The frenetic capital of Thailand, Bangkok, is so exciting that many travelers feel the need to experience it—even briefly—every time they visit Southeast Asia. We feel the same way: every time we return to the country, we crave a bit of its street food, its hustle and bustle, its diversity, its culture…
However, after two or three days, we usually feel we’ve had enough. Its pace and intensity can become overwhelming, and we inevitably feel the need to escape to more relaxed destinations.
That’s why we totally understand those who want to get away from Bangkok’s chaos—especially those who feel anxious in big cities, overwhelmed by the constant traffic, or stressed by the endless noise.
Still, if your route continues north or toward the beaches and islands—meaning you’ll be leaving the city soon—it’s worth considering a few day trips from Bangkok before moving on. There are some great spots just a few hours from the city center that are well worth your time.
Here are some ideas!
Even for someone who’s never been to Thailand, the idea of a floating market likely conjures up colorful images: boats filled with tropical fruits, vegetables, and flowers, captained by women in traditional clothing navigating along the canals.
This image isn’t far from reality—but you’ll also need to imagine a good number of tourists, some of the merchandise wrapped in plastic bags and foam trays, and a few souvenir stands.
That said, floating markets are still an authentic and enjoyable way to spend a morning, and they remain one of the most popular day trips from Bangkok. Like any market, they’re ideal places to sample local delicacies.
Of the many markets around Bangkok, these two are especially popular:
Located about 90 km from central Bangkok, this market is accessible either on your own or as part of a tour. If you go independently, be ready to negotiate the price of a boat tour through the canals (some include stops at temples or local workshops).
If you like, you can also combine this visit with the Maeklong Railway Market (more on that below).
Just 20 minutes from Damnoen Saduak, Amphawa is a slightly less crowded option, open on weekend afternoons and evenings. Since both markets are close together, you can easily visit both in a single day.
As with the previous one, you can also combine this with a trip to Maeklong Railway Market.
The Maeklong Railway Market is one of the most unusual sights in Thailand. You’d think that once a railway was built straight through the middle of a market, the vendors would move somewhere else. But not in Maeklong.
The determined vendors here decided nothing—not even a train—was going to make them move.
Despite its fame, Hoop Rom (as it’s also known) is a local market selling produce, meat, and some unique Thai snacks. Many of the stalls are set up right along the railway tracks.
So, what happens when the train rolls through six times a day? The vendors hurry to fold back their awnings and umbrellas, clearing the way just in time, while tourists gather to capture this surreal moment on camera.
To catch the train as it passes, make sure to check the latest train schedule before you go (if you’re on a tour, they should account for this timing).
As mentioned earlier, this market pairs well with a visit to one of the floating markets above.
Located nearly 40 km from downtown Bangkok, in Nakhon Pathom province, you’ll find one of the most unique places in all of Thailand: Wat Samphran.
This extravagant temple, shaped like a 17-story cylindrical tower wrapped in a massive dragon from base to top, is surprisingly under-visited considering how unusual and striking it is.
We can’t help but wonder if its lack of popularity—and its semi-abandoned feel—might be connected to events from 2004, when the abbot at the time was imprisoned for abusing several girls (though there’s very little information available about the case in either Spanish or English).
It seems that, in an effort to distance itself from the scandal, the temple changed its name to what it is today, and the former abbot, though released, was banned from returning to monastic life.
What’s clear is that the temple appears neglected. From afar it looks impressive, but up close, it’s evident that its interior lacks the finishing it deserves.
Still, the entire structure is awe-inspiring—from the dragon’s feet to its head. Once you reach the rooftop, you’ll enjoy panoramic views like no other.
And well, it’s not the only place in Southeast Asia that hasn’t received proper maintenance over the last few decades…
There are no organized tours to Wat Samphran, so you’ll need to find your own way there. The fastest option is to take a taxi or Bolt, but if you’re looking to save a few baht and enjoy a bit of adventure, you can get there via public transport, although it involves several transfers and can take a couple of hours.
The Historic City of Ayutthaya, founded in 1350, was the second capital of the Kingdom of Siam. It thrived from the 14th to the 18th century, becoming one of the world’s largest and most cosmopolitan cities, and an international hub for diplomacy and global trade.
Today, the Ayutthaya Historical Park is one of the most visited places in Thailand—thanks to its historical importance, beauty, and proximity to Bangkok.
If you’re planning to head north or simply enjoy traveling independently, you might want to check out our detailed Ayutthaya guide and our article on how to get to Ayutthaya from Bangkok.
Of course, there’s also the option to book a day tour and return the same day.
In any Southeast Asian country, a jungle adventure is always a good idea, and Thailand—although more famous for other reasons—has national parks well worth visiting.
The one we recommend here, due to its proximity to Bangkok, is Khao Yai.
If you’re short on time, a day trip is possible. But if you have a couple of days to spare, we recommend doing it independently, as the Khao Yai region offers more than just the park. You’ll find all the relevant details in our dedicated article.
For those in a rush, the good news is that there are organized day tours available. These full-day excursions can last up to 11 hours, including travel time, and they’re a great way to see wildlife without committing to multi-day treks. If you’re lucky, you might even spot gibbons or wild elephants.
Expect jungle walks, stops at waterfalls (like Haew Suwat, made famous by Leonardo DiCaprio in The Beach), and a break for lunch.
There are also more relaxed tours around the Khao Yai area that don’t enter the jungle—just in case you’re looking for a gentler alternative.
We must confess: we’re big fans of Kanchanaburi and its surroundings. Back in our early travel days, we spent long stretches of time in the area, which is why we always encourage others to spend at least one night there. There are so many activities and beautiful places to explore.
Plus, staying overnight on the banks of the River Kwai is reason enough to visit this charming and peaceful destination.
If you’re not yet convinced, check out our Kanchanaburi guide and the article on how to get to Kanchanaburi from Bangkok on your own 😉
In Kanchanaburi, you can spend your time wandering its streets, visiting the famous bridge, the cemetery, and the war museum, enjoying the night market, or relaxing with a drink at one of the riverside restaurants.
The surrounding area is just as impressive, featuring hilltop temples, crystal-clear waterfalls, and massive acacia trees—perfect for a slow-paced afternoon.
And if an overnight stay isn’t possible, don’t worry. As with other trips mentioned above, one day is better than none, and we’ve left you a link below to book your tour:
We don’t recommend visiting Phimai Historical Park as a day trip—it’s a four-hour journey each way, not including transfers, making it a long and exhausting trip for a single day.
Still, we’ve included it here because it’s off the usual tourist trail. Located to the northeast, Phimai is often overlooked by travelers, and that’s a real shame. I can say this with confidence—I spent more than 10 years visiting Thailand before I finally discovered it myself.
Phimai is perfect for a 2-day side trip from Bangkok, especially if you feel you’ve exhausted the city’s options. Unless, of course, you’re planning a longer journey through Isaan, Thailand’s wild northeast, in which case it fits nicely into your itinerary.
Built by the Khmer Empire in the 11th and 12th centuries, Phimai is one of the most archaeologically significant sites in Thailand. Though much smaller than Angkor, its architecture—with nagas and enormous sandstone blocks—will make you feel like you’ve been transported to Cambodia for a moment.
So if Cambodia isn’t part of your plan for this trip, Phimai may be a great alternative.
When booking activities in advance, always read the full description carefully. Some tours include visits to elephant sanctuaries—especially around the Kanchanaburi area—that claim to rescue animals, but their ethics may be questionable. (The ones we’ve recommended have been vetted, and none include animal-based activities.)
If you’re interested in learning more about this important issue, check out some of the articles we’ve written on the topic:
