6 Popular Day Trips From Bangkok by Public Transportation
6 Bangkok Day Trips You Can Reach by Public Transportation
Known as the Land of Smiles, Thailand is a top wish list destination for most avid travelers. The city of Bangkok, (capital of Thailand), has become a magnet for adventurous international travelers attracting over 20 million visitors a year. Travelers are attracted by budget-friendly living expenses as well as the abundance of cultural experiences, nightlife, shopping, excellent cuisine, and non-stop activities.
After spending several days in Bangkok, it’s time to go exploring the surrounding area and the top attractions that can be conveniently explored by using affordable public transportation. Thanks to the website, BookaWay, you can easily find the best transportation options (boat, bus, train, taxi, or tour) for planning trips to and from major cities and attractions across the globe. Below we’ll share the most convenient ways to visit 6 popular day trips from Bangkok.
Ayutthaya – Ancient Capital of Siam
Ayutthaya was once one of the most powerful cities in the world. Today it is known for its many fascinating ancient palaces and temples. The city boasts over 100 ruins that can be explored including the ancient palaces of Wat Mahathat, Wat Lokayasutharam, and Wat Na Phra Mane. A standard shared mini-van ride will cost you just $5 and the journey will take approx 2 hours from Bangkok. This is a site that every traveler to Thailand should see.
Kanchanaburi – Bridge On The River Kwai
Most people come to Kanchanaburi to see for themselves the site of the filming of the famous movie, Bridge on the River Kwai, and to visit the World War II War Museum. The area however has much to offer. Visitors also travel here is see the stunning golden Tiger Cave Temple. Don’t miss the chance to go bamboo rafting on the Kwai River, visit Khmer temple ruins or shop in Gemstone Village. A ticket on a shared mini-van 3-hour ride will cost $5-6.
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
Located about 1.5 hours west of Bangkok are the famous floating markets that should not be missed. Board a traditional longtail boat and float along winding canals that are lined with wooden stilt homes and floating market stalls selling everything from colorful fruit and vegetables to fresh seafood, snacks, and souvenirs. You can also experience the Maeklong Railway Market with stalls set up right the railway tracks. A day tour runs $18 per person.
Khao Yai National Park
To experience the natural beauty of Thailand, take the 3-hour journey to visit the country’s oldest national park, Khao Yai National Park. Here you can go on one of many hikes and biking trails through grasslands, forests, and lakes. You may even encounter some of the local wildlife and animal sanctuaries. This park is famous for the Haew Suwat Waterfall made famous in the movie “The Beach” starring Leonardo di Caprio. Shared mini-van tickets are approx $12 per person.
Hua Hin – Beach Relaxation
After all your touring you are probably ready for some well-deserved relaxation at a beautiful beach. Thailand is known for its gorgeous beaches and enchanting islands. Hua Hin is the choice of many discerning travelers as it is located just 3 hours from Bangkok and is less crowded than many of the other beach communities. What started as a small quaint fishing village, is now a beach town known for its natural beauty and long stretches of uncrowded beaches. It has become so popular that in 2020 the royal family of Thailand chose this location for their beach holidays. Close by you will find a lovely vineyard, the Phraya Nakhon Cave, and one of the largest waterfalls in Thailand, PaLa U. Hua Hin is also a great base for visiting the other popular islands of Koh Samui and Koh Phangan as they can be reached by ferry from here. Hua Hin can be reached by standard shared minivan for $12.
Chiang Mai – Thousand Floating Lights Festival
Although Chiang Mai is much further away (10.5 hour ride), it has become a haven for digital nomads and their cafe lifestyle. The vibrant city is known for attracting backpackers, yoga enthusiasts, and adventurous travelers to experience their ancient temples and elephant sanctuaries, and abundant nightlife. Pai is nearby with its hippie village, temples, and appealing mountain towns.
Visit in November to see the world-famous floating lantern festival that takes place over 3 days at the rising of the 12th lunar moon. Thousands gather with paper lanterns, flowers, candles, and incense to create a festival like no other. Candle-lit paper lanterns are literally everywhere, whether floating in the Ping river, decorating homes, hanging in trees, and illuminating the night sky as they rise up into the starry night. It is a luminary site you not soon forget.
Transportation options range from budget airline flights at $35 to buses, trains, or minivan travel, all reasonably priced. If traveling overland, many visitors opt to take the last ride out in order to sleep overnight and arrive in Chiang Mai after sunrise the next day.
No matter where you want to travel in Thailand, turn to BookaWay to find your ideal mode of transportation.
