Best Day Trips From Bangkok: Temples, Mountains, Waterfalls & Markets
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Bangkok is rightly the most visited destination in the world. With so many things to do and places to visit within the city, there is no shortage of unique, fun, and adventurous getaways from it.
I believe that Thai cultural traditions are more prominent and celebrated in many parts of Thailand. Every place offers something different when it comes to cuisines, and the breathtaking landscapes are tenfold!
If you are planning some adventures outside of the city, you are spoiled for choice when it comes to the best day trips from Bangkok.
Table of Contents
What Are The Best Day Trips From Bangkok?
1. Kanchanaburi: Waterfalls, Caves & Rivers
I just love nature. If I had to choose a getaway from Bangkok, Kanchanaburi would be my pick! This is a town that takes you close to nature’s wonders. Rivers, caves, waterfalls, and some interesting World War 2 history will be the highlights during your trip. This day trip is a wonderful escape from the everyday hustling and bustling of Bangkok city.
The multi-level Erawan Waterfall, located within a national park in Kanchanaburi, is a stunning attraction featuring refreshing, turquoise-colored water where you can swim or take a trek up to the top of the waterfall.
You would also get a chance to board the train and ride along the Death Railway, which was used as a supply route by the Japanese army during World War 2. The Death Railway consists of a series of bridges and stone carvings.
Then, there’s the world-famous bridge over the River Kwai, which is a very picturesque landmark in Kanchanaburi.
To help you navigate your day trip, I’d definitely recommend pre-booking this brilliant expedition to save time on what is truly one of the best day trips from Bangkok.
Time from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi: 1h 31mins drive
2. Ayutthaya: Ancient city
I found this place to be a truly fascinating destination. Once the ancient capital of Siam from the 14th to the 18th century, it was invaded and burned down by the Burmese in 1767. Due to its proximity, Ayutthaya is now one of the most popular day trips from Bangkok. Today, it stands as a UNESCO World Heritage site, where visitors can explore the impressive ruins of Buddha temples, statues, palaces, and monasteries.
One of the most iconic sights is the sacred tree at Wat Mahathat, where the Buddha’s head is famously entwined in the tree’s roots. Another highlight is Wat Lokayasutharam, home to the largest reclining Buddha in Ayutthaya, along with countless other ruins of ancient temples.
I absolutely loved this tour, which basically took me around all the ancient ruins and temples of Ayutthaya.
Time from Bangkok to Ayutthaya: 1h 5mins drive
3. Khao Yai National Park Jungle Trekking
If you are up for an adrenaline-inducing expedition, you should be heading to the Khao Yai National Park. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site offering the most gorgeous landscape views of nature, consisting of lush greenery, waterfalls, wildlife, lakes, and varieties of flora.
After Kanchanaburi, going for a jungle trek to Khao Yai National Park is one of my personal best day trips from Bangkok. I found this place to be very tranquil and peaceful. There is also an observation tower from where you can soak in some stunning views of the jungle during this trip.
The picturesque Haew Suwat waterfall within the national park featured in the iconic movie “The Beach” is also one of the highlights of this day trip.
Time from Bangkok to Khao Yai National Park: 2h 14mins drive
4. Pattaya: Beaches and temples
Take a day trip to Pattaya from Bangkok and check out all the major attractions this city has to offer. This trip will leave you with so many memories to cherish.
A place that you should definetly visit is the Sanctuary of truth, which is built entirely of wood and decorated by carved sculptures without the use of any metal nails. It is a miraculous structure and an ancient wonder showcasing the knowledge, techniques, and wood working skills of ancient times.
Another spot to check out is Khao Phra Tamnak hill top, from where you will get some gorgeous views of Pattaya city. Once you are on the hill’s foot, you will visit the famous Pattaya beach where you can spend some relaxing time, sunbathe, and enjoy some beach activities.
Close to it are many shopping stores, restaurants, and bars where you can spend some time too! You’ll want to join a tour to make sure you cover all of these must-see sites on a day trip.
