Best day trips from Bangkok – How to reach them

Looking to venture beyond the bustling streets of Bangkok? Discover the best day trips from the Thai capital and embark on unforgettable adventures. From ancient temples to lush countryside landscapes, there’s a wealth of must-visit sights waiting to be explored. Whether you’re craving cultural immersion, outdoor adventure, or simply a break from the urban hustle, these day trips offer a perfect escape. Let’s dive into the wonders that lie just beyond Bangkok’s city limits.

Here are the best day trips from Bangkok:

Ayutthaya

Steeped in history and with ancient ruins, Ayutthaya offers a glimpse into the country’s rich cultural heritage. As you wander through the UNESCO World Heritage Site, you’ll be transported back in time to the glory days of the Ayutthaya Kingdom. With its majestic temples, towering stupas, and serene river views, Ayutthaya promises an unforgettable day of exploration and discovery. So, pack your sense of adventure and get ready to uncover the treasures of this historic city on the Chao Phraya River.

How to reach Ayutthaya from Bangkok:

Reaching Ayutthaya from Bangkok is relatively straightforward, offering various transportation options to suit your preferences and budget.

One of the most popular ways is by train, with regular services departing from Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong Station to Ayutthaya Station throughout the day. The journey takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, providing a scenic ride through the Thai countryside.

Alternatively, you can opt for a bus from Bangkok’s Northern Bus Terminal (Mo Chit). Tickets are priced at ฿149 for a ride that lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. You’ll find that the Transport Company operates this route with five daily departures, providing ample flexibility for travelers.

The most comfortable way is to hire a private car or taxi for a more personalized experience. This is the way I chose. I booked a taxi for all (70 euros, fuel included) on the day to visit Ayutthaya.

How much does it cost to visit Ayutthaya:

Currently, admission fees to Ayutthaya’s historical park generally range from ฿50 to ฿220 for foreigners, while locals may pay around ฿20.

It depends on how many temples you want to visit. There are also a lot of free temples, but you will need a ticket for the best ones.

Ayutthaya is absolutely one of the best day trips from Bangkok.

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is a captivating glimpse into Thailand’s vibrant culture and bustling trade traditions. This iconic market is renowned for its charming waterways, where vendors navigate traditional wooden boats brimming with a colorful array of fruits, vegetables, snacks, and souvenirs. Visitors can leisurely explore the market’s labyrinth of canals. Immersing themselves in the lively atmosphere and sampling delectable street food offerings like pad Thai, coconut pancakes, and tropical fruits. Beyond the market stalls, the surrounding scenery of palm-lined canals and quaint villages adds to the picturesque allure of this cultural gem. It provides a memorable day trip experience from Bangkok.

How to reach Damnoen Saduak Floating Market from Bangkok:

One popular choice is to book a guided tour, which typically includes transportation from Bangkok to the market. I booked a guided tour from 20euros from Bangkok to visit both Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and Maeklong Railway Market.

Alternatively, adventurous souls can opt for a more independent adventure by taking a taxi or a private car. It offers flexibility in terms of departure times and allows for spontaneous stops along the way.

For those seeking a budget-friendly option, public buses also ply the route to Damnoen Saduak. It offers an authentic local experience.

How much does it cost to visit Damnoen Saduak Floating Market:

You must book a boat to visit the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, and it costs 400 baht per person, for a shared boat or 2000 baht per boat for six people. It’s worth it as one of the best day trips from Bangkok.

Maeklong Railway Market.

Maeklong Railway Market, also known as Talad Rom Hub, is a unique market located in Samut Songkhram Province, Thailand. What sets this market apart is its location directly on the train tracks of the Maeklong Railway. Several times a day, upon the arrival of a train, vendors swiftly retract their awnings and merchandise to make way for the passing train, only to set up again moments later. This fascinating sight has made Maeklong Railway Market a popular tourist attraction. It offers visitors the chance to witness the bustling market atmosphere and the synchronized movements of vendors and trains. The market itself offers a wide variety of fresh produce, seafood, clothing, and local delicacies, providing an authentic glimpse into daily life in Thailand.

How to reach Maeklong Railway Market from Bangkok:

To reach Maeklong Railway Market from Bangkok, you can take a train from Bangkok’s Wongwian Yai Railway Station to Maeklong Railway Station. The journey takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the train schedule and stops. Once you arrive at Maeklong Railway Station, the market is just a short walk away.

Alternatively, you can hire a taxi or join a guided tour from Bangkok to Maeklong Railway Market, which often includes transportation and a visit to other nearby attractions. I booked a guided tour for only 20 euros to visit both the Maeklong Railway Market and Damnoen Saduak Floating Market.

This to markets is one of the best day trips from Bangkok.

How much does it cost to visit Maeklong Railway Market:

You may visit Maeklong Railway Market for free but if you want to do the train ride, it costs ฿10 per person, a one-way ticket.

Samut Prakan Ancient City

Samut Prakan Ancient City, also known as Muang Boran, is a vast open-air museum located in Samut Prakan Province, just southeast of Bangkok. It features meticulously crafted replicas and reconstructions of Thailand’s most important historical sites and monuments, showcasing the country’s rich cultural heritage. Visitors can explore over 100 replicas of ancient temples, palaces, shrines, and sculptures spread across the sprawling park, offering a glimpse into Thailand’s past from different regions and periods. The site is divided into different zones representing various architectural styles and periods in Thai history, allowing visitors to embark on a journey through time without leaving the premises.

How to reach Samut Prakan Ancient City from Bangkok:

You can hire a taxi directly from your location in Bangkok to Samut Prakan Ancient City. The journey by taxi usually takes around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic conditions.

The most popular way to visit Samut Prakan Ancient City if you don’t want to book a taxi: Take the BTS Skytrain (it costs ฿15 for 1 stop) to the Bearing Station (on the Sukhumvit Line), which is the closest BTS station to the Ancient City. From there, you can either take a taxi or a local bus to reach the destination.

How much does it cost to visit Samut Prakan Ancient City:

The admission fee for Thai citizens is 400 baht, with a discounted rate of 200 baht for children. For international visitors, the entrance fee is 700 baht, with a reduced rate of 350 baht for children.

Samut Prakan Ancient City is worth a visit as a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, offering an immersive and educational journey through Thailand’s fascinating history and culture.

It’s definitely one of the best day trips from Bangkok.