Bangkok is an essential stop for any tourist visiting Thailand. There are two major international airports, bringing in visitors from all over the world. Plus, it is the country's capital and most populated city. Bangkok is a city full of life and excitement, from its busy nightlife and entertainment options to its beautiful temples and places of interest.
When you've visited the highlights of Bangkok, you might be ready to travel to the rest of Thailand. However, extending your stay in Bangkok for a few additional days and making day trips from the city can be more convenient and cheaper than continuously moving and sleeping in a new bed every night. Day trips allow you to leave the city for the day, travel to a different part of the country, and then come back in the evening.
Travelling outside of Bangkok is easy, whether you join one of the many organized day trips available or go off on your own using the extensive public transit network. But we recommend you take advantage of the low-cost guided tours because they are fun, and everything is taken care of for you. You can meet new people and not worry about scheduling or finding your way around (potentially getting lost).
There are so many spectacular destinations within hours of the capital; choosing where to go is a challenge! The following places are the most popular and culturally significant spots you must take advantage of if you have the time. Visit all of them if you can!
Thailand was formerly known as the Kingdom of Siam, with Ayutthaya as its capital until 1767. The city is now a major attraction where visitors can admire the ruins of a once-grand monarchy.
Wat Na Phra Mane, Wat Lokayasutharman, and Wat Mahathat are the three most prominent and most frequented temples. When exploring beyond, around Wat Mahathat, keep an eye out for the Buddha's head nestled among the tree roots.
The ancient Siamese capital, Ayutthaya, is one of Thailand's most stunning UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Taking a private tour is lovely because it allows you to explore the site at your own pace. Plus, the easiest way to see everything there is to see in Ayutthaya in a day is with a guide using vehicular transport, as the city is spread out and there is a lot to see. However, there is also the option of renting a bicycle for the day to pedal across the land, visiting fallen palaces and temples.
This particular day trip from Bangkok to Ayutthaya is extra special because it includes sightseeing at Wat Lokayasutharam, exploring Bang Pa-In Summer Palace, and dining at a local Thai restaurant serving authentic local cuisine.
On this fun-packed day, you'll swim in Erawan Waterfall and explore Krasae Cave and the Cave of the Buddha at Erawan National Park. Then, spend a few hours in Kanchanaburi exploring natural and historical sites, learning about World War II in Thailand at the Death Railway and more. Lastly, you'll visit an elephant rescue centre to enjoy the company of these majestic animals.
Founded in 1975, this national park is one of Thailand's best-kept secrets. It is not widely known, yet it is rich in natural beauty and one of the best escapes from city life, especially if booked as a tour.
Erawan Falls is the crown jewel of the park, a magnificent seven-tiered cascade with sapphire-coloured freshwater pools at its base. You can swim in the pools and hike the trails around the waterfall.
Erawan National Park also features the old rock art of Ta Duang Cave and the stunning traditional ceramics of Tha Thung Na Village.
Kanchanaburi is another fantastic destination, sure to provide an exciting day. This charming Thai village offers a beautiful alternative to the hustle and bustle of Bangkok.
The town's two most extensive claims to fame are the Death Railway and the Bridge on the River Kwai. Both structures date back to World War II, and other significant WWII memorials are also in the area.
During the Japanese occupation of Thailand, POWs and other slave workers constructed the infamous Thai Burma Railway, popularly known as the Death Railway. War prisoners also built the steel Bridge on the River Kwai during World War II. Cross the iconic bridge and take some pictures because it is a must-see attraction in this city.
The city of Kanchanaburi also hosts a wide variety of museums and temples. As a result, it's a great location to gain insight into the region's past and present-day customs.
Take advantage of a private guide and visit two unique Thai marketplaces on this full-day trip out of Bangkok. Visit Damneon Saduak Floating Market first, experiencing it from the seat of a motorboat. After that, take the train to Maeklong Railway Market and watch as the merchants scramble to get their items off the tracks before the train arrives. Finish with excursions to salt fields and a coconut farm before returning to Bangkok.
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is one of Thailand's most visited tourist destinations. It is an attractive and one-of-a-kind experience. Rides on motorboats are included in the price of your package. Tourists worldwide, including many Thais, flock to Thailand's water markets to experience the authentic local culture. Many famous Thai delicacies are sold here, including sweet mango on sticky rice, homemade coconut ice cream, and boat noodles in the traditional Thai style.
The Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is an overwhelming experience for the senses, with local vendors hawking a wide variety of goods from their brightly decorated long-tail boats. Food and produce from the area, as well as flowers, trinkets, and souvenirs, are among the most popular items sold here aside from food.
In jest, the Railway Market is called the "life-risking" market! Travelling on a local train to the Mae Klong station will be a lot of fun; you'll experience "Unseen Thailand" while riding this train. However, the moment the train bell rings, mayhem ensues. Sellers will quickly dismantle their booth and remove any merchandise that could be in the way of the moving train. As soon as the train has gone by, business owners resume positions on the tracks.
Take a break from the city and join a small group excursion from Bangkok to Khao Yai National Park. After being picked up from your accommodation, you'll be driven to the park, where a park ranger will lead you on a hike to admire nature and visit the impressive Haew Suwat Waterfall. A stop for lunch at a neighbourhood eatery is integrated into the itinerary and included as part of the tour.
The drive from Bangkok takes about 4 hours, just like Erawan National Park. The bus ride may be long, but nature enthusiasts will be satisfied. Khao Yai National Park, founded in 1962 as the country's first national park, extends all the way to the Cambodian border. Elephants, monkeys, bears, and other creatures thrive in the park's meadows and woods.
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