Bangkok is an amazing city, but some of Thailand’s most beautiful spots are just a short trip away.
From ancient temple ruins to stunning waterfalls and seaside escapes, these five day trips will show you a completely different side of Thailand.
Best of all, you can visit each of them and still be back in Bangkok by evening.
I will also share the easiest ways to get there, so you can spend less time planning and more time exploring. Ready to see what is waiting beyond the city? Let’s dive in. 😊
1. Nakhon Pathom
Distance from Bangkok: 40–60 km (about 1–1.5 hours by car)
Nakhon Pathom is one of the easiest day trips from Bangkok, and it packs a surprising amount of variety.
You get ancient temples, Instagram-worthy cafes, and a charming floating market all in one province.
It’s also historically significant as the place where Buddhism first arrived in Thailand.
a) Wat Sam Phran (Dragon Temple)
This is unlike any temple you have seen before.
A massive dragon sculpture wraps around a pink cylindrical tower, blending Thai and Chinese architectural styles.
You can actually climb a staircase inside the dragon’s body and reach the rooftop for panoramic views.
Trust me, it makes for some unforgettable photos.
b) Bubble in the Forest Café
If you love unique cafes, this one is for you. You dine inside bubble-shaped glass pods surrounded by lush jungle greenery.
There are also net hammocks scattered throughout. It feels like stepping into a fairytale, and the coffee and desserts are just as good as the setting.
c) Don Wai Floating Market
This century-old riverside market sits along the Tha Chin River. Wooden piers line the water, and vendors sell everything from braised duck to coconut ice cream.
The atmosphere is nostalgic and charming, giving you a real taste of traditional Thai market life.
d) O2 Kaffee & Bistro
Tucked away in a coconut orchard, this lakeside cafe features open-air huts floating above the water.
The highlight here is the “Kradong” basket boat experience, where you can paddle through the orchard canals.
The coconut-infused drinks and desserts are a specialty here. It is incredibly peaceful and perfect for a slow afternoon break.
e) Phra Pathom Chedi
This is the main landmark of Nakhon Pathom. The golden stupa rises over 120 meters, making it the tallest in Thailand.
It is also considered the oldest Buddhist monument in the country. Walking around the grounds, you will feel the deep spiritual significance of this place.
f) Moo Yoo Rose House
This chic lakeside villa features stunning white modern architecture and a jasmine garden.
Wooden boardwalks extend over the water, and the sunset views are gorgeous.
Everything on the menu includes roses grown on-site, from drinks to desserts. It is a lovely spot for a relaxing end to your day.
Read More: 7 Amazing Places Near Bangkok
2. Samut Prakan
Distance from Bangkok: 30–40 km (about 1 hour by car)
Samut Prakan is one of the most convenient day trips you can take.
It’s essentially an extension of Bangkok, but it feels like a different world.
This province is home to massive open-air museums, spiritual temples, and a seaside bird sanctuary.
a) The Erawan Museum
You cannot miss this one. A colossal bronze statue of a three-headed elephant (29 meters tall) sits on top of the building.
Inside, three ornately decorated floors display Thai antiquities, religious art, and artifacts. The design takes you through Thai cosmology in a truly immersive way.
b) The Ancient City (Muang Boran)
This is Thailand in miniature. Spread across 240 acres, you will find over a hundred scaled-down and full-size replicas of the country’s most important historical monuments.
You can bike or take a tram through temples, palaces, and traditional houses from every region.
It is a fantastic way to see Thailand’s architectural highlights in one place.
c) Bang Pu Recreation Center
A seaside nature center famous for its migratory seagulls.
From November to April, thousands of gulls gather along Suk Ta Pier.
You can feed them, walk the boardwalk, and explore the mangrove trails.
It’s also a peaceful spot for sunset views and seafood.
d) Wat Asokaram
This meditation monastery near the coast is known for its striking white stupa complex with 13 spires.
The temple grounds are serene, and ocean breezes make it ideal for quiet reflection.
It remains an active center of Thai Buddhist monastic life and welcomes visitors seeking tranquility.
Read More: 7 Incredible Spots Around Bangkok
3. Kanchanaburi
Distance from Bangkok: 130–150 km (about 2 hours by car)
Kanchanaburi is where you will find lush forests, stunning waterfalls, and poignant World War II history.
The cooler, greener terrain offers a refreshing break from Bangkok’s heat.
Many travelers come here for Erawan Falls, but there is so much more to discover.
a) MEENA Cafe
This scenic cafe sits amid emerald rice paddies with the Tiger Cave Temple visible in the distance.
