There’s no need to travel far from Bangkok to experience Thailand’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.
In fact, there are plenty of interesting places to visit right in the city and its surrounding provinces, and you can reach them easily with day tours from Bangkok!
No matter what you’re into – cultural places around Thailand, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a day trip to the beach, or even the famous Damnoen Saduak floating market, you’ll find a place that makes you happy.
There are many reasons to take a trip to Bangkok, and one of the most popular is that it’s easy to access all parts of Thailand. Here are 7 awesome day tours from Bangkok that you should include in your Thailand itinerary.
Best Day Tours from Bangkok – Overview
If you’re in a hurry and won’t go into the details, here is the best day tour in Bangkok you can take to get out of the city limits and explore the best spots around:
Top-Rated Tour
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and Train
- Best way to explore Thai culture
- Discover the famous floating market
- Stop and take photos at the Railway Market
Includes
- Transfers from Bangkok
- Boat trip at the floating market
- Train ticket to in Mae Klong and insurance
Of course, there are more, but these are the absolute best and I’m sure you’ll have an amazing time, whether you live in Bangkok or just visit for a few days.
The 10 Best Day Trips from Bangkok
Bangkok is one of the most exciting cities in Southeast Asia, and it is full of amazing things to do! But, if you want to get away from the bustling city life for a day, there are plenty of great options when it comes to day trips in Bangkok. Let’s go through the best ones!
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1. Ayutthaya Ancient City Day Tour from Bangkok
⭐ Rating: 4.6/5
✔️ Reviews: 3,000+
🕗 Duration: 8 Hours
🚐 Where to Book: GetYourGuide
Ayutthaya is a city that is rich in history, culture, and interesting ancient temples. Located just 1 hour north of Bangkok, Ayutthaya was once the capital of Siam and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The city is full of ancient ruins that are a must-see for your trip to Thailand.
Ayutthaya was founded in 1350 by King Uthong and quickly became an important center of trade and politics. The city flourished for centuries, until it was invaded by the Burmese in 1767.
The Burmese destroyed much of the city, and it was never able to recover fully. Nevertheless, Ayutthaya remains an important historical site, and a visit here is sure to leave you with a greater understanding of Thai culture and history.
When booking a tour to Ayutthaya, you will also visit the ancient Royal summer palace with your tour guide, which was used by the Royal Family during holidays or when the King of Thailand needed some inspiration before making important decisions.
All in all, when you visit Ayutthaya ancient city and its temple complex, you’ll travel back in time, and you’ll love the ride with all the landmarks and stunning monuments – Plus, the tour includes transportation from Central Bangkok; what else could you ask for?
2. Damnoen Saduak Floating Market with Railway Market
⭐ Rating: 4.6/5
✔️ Reviews: 8,000+
🕗 Duration: 7 Hours
🚐 Where to Book: GetYourGuide
Located just a short drive from Bangkok, the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is one of Thailand’s most famous floating markets. Also, Damnoen Saduak is the most popular floating market in Bangkok and easily one of the most popular spots in Southeast Asia.
It is located about 100 kilometers (62 miles) southwest of the city center in the province of Ratchaburi, and I recommend getting there with a tour guide to make your vacation much more convenient.
It is a bustling hive of activity where vendors paddle their canoes back and forth to sell all sorts of goods to locals and tourists from street food to coconut ice cream and so much food. Whether you’re looking for fresh fruits, flowers, or just to get a glimpse of the local lifestyle, you’re in for a treat here!
On top of that, you will get to Maeklong Railway Market too, where you’ll see one of the most original local markets, with the train passing by and the shops quickly removing all their goods to let it pass.
While you can get there by yourself, day trips from Bangkok are inexpensive and very convenient and I highly recommend it as soon as possible, tickets sell out fast!
3. Ayutthaya & Ayothaya Floating Market Day Trip
⭐ Rating: 4.6/5
✔️ Reviews: 3,000+
🕗 Duration: 8 Hours
🚐 Where to Book: GetYourGuide
While we already discussed a tour from Bangkok to Ayutthaya, this is another completely different experience, as it includes a stop at Ayothaya Floating Market, which is a nice way to take in Thai culture on the way.
You kick off our day early in Bangkok, hopping into a comfy, air-conditioned ride for a 2-hour trip to the ancient city of Ayutthaya. Founded in 1350, Ayutthaya is a treasure trove of Thai history and was once the proud capital of Siam, following Sukhothai.
The first stop is the Bang Pa-In Royal Palace, where Thai kings used to come for holidays, which is simply incredible and you’ll love the mix of Asian and European architecture here.
Next up, you’ll get to the lively Ayothaya Floating Market. Picture this: more than 200 stalls floating on water, selling everything you can imagine. It’s a great spot to grab some lunch and soak up the vibrant atmosphere.
After lunch, we’re off to explore some of Ayutthaya’s most iconic temples in the UNESCO-listed Ayutthaya Historical Park. You’ll visit Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, the biggest temple in the city, and then head over to Wat Mahathat to see the famous Buddha’s head entwined in the roots of a tree.
