Love it or hate it, Bangkok is a city that never ceases to amaze. With its glittering temples, bustling markets, towering skyscrapers and endless dining options, the constantly evolving Thai capital pulses with energy day and night.
But sometimes it get’s a bit too much, sometimes you yearn to see a more laid-back side of Thailand. Luckily, the capital city makes a great base from which to explore more of Central Thailand.
Whether you’re traveller looking to explore more of Thailand, or an expat living in Bangkok needing a weekend escape from the city, there are plenty of options for easy day trips from Bangkok.
There are so many interesting places to visit near Bangkok where you can experience a different side of Thai life. From floating markets to historical wonders, lush national parks to tropical beaches, and traditional Thai towns, these Bangkok day trips offer a refreshing escape from the traffic and crowds.
Exploring beyond Bangkok also gives you a chance to see Thailand’s beauty and diversity and a more laid back, traditional way of life. So make sure you leave time in your Bangkok itinerary to explore beyond the city too!
The Best Day Trips From Bangkok
As a frequent visitor to Bangkok, here is my pick of the best places to visit near Bangkok that are ideal for day trips. I’ve included all the most well-known tourist attractions along with some hidden gems you’ve likely never heard of!
- Most Iconic – Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
- Best For History Buffs– Ayutthaya and Lopburi
- Most Scenic – The River Kwai and Erawan National Park, Kanchanaburi
- Best For Nature Lovers – Khao Yai National Park
- Best For Best Beaches – Pattaya and Hua Hin
- Most Authentic Local Culture – Nakhon Pathom
- Best Day Trip Within The City– Bang Krachao
- Best Hidden Gem – Koh Kret
- Best Museum – Mueang Boran (The Ancient City Museum)
- Best For Kids – Dream World Theme Park
- Bonus Tips – Angkor Wat From Bangkok?
Keep reading and I’ll reveal the best places to visit near Bangkok that you can visit on a day trip. As well as explaining why these destinations are worth visiting, I’ll give you some tips on how to get to these destinations via public transport as well as recommending the top rated guided tours.
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Tips For Exploring Central Thailand
Bangkok has pretty good public transport and many of these nearby places in Central Thailand are also accessible via bus or train. Rome to Rio is a good way to check transport schedules and plan your route and the easiest way to book bus and train tickets is on 12 Go Asia. For short distances, Grab Taxi is a convenient way to travel.
However some places may require multiple methods of transport which can be confusing and wastes valuable time and makes your day a bit stressful. If you’d like to take the stress out of getting around and have a local guide to take care of everything and bring the sights to life then taking a guided day tour is well worth it. You will see more that you could on your own, plus the guides usually take great photos!
The easiest and most convenient way to book these Bangkok day trips and tours is on Viator or Get Your Guide. On these trusted platforms, you can read honest reviews and book your day trips before you get to Thailand. Klook is also popular in Thailand, and sometimes offers cheaper prices, so it’s well worth checking Klook out too.
Most private tours from Bangkok also include hotel pick-up for a stress-free experience, while budget group tours often require you to get to a meeting point. Always check what’s included – some tours don’t include entrance fees so remember to bring enough cash in Thai Baht to cover this and any drinks, snacks, or souvenirs you might want to buy.
The Best Bangkok Day Trips
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market & Maeklong Railway Market
You’ve probably already seen Bangkok’s floating markets all over your social media feed, so this iconic site is likely already at the top of your Bangkok bucket list!
Bangkok was known as the ‘Venice of the East’ due to it’s numerous canals and waterways and, while roads have replaced many of them in the city center, you can still get a glimpse into the past by visiting a floating market outside the city.
There are several floating markets around Bangkok, the biggest and most famous of which is Damnoen Saduak. Every day, many flower, fruit and souvenir sellers trade directly from their small wooden boats, while shoppers cruise past in traditional long-tail boats making their purchases.
Another reason why most tourists choose Damnoen Saduak market is because it’s very close to another Insta-famous Bangkok sight – Maeklong Railway Market.
Yes, this is the unique market built alongside (and dangerously close to) a rail track! Multiple times a day, trains pass through the market, which is a bewildering sight to see. Watch how the train goes right over the vendors’ products, skimming them by less than an inch!
It’s definitely one of these experiences that makes you think, “Only in Asia!”
