Although Thailand&rsquo;s capital city is a great place to absorb the culture of the country, there are several destinations just beyond Bangkok&rsquo;s periphery which will widen your horizons and give you a true taste of Thai life. From beautiful beaches and crazy nightlife, to ancient architectural ruins, thickly canopied forests housing endangered species, and wine-tasting tours on a sprawling vineyard&mdash;there&rsquo;s something here for everyone for Bangkok day trips. So, take your pick among the weekend getaways from Bangkok.
At the base of Northern Thailand lies the cosmopolitan asylum known as Chiang Mai. Blessed with a slow pace of life, Chiang Mai is a picture-perfect haven for tourists, travellers, adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers. And because Chiang Mai is a historic city, it is obvious for centuries&rsquo; old temples and monasteries to co-exist alongside swanky hotels and new-age shopping hubs. The presence of misty mountains and kaleidoscopic hill tribes add to the vibrancy of this city.
Noteworthy for: Chiang Mai's famous elephant camps operate with varying degrees of animal care. The Elephant Adventure Park (Mae Tang) is a good sustainable tourism option.
Thailand’s third largest but most popular national Park, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Khao Yai lies just three hours north of Bangkok, and is home to several endangered species of animals.
One of the go-to jaunts of the royal clan of Thailand, Hua Hin has made it to our list for its accessible nature. The snob club, the royals and the locals prefer visiting Hua Hin for its beaches, water sports, shopping experiences, nightlife and the food. The existence of accommodation options to suit every wallet is a bonus point which works in promoting tourism in this city.
Known as a tropical paradise, Koh Samet, named after the ever-present Samet trees on the island, is located just a three hour drive away from Bangkok. From being a backpackers’ refuge to its recent makeover for welcoming travellers with more refined tastes and budget, Koh Samet has come a long way. The nightlife is happening on this island; so make sure you have your reservations done in advance to party the night away.
Hands down the joy one gets by getting around Khao Yai National Park, located just 3 hours north of Bangkok. The park covers large acres of land and range from Alice in Wonderland kinda hedges and mountain slopes, intense valleys, lush foliage, natural waterfalls to meticulous fields of trees. The park is home to a number of lovely guest houses, hotels and resorts to accommodate tourists. Khao Yai National Park is home to the sprawling vineyards in the vicinity of the park that supply wine to some of the best labels around the world. Did we mention that this UNESCO World Heritage site is the place you have seen in Leonardo Di Caprio starrer The Beach?
Wandering in this former Thai capital isn’t enough. Once a centre of international trade and an object of admiration of European traders, Ayutthya’s rich grandeur was destroyed by the Burmese in 1767. Till date, however, its several temples and Ayutthaya National Park are one of the most visited sites by travellers coming from different regions of the globe. Also, within the city, the Ayodha Floating Market is an incredible place to be explored. The Million Toys Museum, the Boat Museum and the Royal Folk Art and Crafts Centre are a spectacle from inside-out. Reach here from Bangkok’s Hualamphong train station, and you are sure to enjoy the hour and half ride beholding beautiful countryside views on the way.
Kanchanaburi has all the place to serve as the perfect backdrop for an epic selfie: the bridge built over the river Kwai, the tiger temple and the Khmer temple ruins. Plus, the bamboo rafting experience on the river Khwai is one to be treasured. Death Railway to Burma (now Myanmar) and several museums related to the World War II are also present in this city. Of course, the riverside restaurants and jovial vibes inspire many backpackers and city-dwellers to take refuge on the banks of Kwai for a respite. With its accessible waterfalls and national parks, this Thai province has gained popularity over a period of years among the locals and foreign tourists.
So, which of the above places are you going to hit? Share your views with us.