Best Day Trips from Bangkok: Ancient Capitals, Beaches & More
Bangkok’s location makes it an excellent base for exploring central Thailand. Within a few hours you can visit ancient capitals, quiet beach towns, islands, national parks and historic sites – some easy day trips, others are better suited to an overnight or short break.
Below are the most popular and worthwhile escapes from Bangkok, with realistic advice on travel time, transport and what to expect.
Ayutthaya
Best for: History, temples, easy day trip
Distance: ~80 km north of Bangkok
Travel time: 1 – 1.5 hours
The former capital of Siam, Ayutthaya is one of Thailand’s most important historical sites and an easy introduction to the country’s past. The UNESCO-listed ruins include temple towers (prang), Buddha statues and riverside monasteries spread across a compact area.
How to get there
- Train: Frequent local trains from Hua Lamphong or Bang Sue (cheap, scenic)
- Bus/Minivan: From Mo Chit or Victory Monument
- Taxi: Easy and affordable for groups
Good to know
- Easily done as a half or full day trip
- Bicycles and tuk-tuks are popular for getting around the ruins
- Very popular with day-trippers – go early to avoid crowds and heat
River Kwai & Kanchanaburi
Best for: WWII history, nature, relaxed pace
Distance: ~130 km west
Travel time: 2.5–3 hours
Kanchanaburi is best known for the Bridge on the River Kwai and its WWII history, but the area also offers waterfalls, national parks and scenic river landscapes.
How to get there
- Train: Slow but atmospheric route from Thonburi Station
- Bus/Minivan: From Mo Chit
- Taxi: Convenient for overnight trips
Good to know
- Possible as a very long day trip, but 1 – 2 nights is ideal
- Combines well with Erawan National Park
- Appeals to both history buffs and nature lovers
Floating Markets (Damnoen Saduak & Amphawa)
Best for: Cultural curiosity, photography
Distance: ~90–100 km southwest
Travel time: 1.5–2 hours
Floating markets are one of Thailand’s most photographed attractions, but expectations matter. Some markets are heavily commercialised, while others feel more local. These can be a very hit-or-miss attraction: feel free to give the floating markets a miss if you feel they’re not your style.
Key options
- Damnoen Saduak: Most famous, most touristy
- Amphawa: Smaller, more local feel, best on weekends
How to get there
- Tour: Easiest and most common
- Taxi: Best option if going independently
Good to know
- Prices are often inflated for tourists
- Best visited early in the morning
- Consider combining with a nearby temple or canal-side town
Pattaya
Best for: Nightlife, quick beach access
Distance: ~150 km southeast
Travel time: 2–2.5 hours
Pattaya is Thailand’s most accessible beach destination from Bangkok, but it’s not for everyone. The central area is known for its full-on nightlife, while quieter, nicer beaches like Jomtien lie further south.
How to get there
- Bus: Regular services from Ekkamai
- Minivan: Fast and frequent
- Taxi: Easy and flexible
Good to know
- Technically doable as a day trip, but overnight is better
- Beaches are average compared to the islands
- Adult-oriented nightlife dominates the main areas
- If you stay overnight, check out the beautiful Koh Larn nearby
Hua Hin
Best for: Relaxed beach town, couples, older travellers
Distance: ~200 km south
Travel time: 3–4 hours
Hua Hin is a long-established Thai resort town with a calmer, more traditional feel than Pattaya. It’s popular with Thai families, retirees and travellers looking for a slower pace. Younger visitors may find it a bit boring compared to Pattaya and other places.
How to get there
- Train: Scenic but slow
- Bus: Comfortable services from Bangkok
- Taxi: Most convenient option
Good to know
- Requires at least one overnight stay
- Quiet nightlife, good dining, long beaches
- Can feel somewhat sleepy for some travellers
Koh Samet
Best for: Quick island escape, beaches
Distance: ~220 km (road + ferry)
Travel time: 3.5–4.5 hours total
Koh Samet is one of the closest islands to Bangkok and a popular weekend getaway. White-sand beaches and clear water make it feel far removed from the city.
