Day trips around Bangkok

Central Plains

Stretching north of Bangkok are the Central Plains, an immensely fertile area typified by patchworks of emerald green rice paddies.

Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya is one of Thailand's historical highlights. Many travellers take the day tour from Bangkok, which allows about 3 hours at the sites, but for folks with an interest in archaeological ruins, Ayutthaya justifies an overnight or more.

From its establishment in 1350 by King U-Thong (Ramathibodi I) until its fall to the Burmese in 1767, Ayutthaya was Thailand's capital and home to 33 kings and numerous dynasties. At its zenith and until the mid-18th century, Ayutthaya was a majestic city with three palaces and 400 splendid temples on an island threaded by canals and was a sight that mightily impressed European visitors.

Then, in 1767, after a 15-month siege, the town was destroyed by the Burmese and today there are but groups of crumbling ruins and rows of headless Buddhas where once an empire thrived. The temple compounds are still awe-inspiring even in disrepair and a visit here is memorable and a good beginning for those drawn to the relics of history. (Fun note: don't miss the Buddha head lodged in the tree trunk at Wat Mahatat, quite unique).

The architecture of Ayutthaya is a fascinating mix of Khmer, or ancient Cambodian style, and early Sukhothai style. Cactus-shaped obelisks, called prangs, denote Khmer influence and look something like the famous towers of Angkor Wat. The more pointed stupas are ascribed to Sukhothai. If you've just arrived and have confined your stay to Bangkok, you might note similarities with the riverside Wat Arun, an 18th-century structure that was built in the so-called Ayutthaya style, a melding of Sukhothai Buddhist influences and Hindu-inspired Khmer motifs.

Magnificent ruins of temples, palaces and crumbling fortresses provide eloquent testimony of the former capital's splendor. Wat Panan Choeng, Wat Si San Phet, Wat Mahathat, Wat Ratchaburana, Phu Khao Thong and the Chao Sam Phraya National Museum should not be missed. 

An excursion to Ayutthaya can be made via the Chao Phraya aboard a luxury rive cruiser. This gives a splendid view of reverie life, and also includes a visit to the former Royal summer retreat of Bang Pa-In, a fairytale scene of architectural wonders.

Floating Markets

There is a larger if somewhat more commercial floating market on Khlong Damnoen Saduak in Ratchaburi Province, 104 km south-west of Bangkok, between Nakhon Pathom and Samut Songkhram. You can get there by bus from the Southern Bus Terminal on Charan Sanitwong Rd in Thonburi or Damoen Saduak starting at 5 am.Get there as early in the morning as possible to escape the hordes. Bang Khu Wiang Floating Market At Khlong Bang Khu Wang in Thonburi a small floating market operates between 4 and 7 am. Boats to the Khu Wiang Market leave from the Tha Chang pier near Wat Phra Kaew every morning between 6.15 and 8 am; take the earliest one to catch the market before it's over, or arrange for charter a long-tail boat at an earlier hour.

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is the most the popular of all the floating markets and can be visited on the way to Kanchanaburi Province where you can walk with the tigers at the Tiger Temple or as a prelude to the weird and wonderful eccentricity of the Human Bakery in Ratchaburi Province.
Taling Chan Floating Market in Bangkok Noi

Taling Chan Floating Market traditionally only operates on the weekend and can be seen on your boat tour on the Chao Phraya River as part of your trip to the Grand Palace.
Ampawan Floating Market in Samut Songkram

Ampawan Floating Market takes place in the afternoon and early evening according to the phases of the moon. It can be included before you take the boat trip on the Mae Klong River to see the famed Fireflies in Ampawa , which blink in unison lighting the river banks like Christmas trees.
Floating4Market in Pattaya

'Floating 4 Market' is Pattaya's newest theme park which will feature the best of each of the four regions of Thailand - North, Northeast, Central and Southern. This welcome addition to the Central Region's floating market venues is expected to open in November 2008 and can be experienced in conjunction with a visit to the remarkable Sanctuary of Truth, or alternatively the tropical botanic paradise at Nong Nooch Gardens.

The Rose Garden

Nakhon Pathom

Kanchanaburi

To River Kwai, famous for the Death Railway and the prison camps that populated the area during World War II. (Malaria is endemic in this area, so take plenty of insect repellent and use it liberally.) Numerous sightseeing possibilities include a museum dedicated to the Allied prisoners of war and Asian laborers who died there, as well as a train ride on the Death Railway. There are also restaurants on floating rafts and places to shop. The recent discovery of Neolithic burial sites has increased the historical importance of this area. Contact the tourist office to find out which local tour companies arrange trips to the burial grounds.
The area is 80 mi/130 km from Bangkok via Highway 323; less than two hours by car or bus and less than three hours by train. Buses leave from the Southern Air-Conditioned Bus Terminal in Thonburi, the bus station on the west end of the city, across the river from the Grand Palace (Charansantiwong Road, phone 435-1199). There are early morning departures at 6 and 7 am -- the best times to leave to avoid traffic and to allow for a full day in Kanchanaburi. Going by train is difficult in one day and not recommended, although the rail journey is lovely for those who want to stay overnight.

You'll see one- and two-day bus tours to Kanchanaburi sold at travel agencies all over Bangkok. They usually include lunch, a visit to an Allied cemetery and a ride on an old train along a short, very scenic stretch of renovated Japanese track. Admission fees to the several museums might be additional.

Bang Pa-In palace

Phra Buddha Bat

Lop Buri

Phetchaburi

Cha Am

Hua Hin

Sam Roi Yot National Park