Our tour includes all the admission tickets you need so you won’t have to worry about a thing. Plus, you’ll have a knowledgeable English- and Thai-speaking guide to share all the fascinating stories behind these historic sites.
4. Pattaya and Koh Larn Island Full Day Tour
⭐ Rating: 4.2/5
✔️ Reviews: 100+
🕗 Duration: 12 Hours
🚐 Where to Book: GetYourGuide
Pattaya is a world-famous beach resort town and seaside city located on the east coast of Thailand, about 100 kilometers southeast of Bangkok.
The city has something to offer for everyone, whether you are looking for a peaceful place to relax or exciting nightlife.
Pattaya is also a great place to shop, with its many markets and malls offering a wide variety of goods, and you’ll find countless souvenirs to take back home.
On the other hand, the Thai island of Ko Larn is located off the coast of Thailand, only 45 minutes away from Pattaya. It is a popular tourist destination due to its beautiful beaches and clear waters.
Koh Larn is a great place to relax and enjoy the sun, but many activities are available for those who want to stay active.
Snorkeling, diving, and fishing are all popular pastimes. There are many different stunning beaches on Koh Larn, with the best ones being Tong Lang Beach, Tien Beach, and Tawaen Beach.
Whether you’re looking to relax, stay active, or enjoy some of Thailand’s best beaches, Koh Larn is your place. So why not plan your next day out from Bangkok?
5. Pattaya Ethical Elephant Sanctuary Day Trip
⭐ Rating: 4.8/5
✔️ Reviews: 700+
🕗 Duration: 8 Hours
🚐 Where to Book: GetYourGuide
Another one day trip from Bangkok you can’t miss is one where you’ll spend an unforgettable day at an ethical elephant sanctuary. This is your chance to get up close and personal with Thailand’s gentle giants in a way that respects their well-being and dignity.
Your adventure begins with a comfortable, air-conditioned ride from your hotel in Bangkok, taking you through the beautiful landscapes of Thailand.
Once you get to Pattaya, you’ll meet your guide and you’ll get bananas and sugar cane to feed them, and you can walk through the sanctuary, meeting free-roaming elephants in a safe and ethical environment.
Each elephant has its own story, and you’ll have the chance to touch, feed, photograph, and interact with them, learning about their lifestyles and behaviors along the way.
The highlight of the day is the mud spa and river bath. You’ll help apply a natural mud treatment to the elephants’ skin, a fun and messy experience that’s good for them, too!
Then, walk the elephants to the river for a bath, where you can swim alongside these majestic creatures, helping to bathe and brush them as they splash around.
Booking a tour with a guide is the only way to get into the elephant sanctuary, and that’s therefore the only way I suggest to get there. Plus, it’s affordable and it includes lunch and transportation, which is a massive bonus!
6. Kanchanaburi Safari Park and River Kwai Bridge Day Tour
⭐ Rating: 4.6/5
✔️ Reviews: 500+
🕗 Duration: 12 Hours
🚐 Where to Book: Klook
Another incredible yet original day tour from Bangkok is to Kanchanaburi, where you’ll have the chance to spot and play with wildlife and step back into history, all in one day.
This Kanchanaburi Safari Park and River Kwai Bridge Day tour offers an immersive experience that combines the thrill of a safari with the poignant history of World War II landmarks.
Kick off your day with a journey to our open zoo, where you can interact directly with a variety of animals. Hop on our mini-bus and venture through the large safari park, getting up close and personal with giraffes, zebras, camels, and more.
The opportunity to feed the animals at close range is something you won’t soon forget. For an even more exclusive experience, opt for our “Jeep Giraffe package” to secure a private moment with these tall beauties, perfect for capturing memorable photos.
The adventure doesn’t stop there. You’ll make your way to the iconic Death Railway and the Bridge over the River Kwai to learn about Thailand’s history with a visit to WWII landmarks.
Walk along the bridge and take a scenic train ride across the Death Railway. And once you’re done with the private tour, you’ll get to visit a few Instagram-famous cafes, so that you have amazing photos to take back home.
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast eager for wildlife encounters or a history lover willing to learn about local stories, I’m confident this tour will exceed your expectations.
7. Erawan Waterfalls and Kanchanaburi
⭐ Rating: 4.4/5
✔️ Reviews: 400+
🕗 Duration: 14 Hours
🚐 Where to Book: GetYourGuide
Erawan Waterfalls is one of the most beautiful falls in Asia. It is located in Erawan National Park and is fed by seven tiers of cascading waterfalls. The seven-tiered falls are said to resemble the Erawan, the three-headed white elephant in Hindu mythology.
The waterfall itself is stunning, with massive drops and where you can even swim at the base of it. The waterfalls are arranged in a tiered formation, which means that visitors can walk behind them and enjoy the cool mist as they admire their beauty.
Apart from that, you’ll also visit Kanchanaburi, a town in central Thailand. It’s the capital of Kanchanaburi Province and sits on the River Kwai, around 123 kilometers northwest of Bangkok.
The town is well known for its historical sites and beautiful scenery, particularly the surrounding mountains and waterfalls. It’s a popular tourist destination for exciting activities like the Elephant World and the Prasat Muang Singh.
