ThailandKnowledge

Bangkok

Best Day Trips in Bangkok

Bangkok is a brilliant base for day trips — ancient capital Ayutthaya by train, the Maeklong railway market where stalls fold up as the train passes, Kanchanaburi's WWII history and Erawan Falls.

Top Picks

  1. 1

    Ayutthaya (Ancient Capital)

    76km north

    UNESCO-listed ruins of the former Thai capital — temple complexes, a giant reclining Buddha, and the iconic Buddha head wrapped in tree roots at Wat Mahathat.

    20-200 THB train each way, 100-220 THB temple entryBuy 3rd class train at Hua Lamphong
  2. 2

    Maeklong Railway Market

    80km west

    The market where vendors literally retract awnings as a train rolls through twice daily — a 2-minute spectacle and a real, working seafood market.

    Free entry, ~200 THB minivanTake minivan from Victory Monument
  3. 3

    Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

    100km west

    The classic Bangkok floating market photo opportunity — wooden longtail boats stuffed with fruit, noodle soup and souvenirs. Arrive by 8 AM before the crowds.

    150 THB boat ride, free entryTour or private driver — public transport is awkward
  4. 4

    Kanchanaburi & Death Railway

    130km west

    Bridge over the River Kwai, the WWII Allied war cemetery, and a chance to ride the surviving stretch of the 'Death Railway'.

    100-300 THB train, free bridge accessTake morning train from Thonburi station
  5. 5

    Erawan National Park & Falls

    200km west (near Kanchanaburi)

    Seven-tiered emerald-green waterfall — swimmable pools, jungle hiking and small fish that nibble your feet. Pair with Kanchanaburi as a long day trip or overnight.

    300 THB park entryDay tour or private car from Bangkok
  6. 6

    Khao Yai National Park

    200km northeast

    Thailand's oldest national park — viewpoints, waterfalls (including Heo Narok seen in The Beach), and wild elephants, gibbons and macaques.

    400 THB park entryPrivate driver from Bangkok or overnight at a Khao Yai lodge

Tips

  • Ayutthaya and Maeklong are the two you can do on a tight budget — a 20-baht third-class train, or a roughly 200-baht minivan from Victory Monument.
  • Damnoen Saduak's own listing flags that public transport there is awkward and recommends a tour or private driver, unlike Ayutthaya and Maeklong, which run on ordinary trains and minivans.
  • Erawan's 300-baht park entry gets you swimmable pools across seven tiers — pack swimwear and a quick-dry towel if you want to get in rather than just look.
  • Khao Yai's 400-baht entry is the steepest park fee here, reflecting its size as Thailand's oldest national park with wildlife alongside the waterfalls.
  • The Kanchanaburi trip combines a 100-300 baht train fare from Thonburi station with free entry to the bridge itself — the cost is almost entirely the transport, not the sight.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Bangkok guides → All Best Of Bangkok