11 Best Day Trips from Bangkok to Escape the Crowds

Through my 2 month long backpacking trip in Thailand, I stayed in Bangkok for a full week. It became a place for me to slow down and relax after the non stop travel around the southern parts of the country. So I didn’t do a lot here: explored a 24 hour Bangkok itinerary with the TAGTHAi Pass, ate a lot and also explored some of the best day trips from Bangkok.

Bangkok was anyway too fast for my liking so the only way to escape the bustling streets of the city would be by embarking on unforgettable day trips from Bangkok. This guide to the best day trips from Bangkok (as recommended by fellow travel bloggers) will unveil the top destinations that promise to elevate your travel experience beyond the urban landscape of Thailand’s capital city.

From ancient ruins steeped in history to lush national parks teeming with wildlife, each destination offers a unique glimpse into Thailand’s rich cultural tapestry. By going on day trips from Bangkok, you get to discover the timeless allure of Ayutthaya, the once majestic capital of the Kingdom of Siam, or immerse yourself in the serenity of Khao Yai National Park, home to verdant landscapes, cascading waterfalls, and exotic wildlife. There is also the floating market of Damnoen Saduak offering a glimpse into traditional Thai life, and a lot of other destinations in this “best day trips from Bangkok” guide.

Mae Klong Railway Market (Hoop Rom Market)

Mae Klong Railway Market, located in Samut Songkhram Province, is renowned for its unique feature – a bustling marketplace set directly on active train tracks. Vendors skillfully arrange their stalls along the rails, swiftly retracting them and clearing their stalls to make way for the passing train, just moments before the train arrives – several times a day, making it one of the best day trips from Bangkok!

The market is also nicknamed “Talat Hoop Rom” or the “Umbrella Pulldown Market,” reflecting the swift folding of umbrellas that shield vendors’ wares. It’s an exhilarating experience to see everything happening in real time. Make sure to hold on tight as the train passes by, as it can get quite close to the shops and stalls.

Riding the train through the Maeklong Railway Market is another unique activity you can enjoy. You can board one of the commuter trains running on the Mae Klong line and have an interesting journey into the market as well. Trains to Maeklong leave from Wongwian Yai Train Station and cost only about 20 THB. They also run very slow so you can get a full experience of the market.

From fresh seafood to local produce like tropical fruits and handicrafts, spices and herbs, and local snacks – Mae Klong is also a great place to go souvenir shopping in Thailand. The market offers an overall vibrant, sensory experience making it one of the best day trips from Bangkok.

👉Check out this combined Mae Klong Railway Market and Damnoen Saduak Floating Market tour!

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

By Lavina of Continet Hop

100 km southwest of Bangkok is the Floating Market at Damnoen Saduak. Colourful boats bringing fresh produce and other things are a hallmark of this famous market. Visitors can enjoy the colourful environment, eat local cuisine, and buy unique goods from the canalside boats and kiosks. Meeting nice sellers, eating authentic Thai street cuisine, and taking gorgeous photos make it one of the best day trips from Bangkok.

Buses and vans leave from Bangkok’s Southern Bus Terminal for Damnoen Saduak. You can take a short taxi ride to get to the market from there. It’s a great day trip because it only takes two hours. 

It’s okay if you don’t speak the language. Just join a tour group. Most include round-trip transportation and a market guide. Visiting Damnoen Saduak is a highlight of your 1 month in Thailand.

Between 7 and 9 AM is the best time to go before all the other people show up and it gets too hot. The light is also great for taking pictures because it lets you see all the bright colours and exciting scenes in the market.

Both independent trips and tour groups have their pros and cons. For solo travellers, these trips give you more freedom to go at your own speed. People who are short on time or who would rather have a more planned experience, on the other hand, may find a tour group useful and easy.

👉Check out this Damnoen Saduak Floating Market tour!

Alternatively, you can also consider the Amphawa Floating Market along with Mae Klong.

Kanchanaburi

By Sarah of A Social Nomad

Bangkok to Kanchanaburi is just a two-hour trip which makes it a great option for a Bangkok day trip. The city is most famous in recent history for being home to the World War II Death Railway and the bridge made famous in the book and movie, the Bridge over the River Kwai.

It certainly is one of the best day trips from Bangkok – there are many WWII sites here to explore, and all day trips to Kanchanaburi will visit the bridge, and the Death Railway Museum is also well worth a visit. Opt for a specialist tour and you’ll get a ride on the train over the bridge on the River Kwai Bangkok, and up towards Hellfire Pass.

