Looking for exciting day trips from Bangkok? You’re in luck!
Bangkok, with its colorful energy, delicious food, and world-class rooftop bars, has stolen my heart time and time again. But my curiosity and thirst for adventure always have me venturing beyond its buzzing streets.
Try the Meridian Dinner Cruise, get relaxing Thai massages, or walk the King Power Mahanakhon Skywalk. With your All-Inclusive Pass from Go City, you can visit as many attractions as you want and save up to 50% on top attractions. It’s all accessible on one digital pass, making exploring easier.
That’s why, with each visit, I make a point to set out on a day trip to see what else lies outside of the city limits.
The areas surrounding the bustling city are teeming with endless possibilities to explore and unwind. From watching trains passing through Maeklong Market to hiking through Khao Yai National Park and everything in between, there’s always something new and exciting to discover less than a 2-hour drive away.
In this post, I’ll be sharing the best day trips from Bangkok that you can take over the weekend or on any given day, so you can make the most of your time in Thailand!
TLDR; Must-do activity in Bangkok: 1. Visit Khao Yai National Park 2. Join Koh Kret Bike Tour Best budget hotel: The LOL Elephant Hostel Best mid-range hotel: Mode Sathorn Hotel Best luxury hotel: Hua Chang Heritage Hotel
10-Day Trips from Bangkok Not To Miss
1. Saraburi
Saraburi is a lesser-known, yet gorgeous, province located just two hours north of Thailand’s capital city. Home to rushing waterfalls, sprawling fruit farms, and traditional markets, Saraburi is the perfect escape from the busy city life of Bangkok.
Here, you’ll find yourself surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty and vast mountain landscapes stretching as far as the eye can see.
First and foremost, a visit to the Huapli Market is a must. It’s an OTOP (One Tambon One Product) market, meaning it’s supported by the government for preserving cultural heritage. The warm and friendly vendors sell crafts, local treats, and traditional textiles.
For a delightful lunch, head to Khaona Cafe, a hidden gem nestled amidst lush green countryside. Their seafood menu, featuring shrimp, mussels, squid, and a spicy seafood sauce, is an absolute treat for your taste buds.
If you need to unplug from everyday life and have a few extra days to spare, you may want to extend your stay in Saraburi by booking a wellness retreat at The Soul Resort.
The Soul Resort is a luxury wellness and mindfulness resort set at the foot of the mountains in Saraburi province. Here, you can indulge in rejuvenating spa treatments, meditation sessions, and nature trails.
To get to Saraburi from Bangkok, you’ve 2 options: either rent a car for a self-guided adventure or hire a driver to ensure a hassle-free journey.
2. Koh Kret Island
If you’re looking for a quick and easy day trip from Bangkok, Koh Kret offers a serene escape just a short ride away from the beating heart of the city.
This Bangkok hidden gem is a man-made island in the middle of the Chao Phraya River. It’s home to the Mon people who’re especially well known for creating beautiful terracotta pottery.
Getting to Koh Kret Island involves taking a taxi to Wat Sanam Nuae Pier, then a very short (about 1 minute) boat ride across the river. For the best experience, visit the island on a Saturday or Sunday morning to explore its vibrant weekend market.
You can either rent a bike or take a leisurely walk around the island. The pathways are a bit narrow, so walking might be easier unless you’re a skilled cyclist.
Plus, walking lets you enjoy all the sights and explore the various local handicrafts and snacks at the stalls.
While on the island, be sure to stop into the Kwan Aman Pottery Museum to admire the detailed terracotta pieces like bowls, vases, and incense holders. As you stroll around the island, you’ll also be able to spot a number of pottery homes where you can witness the locals create intricate items.
3. Erawan Museum
The Erawan Museum is a museum in the Samut Prakan Province, known for its pink temple with a massive 3-headed elephant sculpture on top of it. This unique attraction is both mesmerizing and peaceful, with plenty of opportunities for snapping some great photos.
On the property is the temple itself as well as a small park, filled with mystical sculptures and fountains, that’s very lovely to walk through. Inside the temple is a stunning, dragon-shaped spiral staircase that visitors can take to the very top of the temple – inside the head of an elephant!
This museum can be (almost) reached entirely via public transportation from downtown Bangkok. Just take the BTS green line toward Kheha to Chang Erawan station. Once you get off at the station, you can either walk the 1.1 kilometers to the museum or get a taxi to take you the rest of the way.
The Erawan Museum is relatively small, so an hour should suffice for a visit. However, if you wish to extend your day trip, hop back onto the BTS and continue all the way to the last station, Kheha to reach the Ancient City.
Considered to be one of the world’s largest outdoor museums, the Ancient City features replicas of many famous Thai temples and historic buildings over 200 hectares of land.
4. Ayutthaya Historical Park
Formerly the capital of the Kingdom of Siam, Ayutthaya was an important trading hub between the East and the West. Nestled on the banks of 3 rivers, it was a place where over a million inhabitants mingled, and ornate Buddhist monasteries stood as proud symbols of wealth and importance.
The flourishing capital was destroyed by the Burmese army in 1767, leaving only the stone remnants that offer a glimpse into its storied past today.
