Explore the best day trips from Bangkok for a break from the city’s hustle and bustle.
The bustling streets of Bangkok are fun because there is always something to do. Scattered with cultural sites, loads of food, a lively nightlife scene, and loads of glitzy shopping malls, there’s just so many things to do in Bangkok.
But the traffic, heat and constantly being alert for scooters (sometimes even on the sidewalk) and the overall chaos often feels stressful. And you may even wonder ‘is Bangkok worth visiting’. So if you’re planning to spend 3 days in Bangkok and want to have a balanced Bangkok itinerary, then you should consider doing one of these best day trips from Bangkok covered in this article.
Best Day Trips From Bangkok
Just outside the City there’s a whole list of interesting things to do. From floating markets, ancient cities, national parks, waterfalls, scenic train rides, and the list goes on.
A 3 day Bangkok itinerary would allow enough time to see what the city has to offer: visit the temples, go to a mall, try the food and experience the nightlife. And then, do a day trip from Bangkok before all the stress from this chaotic city builds up.
Our Top 3 Day Trips Recommendations
No time to read the entire article? No problem. Here are our top 3 favorite recommendations. Whichever you choose, we can guarantee it will be a memorable experience of your time in Thailand.
Floating Market & Maeklong Railway
✔️ Famous Floating Market
✔️ Train passing through Market
Best day trips from Bangkok
How Many Days To Spend in Bangkok?
The amount of days you spend in Bangkok will depend entirely on what exactly you want to see and do.
Personally, we would say that just to cover the most famous tourist spots in Bangkok, a rushed 1 day or more reasonable 2 days would be enough. 1 full day would allow you to cover the best things to do in Bangkok: The Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, Wat Saket and maybe go to a rooftop bar and then to an evening food tour in Chinatown Bangkok.
Then if you’re planning to follow any of these best day trips from Bangkok in this guide, add an extra day for each activity.
Best day trips from Bangkok
Top 10 Best Day Trips From Bangkok
Below is a list of the best day trips from Bangkok. We’ve included a broad selection of day trips from Bangkok from floating markets, ancient cities, national parks, seeing and interacting with elephants and snorkeling tours.
Below is a comparison table with prices for the ‘join in’ and ‘private tour’ options.
| Day Trip | Join-In | Private |
|---|---|---|
| Kanchanaburi Highlight | $54 | $255 – 2 pax |
| Floating Markets & Maeklong Railway Market | $41 | $202 – 2 pax |
| Ayutthaya day trip from Bangkok | $48 | $241 – 2 pax |
| Yai Nature Tour 1 – 2 – 3 Day | N/A | $127 – 3 pax |
| Koh Larn and Pattaya – Full-Day Tour | $55 | N/A |
| Koh Larn and Pattaya – Full Day Tour | $77 | $289 – 2 pax |
| Safari World | $42 | $254 – 2 pax |
| Pattaya Tour + Elephant Instagram Elephant cafe | $61 | $114 – 2 pax |
| Kanchanaburi Custom tour | N/A | $109 – 3 pax |
| Elephant Sanctuary & Erawan Waterfall | N/A | $431 – 2 pax |
| Red lotus pond * | N/A | $94 – 2 pax * |
Best day trips from Bangkok
1. Kanchanaburi Highlights
⭐️ RATING: 4.4 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ DURATION: 12 Hours | ↳ BOOK NOW
No visit to Bangkok is complete without experiencing the beauty of Kanchanaburi and learning the story behind the River Kwai bridge also known as the Death Railway.
Not only will you get to ride the slow-moving train over the river and along the ridge of huge lime-stone mountains offering exceptional scenes, but also you’ll ride a boat along the river.
“A tour not to be missed! The Kanchanaburi trip is now one of my favourite activities in Thailand. I always wanted to go to the Bridge on the River Kwai for its historical relevance”
Jenny (Read more reviews)
This is one of the best day trips from Bangkok.
