Lesser-known Bangkok day trips
While long weekends are a good time to take a break from the city, some of Thailand’s more remote areas can take up to a whole day to reach.
For your next getaway, switch up your itinerary and venture out. These 5 spots are no more than 3 hours away from Central Bangkok, perfect for quick escapes.
Given the current situation, we’d recommended double checking each place’s social media pages for their operating hours as well as calling up transport providers.
1. Hua Hin
A destination that locals themselves escape to over the weekend, Hua Hin is a great BKK alternative. It’s less hectic, and you’ll be able to explore and relax without having to worry about excessive crowds.
Recommended route from Bangkok: Take a train from Hua Lamphong Railway Station to Hua Hin Railway Station
Estimated travel time: 3 hours
Explore a cave and take a dip by a waterfall
Image credit: @claire_lemer
If you love the outdoors, Pala-U Waterfall will be a great spot to visit. It has about 15 levels, but beginners can just keep to the first 3 where you can take a dip in mini pools.
Go during the day – that’s when this golden monument looks most divine under sunlight
Image credit: @inspiringdom
Venture in further and you’ll reach Phraya Nakhon Cave, which houses a hidden pavilion.
Image credit: @khanompungg
Thailand’s known for its many national parks, but Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park definitely takes the cake. Its majestic name “Mountain of Three Hundred Peaks” isn’t just for show; there, you’ll find a multitude of peaks with amazing views. For a breezy trek with lush views of flora, hit up the Bueng Bua Wood Boardwalk walking trail.
Pala-U Waterfall
Address: Huai Sat Yai, Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110
Telephone: +66 3 2646 294
Phraya Nakhon Cave
Opening Hours: 8AM – 3PM, Daily
Address: Huai Sat Yai, Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110
Telephone: +66 3 282 1568
Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park
Opening Hours: 8AM – 3.30PM, Daily
Address: Khao Daeng, Kui Buri District, Prachuap Khiri Khan
Telephone: +66 3 282 1568
Bueng Bua Wood Boardwalk
Opening Hours: 8AM – 4.30PM, Daily
Address: Sam Roi Yot, Sam Roi Yot District, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77120
Telephone: +66 9 4526 9594
Shop at art markets and munch on street food
CICADA Market
Image credit: @cicadahuahin
There are 3 markets in particular you can visit while in Hua Hin:
- CICADA Market, where you can get handcrafted gifts, art exhibitions, and frequent performances at the amphitheatre.
- Hua Hin Walking Street for authentic street food
Go “overseas” at various theme parks
Image credit: @nhimsoc13
Experience more than just Thai culture when you visit the nearby Cha-Am district. There are plenty of theme parks, all within walking distance of one another. And if your budget doesn’t allow you to visit Greece itself, Santorini Park Cha-am is the next best thing.
Image credit: @_be.ngoan
There’s also The Venezia for those whose trips to Italy have been cancelled. The park is complete with a Grand Canal model with gondolas so you can pretend you’re right there in Venice.
Image credit: @ploy_diary
Then there’s Camel Republic, which will transport you right to the heart of Marrakech. You’ll also get to play with animals like llamas and camels.
Santorini Park Cha-am
Address: Petchkasem Rd, Khao Yai, Cha-am District, Phetchaburi 76120
Telephone: +66 3 2646 294
The Venezia Hua Hin
Opening Hours: 10AM – 7PM, Daily
Address: 1899 Petchkasem Rd, Cha-am, Cha-am District, Phetchaburi 76120
Telephone: +66 3 244 2823
The Venezia Hua Hin website
Camel Republic
Opening Hours: 8AM – 3.30PM, Daily
Address: 456 Moo 2 Petchkasem Rd, Khaoyai, Cha-am District, Phetchaburi 76120
Telephone: +66 9 2269 5055
Camel Republic website | Camel Republic Facebook page
Visit the most royal-looking train station
Image credit: @stephglobetrotteuse
Hua Hin Railway Station is one of Thailand’s most beautiful stations. With its striking yellow and red facade, and castle-like architecture, this is the stop you’ll want to make, even if you’re not catching a train.
Hua Hin Railway Station
Address: Hua Hin, Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110
2. Kanchanaburi
Kanchanaburi is another alternative to Bangkok that’s known for its rich history and chill lifestyle.
Recommended route from Bangkok: Take a train from Thonburi Railway Station to Kanchanaburi Railway Station.
Estimated travel time: 2.5 hours
Walk over water on railway tracks
The Burma Railway, also known as “Death Railway” is one of Kanchanaburi’s most famous sights.
Image credit: @sho.kou
The name Death Railway refers to the thousands of lives lost when creating this bridge during World War Two. The area itself is unsuspectingly picturesque – between the museums, war cemetery, and short train rides to bring your around the landscape, there’s plenty to take in.
