Looking for one of the quick day trips from Bangkok, to get away from the concert jungle for a bit? I don’t blame you, day trips are one of my favorite ways to explore Thailand. Here on this list I have put together easy-breezy locations that only need a day of exploring.
You can also do Bangkok in a day if that’s all the time you have, but everyone knows Bangkok takes years to explore properly.
I think the sweet spot for getting a taste of what this beautiful country is really like is you need to spend at least 3 weeks in Thailand. I have been lucky enough as a travel writer to be here since 2022, with no plans of leaving anytime soon. Except for the occasional pop back into the US.
Find day trips by train from Bangkok, magical rose garden towns just a few hours away, and plenty of floating markets to knock them off your list of things to do in Thailand! Let’s find you some of the best day trips from Bangkok!
Day trips from Bangkok
- Places near Bangkok for one day trip
- Parks & Gardens
- Famous Markets Near Bangkok
Ayutthaya Day Tour From Bangkok
Going on a one-day trip to Ayutthaya from Bangkok is one of the most popular ways to see this UNESCO site in Thailand.
How to get there: To get from Bangkok to Ayutthaya you can take a train or a car. Head to Bangkok Hua Lamphong to start one of the best day trips from Bangkok by train. The ride takes about 1-2 hours to reach Ayutthaya. If you want to take a car it should take the same amount of time to drive the 80 kilometers.
What to do: Start your day by visiting the Ayutthaya Historical Park. Explore the ancient ruins, including the Wat Mahathat, Phra Si Sanphen, and the Chaiwatthanaram. You could spend hours looking at the all beautiful details and historic sites here.
After your tour of the Historical Park, you can hop on a boat tour along the Chao Phraya River. These tours will take you along the smaller canals to see Atutthaya from a different perspective. The Roti Sai Mai Mae Nek is a famous local spot that serves Roti Sai Mai. A traditional Thai dessert with thin pancakes filled with sweet candy. You cannot miss it cart? it is right by the park.
Ayutthaya Markets
After lunch, on your one-day trip to Ayutthaya from Bangkok head to the Ayutthaya Elephant Palace. Or the Ayutthaya floating market is magical and where to purchase souvenirs and local goodies. End your day trip from Bangkok at Wat Phy Khao Thong for a panoramic view of Ayutthaya at sunset.
Where to Stay: A wonderful hotel to stay the night and extend your Ayutthaya trip from Bangkok is the Classic Kameo Hotel. It is near the historical park with an outdoor swimming pool, an on-site restaurant, and even a gym!
Book an Ayutthaya tour in Bangkok- This is one of the most recommended tours from Bangkok to Ayutthaya. You will explore 4 temples, have lunch, and enjoy a comfortable ride to and from Bangkok. With no planning on your part!
Read more about a trip from Bangkok to Ayutthaya!
Death Railway Tour from Bangkok & Kanchanaburi Tour from Bangkok
Another one of the very best day trips from Bangkok is to the Death Railway and River Kwai. You can combine touring the Death Railway and a Bangkok to River Kwai day trip, as they are both very close together.
This historical Death Railway line was harshly built during WWII and stretches from Bangkok to Myanmar. It is infamous for its for the high number of lives lost during the challenging construction.
How to get to Death Railway: Getting to the Death Railway from Bangkok by car takes about 2-3 hours depending on traffic. It is best to leave early in the morning to make the most of your day. You can also take the train for a day trip to Kanchanaburi station from Bangkok.
You can also book a private tour bus: Book a day tour to the Death Valley here.
What to do at the Death Railway
The starting point for the tour is Kanchanaburi. Start at the JEATH war museum to gain a better insight into the history of the railway and the poor prisoners of war who were forced to construct it.
Then explore the bridge over the Kawi Riber. You can’t miss it, as it is a very important landmark along the Death Railway. As you walk along there are signs to learn more about its importance.
Then board the train to embark on the scenic ride along the railway. You cannot miss paying your respects at the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery.
Where to eat: There are several floating restaurants along the River Kwai. Enjoy a traditional Thai meal with a beautiful view of the river.
Where to Stay: The Floathouse River Kawi is an eco-friendly floating resort for luxurious stays.
- FAQ about Day Trips from Bangkok
Hua Hin Day Trips from Bangkok
Next up is a one-day trip near Bangkok to Hua Hin, a small beach town. Just like most coastal Thai town, there are stunning beaches, local markets, and a fun nightlife.