Other floating markets, like the Amphawa floating market, only happen at the weekend, plus it isn’t as big as Damnoen Saduak. The floating markets are pretty touristy nowadays but are still one of the most fun, colourful, and unique experiences you can have in Thailand – don’t forget to haggle though!
Getting here
The floating markets and the railway market are located outside of Bangkok and can be a bit tricky to reach via public transport. It’s much easier to visit these markets through a tour, which takes you to both sights.
For example, this top rated Floating market and Railway Market tour offers group or private trips from Bangkok to both markets, with hotel pick-up and drop-off. The tour includes a train ride through the railway market and a long-tail boat ride through the floating market.
Alternatively, visiting the markets without a tour is possible by taking a bus from the Southern Bus terminal in Bangkok. However, the public bus can get cramped, and the journey takes longer as there are various stops along the way.
Entrance to the floating market is free, but you must rent a boat to travel through it (costing around 2,000 baht for one hour) so if you’re on a budget it’s better to go with a group tour that includes this.
Also, note that the railway market has around six trains passing through it each day, so if you are going by yourself rather than on a tour, plan accordingly to see the spectacle.
The Ruins of Ayutthaya – The Ancient Capital
Before Bangkok – there was Ayutthaya. The island city of Ayutthaya was the capital of the Kingdom of Siam between 1350 and 1767.
Ayutthaya was one of the world’s wealthiest and most cosmopolitan cities before it was razed by the Burmese. It’s now an archaeological and UNESCO world heritage site and one of the most popular Bangkok day trips!
Visiting Ayutthaya Historical Park feels like stepping back in time. It is home to many fascinating ancient ruins, including Buddhist temples, monasteries, palaces, and statues, making it the best day trip outside Bangkok for anyone interested in Thai history.
Highlights include Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Wat Yai Chai Mongkol, the reclining Buddha at Wat Lokayasutharam, and Wat Mahathat where you’ll see the famous Buddha head entangled in a Bodhi tree.
Even if you’re not a history buff, you will still enjoy a day trip to Ayutthaya, as it is undoubtedly a beautiful and peaceful place with a chilled vibe.
You can hop on a bike and ride between ruins, chill out by the water, or explore little markets at your own pace. This picturesque ancient city is a must-see when visiting Bangkok.
Getting there
You can get to Ayutthaya from Bangkok by bus or train. Buses are the fastest and cheapest option, taking 1 to 1.5 hours and costing roughly 50 Baht. By train, it takes 1.5 – 2.5 hours and costs around 80 Baht.
While getting public transport there is easy, it’s also worth opting for a guided tour to learn more about the ancient city and history of Thailand. There are options for both budget friendly group tours and private tours, some also include a visit to Bang Pa Palace or a boat ride on the river to add to the experience.
This top rated small group Ayutthaya tour includes round trip transport from Bangkok, entrance fees and a guided tour to explore the park’s main highlights.
If you’d prefer a private experience this private Ayutthaya tour includes personalised service from your own driver and local guide. Plus, you’ll also enjoy a boat trip round the island as well as visiting the ancient city.
Top Tip: If you’re traveling solo, a group tour is the best option for a stunning place like this, as it means you can get plenty of photos of yourself in front of the ruins!
Lopburi and the Monkey Temple
Lopburi, known as the city of monkeys, is one of Thailand’s oldest cities with a laid back vibe, a rich history and a smattering of historic Khmer temples in a similar style to those found at Angkor Wat, Cambodia.
Like Ayutthaya, Lopburi is home to fascinating ancient ruins, including temples and palaces, but what makes it unique is the abundance of playful rhesus macaque monkeys that roam the streets and live freely in temples like Phra Prang Sam Yot and San Phra Kan.
Getting there
You can travel to Lopburi from Bangkok in 2 – 3 hours via bus, train, taxi, or guided tour. The train journey costs around 90 Baht, whereas air conditioned mini vans cost roughly 200 Baht.
You can also join this Ayutthaya and Lopburi Tour which will give you a deeper insight into the city’s history and culture and allow you to visit the highlights of both Ayutthaya and Lopburi in just one day.
Side note: Be careful when visiting Lopburi’s monkey temple as these are wild animals not pets. Don’t bring any food, secure your belongings, and just watch the playful antics of these cheeky monkeys from a safe distance.
The Bridge Over The River Kwai & Erawan National Park, Kanchanaburi
Kanchanaburi is a less visited province west of Bangkok which offers a mix of history and nature to explore. If you’ve only got a day then two must visit spots in Kanchanaburi are The River Kwai and Erawan National Park.
