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To explore a little more about Thailand’s history, culture, and tradition – you may want to take a little road trip outside the bustling Bangkok urban area. Hire a driver or join a local tour, you may experience something special and learn more about Thailand in just a day.
As a first-time visitor, you’re in for a treat with an array of captivating day trips that showcase the best this vibrant metropolis has to offer. The following are the most popular and visited day trips around Bangkok, each one offering a rich tapestry of experiences that will leave you enchanted and eager for more.
Journey through time: a day trip to Ayutthaya
Located 80 kilometers north of Bangkok, Ayutthaya is a popular day trip location given its status as the old capital of the Siam Kingdom. The history of Ayutthaya and Angkor are intertwined in the 14th century as the two capital cities represented the once the greatest Southeast Asian Empires at that time: Khmer and Siam.
The full name of Ayutthaya is “Phra Nakhon Sri Ayutthaya, meaning “the greatest city” and “invincible”. The Kingdom lasted 417 years – It was the greatest and strongest time of the Kingdom.
The Ayutthaya Kingdom was formed in the 14th century based in the Valley of Chao Phraya River. The kingdom’s hegemony began as the country conquered northern kingdoms and city-states like Sukhothai, Phitsanulok, and so on. The kingdom fell as they were defeated by the Burmese army in 1767, and most of the architecture, temples, and important sites were destroyed and burned.
Today the Ayutthaya Historical Park is a ghostly city of striking ruins and entangled wats, temples, and reliquary towers.
The rise and fall of Ayutthaya
Conflicts arose between the Ayutthaya and Khmer in the 15th century and the collapse of the Khmer Empire was deeply connected with the great Thai migration.
At that time, the Thai Kingdom, or Siam, was under pressure from the north when the Mongols conquered China (later almost half of Eurasia), and the migration toward the south intensified.
As the Ayutthaya continued to grow, they began to attack and annex imperial territories. First, the Khmer fell under Ayutthayan suzerainty. Then, the Khmer rebelled against the Siamese authority, abandoned Angkor, and migrated south to another city Longvek. Today, the name of “Siem Reap” means “Siamese Defeated”, which is quite ironic as the Thai ultimately controlled Siem Reap and Angkor until the 19th century, before the French took over, and discovered the magnificent capital in the past.
The Ayutthaya Kingdom hence became the new great power. The city was a major trading hub in the region and one of the most populated cities in the world at that time. However, the kingdom came under repeated attacks by the Burmese in the mid-16th century.
The Burmese-Siamese War finally ended in 1767 with the Burmese invaded Ayutthaya and ransacked the city. Ayutthaya was burnt down and the Buddha statues were beheaded. Again in the 19th century, the Burmese were defeated by the British Empire army and became part of British India. Birth… Rise… and finally, collapse. See how history (interestingly) keeps looping itself?
How to get to Ayutthaya?
A “hassle-free” way to visit and explore Ayutthaya is by joining a local tour. The site is about 2 hours away by coach and many tours offer a scenic river ride back to the city along the Chao Phraya River.
For a self-plan journey, take a train from the Hua Lamphong Train Station, which departs thirty times a day to Bangkok and it takes about two hours.
The train stops at Bang-Pa-In, where the Bang Pa-In Palace and Wat Niwet Thamprawat are located. (Most local tours usually cover these two locations as well). However, this option is much cheaper as the train offers seats in different classes and the train ticket costs between 15 and 345 Baht.
If you want to take a minibus, hop on the minibus at Mo Chit 2 Bus Terminal and they depart whenever it’s full. It costs 60 Baht and it’s a great option for light travelers. For family travelers, consider hiring a driver and travel to the historical park with comfort. Anyway, it is suggested to head to the historic park early in the morning and return to the city in the evening.
Biking in Ayutthaya
Hop on a bike and explore the park at your own pace. The rental fee is about 50 Baht, and a scooter is about 25 Baht for a day.
Choose a bike with a light and helmet. Travelers need to have an international driving license. It is easy to navigate in the city because the roads have dedicated bike lanes. Stay hydrated and prepare sunblock for your trip.
Ayutthaya or Sukhothai?
There were many questions about the differences between visiting Sukhothai and Ayutthaya. Which one to go? And which one is better? While it depends on different travelers’ plans and preferences. Both are ancient capitals of the Siam Kingdom with great historical value, and I would say both are worth visiting as they have their unique stories and landmarks.
If you are in Bangkok, Ayutthaya is much closer and it’s obviously easier to get to. It would be a better choice for a day trip for a limited time.
Ayutthaya was the biggest capital city of the Siam Kingdom which has a major historic significance. The ruins could still offer a glimpse of the grandeur that the city once possessed.