Alternatively, heading towards the natural parts of the province is also a stunning experience. Erawan National Park is a glorious place to explore, with waterfalls and lovely deep pools to cool off in, as part of the Kanchanaburi day trip from Bangkok.

While you’re doing the Kanchanaburi Bangkok trip, be sure to try one of the local foodie specialities – Gaeng Paa Pla Khang – this curry dish of local fish and vegetables contains lots of chillies in a curry paste with lemongrass. The Chukkadon Market just south of the center is a great place to eat this and to try other local dishes from Kanchanaburi.

👉Check out this Erawan National Park& Death Railway Kanchanaburi Tour

The Ancient City (Mueang Boran)

By Sara and Ryan of Across Every Border

If you’re looking for an easy-to-reach day trip from Bangkok, why not check out the Ancient City of Samut Prakan? You may not have heard of it before, but you’ve definitely seen the pictures! With a name like the Ancient City, it sounds like it’s going to be a beautiful conglomerate of historical buildings. Well actually, it’s more of a museum or theme park experience. 

The Ancient City in Samut Prakan, or Mueang Boran, as it is locally known, features a collection of over 100 famous Thai temple and monument replicas from around the country – with a few original designs chucked into it! Therefore, if you’re passing through Thailand for a short time, the Ancient City is a great way to get your temple fix without even leaving the city.

The Ancient City is one of the best day trips from Bangkok and reaching it is incredibly easy. It is located on the very outskirts of southern Bangkok. Just hop on the green Sukhumvit metro line from Asok station and ride it southbound for 45 minutes until you reach Phraek Sa station.

From Phraek Sa station, if you have a good amount of spare time, you can walk for 1.5 hours to the front gate. Alternatively, call a Grab taxi which will have you at the gate to the Ancient City within 10 minutes for only a few dollars.

Entrance will set you back 700 baht for adults and 350 baht for children. But the price includes a free bike for you to navigate the park (electric golf buggies are an optional extra).

👉Check out this Ancient City + Erawan Museum Private Guided tour

Hua Hin

By Marya of The Beau Traveler

Looking for a beach getaway near Bangkok? Along with Pattaya, Hua Hin is one of the best day trips from Bangkok if you’re looking for beach destinations near the capital city. 

Located around 200 kilometres from Bangkok, you can reach Hua Hin by bus or train. The bus trip from Bangkok to Hua Hin will take approximately 3 hours, while the train journey may take a little over 4 hours in total. On top of the scenic train journey, Hua Hin train station is also one of the best landmarks in the city – making it one of the best day trips from Bangkok by train!

Hua Hin may not be the best destination for a beach getaway in Thailand, but it’s a perfect place to visit if you have a short time in the country and still want to spend a day relaxing on a white-sand beach near Bangkok. But if you’re looking for a beach destination to visit after your Bangkok trip, Koh Chang might be more up your alley!

If you want to explore the city beyond the beach, the best time to visit Hua Hin is around January or February. During this time of the year, the perfect weather is suitable for exploring some of the best attractions in Hua Hin, like Wat Amparam or Phraya Nakhon Cave.

If you are travelling to Hua Hin around Chinese New Year, you can also enjoy the annual celebration at Phonkingpet Public Park in Hua Hin to experience the festivity. 

Whether you go on a DIY trip or join a tour, a day trip to Hua Hin from Bangkok is doable. However, I’d recommend staying in the city for a couple of days to make the most of your stay in the city! 

👉Check out the best Hua Hin activities

Sanctuary Of Truth, Pattaya

By Karen of Forever Karen

In contrast to the historic Thai temples in Bangkok, the Sanctuary of Truth is a relatively new build in Pattaya. It sits on the Gulf of Thailand with beautiful ocean views, making it one of the best day trips from Bangkok by car.

The 144 km journey to Pattaya takes under two hours on the Bangkok−Ban Chang Motorway. You can go by taxi or book a tour. If you choose the latter, your excursion may include visiting Pattaya’s floating market. However, going by taxi gives you unlimited time to enjoy the grounds.

The Sanctuary of Truth is a popular attraction for guests arriving by cruise ship to the port of Laem Chabang. From the port, the trip is much shorter, at 20 km.

The structure, leaning more towards a museum, is the brainchild of businessman Lek Viriyaphant. He started the museum in 1981, with each piece carved by hand. Amazingly, the pieces are assembled without the use of metal nails.

