is also one of the most accessible, as it’s technically located within the capital, although the dense mangroves and serene landscape make it feel like another world.

The quaint homesteads, vast green spaces, narrow bridges, and elevated pathways are a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Take a boat ride from Klong Toey or Bang Na and rent a bike (less than 100 baht/$3 a day) on your arrival. It’s much easier than walking or driving, and you’ll see much more of the island.

It’s also a good option for a short 1 day tour in Bangkok. Even if you’re only in the city for a couple of days, you can spend a few hours here and still have time for must-see attractions like the Grand Palace, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, and the Chatuchak Weekend Market on your return to the city.

4. Beaches & Islands

Bangkok is not a coastal city, so the closest you’ll get to a beach is a floating market or riverside restaurant. A short bus or train ride will take you to the coast, though, and there are several such excursions from Bangkok.

Pattaya + Koh Larn

About 62 miles (100 km) southeast of Bangkok, Pattaya is a popular coastal city famed for its beaches, markets, gardens, and entertainment. If you’re making a Bangkok Pattaya trip, make a beeline for the coast, where you can try swimming, snorkeling, and water sports.

Sitting just off the Pattaya coast, the island of Koh Larn is also a worthy destination. It seems that many Bangkokians head for Pattaya while Pattayans travel to Koh Larn. Which is best? Well, it depends on your viewpoint.

Pattaya is more developed, but also more touristy. There are more entertainment venues and a great deal more restaurants and shops, but Koh Larn is a tranquil destination, with gorgeous beaches, lots of marine life, and plenty of water sports and other activities.

You can avoid the crowds by visiting Koh Larn later in the day (after the day trippers have left), but that’s not feasible if you’re there on a day trip yourself! If you like what you see, consider extending your vacation into a full day.

The journey from Bangkok to Pattaya + Koh Larn is served by various car rental and group tour providers.

Pattaya. Credit: Unsplash.
Pattaya. Credit: Unsplash.

Hua Hin

Various trains and buses run the route from Bangkok to Hua Hin, and its accessibility and beautiful beaches make it one of the best Bangkok day trips.

You can visit a night market, do a spot of sightseeing around the town’s temples, or simply spend the day relaxing on the beach. It’s known for its tranquil waters and golden sands, so there’s plenty to enjoy as you catch some rays before heading back to the capital.

At around 4 hours, the Hua Hin day trip from Bangkok is on the longer side, but those pristine beaches make it worth your while.

5. Floating & Railway Markets

In recent years, videos of some of Bangkok’s best attractions have gone viral on social media. The problem is that the biggest ones are actually located outside the city’s boundaries. They’re not really hidden gems anymore, but if it’s memorable Bangkok day trips that you want, they are unmissable.

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

The Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is a huge market that stretches along 20 miles (32km) of canal, with vendors selling fresh food, crafts, souvenirs, clothes, and more from their boats. Get there before 9am to avoid the crowds and leave yourself plenty of time to explore the nearby elephant village, where you can interact with tame elephants.

Whether you’re here for the famous floating market or travelling to Damnoen Saduak elephant village from Bangkok, the journey is cheap and fairly quick—usually just a couple of hours.

See our list of Bangkok to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market options to learn more.

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. Credit: Unsplash.
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. Credit: Unsplash.

Maeklong Railway Market + Amphawa Floating Market

If floating markets don’t…float your boat, why not buy your wares from an active train track?
At the Maeklong Railway Market, vendors tout their goods alongside the railway lines before retracting their awnings every time a train goes by.

The Amphawa Floating Market, which opens in the afternoon, is also nearby. Both are worthy day trips from Bangkok, and if you time your visit well, you could be buying fresh fruit from a train track in the morning and sampling grilled seafood from a boat in the evening.

Maeklong Railway Market. Credit: Unsplash.
Maeklong Railway Market. Credit: Unsplash.

Check out our travel pages on Bangkok to Maeklong Railway Market and Bangkok to Amphawa to learn more.

Taling Chan Floating Market

The Taling Chan Floating Market isn’t the biggest or busiest, but it’s one of the best places to avoid the crowds. There are some delicious street food stalls (and boats), as well as copious quantities of plants and produce.

It’s also within the city limits, so it’s a good addition to a 1 day tour in Bangkok.

6. Architectural & Themed Attractions

A proper temple tour in Bangkok will keep you busy all day, and may run into the following day. Once you’ve finished with the temples in the capital and have taken an Ayutthaya day tour from Bangkok, it’s time to hit up some cultural attractions outside the city.

Ancient City (Muang Boran), Samut Prakan

The Ancient City, also known as Ancient Siam, is a vast museum park that spans 200 acres and is designed in the shape of Thailand. Complete with over 100 replicas of famous Thai monuments, including palaces and temples, it’s a history lesson, museum, and park all rolled into one.

The Ancient City is one of the best day trips from Bangkok.

Erawan Museum

A colossal, three-headed elephant statue beckons you into the Erawan Museum and its countless artefacts and treasures, including model sculptures, Chinese vases, European pottery, and Buddha images from various eras of Thai history.

It’s a religiously significant site, so dress modestly (knees and shoulders covered), and pick up one of the audio guides to find your way around.

The trip from Bangkok to Erawan Museum can take up to 4 hours, but there are many low-cost providers.

Nakhon Pathom

Nakhon Pathom is less than 37 miles (60 km) from Bangkok, and most Bangkok to Nakhon Pathom travel options cover the route in about an hour. It’s a short trip for a day tour, but with a stacked itinerary, it becomes one of the best Bangkok day trips.

There’s a giant Phra Pathom Chedi, the Don Wai and Red Lotus Floating Markets, a golf club, zoo, countless shops, and longtail boat tours along the canal.

Practical Planning Tips

Whether you’re plotting a busy itinerary to see Bangkok in a day, planning a Bangkok to Koh Larn day trip, or exploring some other day trips from Bangkok, here are some simple travel tips to help you out:

Conclusion: The Best Bangkok Day Trips

Some of the best day trips from Bangkok are just a couple of hours outside the city, with national parks, temples, ancient cities, floating markets, and coastal towns all within reach.

These Bangkok day trips offer a taste of something you can’t always find in the capital, whether it’s a traditional Thai meal enjoyed while sunbathing on a beach or a wonderfully chaotic market on train tracks.

So, once you’ve had your fill of Bangkok, cast your net a little further with one of the above day trips from Bangkok.