Time from Bangkok to Pattaya: 1h 54mins drive
5. Damnoen Sadauk Floating Market And Maeklong Train Market
Make a visit to the world-famous Damnoen Sadauk Floating Market located about an one and a half hour distance from Bangkok in the Ratchaburi province. Start your journey by exploring and wandering through the Maeklong Railway Market (aka the umbrella pulldown market).
The train passes very closely to the market, such that before it approaches, the vendors pull off their shop umbrellas and other belongings located close to the tracks. Once the train passes, the vendors spring back their umbrellas and belongings back to their positions close and some over the tracks too.
Next, you will be heading to the Damnoen Sadauk Floating Market, where you can hop into a colorful long-tail boat and move through the maze of canals.
This market has also been featured in a canal chase scene in The Man with the Golden Gun with Roger Moore as James Bond. You can shop from your boat, try out a variety of Thai dishes such as Pad Thai, Rice noodle soup, and the famous Thai desert Mango with sticky rice.
There’s a lot to cover on this trip to one of the most iconic markets of Thailand, so I generally recommend joining a more organised tour to make sure you can pack it all in (and truly understand the floating market culture!).
Time from Bangkok to Damnoen Sadauk Floating Market: 1h 34mins drive
So, here are all the amazing day trips from Thailand which could be a part of your Thai adventures. After reading this, I am sure you might wanna consider extending your time in this part of the country.
Here is a complete Bangkok Travel Guide to check out which will help you plan the rest of your days.
Read more on my Thailand adventures
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Saving this post! I’m working on a trip to Thailand and this is full of some great ideas. Thanks!!
Thanks for sharing all these day trip ideas. I would love to go to the waterfalls one day!
Detailed information about the places to visit in Thailand. Good for all. Thanks a lot for sharing
The world war II history at Kanchanaburi sounds awful, and I’ve heard of the Death Railway before. I do like to visit places like this to learn about the way prisoners and people were treated during wars, because I think it’s really important that we learn from past mistakes.
I didn’t realize you could visit all of these locations from a day trip from Bangkok! Khao Yai National Park Jungle Trekking looks like so much fun and would be a great activity to escape from the hustle and bustle of Bangkok for a day. I’d also love to visit the floating market.
Oh the Erawan Waterfall and Kanchanaburi Tour is the one for me! I love waterfalls, so this would be the perfect day!
These are great day trip ides from Bangkok! I had no idea that there was such a range of activities available. The Erawan Waterfall looks really neat with that train journey, looks a little bit treacherous though. Every option on here looks great but I think I would have to go with the jungle trekking on a trip to Bangkok!
I’m still kicking myself for not taking a day trip to Ayutthaya when I was in Bangkok two years ago! Those temples look spectacular, and it seems like such a serene escape from the big city!
Great tips! Not sure about that train eek!! I have done Ayutthaya myself and looveeed it!! So different from the city but easy to get to.
These are some amazing ideas and you’ve given such detail. I have been to Bangkok so many times and all I have done is shop, no matter how many days I spend there…lol. I am definitely planning to do some of these the next time I get there. thanks for sharing 🙂
Wow I had no idea there were so many different day trips out of Bangkok!! I especially love the sound of the eco zipline adventure in the jungle.
Ayutthaya looks like such a great place to explore. Haven’t been to Thailand, but is on my list. I would also love to experience different landscapes when I visit, and Jungle trekking looks perfect. Great tips 😉
Allow me to pin this itinerary for my visit later in the year. I will hopefully will comeback and tell you what I did and what I did not from the list! Thank you for making it easy
I love to know about day trips from popula cities, especially the ones that would help to escape the city crowd. This is the perfect list.
Very detailed and beneficial article for the one who want to visit Thailand. I like the Khao Yai National Park Jungle Trekking and would definitely go there whenever I will get the chance.
Been to ayutthaya and it made a really great day trip. But if you would like to take time to see every temple in the city, a one night trip would be better~
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