While Viriyaphant died in 2000, his work is ongoing, and visitors must wear hard hats to tour the grounds. You can tour a carving hut, feed an elephant (but please don’t ride them), enjoy a petting zoo, and admire the intricate artwork in the temple, making it one of the best day trips out of Bangkok.

Inside the museum, the carvings represent earth, wind, water, and fire. Three types of local woods are used, with a noticeable colour difference. The Sanctuary’s concept is based on the seven truths of life. You’ll find each one documented inside the structure, including “What is the purpose of life?”

👉Check out this Sanctuary of Truth and Pattaya City tour

Alternatively, you can also club Sanctuary of Truth and Nong Nooch Botanical Garden together

Nong Nooch Botanical Garden

By Leslie of Backpackers Thailand

Nong Nooch Botanical Garden is in the world’s top ten best gardens, the largest garden in Southeast Asia, and one of the best day trips from Bangkok. The 600-acre territory consists of many thematic sections: Garden in the Sky, French Garden, Italian Garden, Butterfly Hill, Bonsai Garden, European Garden, Orchid Garden, and many more gardens. The garden has beautiful nature close to Bangkok.

There’s also a vast collection of live-looking animal and dinosaur statues. The detailing is so precise, the dinosaurs look as if they just stepped out of Jurassic Park!

The territory of the park is enormous, but luckily, there is a sightseeing bus circling around, which you can hop on and travel to the remote Orchid Garden. Most of the gardens are open-air, with little shade to hide from the sun and the heat, so the best time to visit is during the colder months (November to February).

The garden also offers elephant shows, which we don’t recommend visiting because of the unethical treatment of the animals. Other than that, the Nong Nooch Garden plant collection should be on every traveller’s must-visit itinerary.

Nong Nooch Garden is just two hours from Bangkok (166 km), making it also one of the best road trips from Bangkok. The fastest way to reach it on your own is by taking a bus from Bangkok to Pattaya and then getting a Grab directly to the garden. There are also many organized day trip tours from Bangkok, with prices ranging from 2,500 to 3,000 Baht.

👉Check out this Nong Nooch Botanical Garden, Sanctuary of Truth + 3 other stops tour

Taling Chan Floating Market

By Jill of Jill On A Journey

While there are several floating markets around Bangkok and some of them have turned into unpleasant tourist traps, Taling Chan Floating Market is a small but local floating market to enjoy, making it one of the best day trips from Bangkok.

There are just a handful of boats from which local vendors sell food, fruit and souvenirs. As a visitor, you’re not on a boat but you can walk along the boats on a wooden boardwalk. There’s also a wooden platform with some tables on the water where you can enjoy your food. This day trip near Bangkok is best for trying local specialities such as coconut pancakes or sipping a cold coconut while watching the hustle and bustle.

That makes it a nice alternative to crowded, over-touristy floating markets such as Damnoen Saduak Floating Market Bangkok where they try to make you pay 5000 Baht for a short boat ride.

Be aware that around Taling Chan Floating Market there are also some people trying to sell you an overpriced boat ride. Just skip these and enjoy the market on foot. There’s no entrance fee, so it’s a great day trip from Bangkok, especially when you’re backpacking in Thailand on a budget.

The market is just 12 kilometres from Bangkok. So you can reach Taling Chan Floating Market by local bus no. 79 from Khao San Road in around half an hour, making it the best short trip from Bangkok. It’s open on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

👉Check out this Taling Chan and Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Markets tour

Wat Sam Phran (Dragon Temple)

By Trisha of Try Wandering More

Wat Sam Phran is a tall, 17-story, pink-coloured Buddhist temple with a dragon snaking around it—a must-visit on your trip to Thailand. While it looks awe-inspiring and mystical from afar, going up to the temple is a cool experience.

This is one of the best day trips from Bangkok because you have to walk to the top through a tunnel that goes through the belly of the beast. When you reach the top, you can see the dragon’s head up close and enjoy the stunning view of the surrounding area, which is covered with greenery. Do not forget to visit the entire temple complex, which has some other smaller temples. You’ll need at least one to two hours to see this place, depending on how much you’d like to see.

The best time to do this day trip near Bangkok is early in the morning or late in the evening, as it won’t be scorching. Not many people come here so it’s never very crowded. The timings of the temple are 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Entry to the temple is free, but donations are accepted.

Dragon Temple is one of the best day tours from Bangkok. It is located about 40 kilometres from Bangkok. The best way to get there is to take a Grab or Taxi from Bang Wa BTS on the Silom Line or Lak Song MRT on the Blue Line, as these stations are closest to the temple, and you’ll avoid Bangkok traffic. Otherwise, you can also take a bus (route 84) from either of the stations mentioned above to Sam Phran and then a Grab taxi for the last 4 km to the entrance of the temple.