How to get to Hua Hin: The most convenient way to get to Hua Hin is by driving. You can also book a private car, for an affordable price. The Journey will take about 2-3 hours. But, Hua Hin also has a train station that connects with Bangkok and usually takes 3-4 hours.
What to do when you get there: The most popular thing to do in Hua Hin is the beach. Spend your day relaxing on a comfy chair shade, rent a paddle board, or take a banana boat ride down the shore.
After you get your beach fix get to the Cicada Market. This local market is always filled with the best vendors selling souvenirs and freshly prepared food.
Another site to visit in Hua Chin is the Way Huay Mongkol Temple with a giant statue of Laung Phot Thuad. Or head to the beautiful palace made out of teakwood, the Maruekhathaiyawan Palace.
Where to eat: Two of the best places to get in Hua Hin are the night market and the Chatchai market. They both offer local dishes, grilled meats, and desserts!
Where to Stay: The Hilton Has Hin Resort is the best Hotel in Hua Hin, and it is right on the beach.
Book a private transfer from Bangkok to Hua Hin, Thailand.
Erawan Waterfalls from Bangkok
Another Bangkok 1 day trip is to the beautiful Erawan Waterfalls, a beautiful seven-tiered waterfall inside a lush forest with natural pools and clear turquoise waters. This is one of the best short trips from Bangkok to take when you have been inside the concrete jungle for too long.
How to get to the Waterfalls: To get to the Erawan waterfalls take a bus from the Southern bus stop in Bangkok, Rai Tai Mai to Kanchanaburi town. Then you can take a baht bus or taxi to the National Park where the waterfalls are located. Or rent a car and drive the 2-3 hour trip yourself, or book a private small tour from Bangkok to Erawan.
What to do When you Get There: Once you arrive at the Erawan National Park you will start your hike exploring each and every one of 7 tiers of cascading falls. Each tier has unique pools and views. The higher you hike up, the fewer people there are. Once you make it to the top of the waterfall you can relax, swim, or take in the beautiful views.
What to Eat: There are several food courts inside the National Park and a small restaurant you will see near the entrance. They serve simple plates and Thai food. You can always pack a lunch before you leave for your day trip to enjoy on top of the waterfall.
Where to Stay: The Pung-Waan Resort is very close to the Erawan National Park with comfy rooms and a swimming pool.
Book a 1-day trip from Bangkok to Erawan National Park.
Pattaya Day Trips from Bangkok
Pattaya gets a bad rap. But in reality, taking a Pattaya day tour from Bangkok is a great idea. There are several stunning beaches, local markets, and world-class shopping centers, with any type of food cuisine you could think of. And yes, there are plenty of places to party until the sun comes up, but that’s not what the real Pattaya is about.
How to get to Pattaya: Ready my how-to guide on traveling from Pattaya to Bangkok. There are step-by-step instructions to make your travel to Pattaya one of the best day trips out of Bangkok. You can also book a tour of Pattaya Bangkok and have a driver take care of your entire trip.
What to do in Pattaya
The first thing to do when you arrive in Pattaya is head straight for the beach! Jotimen Beach is the most laid-back, family-friendly beach. From here you can have any type of beach day you desire. Soak up the sun, relax in the shade, rent a jet ski, or head straight to a beach bar.
After you are done having fun in the sun, the Sanctuary of Truth is worth a visit. This beautiful wooden temple has the most exquisite designs of all the temples in Thailand. Another attraction on your Bangkok Pattaya tour should be the Nong Nooch Tropical Gardens. Here you can watch Thai cultural shows or walk around the perfectly manicured gardens.
Where to eat in Pattaya: Pattaya is a huge town, and there are several different places to eat depending on where you are in the city. Check out this restaurant in Pattaya guide, and find somewhere close to you!
Where to Stay: The Hilton Pattaya is connected to the Central Festival Pattaya Mall and is the perfect location if you wanted to spend a night or two exploring the nightlife.
You may also like this Pattaya High Guide, to help you grab some herb while you are in town!
Koh Larn Beach Day Trip from Bangkok
One of the easiest trips in Bangkok to take for an island escape is Koh Larn. This small island is right off the coast of Pattaya. You will first need to go to Pattaya, then head to Bali Hai Pier. The boats leave every hour on the hour, and it only costs 30 Baht to ride.
