Updated: March 18, 2019
What are the best day trips from Bangkok?
- Ayutthaya – This historic site designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage site is located only around two hours north of Bangkok by bus. Ayutthaya served as the old capital of Thailand until it was burned down by the Burmese in 1767. Ayutthaya is also home to Wat Phra Mahathat where visitors can see the famous Buddha head sculpture with a banyan tree growing around it. After exploring the ruins of the old city, be sure to dine at Chao Phrom Market. This is a local market offering authentic Thai meals. The most affordable way of reaching Ayutthaya is via train and it also provides the most scenic views. The train departs daily from Hualamphong Train Station with the journey taking about two and a half hours. Second class seats with air conditioning cost 245 baht and third class is just 15 baht. Bus is the quickest method to Ayutthaya. Head to Bangkok’s Northern Bus Terminal where buses leave every 20 minutes until 8:00pm. The First class air-con ticket is 56 baht
- Kanchanaburi – Kanchanaburi is renowned for the Bridge over the River Kwai and also serves as home to elephant reserves, the Tiger Temple, and the waterfalls of Erawan National Park. The JEATH War Museum sits on the former grounds of a small Thai temple now run down but offering visitors insight into how prisoners of war lived. The Thailand-Burma Railway Museum pays homage to prisoners of war who constructed the Death Railway. Buses depart daily from the Southern Bus Terminal every 15-30 minutes depending on class, with the journey taking around two hours and costing between 95-110 baht.
- Amphawa Floating Market – This famous Thai destination is not intended for international visitors but local residents. The Amphawa Floating Market lies alongside a river containing hundreds of shops and stalls erected alongside the riverbank. A relaxed atmosphere dominates and many locals frequent here to purchase goods, eat meals, and unwind. Don’t forget to sample the boat-based noodle dish vendors. Journey from the Southern Bus Terminal onboard a bus to Smoot Songkhrama then transfer to another bus heading towards Amphawa. You must inquire with locals as all the transport is labeled in Thai. The brief trip takes just fifteen minutes and the drop-off point is plainly visible.
- The Bat Temple – A 90-minute train ride from Bangkok for only 20 baht takes visitors to Wat Pho Bang Khla, nicknamed The Bat Temple due to the thousands of fruit bats residing there. In addition to the bats, Wat Pho Bang Khla presents an interesting history dating back to 1767 and lined with beautiful Buddha depictions. The Bat Temple runs alongside the scenic Bang Pakong River through the lovely city of Chachoengsao, both ideal places for a stroll.
- Koh Kred – A tiny island in the Chao Praya River, a few miles north of Bangkok. Only a few hundred people live on the islands, who are descendents from the Mon ethnic group. Koh Kred is famous for its pottery, Mon culture and architecture. It`s best to get there early or on a weekday, as the island can be busy on weekends. Take an Express Boat (with the green flag) on the Chao Praya River, north to Pah Kret pier. The boats run between 6:15am and 8am and 3:30pm and 6pm, every 20 minutes. The boat ride takes approximately an hour. At the Pah Kret pier, take another ferry boat across to Koh Kred. The total journey will cost 15 baht.
