Language 
No results found
The 9 best day trips from Bangkok
Best day trips from Bangkok include Ayutthaya, Lopburi Damnoen Saduak, Amphawa, Maeklong Railway, Kanchanaburi, Bang Krachao, Pattaya, and Bang Saen.
As Thailand’s capital, Bangkok sits close to many destinations that you can reach within a few hours, which makes it a great base for day trips. From historic temples and quiet beaches to floating markets and cultural sites, there are many other places you can explore near Bangkok.
This guide highlights the best day trips from Bangkok, including how to get to each destination, travel time from the city, and the main sights and experiences worth your time to help you plan your Bangkok itinerary.
An eSIM you can rely on
Join over 10 million Holafly customers and get connected with our trusted, global services.
Quick Picks: The best day trips from Bangkok
Compare some of the best day trips from Bangkok below and choose the destination that fits your schedule and interests.
| Destination | Travel time | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Ayutthaya | ~1–1.5 hrs | Ancient temple ruins, Buddha head in tree roots, scenic cycling routes |
| Lopburi | ~2–3 hrs | Monkey temple, Khmer-style ruins, historic palace museum |
| Damnoen Saduak Floating Market | ~1.5 hrs | Colorful boat vendors, narrow canals, traditional Thai snacks |
| Amphawa Floating Market | ~1.5–2 hrs | Grilled seafood, lively riverside stalls, evening fireflies |
| Maeklong Railway Market | ~1.5–2 hrs | Market on active train tracks, folding awnings, local street food |
| Kanchanaburi | ~2–3 hrs | River Kwai Bridge, WWII museums, tiered Erawan waterfalls |
| Bang Krachao | ~30–45 mins | Elevated cycling paths, quiet riverside park, green canals |
| Pattaya | ~1.5–2 hrs | City beach, Coral Island trips, busy seaside promenade |
| Bang Saen | ~1–1.5 hrs | Long sandy beach, casual seafood stalls, coastal hill views |
Historical and heritage day trips from Bangkok
Thailand’s former capitals and historic cities sit just a short distance from Bangkok and are easy places to visit in a single day. Exploring their temple ruins, royal sites, and long-standing cultural landmarks is one of the most popular things to do near Bangkok.
Ayutthaya
How to get there: Train from Hua Lamphong or Krung Thep Aphiwat, minivan, river cruise, or private car
Travel time: ~1–1.5 hours
Ayutthaya was the second capital of Siam and is now a UNESCO-listed historical park filled with temple ruins, Buddha images, and former palace grounds. The most famous sight is Wat Mahathat, known for the Buddha head entwined in tree roots.
Other highlights include Wat Phra Si Sanphet’s restored chedis and the wide grounds of Ayutthaya Historical Park, which are easy to explore by bicycle. Riverside cafes and short boat trips around the island add variety to a relaxed cultural day trip from Bangkok.
Tip! First time in Thailand? Check our guide to transportation in Thailand to learn how trains, taxis, and other modes of transportation operate in the country.
Lopburi
How to get there: Train from Hua Lamphong or Krung Thep Aphiwat, minivan, or private car/taxi
Travel time: ~2–3 hours
Lopburi provides a quieter day tour from Bangkok with strong Khmer architectural influence and a distinctive old-town atmosphere. The city is especially known for the large population of monkeys living around Phra Prang Sam Yot, an ancient temple where they roam freely among the ruins.
Nearby, King Narai’s Palace offers museum exhibits and insight into the region’s royal past. A visit to Lopburi combines archaeology, local culture, and a slower pace that feels very different from Bangkok.
Cultural & local experience day trips from Bangkok
Beyond the city, traditional markets and canal communities reveal everyday life in central Thailand. These nearby spots offer a different experience from the usual things to do in Bangkok, with a focus on food, trade, and local routines.
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
How to get there: Minivan or bus from Bangkok’s Southern Bus Terminal, organized tour, or private car
Travel time: ~1.5 hours
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is located in Ratchaburi province, southwest of Bangkok, and is the best-known floating market in Thailand. Vendors sell fruit, noodles, mango sticky rice, coconut ice cream, and Thailand souvenirs from wooden boats along narrow canals.
The main activity is taking a long-tail boat ride through the waterways to see traditional canal commerce up close. Sampling local snacks and photographing the colorful boats are highlights of this day trip from Bangkok.
Amphawa Floating Market
How to get there: Minivan from Mo Chit or Bangkok’s Southern Bus Terminal, organized tour, or private car
Travel time: ~1.5–2 hours
Amphawa Floating Market sits in Samut Songkhram province, near the Mae Klong River, and has a more local and relaxed feel, especially in the late afternoon and evening. You can try freshly grilled seafood, Thai desserts, and riverside snacks sold from wooden houses along the canal.
One of the most memorable experiences is an evening boat ride where you can see fireflies glowing in the trees, along with short stops at nearby temples and riverside communities.