Image credit: @thefloathouseriverkwai
The river that flows underneath the railway also runs along FloatHouse River Kwai Resort, where you can have a luxurious stay that’s got breathtaking views of the surrounding nature.
Death Railway
Address: Thamkra Sae, Lum Sum, Sai Yok District, Kanchanaburi 71150
FloatHouse River Kwai Resort
Address: 55 Moo 5 Wang Krachae, Sai Yok District, Chang Wat Kanchanaburi 71150
Telephone: +66 8 4725 8686
The Floathouse River Kwai website | The Floathouse River Kwai Facebook page
Visit a submerged temple
During the dry season, you’ll be able to walk the ruins of Wat Samprasob, a.k.a “The Sunken Temple” that’s almost fully submerged for most of the year.
Built by the Mon and Karen tribes, the temple is what remains of a lost village that was destroyed by flood in the 60s.
Hike up a mountain and check out land erosion columns
Image credit: @domovoy
Dubbed “Knife Edge” for its narrow ridges, Khao Chang Phueak is a favourite among trekkers. While its name sounds daunting, it’s actually considered a moderately-challenging trek.
Image credit: @metas.34
Terrestrial-looking columns caused by land erosions make Pong Yup look like a cross between a maze and a mini Grand Canyon. It’s considered by many as sacred ground.
Image credit: @khem_tc
Lam Khlong Ngu National Park has several caves that you can explore. One of such is Tham Sao Hin. Exploring its limestone caverns will feel like you’re discovering a lost realm.
Khao Chang Phueak
Address: Pilok, Thong Pha Phum District, Kanchanaburi 71180
Pong Yup
Address: Pilok, Thong Pha Phum District, Kanchanaburi 71180
Telephone: +66 8 1256 2550
Lam Khlong Ngu National Park
Address: Cha Lae, Thong Pha Phum District, Kanchanaburi 71180
Telephone: +66 8 4913 2381
3. Koh Samet
A paradise of sand, Koh Samet is an island that’s known for its many beaches. If you want to stay away from shopping and visiting theme parks, this will be the perfect spot for your getaway.
Recommended route from Bangkok: Take a bus from Ekkamai Bus Terminal to Ban Phae Pier. From the pier, take a ferry to Koh Samet.
Estimated travel time: 2.5 hours
Relax along the blue waters of Ao Wong Duean
Image credit: @rodrigo.b.deoliveira.3
Boasting the bluest waters and whitest sand, Ao Wong Duean will not disappoint. At low tide, you’ll be greeted with a wide stretch of sand that’s perfect for some Baywatch-inspired slo-mo prancing.
Ao Wong Duean
Address: Phe, Mueang Rayong District, Rayong
Bask in the seclusion of Ao Wai
Image credit: @amyboulert
If you think Koh Samet is secluded, then consider Ao Wai beach even more so; it’s one of the more tranquil beaches you’ll find around. The beach has a resort and restaurant, so you can travel here for a nice, peaceful break.
Address: Klaeng, Mueang Rayong District, Rayong
Enjoy water sports at Diamond Beach – Haad Sai Kaew
Image credit: @aiminursyameem.sohaimi
Haad Sai Kaew is pretty much the crown jewel of the island; translated to Diamond Beach, this is where most of the action on the island happens.
There’s a variety of restaurants to fill your tummy at, and several water activities, like parasailing and jet skiing, that you can partake in.
Haad Sai Kaew
Address: Tha Thewawong, Ko Sichang District, Chon Buri 20120
4. Khao Yai
Khao Yai is full of locations with stunning backdrops that’ll make your Instagram followers think that you’re either in a whole other country or on the set of a blockbuster fantasy film.
Recommended route from Bangkok: Take a bus from Mo Chit Bus Terminal to Pak Chong (nearest town to Khao Yai)
Estimated travel time: 3 hours
Spot animals in their natural habitat
Image credit: @sinedgn
At Khao Yai National Park, you’ll get to be in the company of elephants, as well as pangolins, deer and geckos. Head to the top of the national park, at Pa Deo-Die, and you might even spot a majestic falcon or eagle, above the park’s breathtaking expanse.
Conveniently, after a day of nature walking, you can unwind with a glass of wine at PB Valley Khao Yai Winery, found within the national park itself.
Image credit: @yolandaljy
Opening Hours: 6AM – 6PM, Daily
Address: 55 Moo 5 Wang Krachae, Sai Yok District, Chang Wat Kanchanaburi 71150
Telephone: +66 8 6092 6529
Opening Hours: 9AM – 5PM, Daily
Address: 102/2 Moo5, Mitraparp Road Payayen Pakchong Nakhon Ratchasima 30320
Telephone: +66 8 1733 8783
PB Valley website | PB Valley Facebook page
Explore the Shire of Thailand
You can step into Tolkien’s fantastical domain of The Shire at Baan Suan Noi. Even if you’re not staying the night, there’s a hut where you can dress up as hobbit folk and capture your Lord of the Rings moment.