Having said that, travelers should expect a larger crowd and busier traffic in the Ayutthaya Historical Park.
In contrast, Sukhothai is located in northern Thailand, a 4-hour drive from either Ayutthaya or Chiang Mai. Sukhothai is an older site (for being the first capital of the Siam Kingdom) that is closer to the scale of Angkor.
If you want to compare, the heritage site of Sukhothai is better preserved with sites scattered in a few places around the city – it takes at least 2 to 3 days for Sukhothai to complete the sites in the area. The upside of taking this time is that visitors could enjoy the serenity and spirituality of the heritage.
All sites in the historical park were built under the rule of 35 kings from 7 dynasties.
Bang Pa-In Palace
We visited the Bang Pa-In Palace first. The palace was built in 1632 during the time of King Prasat Thong. It was abandoned in the 18th century and was renovated later in the 19th century.
Most of the features we see now were done between 1872 and 1889. It is a well-preserved summer palace of King Rama IV.
Today, the palace still functions as a summer residence, state occasions, and an event venue for important guests. The palace is about 20 kilometers away from Ayutthaya and is the largest palace on the outskirts of Bangkok in terms of its scale. It has about 30 “checkpoints” in its 15 hectares of the area from the outer palace to the inner palace, featuring architecture that combines the styles of Chinese, European, and Thai.
Phra Thinang Wehart Chamrun is a temple built by the Chinese Chamber of Commerce for the King, featuring valuable decor and antiques.
The Temples
There are several temples in the park and Wat Yai Chaimongkhon was built in 1357 by King U-Thong.
It was named Wat Pa Kaew and the head monk was named the Somdej Phra Vanarat during the rule of Ayutthaya. The monk was deeply respected by the people and acted as an advisor to the Royal family.
King Naresuan the Great successfully defended the kingdom against the Burmese in 1592, and the site was renamed Phra Chedi Chaimongkhon, meaning “victory”. Featuring a Sri Lankan-style pagoda, the temple was built with over 28,000 tons of bricks with a giant reclining Buddha in the Northeastern area. Many of the Buddhist statues were destroyed after the invasion of the Burmese. Visitors can take a walk to the top of the pagoda and have a view of the park from above.
Afterward, we moved on to Wat Maha That and Wat Chaiwatthanaram. These are the classic temple ruins of Ayutthaya (After the sites were ransacked and almost completely destroyed). They were the religious and cultural center of Ayutthaya and it was believed to have been built in 1374 during the rule of King Boroma Rachathirat I.
There were other theories claiming that the temples were built ten years later by King Ramesuan, after their defeat of Chiangmai. Here, the temple design referenced the Khmer architectural style with a hint of the structure of Hindu temples. The foundation size and the remaining towers manifested significance during its time.
The temple was destroyed during the invasion of Burmese and the main pagoda collapsed in the early 20th century, restored by the Thailand government, and named a UNESCO Heritage. One of the most recognized attractions would be Buddha’s head entwined in a Bodhi tree root.
Wat Ratcha Burana was built in 1424 by King Boroma Rachathirat II and was dedicated to Chao Ai Phraya, and Chao Yee Phraya, the two older brothers who were killed during the fight of Kingship. It was the site where they were incinerated with their father King. The pagoda is open to tourists and its staircase in the middle featured Chinese-style Buddhist frescoes. Most of the items discovered in the temples are now on display at Chao Sam Phraya National Museum.
Wat Phra Si Sanphet was the original site of the palace and the palace moved to the north in 1448.
It was then transformed into a temple with three gold-coated pagodas, storing the ashes of King Roroma Trilokanat, King Boroma Rachatirat III, and King Ramathibodi II.
The temple featured a giant Buddhist statue Phra Si Sanphet. The statue sits at a height of 16 meters on an 8-meter tall foundation, coated with 343 kilograms of gold. It was named the largest and the best Buddhist statue at that time. It gained importance and became the venue of important national ceremonies. After the Burmese invasion, the valuable items were robbed and many statues were to be restored and transferred to Wat Pho‘s Phra Chedi Sri Sanphetdayan in Bangkok.
Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit features the largest bronze Buddhist statue built between 1448 and 1602. Another important site is Wat Lokaya Sutha. The Temple is where the largest reclining Buddha of Ayutthaya is located, which is 8m high and 42m long. The time of the building of this temple is unknown. Now the temple is a ruin with only the Buddha remaining with the foundation of the temple and a few walls.
Chao Sam Phraya National Museum
The museum is divided into three sections. The largest exhibition hall displays many archeological items from the historic park, including a bronze Buddhist head from the time of King U-Thong.
There are two special exhibition rooms on the second floor, with a collection of jewelry, statues, woodwork, and copperware from Wat Maha That and Wat Rathcha Burana.