Maeklong Railway Market
How to get there: Train from Wongwian Yai with a transfer at Mahachai, minivan from Mo Chit, or private car
Travel time: ~1.5–2 hours
The Maeklong Railway Market is located about seven kilometers from the Amphawa Floating Market in Samut Songkhram province. The market sits directly on active train tracks and is known for the moment when vendors pull back awnings and goods as the train passes through.
You can watch the train pass, try local Thai street food, and explore the surrounding fresh market. You can combine this destination with a visit to the Amphawa Floating Market in one day.
Nature and wildlife day trips from Bangkok
You don’t have to travel far from Bangkok to find rivers, parks, and quiet natural scenery. These nearby spots offer fresh air and a calm setting for an easy day tour from Bangkok.
Kanchanaburi
How to get there: Train from Thonburi Station, minivan or bus from Bangkok’s Southern Bus Terminal, or private car
Travel time: ~2–3 hours
Kanchanaburi lies west of Bangkok, near the Myanmar border, and is known for its World War II history and natural scenery.
Key sites include the Bridge over the River Kwai, the Thailand–Burma Railway Centre, and nearby Erawan National Park with its tiered waterfalls and clear pools. The area also has river viewpoints, small museums, and peaceful countryside settings.
Bang Krachao
How to get there: Short ferry ride from Khlong Toei or Bang Na, then bicycle or local transport within the area
Travel time: ~30–45 minutes
Bang Krachao sits in a bend of the Chao Phraya River in Samut Prakan province and is often called Bangkok’s “green lung.” The area features elevated cycling paths, mangrove forests, small parks, and quiet canals.
You can explore Sri Nakhon Khuean Khan Park and Botanical Garden, stop at local cafes, and visit the weekend floating market when open. The setting feels calm and rural despite its close distance to the city.
Beach and seaside day trips from Bangkok
The nearest coastline offers an easy break from the city. Within a few hours, you can reach sandy shores, seafood stalls, and open sea views suitable for a relaxed day trip from Bangkok.
Pattaya
How to get there: Bus from Ekkamai Bus Terminal, minivan from Mo Chit, or private car/taxi
Travel time: ~1.5–2 hours
Pattaya is located on the Gulf of Thailand in Chonburi province and is one of the closest beach cities to Bangkok. You can relax on Pattaya Beach, take a boat to Coral Island for clearer water and water activities, or walk along the lively beachfront promenade.
The city also has seafood restaurants, markets, and viewpoints that make a full but easy day trip from Bangkok.
Bang Saen
How to get there: Bus or minivan from Ekkamai or Mo Chit, or private car/taxi
Travel time: ~1–1.5 hours
Bang Saen is a coastal town in Chonburi province that sits closer to Bangkok than Pattaya and has a more local, less commercial atmosphere. The beach has a long sandy stretch with simple chair rentals and casual seafood stalls facing the sea.
Nearby Khao Sam Muk hill offers wide coastal views and a small temple area, which adds a short scenic stop before returning to the city.
Practical tips for planning day trips from Bangkok
A little planning makes day trips from Bangkok easier, especially when travel times, weather, and local facilities vary outside the city. Use these simple tips for a stress-free day trip from Bangkok.
- Start early to avoid heavy traffic and midday heat.
- Check train, bus, or ferry schedules in advance, especially on weekends and holidays.
- Dress modestly for temples by covering shoulders and knees.
- Bring enough cash, as small towns and markets may not accept cards.
- Use a travel eSIM to access Grab, Google Maps, and digital tickets during your trip.
- Allow extra travel time for the return journey to Bangkok in the evening.
- Confirm opening hours for parks, markets, and museums before you go.
- Carry water, sunscreen, and a hat for sun protection.
Tip! Check out our list of what to pack for your trip to Thailand so you won’t forget anything important.
Stay connected on your day trips from Bangkok with Holafly
Wherever your day trips from Bangkok take you, stay connected with Holafly’s eSIM for Thailand and get unlimited data, 24/7 live chat customer support, daily hotspot sharing, and up to 5G coverage across Thailand.
If you’re a frequent traveler, consider Holafly Plans — a monthly global data plan with coverage in over 160 destinations, including Thailand. Get unlimited data, unlimited hotspot sharing, monthly billing with no strings attached, and other travel perks, all in one plan.
Get an unlimited data eSIM
Use code MYESIMNOW5 for 5% off at checkout
Plans that may interest you
哈囉我是來自台灣的 Wen，平常最喜歡旅遊，也喜歡將旅遊的種種化成文字跟大家分享，希望大家能在我的文章中找到有用的資訊，加上 Holafly 的 eSIM，讓你的旅程更美好！✈️✈️✈️ Hi! I'm Wen, a passionate content writer and travel enthusiast from Taiwan. I transform my wanderlust adventures into engaging stories and practical guides, helping fellow travelers make the most of their journeys.Through my articles, I strive to provide travel tips while introducing how our eSIM technology can enhance your travel experience - keeping you connected wherever your adventures take you!
