5 Day Trips to Take from Bangkok (Only 1 Hour Away!)
Wondering where to spend time besides traveling in Bangkok but don’t want to go too far? Thankfully, the cities nearby Bangkok make excellent day trips, and we’ve selected 5 that take only just an hour to reach! From exploring ancient temple ruins to biking on an island, the different sceneries are sure to be the breath of fresh air you’re looking for.
If you want to book your day trip ASAP, then book quickly and easily online through TakeMeTour to go with a local and have even more fun. Wake up and be ready to go with a hotel pick-up, and once you reach the city, rest assured you’ll be eating at the best places too.
Not sure which city to pick? Let’s take a deeper look at the 5 best cities to check out near Bangkok to inspire you!
1.Ayutthaya
About 80 kilometers north of Bangkok, Ayutthaya is perfect for those who love to explore temples. The city is rich in history and culture, as it was once the second capital of the Kingdom of Siam. It was also one of the most devastated cities in Thai history. Today, the ancient temple ruins are located in the Ayutthaya Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Some of the temples you can’t miss when you’re in Ayutthaya include Wat Mahathat, Wat Phanan Choeng, and Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon. Don’t miss taking a photo of the Buddha head statue cradled by the tree trunk at Wat Mahatat. Besides touring temples, you can also visit the Ayutthaya Floating Market, Ayutthaya Boat Museum or Bang Sai Royal Folk Art and Crafts Center.
2. Nakhon Pathom
Travelers and locals head to Nakhon Pathom to enjoy the slow life and local vibes. A must-visit landmark is Wat Phra Pathom Chedi where the biggest and highest stupa of Thailand is located. It was also the first religious landmark that introduced Buddhism into Thailand. The area around it is also full of delicious local restaurants.
If you want a relaxing day with nature, then don’t miss the beautiful Red Lotus Pond, which you can wade through on a paddle boat. Be sure to enjoy the local lotus snack afterward too.
Nakhon Phathom is also where you’ll find authentic and non-touristy markets. If you love floating markets, then Lam Phaya Floating Market has got you covered. You can buy cheap local products and food from the real locals in their paddle boats while absorbing the floating market atmosphere. For foodies, Don Wai Market is your answer and paradise for local eats.
3. Nonthaburi
Nonthaburi is the second-largest city in Thailand, lying northwest of Bangkok along the Chao Phraya river. This quiet town is teeming with fruits, flower plantations, and historical temples.
Don’t miss visiting Koh Kret when you’re in Nonthaburi. It’s a great small island to escape the chaos of the city and refresh yourself. Koh Kret is well known for its unique handicrafts and distinct way of life of the Mon people who live in wooden huts surrounded by palm trees. Visitors to Koh Kret usually come to stroll around and check out the pottery shops (try a pottery workshop for extra fun). The peaceful island is also great for biking around. Be sure to try dessert houses there when you’re feeling hungry.
Besides visiting Koh Kret, the Museum of Nonthaburi or Nonthanaburi Market are great places to check out too.
4. Samut Prakan
Located at the mouth of the Chao Phraya River, this province was established during the era of the Ayutthaya kingdom. It’s rich in cultural heritage with a wide variety of attractions. People also call it Muang Pak Nam (which translates to the city at the mouth of a river). Nature-lovers will also enjoy it here, as most of the area is covered with paddy fields, orchards, mangroves, and nipa palms.
One of the top attractions in Samut Prakan is the Erawan Museum. The highlight of the museum is the three-headed elephant statue made of bronze. Interestingly, the three floors of the museum symbolize the underworld, the Earth and heaven, in accord with the universe of Hinduism.
If you want a day with nature, then head to Bang Krachao for a fun day of biking among trees and greenery. For animal-lovers, witness the enormous flock of seagulls at Bang Pu Seaside Park, and you can also feed them. Around sunset, the view at Bang Pu is also gorgeous and relaxing.
5. Samut Sakhon
One of the seaside provinces of Thailand, local people call it Mahachai. In the past, it was a trading port for a significant number of Chinese goods. Nowadays, it’s also the main fishing port in Thailand and the biggest producer of brine salt.
Don’t forget to list Temple Krok Krak, one of the best Thailand’s unseen destinations, on your plan. The highlight of this temple is the one and only Buddha image wearing sunglasses. Also, if you’re a big fan of seafood, then the Mahachai Market is your answer. The seafood there is caught fresh every morning and the prices are lower than in Bangkok. If you don’t want to cook it yourself, the sellers there can cook it for you too.