What to do: The island of Koh Larn is super small, but there are still 6 beaches in Koh Larn to explore. They all have their unique characteristics, but what the beaches in Koh Larn have in common is the crystal clear waters!
Where to Eat: For a fresh lunch with a view you need to go to Meaharak Cafe. They serve fresh salads, seafood, and even burgers. You can also order lunch right on the beach in the chairs if you want to be a hermit for the day. This is also very recommended.
Where to Stay: The last ferry leaves from Koh Larn at 6 pm to head back to Pattaya. Check out these beautiful beachside hotels in Koh Larn, if you wanted to turn your day trip from Bangkok into an overnight stay.
Rose Garden Thai Village or the Sun Sampran
If you are looking for Bangkok day trips and things to do the Rose Garden Thai Village would be perfect. This beautiful garden town is located in the Same Songkhram providence.
Visiting here gives you a glimpse into traditional Thai village life. Showcasing Thai crafts, traditions, and even dance performances. You can also tie in a trip to the Amphawa Floating Market on the Mae Along River.
How to Get There: The best way to reach the Rose Garden Thai Village from Bangkok is by car or a private tour. There are no train stations in the area. A car ride is only one hour, making the Rose Gardens a perfect day trip out of Bangkok!
What to do: The first thing to do when you get to the Rose Garden is to take a stroll around the recreational center. Keep your eye out for the various types of roses, and other colorful flowers.
Almost every day at the Village you can see cultural performances of Thai music. After your show, head to the Amphawa Floating Market or the Famous Maeklong Railway Market.
Where to Eat: The Rose Garden Thai Village offers a buffet lunch as a part of the entry ticket. They serve traditional Thai meals with a sweet dessert at the end.
Where To Stay: The RXV Wellness Village, is the best place to relax after your wonderful afternoon in the Thai Gardens!
Khao Yai day trip from Bangkok
Khao Yai National Park tour from Bangkok takes you to explore one of the largest National Parks in all of Thailand. It is known for its lush forests, waterfalls, and beautiful landscapes. Khao Yai is one of the best day trips near Bangkok.
How to get there: To get to Khao Yai you can either take a private car, tour or jump on a bus. The buses operate from Bangkok to Park Chong, the gateway town to Khao Yai. From there you can jump on a tuk-tuk or order a grab to the park. Here is one of the best tours to book to explore Khao Yai Park from Bangkok!
What to do: Once you arrive at the park you will know what to do. Start hiking the trails! Two of the more popular parks are the Haew Suwat Waterfall trail. Hiking this trail will lead you to the famous waterfall featured in the movie, “The Beach”.
The Visitors Center will provide you with all the information you need to nerd out. Along your journey keep an eye out for the wild animals. Elephants, hornbills, deer, and gibbons are the most spotted animals in Khao Yai.
Where to eat: Plenty of street food vendors are set up inside the national park. You will not go hungry!
Where to Stay: The prettiest hotel in Khao Yai is the Kirimaya Golf Resort & Spa. This luxurious resort has all the best features to treat yourself on your short day trip.
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
The Damneon Saduak Market is one of the best day trips from Bangkok, and it takes less than 2 hours to get there. For a jammed-pack day, you can also visit the Maeklong Railway Market and the Amphawa Floating Market all in one day!
How to get there: Jump on a tour from Bangkok, or drive yourself! You will not find any trains, or buses running to Damenon from Bangkok.
What to do: The best way to explore the Damnoen Saduck Floating Market is to ride a long-tail boat around. Doing this allows you fully immerse yourself in the lively ambiance.
Grab the best handmade souvenirs, the cutest clothing, and the freshest fruit and vegetables. There will also be vendors selling lunch dishes like boat noodles and grilled seafood! Do not forget to bargain, it is half of the experience, and bring cash, none of the vendors take cards.
Where to eat: Once you arrive you will see that there is food everywhere. Try the famous boat noodles, or keep it simple with a Pad Thai. Everything you try will be prepared fresh and most likely, right in front of you!
Where to stay: The Coco View Hotel is super close to the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and is comfy, clean, and affordable.
Samut Prakan
Up next for places to visit outside Bangkok is Samui Prakan. This providence just southeast of Bangkok has everything you’re looking for. Beautiful historic sites, museums, and floating markets. Oh, and the beautiful snake slithered around the Wat out in the water is here.
How to get there: The best way to Samui Prakan from Bangkok is the Bangkok Skytrain, public bus, or car. The ride is short and sweet and should take no longer than an hour.
What to do: Once you get the Samui Prakan the real party starts. The first stop should be at the Ancient City, the Muang Born. Here you will find the outdoor museum with replicas of Thailand’s most famous landmarks. Spend a few hours exploring and learning about the Thai culture.
Another hot spot to visit is the Bang Pu Rec Center. This is a seaside park with a long wooden pier perfect for a walk along the Gulf. From here you can either check out the Crocodile Farm or go explore the Paknam Market.
Where to eat: Mae Klong Seafood and Kraben Seafood
Where to stay: The best place to say near Samut Prakan is the Novotel Bangkok Bangna. They have an outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, and easy access to all the best things to do in Samut Prakan.
Amphawa Floating Market Weekend Trips from Bangkok
Another one of the best day trips from Bangkok is to the Amphawa Floating Market. Plan accordingly because they are only open on the weekends. This floating market in Bangkok is best known for its charming wooden houses with vendors selling local treats from their boats.
How to get there: The only way to get to the Amphawa Floating Market from Thailand is by car or tour. Your journey will take approximately 2 hours. Most tour companies will book the tickets to the market, and arrange your day for you.
What to do: Once you get to the entrance of the floating market, you will feel the atmosphere come to life. Walk slowly along the canal and take inventory of all the different vendors.
Then you will want to take a long-tail boat around the canal to see and engage the market from the water. You can easily knock out seeing Wat Bang Kung after checking out the Amphawa floating market.
And one of the very best things about this beautiful market is the famous Firefly boat tour. The lighting bugs light up the mangrove trees night after night and makes a very romantic atmosphere.
Where to eat: Grab your favorite Thai dishes from the vendors out on the Amphawa Floating Market. This is how they make a living, and the food is always fresh.
Where to stay: The Baan Amphawa Resort & Spa is the most recommended hotel to stay in the area. With a spa, restaurants, and all the luxuries you need for a very comfortable stay.
Koh Si Chang
Koh Si Chang is another one of the tropical islands to visit from Bangkok. Like most islands in Thailand, you will find beautiful beaches, kind locals, and the freshest seafood. And it doesn’t hurt that it’s only a few hours away from Bangkok!
How to get there: The best way to get to Koh Si Chang on a 1-day trip from Bangkok is to go to the Si Racha Pier. Depending on where you are coming from in Bangkok, it will only take about half an hour. There are tour companies that will take you directly there, for a fair price.
From the Racha Pier, a speedboat will take you directly to Koh Si Chang island. The boat ride usually takes about 30-45 minutes, and you will have incredible views along the waterway.
What to do: First things first you will want to rent a motorbike as soon as you get off the ferry. Vendors are waiting eagerly for you! Try not to pay more than 300 baht for a bike. Don’t sweat it if you are not conferable riding bikes, you can easily get around this island using the local transport of Baht buses.
Make sure you hit the Khlong Phlu Waterfall, white sand beaches, and the Slakkok Village.
Where to Eat: Pan & David Restaurant is always serving fresh and yummy Thai food. Save room for dessert they also have fresh cheesecake!
Where to Stay: The Rimtalay Resort Koh-chang is a seaside hotel with reasonable prices and an excellent location.
Maeklong Railway Market
You may have seen this unique market in Thailand where the train bustles through the track all over insta lately. Traveling here is one of the best day trips by car from Bangkok. Plan your trip around the train schedule to witness this spectacle. Most days the train only runs by four times a day. When booking a private tour, they will set all of this up for you!
Best way to get to the Maeklong Railway Market: To reach this Rail market near Bangkok you have a few different options. You can hire a driver or rent a car to drive yourself. Join in on a day tour, or take a minivan from the Rai Tai Mai Bus terminal to the Samut Songkhram stop.
What to do when you get there: So the main attraction is when the train comes plowing through the tracks. And you best believe that the vendors wait until the last minute to pull their goods in. Once the train is gone, it’s like it never came in the first place, the locals just go back to their everyday life. Enjoy walking around taking in the bustling atmosphere, and grab some souvenirs and snacks.
The railway market is also close to the Amphawa Floating Market if you wanted to fit both attractions in one day.