👉Check out this Dragon Temple, Roots Temple and Amphawa Floating Market tour

Ayutthaya

By Paul of Paulmarina

Ayutthaya is the former capital of the former kingdom of Siam, which is just under an hour away from the current capital city, making it one of the best day trips from Bangkok. At its peak during the Renaissance, it had over 1 million inhabitants and a flourishing economy, before it was destroyed by the Burmese army in the 18th century. 

What’s left today are ruined temple structures and still active temples, where Buddhist devotes come to visit from far away. One such temple is the great Wat Phanan Choeng, where you can see the giant golden Buddha statue, an important highlight of the Ayutthaya day trip from Bangkok. The Ayutthaya temple ruins are known as wat mahathat and this is where you get to see the famous Buddha head surrounded by tree roots. 

Most places are scattered away, but there is also a guided tour to explore the ruins on a bicycle. I also recommend getting a private guide with a car for this day trip outside Bangkok. That way, your guide will take you to all the different temples and ruins and explain the history and general cultural etiquette of each place. A private guide is better because they can adjust an itinerary to your liking.

The day trip from Bangkok to Ayutthaya is super popular among tourists and local pilgrimage devotes, and therefore I suggest visiting during the earlier morning hours, as it’s much cooler and not all that busy.

👉Check out this Ayutthaya Ancient Ruins + Ayothaya Floating Market tour

Khao Yai National Park

By Catherine of Nomadicated

Even though Khao Yai National Park Bangkok is Thailand’s first national park and a UNESCO World Heritage site, it’s not that touristy compared to other attractions, especially on weekdays. For this Khao Yai day trip from Bangkok, you need to travel roughly 135 km from the city one way. So it’s not one of the closest day trips outside Bangkok, but it’s worth the trek for the waterfalls and the contrast to skyscraper city life, making it one of the best day trips from Bangkok.

Sprawling over an impressive area of more than 2,000 square kilometres, Khao Yai has some impressive wildlife, like elephants, sun bears, and barking deer. Your chances of encountering mammals are rare, so most go for the waterfalls and dense tropical forest hikes.

Hiking is big, with many trails throughout the park. But the places you can’t miss are the Haew Narok and Haew Suwat Waterfalls. The latter was famously featured in the movie “The Beach.” There are many more places to visit within the national park so a customizable private Khao Yai tour would be best if you have the budget.

As with much of Thailand, come visit in the cool season from November to February, for non-rainy days and pleasant enough weather for hiking.

The Khao Yai National Park day trip from Bangkok is about a 2.5-hour drive if you have your own transportation. When using public transportation, start by catching a train from Bangkok to Ayutthaya. Next, switch to another train to reach Pak Chong, then hire a driver or rent a motorbike. Public transportation can be complicated. For a stress-free experience, I’d get a rental car instead of joining a tour, so you still have flexibility.

👉Check out this Khao Yai Hiking and Waterfall tour

Best Day Trips from Bangkok – FAQs

What city near Bangkok is worth visiting?

If you are thinking of where to travel near Bangkok, one city near Bangkok worth visiting is Ayutthaya. This day trips from Bangkok blog also recommends another option which is a one day trip from Bangkok to Pattaya.

Where should you go from Bangkok?

For weekend trips from Bangkok, there are numerous destinations you can explore, depending on your interests and preferences. One of these is Chiang Mai for its culture, temples, landscapes, trekking and hill tribe villages.

Where is best to go after Bangkok?

After Bangkok, I headed east towards Trat Province and took a ferry to visit Koh Chang. It is definitely one of the best places to go after Bangkok. The journey takes about 7 hours. You can leave early morning in a bus and reach Koh chang by noon.

Where can I go by train from Bangkok?

From Bangkok, there are several interesting destinations you can reach by train. These include Surat Thani (I did the Surat Thani to Bangkok train journey), Chiang Mai, Ayutthaya and Hua Hin.

Is Bangkok worth visiting?

Yes, Bangkok is worth visiting. Bangkok has vibrant street life (Khao San Road for example), important cultural landmarks like its many temples such as the Grand Palace and Wat Pho, and a dynamic culinary scene. From savouring mouthwatering street food delicacies to cruising along the Chao Phraya River, or even indulging in the modern shopping districts, there is much to do here.