Last Updated on 06/12/2024
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Bangkok is always a wonderful base to have and great to explore the surrounding areas and provinces. These are some of the top Bangkok day trips that I have personally done during my 8 years of living in Bangkok.
If you have more time then I suggest checking out my post on weekend getaways from Bangkok. If you are just looking for the best Bangkok day trips then read on…
Ayutthaya: Explore Thailand’s Ancient Capital
Ayutthaya is one of the easiest day trips from Bangkok, and it’s a great choice for history lovers. Just an hour north of the city, Ayutthaya was once the capital of Siam and is home to some impressive temple ruins. Highlights include Wat Mahathat, where the famous Buddha head is entwined in tree roots, and Wat Chaiwatthanaram, with its riverside setting. It’s a great spot to rent bicycles to cycle around this ancient city.
Best for…
History lovers
Journey time:
Ayutthaya is about 1.5–2 hours from Bangkok by car or train, making it an easy day trip.
Best way to travel there:
Taking the train is a great option if you want a laid-back journey with a bit of a scenic route. If you prefer more flexibility, driving there by car is the quickest option. Once you’re in Ayutthaya, renting a bicycle is the best way to explore the temples and the city. You can book your train here using 12go Asia or go straight to Bang Sue Grand Station for your ticket and journey.
Whale Watching in Thailand
Many Bangkok residents and even Thai people do not know that you can see WHALES just a couple of hours from Bangkok. This is one of my favourite Bangkok day trips and a great day out for those that love nature and the ocean. You spend the day on a boat off the coast of Thailand, where you’ll have the chance to spot Bryde whales in their natural habitat. The Gulf of Thailand is one of the best places to see these incredible whales from the boat, and the experience of seeing them up close is unforgettable, so much so that the company usually offer a free second trip if you don’t see them the first time! In certain seasons there is also a chance of the endangered Irawaddy dolphins and I was lucky to see them in February last year. A fantastic ethical day trip from Bangkok!
Best for…
ocean lovers
Journey time:
The journey from Bangkok to the whale watching pier takes 2 hours.
Best way to travel there:
Private taxi to the nearby province of Samut Sakorn to the pier.
For my full whale watching in Thailand article – read here.
Nakhon Pathom: Temples and Culture
Nakhon Pathom is a short and easy day trip from Bangkok, perfect for those interested in temples and Thai culture. The highlight here is Phra Pathom Chedi, the world’s tallest stupa, which is truly impressive to see in person and the dragon temple. The surrounding area is filled with smaller temples and a relaxing vibe.
Best for…
temples
Journey time:
Nakhon Pathom is just about an hour from Bangkok, making it an ideal day trip for a quick cultural fix.
Best way to travel there:
The most convenient way to reach Nakhon Pathom is by car and I recommend joining a day tour from Bangkok so that they will show you all the highlights.
Water Parks near Bangkok
If you’re looking for a fun and active day trip from Bangkok, a water park could be the perfect choice. Whether you’re traveling with kids or just enjoy a good thrill, the water parks around Bangkok offer a day of adventure. You’ll find slides, lazy rivers, wave pools, and plenty of space to relax or splash around.
Best for…
fun, families
Journey time:
Most water parks are within 1.5–2 hours from Bangkok, so it’s a quick trip for a fun-filled day.
Best way to travel there:
Taking a taxi or car is usually the most straightforward way to get to water parks, as public transport options can be limited.
There are many options but Ramayana is a popular favourite!
Kanchanaburi: Bangkok Day Trips
Kanchanaburi is a bit of a longer journey, but it’s well worth the trip for a mix of history and nature. Known for its WWII history, you can visit the famous Bridge over the River Kwai, the Death Railway, and museums that share the stories of those who were killed and toiled there. Beyond the history, Kanchanaburi also has stunning waterfalls like Erawan Falls, where you can swim in turquoise pools or hike to the top for beautiful views.
Best for…
nature lovers, history lovers
Journey time:
It’s about a 3-hour drive from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi. I have done this as a day trip before and it was great but it is a long day.
Best way to travel there:
You can take a minivan, bus, or even the train for a more scenic option (I don’t recommend the train for a day trip only). If you have time, I recommend spending a night here to really take in the area without rushing.
Check out organised day tours here or book with a local Bangkok tour operator
Koh Kret – North Bangkok
Koh Kret is a small island on the Chao Phraya river, just north of Bangkok, making it a great spot for a relaxed day trip. You can rent a bicycle and cycle around the island, exploring its quiet lanes. Afterward, grab a drink at one of the local spots by the river and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. It’s a simple and relaxing Bangkok day trip.
Best For:
cycling, relaxing
Journey Time:
It takes about an hour to get to Koh Kret from central Bangkok, so it’s a doable day trip.
Best Way to Travel There:
You can take a boat from BTS Saphan Taksin to Nonthaburi pier and then take another quick boat from there.
The ‘Green Lung’ of Bangkok
Thonburi, on the west side of the Chao Phraya River, is where you can get a glimpse of how Bangkok used to be. This area is full of old temples, quiet canals, and greenery. It’s perfect for a bike ride through narrow streets and elevated pathways that are jungle like. You’ll pass by local neighborhoods, old wooden houses, and small markets. This area, Bang Krachao, is nicknamed ‘the green lung’ of Bangkok because of all the nature. A highlight for me is a drink at the top of Bangkok treehouse.
Best For:
cycling around, relaxing
Journey Time:
Thonburi is just 20-30 minutes from central Bangkok, so it’s easy to get to for a half or full-day trip.
Best Way to Travel There:
Take a taxi to Khlong Toei pier, then a little boat across the river. You can hire bicycles from that point.
Lopburi – Bangkok day trip
A fantastic Bangkok day trip is the old town of Lopburi. Lopburi is best known for its playful macaques (monkeys) that roam freely around the ancient temples. These monkeys are a central part of the town’s identity, with locals regularly feeding them fruit and tourists come to visit.
To make the most of your visit, grab a temple map from the station and plan your route. Most of the main temples are within walking distance, and some are home to large families of monkeys. While the macaques are friendly, be cautious of your belongings – they’re known for snatching sunglasses, hats, and anything else within reach!
In the cooler months (November to January), you can visit the vibrant sunflower fields just outside the town. Don’t miss the Peacock Temple, which offers not only beautiful birds but also a lot of steps to climb to a viewpoint at the top.
Best For:
nature, monkeys
Journey Time:
Lopburi is a couple of hours by train from Bangkok
Best Way to Travel There:
Take the train, potentially rent a scooter/motorcycle when there
Have you ever done any of these? Any other Bangkok day trips that should be added to my list?
More useful posts about Thailand:
Best weekend getaways from Bangkok
What to do in Bangkok and a Bangkok 2 day itinerary
Thailand travel itineraries starting from Bangkok for one week, two weeks, three weeks and one month