Ayutthaya now boasts ruins reminiscent of Cambodia’s Angkor Wat, with temples, statues, and palaces that tell tales of its time as a powerful empire. The park’s status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site makes it a must-visit destination on a day trip from Bangkok.
For history buffs, photographers, or anyone looking to connect with Thailand’s royal and cultural heritage, Ayutthaya offers an experience that goes beyond just sightseeing and literally takes you back in time.
To reach Ayutthaya, you can either join an organized tour, hire a private driver, or take the train to complete the 71-kilometer journey from Bangkok.
If you’re traveling solo, the train is the cheapest and fastest option for getting to Ayutthaya. There are tuk-tuks waiting outside the Ayutthaya station that can take you straight to the sites as soon as you get off the train.
Once you arrive, you can roam around the sites and temples of the ancient city, some of which are free to enter while others charge a small entrance fee.
I’d recommend getting there as early as possible to explore before it starts getting scorching hot! Most of the historical sites open at 8 am.
It is easy to walk between the sites, and when your feet get tired (or it gets too hot), you can hire a tuk-tuk to take you around. Another great option is to rent a bike and cycle from site to site. Bike rentals in Ayutthaya are affordable, costing only around 50 baht per day.
5. Kanchanaburi
Kanchanaburi is a beautiful province northwest of Bangkok. This area is particularly well known for the lush Erawan National Park and the peaceful Kwai River, but it is also famous for its sombre past.
During World War II, Kanchanaburi played a significant role as the place where Japanese forces forced POWs to construct the Death Railway connecting Thailand and Myanmar.
The 1957 movie “The Bridge over the River Kwai” brought attention to the tragic history, making Kanchanaburi a popular tourist destination where visitors can explore museums, war cemeteries, the Death Railway, and enjoy its scenic natural attractions.
So if you like war history and nature, Kanchanaburi would make the perfect day trip from Bangkok for you! While in Kanchanaburi, you can walk across the Bridge Over the River Kwai or you can even take a short ride on one of the trains that cross the bridge every day.
Other notable sites include Hellfire Pass, Kanchanaburi War Cemetery, and the JEATH War Museum.
If you want to get closer to nature, you can go jet skiing along the River Kwai, or go swimming under the nearby Erawan Falls. Have time to extend your stay? Don’t miss out on a night in one of Kanchanaburi’s famous riverfront hotels that float on the water!
6. Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
Thailand is famous for its floating markets. Contrary to what you might think, the markets themselves aren’t actually floating, but they typically line the edge of a canal.
Many of the market vendors are on land, while others float on traditional wooden boats in the water, selling goods and preparing food on their boats. Visiting one of these markets is such a cool experience and definitely, a must-do when you visit Thailand.
One of the more well-known floating markets is the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market located just 70 kilometres west of Bangkok. This market is usually bursting with tourists and Thais alike, but it nonetheless deserves a spot on your Bangkok itinerary.
The best time to visit is over the weekend when the majority of vendors are open. If you want to have a chance to explore the market before it gets busy, try to get there earlier in the morning around 8 am.
Other than perusing the stalls, sampling various traditional Thai dishes, and purchasing snacks and souvenirs, you can also take a long-tail boat ride through the market and surrounding canals.
This is a great way to get a glimpse at local life in the area and gain access to remote villages and plantations you’d otherwise not be able to see on foot.
7. Maeklong Railway Market
Just 19 kilometers north of the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is another one of Thailand’s most famous attractions – the Maeklong Railway Market (also known as Talad Rom Hub).
You may have seen videos of this market on social media where a train passes inches away from the market stalls!
Mae Klong Railway Market, also known as Siang Tai (life-risking) Market, is a unique local market situated near the Mae Klong Railway Station in Samut Songkhram Province.
Open from 6 am to 6 pm, it’s a bustling fresh market selling everything from seafood to fruits and meats, with stalls that spread all the way up to the railroad tracks.
What sets this market apart is the trains that pass through the market 4 times per day. When the train signals its arrival, vendors swiftly close their awnings and clear goods from the tracks, only to reopen and reset once the train has passed.
This thrilling spectacle is common for locals but provides an exciting and unusual experience for tourists.
You can join an organized day trip to witness the train passing through the market.
Alternatively, if you do choose to visit on your own, be sure to check the current train timetable and arrive 15 minutes before the train to secure a good spot along the tracks.
8. Khao Yai National Park
Bathing with elephants in Khao Sok National Park
Just a short three-hour drive from Bangkok, you’ll find a serene escape from the bustling city at Khao Yai National Park. Khao Yai is Thailand’s first, and oldest national park, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This is a place that local Thais love to escape to over the weekend to explore the sweeping vineyards, sunflower fields, and European villages. Plus, Khao Yai is full of wild elephants that roam freely around the park!
So if you’re searching for a day trip where you’ll be surrounded by greenery, mesmerizing waterfalls, fantastic hiking trails, and diverse wildlife, then you’ll want to add Khao Yai to your Bangkok bucket list.
And the best part? It’s not crowded with tourists, so you can truly immerse yourself in the serenity of this natural wonderland.