It’s a full day of learning, creating memories, and the train ride is an absolute wonder delivering epic scenes of river Kwai and a backdrop of daunting limestone cliffs.
Note: You’ll get a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the activity starts.
Best day trips from Bangkok
2. Floating Markets and Maeklong Railway
⭐️ RATING: 4.8 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ DURATION: 11 Hours | ↳ BOOK NOW
Maeklong Railway is that train passing through a market unfolding to let it through. It’s possibly the most unmissable experience in Bangkok.
But on this day trip from Bangkok, you’ll also get the chance to visit one of those famous floating markets. Enjoy floating through the canal and maybe buy a couple of souvenirs and try some really good Thai food along the way.
“Our guide was knowledgeable, and the entire day was well-planned. Loved exploring the vibrant markets, trying delicious local treats, and cruising along the picturesque canals”
Maryanne (Read more reviews)
With this tour you get the option to choose between Amphawa Floating Market or Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. Maeklong Railway is included regardless of which floating market is chosen.
Just keep in mind that Amphawa Floating Market is only open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Note: You’ll get a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the activity starts.
Best day trips from Bangkok
3. Ayutthaya Day Trip from Bangkok
⭐️ RATING: 4.8 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ DURATION: 10 Hours | ↳ BOOK NOW
Visiting the ancient city of Ayutthaya makes for a great day trip from Bangkok. Although many say ruins, don’t expect to just see a pile of rubble. Many of the larger buildings are mostly intact and you’ll also get the chance to walk inside the temples and through the sites.
“I was a UK person participating in a mixed Asian group. The tour was well organised and informative and I was surprised we managed to cover so many sites in one day“
Chris (Read more reviews)
What makes Ayutthaya even more special is the overgrown routes of Banyan trees completely covering certain parts of the temples almost as if they’re holding them in place.
Note: You’ll get a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the activity starts.
Best day trips from Bangkok
4. Khao Yai Nature Tour 1-2-3 Day
⭐️ RATING: 4.6 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ DURATION: 12 Hours | ↳ BOOK NOW
Ditch the flip-flops. You’ll need a pair of good shoes for this one. This tour transports you to the lush landscapes of Khao Yai National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Choose from 1 day, 2 day, or 3 day tours.
Just doing the 1 day tour is pretty amazing. The friendly tour guide stops at the best places for day 1. This day is a mix of waterfalls, trails through Khao Yai and the lush jungle. End the day at Pa Deo Die cliff and soak in the sweeping views and lush greenery.
“Visited Khao Yai and it was amazing!! Not only that, we were lucky to have met our kind driver (Mr Sak) that accompanied us to every destination and even allowed us to alter the itinerary!!”
Angela (Read more reviews)
Note: You’ll get a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the activity starts.
Best day trips from Bangkok
5. Hua Hin – Caves + Lunch on Tropical Beach
⭐️ RATING: 4.3 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ DURATION: 11 Hours | ↳ BOOK NOW
If you want to explore Thailand’s culture without all the gawking tourists, then make sure to add Hua Hin to Thailand itinerary.
It’s a bit of a drive from Bangkok, but once you arrive in Hua Hin you’ll understand why it was worth. It’s a beachside district and pretty laid back, with lush mountains in the background.
“It feels different from Bangkok. Hua Hin is a place worth seeing. The caves are spectacular. The tour guide is very kind and takes good care of everyone. This trip is great.”
Chen (Read more reviews)
The tour takes you to historical sites and shrines hidden inside caverns. And the trip wouldn’t be complete without a stop on the beach and enjoying some really good seafood.
Note: You’ll get a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hour(s) before the activity starts.
Best day trips from Bangkok
6. Koh Larn and Pattaya – Full Day Tour
⭐️ RATING: 4.6 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ DURATION: 12 Hours | ↳ BOOK NOW
Dive into the beauty of Koh Larn, a dreamy tropical island just off the coast of mainland Thailand.
