By Michelle Yastremsky
So you’ve seen all of Bangkok’s temples, gotten your fill of Thailand street food , and sampled all sorts of fruits from the floating market – what’s next?
Go beyond Bangkok and embark on an adventure to one of the surrounding towns, villages, or markets. Here are six of our favorite day trips from Bangkok.
Ayutthaya
How to get there: bus from Victory Monument
Explore the former capital of the Kingdom of Siam with a trip to UNESCO World Heritage City Ayutthaya! Although this historic city was destroyed by the Burmese in the 18th century, the city’s breathtaking ruins give visitors a glimpse into the extravagance of this once at-large city.
Phetchaburi
How to get there: train
Palaces, outlying jungles, markets, and even temples hidden in caves and protected by monkeys – Phetchaburi has it all! Be sure to stop by the showstopper of this Thailand town: the Khao Luang Cave Temple.
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
How to get there: bus
Just 50 miles from Bangkok lives Thailand’s most famous floating market. Shop handmade wares, sample homemade goods, and pick up the perfect Thailand souvenir in Damnoen Saduak.
Khao Yai National Park
How to get there: bus, train, minivan charter
This protected forest region is not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but also a haven for wildlife and observers. Explore the five diverse ecological forest regions found throughout, and perhaps spot an elephant or tiger on your way.
Nakhon Pathom Chedi
How to get there: train or bus
One of Thailand’s oldest cities is also home to one of its oldest Buddhist structures, the Phra Pathom Chedi. This small province in Bangkok is also known for its abundant fruit varieties, so grab a dragonfruit and begin exploring!
Kanchanaburi
How to get there: train, minivan
Known for its World War II signifance as a Japanese POW camp, Kanchanaburi is a region that is as rich in beauty as it is in history. From national parks to waterfalls to iconic bridges, an entire day can be spent exploring the natural beauty of the region before exploring its tumultuous past. Kanchanaburi is also home to an ethical elephant camp for those looking for to play with the elephants while in Bangkok.