8. Khao Yai National Park
⭐ Rating: 4.2/5
✔️ Reviews: 200+
🕗 Duration: 11 Hours
🚐 Where to Book: GetYourGuide
Khao Yai National Park is a vast forest located in central Thailand just north of the country’s capital, Bangkok. It is one of the oldest and largest national parks in Thailand and covers an area of more than 2,000 square kilometers.
The park has countless plants and animals, such as elephants, tigers, leopards, monkeys, and even deer.
There are a number of attractions in the park that you can explore. A popular one is Khao Yai Waterfall, which is located deep within the heart of the jungle. The waterfall is surrounded by dense green forest with cascading waterfalls running down its sides.
Two other stunning waterfalls you’ll see are Haew Narok Waterfall and Haew Suwat Waterfall, and I can guarantee that those are some of the best spots you’ll visit in this part of Thailand.
All things considered, Khao Yai National Park is one of the best places you can visit in Thailand and you won’t regret coming here for a second!
9. Lopburi Monkey Temple & Ayutthaya Old City Tour
⭐ Rating: 5/5
✔️ Reviews: 70+
🕗 Duration: 10 Hours
🚐 Where to Book: Viator
This one-day trip from Bangkok takes you to the ancient cities of Ayutthaya and Lopburi, offering a unique glimpse into Thailand’s glorious past and lively present while seeing one of the most famous places in Thailand for monkeys.
Ayutthaya, once the thriving capital of Siam, showcases remarkable ruins and temples, reflecting its 400-year reign. Explore the remnants of the kingdom, understanding its significance in shaping modern Thailand.
After visiting around and exploring the ruins, head to Lopburi, an ancient city with a twist – its famous monkey-temple, where they roam freely among stunning Khmer-era monuments.
Your tour includes stops at significant temple sites, a delightful lunch by the river, and the chance to interact with the monkeys in Lopburi. With hotel pickup and drop-off from select areas, an air-conditioned vehicle, a licensed English-speaking guide, and bottled water included, you’re in for a treat.
10. Samae San Island Snorkeling & Kayak Private Tour
⭐ Rating: 4.7/5
✔️ Reviews: 20+
🕗 Duration: 9 Hours
🚐 Where to Book: Klook
Last but not least for these Bangkok day trips is one to Samae San Island to go snorkeling and kayaking in a stunning island away from the chaos of Bangkok.
You’ll get picked up by your guide in Bangkok and make your way to the pier in Pattaya where you’ll take a boat to Samae San Island.
Once aboard the boat, prepare to be captivated by the island’s gorgeous landscapes and get ready for your snorkeling session.
For those who prefer to stay dry, you can take a kayaking trip to explore the island’s nooks or opt for a glass-bottom boat tour, offering a window into the aquatic world below.
The tour guarantees your utmost comfort with convenient transfer services directly from your hotel Bangkok. You’ll enjoy the ease of direct hotel pick-up and drop-off, making your excursion seamless from start to finish.
What to say, it’s simply one of the best Bangkok day trips money can buy!
Best Day Trips from Bangkok – FAQ
Now that you know the best tours from Bangkok, let’s discuss some more details that you should know when coming.
Best Months to Travel to Bangkok
The ideal months to visit Bangkok are the ones between November and March. These are the most pleasant months to travel and it won’t be as hot as April or May. That being said, it’s also when Bangkok has more crowds and, therefore, hotel prices may be higher than average.
How Long to Stay in Bangkok?
You should stay in Bangkok for at least 3 full days to get a good feel for the city. If you’re pressed for time, at least give yourself 2 full days to discover the temples, take a boat tour, and wander around the amazing shopping malls.
If you’re staying in Bangkok for less than 3 days, you’ll still be able to see some of the city’s highlights. However, you won’t have enough time even to scratch the surface.
What is the Nearest Beach to Bangkok?
Ban Krut, on the mainland, is close to Bang Saen, is the closest beach to Bangkok and is a popular swimming destination for Thais. For people looking for some peace and quiet, Ban Krut on the mainland provides an excellent option. Hua Hin and Cha-am can’t be beaten for easy access, nice small-town atmosphere, and good resorts.
Should You Book a Day Trip or Travel Alone?
There are pros and cons to both booking a tour and traveling by yourself. But when it comes to traveling around Thailand, especially for the first time, I recommend booking a tour.
Your day will be planned out for you in advance if you book a tour, making everything easier. Of course, you won’t see the local side of local culture, but this will take a lot of the stress and guesswork out of travel.
Also, Thailand is one of the most budget-friendly places in Asia, and booking a guided tour is affordable, so make sure to book now to secure your spot.
Conclusion
Bangkok is a bustling metropolis and full of interesting things to see and do, but it’s also easy to get lost in the crowd. To make the most of your time in the city, consider taking one or more of these day trips.
From going to Ayutthaya to the hidden gem Nakhon Pathom to the stunning beaches of Koh Larn and even the Damnoen Saduak floating market, you’re in for a treat with these trips to add to your Bangkok itinerary. Enjoy!