This full day tour (11 hours) takes you to Pattaya where you’ll sail to Koh Larn island to explore and relax on this dreamy island. This is quite literally what beach life looks like.
You can swim in clear waters, or snorkel or have a go at some fun water sports.
“The Pattaya Beach and Koh Larn Coral Island Full Day Tour was an incredible experience. The pristine beauty of Koh Larn’s coral reefs and white sand beaches left me in awe. Snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters was a highlight, revealing vibrant marine life.”
But before heading back to Bangkok, you’ll get to soak up incredible views from a viewpoint. And the highlight here will be the Sanctuary of Truth temple. A magnificent temple with intricate wooden carvings.
Note: You’ll get a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hour(s) before the activity starts.
Best day trips from Bangkok
7. Safari World
⭐️ RATING: 4.8 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ DURATION: 10 Hours | ↳ BOOK NOW
Located just 45 minutes outside of Bangkok, Safari World offers a fun day for all the family.
It’s easily accessible from Bangkok and you’ll get to see loads of wild animals and even do a Safari tour getting up and close with various animals.
“Highly recommended. This is a must when you visit Bangkok. totally worth it. The kids and adults really enjoyed this tour and were so amazed on how the animals are well maintained by the facility. Simply amazing.”
If you choose the join in option, all you need to do is choose the amount of tickets and transport is automatically factored in. For private tours, choose the type of vehicle and the number of tickets for the park/zoo.
Note: You’ll get a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hour(s) before the activity starts.
Best day trips from Bangkok
8. Pattaya Tour + Instagram Elephant Cafe
⭐️ RATING: 4.8 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ DURATION: 11 Hours | ↳ BOOK NOW
This day trip from Bangkok takes you back to the beautiful seaside area of Pattaya.
On this full day tour from Bangkok, you’ll have an expert guide take you to the most famous attractions. And later on enjoy lunch at a popular cafe where you’ll get up and close and interact with elephants.
“Had so much fun with the elephants, the laser buddha and Nong Nooch garden, most especially the Sanctuary of truth. I think this can be senior-friendly as well with the first few places we visited as there’s a short distance walk and a sightseeing bus to be used. “
Note: You’ll get a full refund if you cancel at least 48 hour(s) before the activity starts.
Best day trips from Bangkok
9. Elephant Sanctuary + Erawan Waterfall
⭐️ RATING: 4.8 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ DURATION: 11 Hours | ↳ BOOK NOW
There’s a few things that shouldn’t be missed while in Thailand. And one of them is visiting an elephant sanctuary.
Visiting an elephant sanctuary not only gets you up and close with these gentle giants, but the entrance fee goes to rehabilitating the elephants before releasing them into the wild.
“This one is for the books and pls don’t miss this when you visit Thailand! They’ve got a perfect itinerary inside the sanctuary, you will experience feeding, playing, washing and more!!”
After getting down and dirty with the elephants, and enjoying a tasty lunch, your guide will take you on a trek through the lush jungle and caves. The destination is Erawan Waterfall. A cascade with 7 tiers and enchanted emerald pools where you can take a dip, or simply relax in this magical place.
Note: You’ll get a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hour(s) before the activity starts.
Best day trips from Bangkok
10. Red lotus Pond+Thonburi market
⭐️ RATING: 4.7 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ DURATION: 6 Hours | ↳ BOOK NOW
Imagine floating through a lake covered in pretty red lotus flowers. This is your chance to get some pretty incredible pictures for your Thailand trip album with the option to rent an authentic Thai dress that will make photos even more unforgettable.
On this tour, you’ll first change into traditional Thai clothing depending on your chosen package, before getting on the boat. Pose for photos, as a drone takes shots of you in the middle of the lake.
“The tour guide who was the driver was very friendly, he guided us with passion. The red floating market was wonderful, it was a pleasant ride and trip overall, was very therapeutic to see those red lotus from the serene pond”
After this interesting photoshoot, you’ll try a Thai snack called Miang Kham Kleb Bua, which is made from the lobe of lotus.