Where to eat at the Railway Market: This area of Thailand, Samut Songkhram is known for its fresh seafood. The Coffee In Train is a popular place for a pick-me-up coffee or snack!
Stay overnight: The Numsin Hotel is in the Ratchaburi City Center and is close to all the best attractions. Free wifi, car parking, and a restaurant on site to fill up after your big day of exploring.
Bangkok to Koh Kret in 1 Day
Something interesting about Koh Kret is that it is a man-made island that is only about 10 miles (20 Kilometers) away from Bangkok. It’s a popular spot for beach lovers of all cultures.
How to get to Koh Kret From Bangkok: The best way to reach Koh Kret is to take a boat or ferry from the many piers on the Chao Phraya River.
What to do at Koh Kret: Mostly known for its Mon community you can see their distinctive culture and traditions portrayed across this little island. The top tourist attraction is the pottery village. While on Koh Kret explore the many pottery shops to gaze at and admire how intricate these artists are. You will find mostly ceramics, but keep your eyes peeled there are surprises around every corner.
Besides pottery, Koh Kret is also known for their beautiful Wats. The Wat Poremai Yikawat is the island’s main temple with a Buddha that is relaxing. The best way to explore this island is with a bicycle or to walk around. You will be safe as the locals are relaxed and the roads are very scenic.
Where to Eat: Koh Kret is known for their Mon cuisine. You will find many food stalls and small restaurants. You have to try the Kohanom Jean (rice noodles) or the Khao Chae (rice soaked in jasmine water). And then for dessert, you will want Kanom Mor Gaeng, a sweet coconut milk pudding! YUM
Stay overnight at the Cast Away Homestay in Koh Kret. You will receive a free breakfast and all the amenities you need to enjoy your day trip from Bangkok.
Wat Bang for a Sak Yant Tattoo
Wat Bang, or the Temple of the flying tiger, is a famous Buddhist temple located in the Nakhon Chai Si area of Thailand. It is one of the most popular places for locals and tourists to receive a Sak Yant tattoo!
Getting to Wat Bang Phra: The best way to reach Wat Bang Phra is to drive 50 kilometers west of Bangkok. It is a rural area, and you may have a hard time getting there if you do not have your vehicle.
What to do: You may want to look into Sak Yants so you have an idea of what you are getting yourself into. This type of tattoo can only be done by a skilled Buddha or Ajarn, who uses a long metal rod with a needle on the end. You must pay respects to the Wat’s main Buddha and then make an offering to the monks.
Each and every Sak Yant is special in its own way. They all have different meanings and symbolism. You can pick whichever one you want, or let the monk guide you. This is a special memory that you will have, and see, for the rest of your life!
Where to eat: Check out the popular restaurant the Dusit Terrace, they serve traditional Thai food and you can easily walk a short distance from Wat Bang!
Where to Stay: The beautiful Chakrabongse Villas is the perfect place to stay overnight after you get your traditional Thai tattoo!
Day tours from Bangkok to Wat Bang– When booking this easy tour you will pay for your tattoo, a ride to and from Bangkok, and souvenirs to bring back home with you.
Where to go outskirt Bangkok?
There are so many places to visit on the outskirts of Bangkok. Some of the most popular are the Amphawa Floating Market, Koh Larn, and the Erawan Waterfalls. Public transportation in makes it easy to enjoy the outskirts of Bangkok without much struggle and at an affordable price. Take a look at these 15-day trips from Bangkok and pick one that meets your Bangkok budget trip!
Can you do a day trip from Bangkok to Pattaya?
Yes! You can definitely do a Bangkok Pattaya trip in one day. And there are several ways to get from Bangkok to Pattaya. You can hop on a minibus, hire a luxury private ride, take a plane, or rent a car! You could also do the short 2-hour trip if you are an experienced Moto bike rider.
Is it worth going to Bangkok for a day?
Yes, it is worth going to Bangkok for one day. There is so much to do that you will be wishing you had more than one day in Bangkok. There is a beautiful silent chaos in Bangkok and there is something to do at every hour!
How many days is ideal in Bangkok?
You should plan to spend at least 3-4 days in Bangkok if you want to knock out all the culture, and nightlife, and eat all the traditional Thai dishes. Bangkok is a huge city, with 11 million people locals, so you could easily spend months here and still find new things to explore. But three to four days in Bangkok should be enough to have an amazing, memorial trip with a few excursions from Bangkok thrown in.
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