The famous Bridge over the River Kwai, is part of the Thailand – Burma Railway, also known as the “Death Railway” and Hellfire Pass because it was built by World War II prisoners under harsh conditions.
There’s several museums and memorials including the JEATH War Museum and the Thailand – Burma Railway Centre, where you can learn about the interesting history of the area and why it’s so important.
You can also take a stroll down the town’s heritage walking street to soak up the history, browse the cute shops and cafes, and don’t miss the new glass skywalk over the river Kwai for the best views.
The nearby Erawan National Park is great for hiking, swimming, and relaxing in nature. The highlight is the seven-tiered Erawan Waterfall, where each level has crystal-clear pools you can swim in. You can hike to each of the tiers, and the difficulty level increases the higher you get.
Visiting both sights in this charming province makes a great day trip from Bangkok for both history and nature lovers wanting to escape the capital’s buzz.
Getting there
You can reach Kanchanaburi by train, from Thonburi Train Station in Bangkok. This is a superb option as the train actually crosses the famous River Kwai bridge. There are two departures a day and the journey takes 2.5 hours and costs 100 Baht.
Alternatively, you can take a bus from Bangkok’s Southern Bus Terminal, which takes about three hours. Upon arriving in Kanchanaburi province, you can take a songthaew (shared taxi) to the attractions.
You can also take an organised small group Kanchanaburi day tour from Bangkok which includes round trip AC transportation and stops at the bridge, JEATH museum, and Erawan national park.
Private tours are also available, these are customisable so if you want to spend longer at some places and skip others you can see only what interests you. This tour also visits an elephant sanctuary on the way. Note that you can only feed, bathe, and observe the elephants – they do not allow riding as it harms the gentle giants.
Khao Yai National Park
When you think of Bangkok, you envision massive skyscrapers, glittering temples, bustling street markets and ultra modern malls. But you might not realize there is tons of lush greenery outside the city, such as Khao Yai National Park.
This UNESCO listed national park located in the Panom Dongrak Mountains was the first one in Thailand. It’s one of the most popular day trips from Bangkok for nature lovers because it offers the perfect escape from the city’s hustle and urban sprawl. Just a couple of hours from the city center, it’s like entering a different world, with lush jungles, fresh air, waterfalls, and wildlife everywhere.
Here, you can hike through scenic nature trails, spot wild elephants, gibbons and hornbills, and relax by the famous Haew Suwat waterfall (the one from ‘The Beach’ movie!) and soak up the stunning views. Plus, the cool mountain air is a refreshing break from Bangkok’s heat!
Getting there
Khao Yai National Park is located about 2.5 – 3 hours away from Bangkok. There is no direct public transport route to the national park from Bangkok, but you can get a bus or train to Pak Chong, which is 20-30 km from the main entrance of Khao Yai National Park. Then you’ll need to get a taxi from Pak Chong to the park entrance.
Considering this, the easiest way to visit Khao Yai is on a tour. For example, on this small group Khao Yai National Park Tour from Bangkok, you travel by mini-bus and go on several guided nature trails and hikes and visit the famous waterfall.
Pattaya Beach
Thailand’s world famous beaches and islands are among the best in the world. While there’s no beach in Bangkok you can still get your beach fix quite easily from the capital. The closest beach to Bangkok is Pattaya, just two hours south, which makes a great day trip.
While Pattaya is known for it’s nightlife there are great beaches complete with watersports and plenty of family-friendly activities to do during the day, plus you can easily visit Koh Larn (Coral Island) from Pattaya. Another must see is the unique Sanctuary of Truth, a hand-carved wooden temple museum.
Getting there
You can take a bus or minivan from Bangkok to Pattaya which takes 2 – 3 hours and costs around 200 baht. Once in Pattaya you can use taxis and songthaews to get around.
Alternatively, if you want to just relax and leave the organising up to someone else take a small group Pattaya day trip which includes visiting the sanctuary of truth, a stunning viewpoint, and a boat trip to Koh Larn (Coral Island) with time to relax on the beach, swim and snorkel.
Hua Hin
If you want to visit a beach near Bangkok but Pattaya isn’t your style consider Hua Hin, a royal retreat and popular weekend break for Bangkok residents with a more laid back, family friendly atmosphere.
