Best Day Trips from Bangkok (How to Do Them)

Quick Overview

Once you’ve ticked off temples and night markets, it’s time to see what lies just beyond the city.
Bangkok is perfectly placed for incredible day trips, from ancient capitals to emerald waterfalls.
This guide covers the 4 best routes, exactly how to get there, what to expect, and how to fit them into your Bangkok Itinerary: 3, 5 & 7 Days.

Ayutthaya – The Ancient Capital

Why Go

A UNESCO-listed city of temples and ruins that once ruled the Siamese Kingdom, think crumbling stupas, tree-wrapped Buddha heads, and serene riversides.

Getting There

Train: 1.5 hrs from Hua Lamphong Station (~20 THB); scenic and cheap.
Van: 1 hr 15 mins from Mo Chit / Victory Monument (~70–100 THB).
Private car: 1 hr; ~1,800–2,000 THB return.

Tip: Use 12Go for easy booking

What to See

Wat Mahathat – famous Buddha head in roots
Wat Chaiwatthanaram – best at sunset across the river
Wat Phra Si Sanphet – classic Ayutthaya photo spot
Bang Pa-In Palace – optional royal summer residence

Tips

Rent a bike (50–100 THB) or tuk-tuk (200–300 THB/hr) to loop the ruins.
Start early; by 11 am it gets hot.
Bring water, sunscreen, and cash, few ATMs near ruins.
Think of booking a tour in advance

💡 Fits as Day 6 in the Bangkok Itinerary 7-Day version.

Kanchanaburi & Erawan Falls – Nature & History

Why Go

A peaceful riverside town with WWII history and one of Thailand’s most beautiful waterfalls.

Getting There

Minivan: 2.5 hrs from Mo Chit / Southern Bus Terminal (~150-200 THB).
Private tour or driver: 2 hrs 15 mins; ~2,500–3,000 THB for the day.

What to See

Erawan Waterfalls (7 tiers): swim in turquoise pools; bring a swimsuit & waterproof shoes.
Bridge on the River Kwai: WWII history and railway museum.
Death Railway train ride: optional short scenic section to Tham Krasae Cave.

Tips

Go early, park opens 8 am; fills up by 11.
Carry snacks and dry clothes; tier 7 takes ~1 hr to reach.
Avoid weekends for crowds.

💡 Alternate your Bangkok week: urban chaos → waterfall calm.

Floating Markets & the Railway Market

Why Go

Bangkok’s iconic “floating markets” combine canals, colours, and chaos, best for photos and snacks.

Main Markets

Market	Distance	Best For	Hours
Damnoen Saduak	1.5 hrs SW	Classic tourist floating market	7 am–12 pm
Amphawa	1.5 hrs SW	Local evening vibe + fireflies	Fri–Sun 3 pm-9 pm
Mae Klong Railway Market	1.5 hrs SW	Train passes through stalls	6 am-6 pm (train ~8:30/11:10/14:30/17:40)

How to Combine

Do Mae Klong + Damnoen Saduak in one morning or Mae Klong + Amphawa for afternoon/evening.
Many private drivers offer combo day trips (~2,000 THB split between 2–3 people). Or book a tour in advance.

Tips

Arrive before 9 am for Damnoen to avoid the full-boat gridlock.
Don’t expect serene floating scenes, it’s busy, but fun and photogenic.
Bring small notes and a wide-angle lens.

💡 Great for Day 7 of your 7-day Bangkok plan.

Nakhon Pathom & Phra Pathom Chedi

Why Go

A quieter, underrated temple town just an hour away, home to Thailand’s largest stupa.

Getting There

Train: 1 hr from Hua Lamphong Station (~20 THB).
Van: 1 hr from Victory Monument (~70 THB).

What to See

Phra Pathom Chedi: 120-metre golden stupa dominating the skyline.
Sanam Chandra Palace: leafy royal retreat nearby.
Street Food Alley: open evenings; locals only, zero tourists.

💡 Ideal if you’ve already done the main trio and want something slower.

Transport Summary

Destination	One-way time	Ideal departure	Ideal return	Cost range
Ayutthaya	1.5 hrs	7-8 am	6 pm	฿20–2,000
Kanchanaburi	2–2.5 hrs	7 am	7 pm	฿150–3,000
Floating Markets	1.5 hrs	6:30 am	3 pm	฿70–2,000
Nakhon Pathom	1 hr	8 am	4 pm	฿20–700

Packing for Day Trips

Light backpack
Refillable water bottle
Sunscreen, hat & insect repellent
Swimsuit (for waterfalls)
Cash in small bills
Rain jacket (May–Oct)

👉 Seasonal notes in Best Time to Visit Bangkok.

Where This Fits in Your Itinerary

3-Day Trip: Skip – focus on city highlights
5-Day Trip: Add Ayutthaya
7-Day Trip: Add Ayutthaya + either Kanchanaburi or Floating Markets

👉 Detailed plan in the Bangkok Itinerary 3/5/7 Days.

Useful Booking Resources For Your Trip

NordVPN – Stay secure on public Wi-Fi and access your home streaming/services abroad with fast, encrypted VPN connections.
Hostelworld – Budget-friendly hostels and social stays, perfect for backpackers and solo travellers looking to meet people.
Booking.com – Hotels, apartments, and guesthouses with tons of reviews and free-cancellation options on many stays.
GetYourGuide – Curated tours, tickets, and city experiences with flexible cancellation and mobile vouchers.
Airalo – Instant eSIMs for 200+ countries, land, scan, and get data without hunting for a local SIM card.
We Go Trip – Self-guided audio tours you can start anytime, explore cities and attractions at your own pace with app-based guides.
Viator – The biggest marketplace for tours and activities, skip-the-line tickets, day trips, and unique experiences worldwide.
12Go – Easy booking for buses, trains, and ferries across Asia, compare routes and lock in seats in advance.