How to get there
- Bus/Taxi to Ban Phe, then ferry or speedboat
- Tours are widely available
Good to know
- Overnight stay is essential
- National park entry fee applies
- Weekends can be busy with Bangkok residents
Koh Chang
Best for: Nature, longer island stay
Distance: ~300 km (road + ferry)
Travel time: 5–6 hours
Koh Chang is larger and greener than Koh Samet, with waterfalls, jungle-covered hills and a more laid-back atmosphere. Because of the travelling time, you should allow at least a couple of nights.
How to get there
- Bus/Minivan + Ferry
- Taxi or private transfer for convenience
Good to know
- Best for 2–3 nights or more
- More relaxed and scenic than Samet
- Travel time is longer but rewarding
Nakhon Pathom
Best for: Short cultural escape
Distance: ~60 km
Travel time: 1–1.5 hours
Home to Phra Pathom Chedi: the world’s tallest Buddhist stupa and Wat Samphran (the Dragon Temple), Nakhon Pathom is an easy half-day trip from Bangkok. There’s also Don Wai: a (partly) Floating Market that is less touristy than the main ones listed above.
How to get there
- Train or bus
- Taxi for flexibility
Good to know
- Often combined with a local lunch stop
- Popular with Thai visitors, less so with tourists
Bang Krachao (Bangkok’s “Green Lung”)
Best for: Cycling, nature, slow travel
Distance: Just across the river
Travel time: ~30–45 minutes
A surprisingly green pocket of parks, canals and elevated walkways, Bang Krachao feels worlds away from central Bangkok.
How to get there
- BTS + short ferry
- Bicycle rental on arrival
Good to know
- Ideal half-day escape
- Best visited on weekends
- Quiet, local and very relaxed
Day Trips & Nearby Escapes from Bangkok: FAQs
What are the best day trips from Bangkok if I only have one day?
Ayutthaya is the easiest and most rewarding one-day trip from Bangkok. It’s close, affordable, and offers a clear contrast to the modern city with its historic temple ruins and river scenery. Most visitors can see the highlights comfortably in half a day.
Are floating markets worth visiting?
Floating markets can be interesting, but expectations matter. Some, such as Damnoen Saduak, are heavily geared toward tourists and can feel rushed or overpriced. Others, like Amphawa, have a more local atmosphere. Visiting early and combining a market with another nearby stop usually leads to a better experience.
Can I visit the beach from Bangkok as a day trip?
Yes, but it’s often more enjoyable as an overnight stay. Pattaya can technically be done in a long day, but travel time limits how much you’ll actually relax. For clearer water and better beaches, islands like Koh Samet are a better choice, though they really require at least one night.
What’s the easiest island trip from Bangkok without flying?
Koh Samet is the most straightforward island escape from Bangkok. It combines a road transfer with a short ferry or speedboat ride and is popular for quick weekend breaks. It’s close enough to feel manageable, but far enough to feel like a real escape.
Is it better to do a guided tour or travel independently?
That depends on the destination. Places like Ayutthaya are easy to visit independently by train or taxi. Floating markets and more distant locations can be simpler with a guided tour, especially if you’re short on time or prefer not to organise transport yourself. If you are staying in Khao San Road, most of the travel agents will offer mini-bus tours to most of these places.
How far can I realistically travel from Bangkok on a day trip?
For a comfortable day trip, destinations within 1 – 2 hours of Bangkok work best. Anything beyond that is usually more enjoyable with at least one overnight stay, especially if ferries or multiple transport connections are involved.
Are these trips suitable for families or first-time visitors?
Most nearby trips are suitable for first-time visitors and families, especially Ayutthaya, river towns and beach destinations. Travel times, heat and crowds are the main factors to consider when planning with children.
Do I need to book day trips in advance?
For independent travel, advance booking is rarely essential. Trains, buses and taxis are easy to arrange locally. Tours and island transfers are widely available, though booking ahead can be helpful during weekends, holidays or peak travel seasons.
How many days should I allow outside Bangkok?
If your schedule allows, one or two overnight trips can add a lot to your experience. Short escapes to the beach, a river town or an island can provide a refreshing contrast to the pace of Bangkok without taking up too much travel time.