Image credit: @whanno
Don’t forget to visit Primo Piazza too, which has snap-worthy cottages and even adorable animals like sheep and donkeys you can pet and feed.
Address: 292, Lat Bua Khao, Sikhio District, Nakhon Ratchasima 30340
Telephone: +66 8 1291 5160
Baan Suan Noi website | Baan Suan Noi Facebook page
Primo Piazza
Address: 200/2 หมู่ที่ 10 Mu Si, Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima 30130
Telephone: +66 8 1922 9000
Primo Piazza website | Primo Piazza Facebook page
Get blissfully lost in a garden maze
Image credit: @2wheels1drone
A great way to pass the time without costing you dollars is to put yourself through a maze – Pete Maze isn’t too challenging, plus, once you find your way out, the overlooking view is quite pretty.
Image credit: @gypset_potato
Hidden within a forest, the Secret Art Garden is exactly as its name suggests – a whimsical little spot that’s a world unto its own, full of flowers, exquisite paintings and sculptures, and cafes that are super family-friendly.
Pete Maze
Opening Hours: 9AM – 6PM, Daily
Address: Tanarat Road, Khanong Phra, Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima 30130
Telephone: +66 8 0168 9601
Pete Maze website
Secret Art Garden
Opening Hours: 9AM – 4.30PM (Saturday – Sunday)
Address: Moo 9 99 Klang Dong, Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima 30130
Telephone: +66 8 1803 7103
Secret Art Garden website | Secret Art Garden Facebook page
5. Koh Chang
Though it’s an island that’s comparable to places like Phuket size-wise, Koh Chang is much less saturated with tourists. It’s called “Elephant Island” due to the fact that part of it is shaped like an elephant, and also because you’ll encounter many there.
Note: Avoid going on elephant rides. Elephants used in discovery treks are often cruelly treated, so it’s best to not partake in such practices.
Recommended route from Bangkok: Take a flight from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Trat Airport
Estimated travel time: 1 hour
Visit 1 of the 7 waterfalls on the island
Klong Plu Waterfall
Image credit: @stephhhshawww
Out of 7 different waterfalls throughout the island, Klong Plu Waterfall is the most popular one, thanks to the nearby nature walk that’ll bring you around the lush surroundings.
Image credit: @iamKohChang
But if you’re someone who prefers more of an outdoor adventure, head over to Klong Neung Waterfall. This is the tallest waterfall on the island, so expect the falls and currents to be extra strong – and the pools deeper than most – here.
Opening Hours: 8AM – 4.30PM, Daily
Address: Ko Chang, Ko Chang District, Trat 23170
Address: Koh Chang Tai, Ko Chang District, Trat 23170
Party away on the beach
Image credit: @moonid_jang
The largest stretch on the island, Klong Prao Beach is great for long walks along the coast, fresh seafood and water activities. The corals are a sight to behold, and you may have chances of catching sight of sea turtles and whale sharks.
For hip nightlife, Lonely Beach is ironically the most happening beach here. It’s a backpacker haven so look forward to knocking down a drink or two with fellow travellers.
Google Maps
Google Maps
Island-hop to neighbouring pockets of paradise
Image credit: @familyearthtrek
Since Koh Chang is within close proximity to a few islands, a day-trip within a day trip is very possible. In less than an hour – on a fast boat, it just takes 20 minutes – you can reach neighbouring island Koh Kood.
Image credit: @biskys
Another adjacent island, Koh Wai, is so quiet, you’ll be hard pressed to find vehicles around. And WiFi is only found in some of the bungalows and restaurants – talk about a digital cleanse.
Go through an outdoor obstacle course through the forest
Image credit: Tree Top Adventure Park
Treetop Adventure Park isn’t your ordinary obstacle course. Expect cooler activities like the flying skateboard, which is similar to flying fox, but with skateboards. You can even go at it by way of bicycle.
Treetop Adventure Park
Address: Moo 1 115 Koh Chang Tai, Ko Chang District, Trat 23170
Telephone: +66 8 4462 3003
Bangkok day trips for a quick escape
Taking nothing more than a short road trip or domestic flight, you’ll be able to reach these locations in no time.
With travel being put on pause for the past couple months, treating yourself to a quick vacation to a place that’s close enough to Bangkok to be a day-trip is definitely valid.
We’d recommend making sure with each destination as well as travel provider that their operational hours are still the same.
Cover image adapted from (Clockwise from Top-Left): @wander.ness, @pbvalleykhaoyai, @thailand
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