The last exhibition room showcases handicrafts and tools found between the 6th and 19th centuries in Ayutthaya.
If you wish to stay in the city, check out the Ayutthaya Night Market, and some cafes or restaurants like the Busaba Cafe, Malakor Kitchen and Cafe, Hall and Ham Chicken Rice, and De Riva Ayothaya by the river. For our day trip, we headed back to Bangkok on a cruise down the Chao Phraya River, where visitors could see the boathouses, the roof of the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, and more!
The vibrant floating market: Damnoen Saduak
For first-timers, there is no way for you to visit Bangkok without visiting a market. Delicious street food, local handicrafts, and souvenirs are everywhere in the streets and alleys.
Floating markets in Bangkok are a vibrant testament to the city’s rich history and cultural heritage. Dating back to the 19th century, these markets emerged as crucial hubs of commerce and social interaction when waterways were the primary means of transport.
Nestled along the city’s intricate canal networks, vendors in wooden boats would sell fresh produce, handmade goods, and traditional delicacies directly from their vessels, creating a dynamic and colorful marketplace on the water.
Today, visiting these floating markets offers tourists a unique and immersive experience, blending the charm of a bygone era with the lively atmosphere of contemporary Thai culture. The markets’ picturesque scenes, aromatic foods, and bustling activity provide a sensory feast that captivates and delights visitors. To be honest, the floating market is now a tourist attraction yet it is something special that is worth preserving.
Hire a driver or join a local tour to have a taste of this unique tradition from Bangkok and many of them are just an hour or two from Bangkok:
Amphawa: The market is only 50km away from the city center of Bangkok, making it a great afternoon getaway. The market also features some boutiques and shops onshore with handmade products, T-shirts, and more. The fresh freshwater prawns and grilled fish in stores on the bank are worth a try as well!
Damnoen Saduak: It is currently the most famous of its kind in Thailand – Damnoen Saduak Floating Market offers a captivating glimpse into the country’s traditional way of life.
Located about 100 kilometers southwest of Bangkok, this bustling market is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere, where vendors paddle their wooden boats laden with fresh produce, souvenirs, and delectable street food through narrow canals.
To plan a day trip from Bangkok, an early start is essential to beat the crowds and enjoy the market at its most lively. Damnoen Saduak is also known for its colorful boats, the variety of Thai delicacies available, and the chance to experience a piece of living history.
Don’t forget to take a walk on the bridge – this is the best spot for taking photographs, and viewing the market in action. To “get in”, hire a private long-tail boat for a more personalized tour, haggle with vendors for the best prices, and explore nearby attractions such as the quaint villages and orchid farms to make the most of your trip.
Taling Chan & Khlong Lat Mayom: These are the smaller floating markets in the same area that are closer to the city of Bangkok. Actually, it’s very close to a new local market “Chang Chui” and it’s possible to hit three birds with one stone.
Stepping onto the tracks: Maeklong Railway Market
Maeklong is frequently featured in travel magazines and social media these days – the Railway Market is located just outside Bangkok. This market has earned its fame for its unique location right along an active railway track.
The market’s popularity stems from its extraordinary setup: vendors’ stalls line the railway tracks, and when the train approaches, they swiftly retract their awnings and goods to make way for the passing locomotive, only to resume their positions moments later. It’s a mesmerizing sight that draws visitors from around the globe.
The market has been set up since 1905 – it was later the officials decided to build a train track in the middle of the market in order to better deliver the local well to the rest of Thailand, the market remained despite the new track being built. Beyond the railway spectacle, Maeklong offers a bustling market experience where you can find a wide array of fresh produce, seafood, snacks, and souvenirs.
Today the train runs 4 times a day (8 times in and out).
While the train schedules may change and not as punctual, once you see the store owners (who are notified by the train officers) closing their tents and hiding their products, you know it’s time to get ready for the “railway market” moment.
An officer will walk in front of the train to make sure the path is cleared for the train to pass through, and you may find the train may actually run on top of baskets of limes and such.
The train finally stops at the Mae Klong Station before it heads out once again – If you have time, consider taking the train and seeing the market from a different perspective. The train takes about an hour to reach Ban Laem station, and from there you may head back to Bangkok changing to other trains.
To reach Maeklong, travelers have several options: a private car, a taxi ride, a guided tour, or taking the train from Bangkok’s Wongwian Yai Station.
To beat the crowd, arrive early to witness the train’s arrival. Explore the surrounding alleys for hidden gems, and try local delicacies like seafood noodles and coconut desserts.
Maeklong Railway Market isn’t just a place to shop – it’s an immersive cultural experience that’s sure to leave a lasting impression.
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