Unforgettable Day Trips from Bangkok

In this series, iBestTravel’s team of writers and editors answers your travel questions and provides tips and hacks to help you plan a hassle-free trip. When a Thailand-related query came into our inbox, we passed it along to Austin Bush, a 20-plus-year resident of the country and longtime guidebook author.

Question:

We are planning to spend five days in Bangkok later this month and hope to explore one or two day trips during that time. Do you have any suggestions?

Austin Bush:

Two options come immediately to mind when considering a day trip from Bangkok.

Visit Ayuthaya’s Monuments for History (Plus Fabulous Noodles)

A classic day trip from Bangkok is an excursion to Ayuthaya, Thailand’s former royal capital. Located just 70km (43.5 miles) north of Bangkok, the site is home to beautiful ruins and excellent dining options. My suggestion would be to take the train, which is slow yet comfortable and charming, providing a glimpse of the central Thai countryside along the journey.

Upon arriving at Ayuthaya’s small train station, take a ferry across the river and enjoy a short walk to the Ayuthaya Historical Park. Once inside, renting a bicycle is a convenient way to explore (though riding in the streets is not advisable). Highlights include the notable stupas at Wat Phra Si Sanphet and the ancient murals at Wat Ratchaburana. For further exploration, visit Baan Hollanda and the Portuguese Village to discover Thailand’s historical interactions with the West.

When it’s time to refuel, don’t miss Ayuthaya’s signature dish, boat noodles, traditionally served from small barges. Today, this dish, made of rice noodles in spicy pork or beef broth, is available at various eateries, such as Lung Lek for a casual experience or Pae Krung Gao for a more upscale dining option along the riverside. For a quick return to Bangkok, catch a bus or shared van.

A Day Trip to Amphawa Provides a Taste of Thai Life

For a day trip that focuses more on the journey than the destination, consider heading to Amphawa, located 80km (50 miles) southwest of Bangkok. The adventure begins on the Mahachai Line, a charming commuter train that departs from Thonburi’s Wong Wian Yai Station.

After approximately an hour snaking through canal-side villages and semi-urban rice fields, you’ll arrive in the port city of Samut Songkhram. Here, you can explore one of Thailand’s busiest fresh markets before hopping on a ferry followed by a motorcycle taxi to Tha Chalong’s tiny train station. The next leg entails riding yet another rickety train that literally passes through the fresh market where vendors must swiftly remove their products from the tracks each time a train approaches.

If hunger strikes, consider taking a mini side trip to Don Hoi Lot, a beach area famous for budget-friendly seafood. Otherwise, choose a quick boat ride or enjoy a bench seat in a shared truck to Amphawa. If your visit coincides with the weekend, you’ll be immersed in the lively atmosphere of the Amphawa Floating Market, where Thais indulge in snacking and shopping amidst the vibrant canal-side scenery. Afterward, buses can easily return you to Bangkok.