This charming, seaside town is located about 200 km south of Bangkok, and boasts long stretches of sandy beaches popular with kite surfers, historic royal palaces, numerous seafood restaurants and vibrant local markets. There is also a fantastic water park for kids and a picturesque vineyard offering wine tasting and stunning views for adults.
Getting there
Hua Hin’s historic train station is one of the prettiest in Thailand. The best way to get to Hua Hin is to catch a train from Hua Lamphong Railway Station in Bangkok.
While you can do Hua Hin as a day trip, it takes about 4 hours to reach from Bangkok, so I recommend staying overnight to make the most of it and avoid rushing. There’s no shortage of hotels including The Hua Hin Marriot Hotel which is situated in the perfect location right on the beach and has everything you need for the perfect beach break.
Several bus companies also operate services from Bangkok to Hua Hin from the Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai) or Mo Chit Bus Terminal. This route is a bit shorter, approximately 3 to 4 hours.
Nakhon Pathom
Nakhon Pathom, a city and province located just west of Bangkok, is home to one of Thailand’s oldest cities and offers a fascinating glimpse into the country’s past.
While it’s not one of the most popular places to visit near Bangkok, it’s well worth seeing if you prefer less touristy, more offbeat, authentic places. That being said, it doesn’t lack stupendous sights.
Nakhon Pathom is home to the Phra Pathom Chedi, the world’s tallest stupa. This temple is an impressive architectural marvel and an important pilgrimage site. There are also several temples and the Sanam Chandra Palace worth exploring too.
On the way you could stop and check out the unique Wat Sam Phran, also known as the dragon temple due to the dragon that is wrapped around the pink 17 story tower.
For a taste of local life, head to the Nakhon Pathom night market and sample some authentic Thai street food. I particularly recommend the Khao Chae (rice soaked in jasmine-scented water), which is a popular local dish.
Getting there
Nakhon Pathom is just a 1.5 to 2-hour train ride from Bangkok (Hua Lamphong Railway Station). You can also catch a bus from the Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai), which takes around the same time.
You could also join this tour of Nakhon Pathom which visits the massive Phra Pathom Chedi, the unique Dragon Temple, a coconut farm and some very instagrammable cafes.
Bang Krachao Island
If you’re in need of a quick nature escape without leaving Bangkok check out Bang Krachao, a man-made island in the middle of the Chao Praya River.
Also known as Bangkok’s Green Lung, this is undoubtedly one of the city’s hidden gems, as it’s an oasis right in the middle of the city’s chaos.
What makes it so special is that you completely forget you’re in Thailand’s busiest city. Bang Krachao is full of lush greenery, small communities, and winding bike paths. There are no skyscrapers or traffic jams, just a lot of nature and fresh air.
So, if you’re not much of a city person and start finding Bangkok a bit suffocating, take the short ferry ride to Bang Krachao, and enjoy the slower pace for a day.
Getting there
Getting to Bang Krachao from central Bangkok is super easy. From Khlong Toei Pier or Wat Bang Na Nok Pier, you take a small ferry across the river that takes just a few minutes and costs just a few baht.
The best way to explore the island is by bicycle which you can hire near the pier. Half day guided cycling tours are also available to give you a better insight into this unique part of the city.
If you go in the evening you can even see fireflies! This Bang Krachao evening tour combines a bike ride, dinner at sunset and a night time river cruise amongst the glittering fireflies!
Koh Kret
Another off beat place worth visiting is Koh Kret, a tiny island in the Chao Phraya River in Nonthaburi province, just north of Bangkok. It is largely unknown to tourists, making it a true hidden gem and a rewarding experience for those who want to get off the beaten track.
While Koh Kret is tiny, there’s tons of history and culture here. The island was settled by the Mon people who still craft traditional pottery today. You can visit pottery workshops to see local artisans hard at work, or if you’re feeling creative, try a pottery-making class to learn the craft yourself!
Aside from the unique pottery, you can learn more about the Mon community by visiting the ancient temple ‘Wat Poramai Yikawat’ and, of course, trying the local street food. There is also a weekend market.
Another unique aspect of Koh Kret is that it is a car-free island. As most of Bangkok (and Thailand) is not very pedestrian-friendly, Koh Kret makes for a peaceful and refreshing change. The island is full of narrow paths, allowing you to explore by foot or bicycle (you can rent one at the pier) and enjoy a more laid back side of Bangkok life!