Note: You’ll get a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hour(s) before the activity starts.
Best day trips from Bangkok
11. Bangkok Midnight Food Tour by Tuk Tuk
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ DURATION: 6 Hours | ↳ BOOK NOW
Slightly off topic because this isn’t a day trip from Bangkok, but rather a unique culinary experience within the City which seems fitting to end the day after doing one of these day trips.
Note: this tour starts at 7:00pm not midnight.
This evening tour throws you straight into Bangkok’s legendary street-food scene as you ride the colorful city’s backstreets and hidden spots. And what better way than do this on fun Tuk-Tuk.
“Gimao was an amazing tour guide; funny, informative, and patient! The tuk-tuk experience at night was so cool. And the food was fantastic, especially the rice noodle dish at Ann Guay Tiew Kua Gai. I highly recommend you book this tour for a fun night out in Bangkok!”
Your Tuk-Tuk driver whizzes through the traffic and stops you at some incredible local restaurants to sample some of the best Thai cuisine. This tour is a complete package including all food and Tuk-Tuk transport. And the evening ends at a secret roof-top bar.
Note: You’ll get a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hour(s) before the activity starts.
Best day trips from Bangkok
What Are Day Trips From Bangkok
Day trips from Bangkok are an excursion from Bangkok to nearby places of interest that can be reached within about 1 hour to 2 hours drive. Unless you’re familiar with driving in Asia, the safest and most convenient option is to book a tour.
Usually tours are a half day trip from Bangkok. The duration of each tour varies depending on the type of activity involved. Generally the duration ranges from around 6 hours to 10 or 12 hours.
The day trips listed in this guide are complete tour packages from Bangkok and will include transport and driver, a guide, and most packages also include any entrance fees. Private tours also include pick-up/drop-off from and to your hotel.
Note: You’ll get a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hour(s) before the activity starts
If you decide to book one of these tours, most of them have the option to choose between private tour or a join-in tour.
A join-in tour means you’ll be part of a larger group. This option is perfect if you’re traveling solo because it’s cheap and you get to meet other people.
The private tour from Bangkok option allows you to book the tour only for the people in your group. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for something more personalized.
Best day trips from Bangkok
How Much Do Day Trips From Bangkok Cost
The cost of a day trip from Bangkok will depend on the type of activity and what type of tour package you choose: ‘Join-in or Private Tour. You must consider the cost of each tour includes the vehicle, driver and fuel and often entrance fees are also included in the price.
The price range for the best day trips from Bangkok is $45 to $80 for the join in option. For private tours prices start at around $70 per person. With a private tour, the cost per person reduces significantly the more people are in the group.
Wondering where to Stay in Bangkok?
Bangkok is a huge City and is very diverse from 1 place to the other. With that in mind, it’s important to plan ahead and choose the right place or area to stay in.
Read this article for an overview about the areas to stay in Bangkok.
How we efficiently plan our trips.
Planning a holiday can be overwhelming, especially for those hands-on in the process. Thankfully, technology has simplified the task, making it easier to organize trips to destinations like Thailand. Here are the resources we swear by:
BOOKING.COM: Our go-to for booking accommodation. It’s user-friendly, offers the best prices*, and boasts the largest selection of online properties.
*After trying various methods to find the best prices, including direct booking, calling accommodations, and comparing with other sites, Booking.com consistently provided the lowest prices. Guest reviews on the platform are invaluable for decision-making, especially regarding accommodation and tour bookings.
KLOOK: Our go to resource for planning activities is KLOOK. Here we find loads of interesting activities for the destinations we’re visiting. And it’s really easy. Just enter the name of the destination in the search bar and a list of activities with prices and review score comes up.
It’s almost like shopping for something Amazon and the prices are also really competitive.
GET YOUR GUIDE: Another website for tours booking in Thailand and around the world is Get Your Guide. Here you’ll find a wide range of tours at great prices and most often have free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour.
HEY, just so you know…
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