You sip Thai tea from bamboo pavilions while admiring the golden Buddha on the hillside.
It is the perfect spot to soak in Kanchanaburi’s rural beauty.
b) Wat Tham Suea (Tiger Cave Temple)
A hilltop temple with an 18-meter golden Buddha visible from miles away.
Climb the Naga-lined staircase to the top for 360-degree views of the Mae Klong River and surrounding farmland.
The architecture blends Thai and Chinese styles, and there’s a cave at the base worth exploring.
c) Erawan National Park (Erawan Falls)
These seven-tiered waterfalls are often considered Thailand’s most beautiful.
A nature trail leads you through each turquoise pool, and you can swim beneath the limestone cascades.
Keep an eye out for monkeys and fish along the way. The top tier is said to resemble a three-headed elephant.
d) Huay Mae Khamin Waterfall
If you want something quieter than Erawan, this is your spot.
Deep in Srinakarin Dam National Park, these seven-tier falls flow through dense jungle into crystal-clear pools.
Fewer visitors make the journey here, so you can enjoy peaceful swims and unspoiled nature.
e) Mallika City R.E. 124
A living museum that recreates Siamese life in 1905 during King Chulalongkorn’s reign.
You can dress in traditional Thai clothing, exchange modern money for old-style coins, and explore the vintage market.
Watch demonstrations of rice milling and weaving as you walk through wooden houses and bridges.
f) River Kwai Bridge
This iconic iron railway bridge was built by Allied prisoners of war during World War II as part of the infamous Death Railway.
Today, you can walk across the bridge’s trusses or ride a local train over it. Adjacent museums tell the story of this moving chapter in history.
g) Tham Krasae Death Railway Bridge
This breathtaking section of the Death Railway clings to a sheer limestone cliff above the Kwai Noi River.
A long wooden trestle supports the track, and trains slowly rattle across the curving bridge.
Nearby Krasae Cave, once a shelter for POWs, now houses a Buddha shrine. The views here are unforgettable.
h) Safari Park Kanchanaburi
This open-range wildlife park lets you get remarkably close to animals on a safari-style bus tour.
Giraffes poke their heads into the bus looking for carrots, and zebras and deer roam freely.
There are also enclosures for tigers, lions, and bears. It is a fun addition to a history-focused day.
4. Ayutthaya
Distance from Bangkok: 80 km (about 1–1.5 hours by car)
Ayutthaya was the capital of Siam from 1350 to 1767, and its UNESCO World Heritage ruins are simply stunning.
Massive crumbling stupas, Buddha images wrapped in tree roots, and royal palaces tell the story of Thailand’s glorious past.
This is one of the most rewarding day trips you can take.
a) Bang Pa-In Palace
This royal summer palace blends Thai, Chinese, and European architecture across beautifully landscaped gardens.
A serene Thai pavilion floats on a lake, while a grand Chinese mansion and Victorian lookout tower showcase the eclectic tastes of King Rama V.
It is a gorgeous way to start your Ayutthaya visit.
b) Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon
A large temple with a massive bell-shaped chedi and rows of saffron-robed Buddha statues.
Founded in 1357, it has a long military history connected to King Naresuan.
You can climb the chedi for views of the entire complex. It’s still an active place of worship.
c) Wat Chaiwatthanaram
This is one of Ayutthaya’s most iconic temple ruins.
A 35-meter Khmer-style central prang rises above smaller towers and chedi chapels connected by galleries.
Located along the riverbank, it looks especially magical at sunset when the lotus-shaped towers cast striking silhouettes.
d) Wat Mahathat
This temple is famous for the Buddha head entwined in the roots of a banyan tree.
It’s one of Ayutthaya’s most iconic images.
Walk among the ruins of the central prang and rows of headless Buddha statues, a haunting reminder of the city’s destruction in 1767.
e) Wat Phra Si Sanphet
This was Ayutthaya’s most important temple, located within the ancient royal palace compound.
Three enormous aligned chedis dominate the skyline, containing the ashes of three 15th-century kings.
The temple served as the model for Bangkok’s Temple of the Emerald Buddha.
f) Wat Lokaya Sutha
This temple is home to a 42-meter reclining Buddha lying in the open air.
The original building was destroyed, but the massive statue remains.
It’s usually draped in a saffron cloth and surrounded by offerings.
g) Wat Ratchaburana
Known for its well-preserved central prang and a treasure vault where gold artifacts were discovered.
You can actually climb into the vault to see original wall paintings.
The grounds are spacious and less crowded than some of the more famous temples.
h) Sriayuthaya Lion Park
Ayutthaya’s largest zoo, opened in late 2021.
Get close to lions, tigers, and the rare liliger.
You can feed giraffes and capybaras, walk with tigers, and take safari jeep photos. There’s also a colorful bird dome.
i) Ayothaya Floating Market
This cultural theme park recreates old Siam on a man-made lake.
Wooden walkways connect shops on water and land, and vendors in traditional costume paddle boats.
You can sample local Ayutthaya foods, shop for handicrafts, and watch folk dance performances.
It is a lively complement to temple sightseeing.
5. Pattaya
Distance from Bangkok: 150 km (about 2 hours by car)
Pattaya offers a completely different vibe from the other day trips.
You get beaches, stunning temples, tropical gardens, and vibrant nightlife all in one place.
Whether you want culture, nature, or entertainment, Pattaya delivers.
a) The Sanctuary of Truth
This massive wooden temple by the sea is unlike anything else in Thailand.
Carved entirely from teak, it stands 105 meters tall and features intricate sculptures depicting Buddhist and Hindu philosophy.
Artisans are still working on it after decades of construction
Plan about 3 hours here to fully appreciate it, including the cultural shows.
b) Khao Chi Chan (Buddha Mountain)
A 109-meter-tall Buddha image carved into a limestone cliff and filled with gold leaf makes this one of Thailand’s most impressive landmarks.
Created in 1996 to commemorate King Bhumibol’s golden jubilee, the image can be seen from miles away.
The surrounding gardens and lotus-filled lake create a peaceful atmosphere. Entry is free.
c) Nong Nooch Tropical Gardens
This sprawling 500-acre park is one of Southeast Asia’s largest botanical gardens.
You will find beautifully themed gardens, including French-style landscapes, cactus collections, orchid houses, and bonsai displays.
A highlight for families is Dinosaur Valley, where over 200 life-sized dinosaur sculptures are scattered throughout.
T-rex, triceratops, and velociraptors tower over you with impressive detail.
d) 3 Mermaids
A cliffside restaurant with 180-degree sea views and mermaid-themed decor.
The highlight is the “Bird’s Nest” seating area that extends over the cliff.
It’s a great spot for sunset, cocktails, and seafood.
e) Phra Tamnak Mountain Viewpoint
Located on a small hill between Pattaya Beach and Jomtien Beach, this is the best spot for panoramic views of the city and bay.
The monument of the Father of the Royal Thai Navy stands at the hilltop. It is a quick stop that rewards you with excellent photos.
f) Wat Phra Yai (Big Buddha Temple)
Pattaya’s most important Buddhist temple features an 18-meter-tall golden Buddha statue.
Seven-headed nagas guard the steps leading up.
From here, you get great views of Pattaya and Jomtien below.
It is just 1.4 km from the main viewpoint, so you can easily visit both together.
g) Pattaya Walking Street
This is the heart of Pattaya’s nightlife.
By day, it is a regular road, but from 7 PM to 3 AM, it transforms into a pedestrian zone packed with restaurants, live music venues, and nightclubs.
Neon lights, street performers, and endless energy define this famous strip.
h) Tiffany’s Show Pattaya
The world’s first transgender cabaret, known for glamorous costumes and high production value.
The performances are creative, colorful, and a genuine cultural experience in Pattaya.
Getting There: The Easiest Way to Visit
The easiest way to visit these destinations is by taking a private tour with hotel pickup and drop-off in Bangkok.
You do not have to worry about navigating public transportation or negotiating with taxi drivers.
Everything is arranged for you, so you can simply relax and enjoy the trip.
Here are the best private tours for each destination:
- Nakhon Pathom: Bangkok Nakhon Pathom & Wat Samphran Private Cultural Tour
- Samut Prakan: Bangkok Private Customizable Day Tour
- Kanchanaburi: Kanchanaburi Multiple Routes Private Tour from Bangkok
- Ayutthaya: Private Car Charter Ancient Ayutthaya Full Day Tour
- Pattaya: Pattaya Private Custom Tour from Bangkok
If these tours do not match what you are looking for, you can customize your own itinerary by booking a private car charter instead.
The Bangkok Car Rental with Driver to Nearby Cities lets you create your own route and visit exactly what you want.
They also offer hotel pickup and drop-off in Bangkok.