Getting there
The most common way to reach 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, where you can then take a ferry across to Koh Kret. The ferry ride is incredibly cheap and takes just a few minutes.
You can also take a guided bicycle tour of Koh Kret, which includes transport from central Bangkok, guided tours, and various activities. For example, on this 8-hour Guided Bike Tour of Koh Kret, you explore the island by bike, participate in a pottery workshop, and enjoy a traditional Thai massage.
Muang Boran (The Ancient City Museum)
Did you know that you can now see stunning replicas of all Thailand’s most impressive sights in one easy day trip from Bangkok?!
Bangkok’s neighboring province of Samut Prakan is home to another lesser-known sight, Muang Boran, The Ancient City Museum. It’s a huge, sprawling open-air museum with replicas of Thailand’s most significant monuments and historical sites. You can explore by bicycle, take a tour by tram, or hire a golf buggy.
You will also find the Erawan Museum, famous for its gigantic, three-headed elephant sculpture. Plus, Samut Prakan has a very authentic, non-touristy vibe, so I recommend trying one of the local restaurants before returning to Bangkok.
Getting there
Samut Prakan is less than one hour away from Bangkok by car, so taking a taxi is the quickest way to get there – depending on the traffic.
Alternatively, you can take the BTS Skytrain to Bang Na Station (on the Sukhumvit Line) and then get taxis to the Ancient City and Erawan Museum. Or, take a bus to Samut Prakan from the Ekamai Bus Terminal or Mo Chit Bus Terminal.
You can also get a ticket and transfer combo package that includes entrance tickets to the museum and a hotel transfer.
Dream World
If you’re in Bangkok with kids (or a big kid yourself), and looking for something fun to do then check out the Dream World amusement park just north of Bangkok.
Dream World boasts over 40 thrilling rides and attractions, including the Tornado, Sky Coaster, and Grand Canyon. One surprising attraction is the indoor snow park, filled with ice sculptures and offers various snow activities like sledding. While it’s not something you would expect to find here, it provides a refreshing break from the intense Southeast Asia heat!
There are additional shows and parades on the weekends, so if possible, plan your trip for a Saturday or Sunday. While the park will be busier (as it’s very popular with locals), you’ll have a richer experience.
Getting there
The park is about a one-hour drive from Bangkok. You can catch a bus (bus number 166 and BKS Route 538) from Mo Chit Bus Terminal or Victory Monument, which stops close to the park.
You can also book Dream World’s shuttle bus service from central Bangkok by booking a Dream World combo entrance & travel ticket in advance.
Bonus Tip – Angkor Wat Day Trip From Bangkok?
The famous temples of Angkor Wat in Cambodia are understandably top of most travellers Southeast Asia bucket list and they are not that far from Bangkok.
Some people have asked me if it’s possible to do a day trip to Angkor Wat from Bangkok? I’d have to say no.
While you can fly from Bangkok to Siem Reap Airport in just 1 hour, the total travel time including transfers and checking it will be more like 4 – 6 hours.
The Angkor temple complex is so large that you won’t have enough time to see even the most famous temples. Plus, you’d miss seeing the sunrise at Angkor Wat.
I recommend spending at least 3 full days at Angkor Wat, but if you have limited time this 2 day/ 1night tour of Angkor Wat from Bangkok will take you to Siem Reap, show you all the highlights, and get you back to Bangkok by the following evening. The drive from Bangkok to Siem Reap takes about 6 hours.
Check out my blog with more tips for visiting Angkor Wat and avoiding the crowds.
Ready to explore beyond Bangkok?
While the Thai capital city has enough to keep you entertained for a lifetime, there are so many interesting places to visit near Bangkok that will show you another side to Thailand.
Whether you want to learn more about Thai history and culture, or just want to escape into nature, it’s easy to take a day trip from Bangkok to explore Central Thailand. If you’re taking public transport use Rome to Rio to plan your route or join an organised day tour for a stress free experience.
From ruined ancient cities and monkey filled temples, to national parks, riverine islands, floating markets, and beaches, make sure to explore outside the capital to experience Thailand beyond the hustle and bustle of the capital city.
And if you plan to explore more of Thailand check out my other blogs and guides for tips. My comprehensive Thailand Travel Guide and list of the best places to visit in Thailand will give you plenty of inspiration.
If you’d like more tips for planning your visit to Bangkok check out these blogs:
