Where to escape the city, breathe fresh air, and experience Thailand beyond, here are the best Day trips from Bangkok.
Bangkok is buzzing and while there’s a lot to explore within the city, sometimes a quick escape is the perfect reset.Whether you’re craving waterfalls, ancient ruins, beach time, or local markets on train tracks (literally), these day trips from Bangkok offer a whole new side of Thailand all reachable in a single day.
We’ve rounded up the 10 best day trips from Bangkok for 2025, ranked from great to unmissable. Expect a mix of nature, history, culture, and local charm. Grab your daypack, let’s go explore the best Day trips from Bangkok.
10. Khao Yai National Park
Thailand’s first national park where elephants still roam
The only reason this one isn’t lower on the list, is because it’s a bit far for a day trip. About 3 hours northeast of Bangkok, Khao Yai is a paradise for nature lovers. Think misty mountains, tropical forests, wild gibbons, and epic waterfalls like Haew Suwat (made famous in The Beach).
You can hike, visit a vineyard, or join a guided wildlife safari and you might just spot elephants in the wild.
✅ National Park Fee: 400 THB (foreigners)
📍Nakhon Ratchasima Province
🚗 Drive: ~3 hours | Tours available
9. Koh Kret Island
Pottery, pedal power, and peaceful vibes
In the middle of the Chao Phraya River lies Koh Kret, a tiny car-free island known for its Mon culture and traditional pottery. Rent a bicycle, try handmade snacks, and explore art villages and temples dotted around the path.
Just 30 minutes from Bangkok, but it feels like another world.
✅ Free entry
📍Nonthaburi
🚗 Taxi + ferry from Wat Sanam Nuea Pier
8. Erawan National Park
Swim in emerald pools and climb a 7-tiered waterfall
This natural wonder is one of Thailand’s most beautiful parks. The main attraction? A 7-level cascading waterfall with crystal-clear pools you can actually swim in. The trail is lush and peaceful, and monkeys are frequent visitors.
It’s a long day trip, but totally doable from Bangkok especially paired with Kanchanaburi (see #5).
✅ Entry Fee: 300 THB
📍Erawan, Kanchanaburi Province
🚌 Bus/train + local transport | ~3 hrs
7. Pattaya & Koh Larn (Coral Island)
From city chaos to tropical beach in under 2 hours
While Pattaya is known for nightlife, there’s a softer side especially if you head to Koh Larn (Coral Island). Catch a short ferry ride and you’re on white sandy beaches with turquoise water, ideal for swimming, snorkeling, or just chilling under a palm tree.
Rent a scooter and explore hidden beaches around the island it’s easy and unforgettable.
✅ Ferry: 30 THB each way
📍Pattaya + Koh Larn
🚌 ~2 hrs from Bangkok | Ferry: 30 min
6. Ancient City (Mueang Boran)
Thailand’s landmarks all in one open-air museum
Imagine seeing the most iconic temples, palaces, and ruins from across Thailand in one day. That’s Ancient City, a massive heritage park shaped like Thailand and filled with full-scale replicas and reconstructions.
It’s beautiful, educational, and incredibly photogenic perfect for families, culture lovers, or anyone wanting to skip the long-distance travel.
✅ Entry: ~700 THB (discounts online)
📍Samut Prakan (45 mins from Bangkok)
🚗 Taxi, Grab, or BTS to Kheha + local ride
5. Kanchanaburi
Where history meets nature and riverside views
This peaceful riverside town is full of stories. Walk across the Bridge over the River Kwai, learn about WWII history at the Death Railway Museum, or take a scenic ride along the original railway line.
Add in floating restaurants, nearby waterfalls, and temples in caves, and you’ve got a perfect mix of depth and beauty.
✅ Bridge & museum entry varies
📍Kanchanaburi Province
🚆 Train from Thonburi Station (~2.5 hrs)
4. Bang Krachao – Bangkok’s Green Lung
An island escape… right in the city
You don’t even need to leave Bangkok for this one. Bang Krachao is a manmade jungle island in the Chao Phraya River no skyscrapers, just trees, bike trails, and elevated walkways through mangroves.
Rent a bike, visit the Sri Nakhon Khuean Khan Park, and don’t miss the Talad Nam Bang Nam Phueng floating market on weekends.
✅ Free to enter
📍Phra Pradaeng, Samut Prakan (but feels like Bangkok)
🚲 Short ferry from Khlong Toei Pier
3. Maeklong Railway Market
Where the train goes right through the middle of the market
Yes, this is that market you’ve seen on YouTube. Maeklong Railway Market is set directly on active train tracks and several times a day, the vendors fold up their awnings just in time for a train to pass through.
It’s surreal, chaotic, and very Thai. Pair this with a floating market nearby and make a full morning of it as a day trips from Bangkok.
✅ Free to explore or book a tour
📍Samut Songkhram
🚆 Train from Wongwian Yai Station | ~2 hrs
2. Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
The classic Thai market-on-water experience
Damnoen Saduak is the most famous floating market near Bangkok, and while it’s touristy, it’s still a must-see. Vendors paddle along narrow canals selling mango sticky rice, souvenirs, noodles, and coconut ice cream.
Go early to beat the crowds and catch that golden morning light.
✅ Entry free or book a tour
📍Ratchaburi Province
🚌 ~90 mins from Bangkok | Tours available
1. Ayutthaya – The Ancient Capital
Temples, history, and time travel just an hour away
If you only do one day trip from Bangkok, make it Ayutthaya. Once the capital of Siam, this UNESCO World Heritage site is filled with majestic ruins, crumbling stupas, and serene Buddha statues wrapped in tree roots.
Rent a bike or tuk-tuk and explore at your own pace. The vibe is peaceful, the photos are epic, and the history is incredible.
✅ Entry to most temple sites: 50 THB or book a group tour
📍Ayutthaya
🚆 Train from Hua Lamphong or Bang Sue | ~1.5 hrs | 15–50 THB
Want to experience more beyond Bangkok? Check out our guides to Top 10 Temples, Rooftop Bars, and more in the city for the ultimate Thailand trip.