Khao Yai National Park is huge, so one of the best ways to explore is by renting a car or motorbike, which you can do on-site. Alternatively, if you’re not comfortable driving, you can hire a driver to shuttle you around the park.
9. Pattaya
What was once a small fishing village, Pattaya is now one of the most famous resort towns in Thailand. This seaside city is well known for its wild nightlife, cabarets, and dance clubs. But don’t let that fool you, there’s a lot more to Pattaya than meets the eye.
The most obvious reason for visiting Pattaya on a day trip from Bangkok is to enjoy its beautiful sandy beaches.
Whether you want to spend hours soaking up the sun or get your adrenaline pumping with parasailing or jet skiing, Pattaya is the perfect seaside paradise. Jomtien Beach and Wong Amat Beach are two popular spots to unwind and enjoy the coastal breeze.
Apart from the beaches and vibrant nightlife, Pattaya also offers an exciting and family-friendly attraction: the Sanctuary of Truth. This awe-inspiring wooden temple is a masterpiece of intricate carvings, representing the fusion of art, culture, and religion. Come here for a break from the sun to explore the ornate halls and gain insight into Thailand’s rich heritage.
For nature enthusiasts, a visit to Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden is a must. This vast garden showcases a wide variety of plants, including exotic orchids, tropical palms, and cacti. You can witness cultural shows, such as Thai dance performances and elephant shows.
The quickest way to reach Pattaya from Bangkok is to hire a taxi. Alternatively, you can take a direct bus to the city which will take around two hours.
10. Nakhon Pathom
Nakhon Pathom is a city in central Thailand located just about 56 kilometers west of Bangkok. Famous for being home to the world’s tallest golden stupa, Nakhon Pathom makes for a wonderful day trip from Bangkok if you need a break from the hustle and bustle of the city.
The first place to visit in Nakhon Pathom is, of course, Phra Pathom Chedi, a first-class royal monastery and the tallest Buddhist chedi in the world. The stupa reaches an impressive 120.45 meters in height and stands as a symbol of the introduction of Buddhism into Thailand.
You can spot its vibrant orange roof from several kilometers away, making it a must-see landmark.
If you love movies, the Thai Film Museum is a great opportunity to dive into the history of Thai cinema. This museum is dedicated to preserving old Thai films and showcasing their evolution over time.
Another fun spot to explore is the Wat Lam Phaya Floating Market, a traditional market that locals go to. It’s an ideal spot to savor a delicious lunch while surrounded by the charming floating market setting. Keep in mind that the market operates only on weekends, so plan to visit on a Saturday or Sunday.
Before heading back to Bangkok, make sure to stop by Wat Sam Phran, the famous pink tower with a dragon wrapped around it. This unique temple, located between Bangkok and Nakhon Pathom is one of the photos you might have seen from Thailand on social media is a pink tower with a dragon wrapped around it.
This is actually a temple called Wat Sam Phran, and it is located between Bangkok and Nakhon Pathom. What makes this temple extra unique is that you can walk through the entire body of the dragon to reach the top!
The best way to reach Nakhon Pathom from Bangkok is to either rent a car or join an organized tour.
FAQs About Things To Do In Bangkok, Thailand
What to do if you only have 1 day in Bangkok?
In one day in Bangkok, you’ll have just enough time to visit a few of the city’s most famous sites, like Wat Pho, Wat Arun, and the Grand Palace. Afterward, take the ferry down the Chao Phraya River and explore southeast Asia’s most impressive malls at ICONSIAM. End your day at a rooftop bar and enjoy sunset views over the city.
How many days is long enough for Bangkok?
2 full days is the bare minimum you’ll need to visit Bangkok’s main highlights. If you can, consider spending at least four full days in Bangkok to really get to know the city and explore some more local spots.
Is it worth going to Ayutthaya?
Yes! Ayutthaya is a must-visit if you love history and want to get a glimpse into Thailand’s rich historic past.
How to spend half a day in Bangkok?
A half day in Bangkok would be best spent by visiting one of the city’s most beautiful temples, Wat Pho, and enjoying a traditional Thai massage at the massage school on-site. Afterward, you can grab a bite to eat at one of the nearby restaurants in the Old Town.
Bangkok is an exciting city, bursting with energy and things to do. But sometimes it’s nice to get away from the hustle and bustle for a bit. With so many interesting places nearby, there are plenty of great day trips from Bangkok that offer you the chance to get off the beaten tourist path.
From exploring lesser-known floating markets and pottery museums to witnessing Thailand’s tallest golden stupa in Nakhon Pathom, or hiking through Khao Yai National Park, there’s so much to discover around the city.
No matter which destination you choose, one thing is certain: each day trip from Bangkok will bring a new adventure, allow you to savor authentic flavors, and connect with the heart of Thailand.
Before you go, check out this salt farm in Samut Sakhon for another day trip idea from Bangkok!
Read: Where To Stay In Bangkok, Thailand Forget Bangkok; Visit Chonburi In Thailand Instead! Day trips from Bangkok; Salt Farm in Samut Sakhon Day trips from Bangkok; Amphawa Floating Market, Maeklong Railway Market, Ban Bang Phlap
