Are you looking to escape the capital, if only for a few days? Luckily for you, there is many places just a stone’s throw away from Bangkok that have plenty of things to see and do to keep visitors busy throughout the entirety of a weekend. Here, the best weekend trips from Bangkok that you should take.
The best weekend trips from Bangkok?
Koh Samet
Found off the Rayong province in the Gulf of Thailand is the island of Koh Samet. The dreamy, tropical destination was first discovered by tourists in the early 1970s, and it has remained a popular destination ever since. The island was declared a national park in 1981. Koh Samet is rather pristine in comparison to other islands around the country because of this.
The island accommodates all types of travellers, as it is equipped with both luxurious and affordable accommodation, restaurants, and excursions for visitors to enjoy. Those in need of some R & R can opt to get a message for ฿150 (about $4.70). Those travellers who have a need for speed may instead take to the Gulf via jet ski. Whatever it is visitors are wanting to do, the island of Koh Samet is sure to please.
One of the best beaches in which to visit is Hat Sai Kaew, known as Diamond Sand Beach. As its name suggests, it is one of the most pristine stretches of sand on Koh Samet. You can check out the stunning viewpoints at Ao Toei National Park or have few drinks at Ploy Bar before departing the island, as well.
How do I get there?
- Koh Samet can be reached by bus or minibus from the Eastern Bus Terminal at the Ekkamai BTS Skytrain station.
- A ferry to the island is ฿100 (about $3). There is a ฿200 (about $6.30) entrance fee onto the island because it is a national park.
- It is about three hours from Bangkok.
The best weekend trips from Bangkok?
Koh Chang
Located some 250 kilometres from Bangkok is the island of Koh Chang. It is the second largest island in Thailand. This tropical island is adorned with the thick jungle that is home to many wild animals. Because of this, much of Koh Chang is dubbed as a national park (the Chang Islands National Park). It was declared such on December 31, 1982.
In addition to the greenery, Koh Chang is one of Thailand’s best islands for scuba diving. One of the most epic sites is the HTMS Chang, a sunken ship providing divers with the perfect place to explore under the sea. The Khlong Plu Waterfall is another natural wonder that is especially beautiful during the monsoon season. Visitors can spend the entirety of an afternoon lounging in the cool water that pools at the end of the falls. Visitors can also kick-start an evening by enjoying the sunset at Kai Bae viewpoint.
How do I get there?
- Koh Chang can be reached by visiting the Eastern Bus Terminal at the Ekkamai BTS Skytrain station.
- A one-way ticket is only ฿380 (about $11.90). This includes the price of the ferry to the island from the mainland.
- It is about five hours from Bangkok.
The best weekend trips from Bangkok?
Khao Yai
A distinct change of pace from the hustle and bustle of Bangkok is the city of Khao Yai. It is a unique hodgepodge of European-style attractions, international restaurants, and is home to the mecca of all national parks.
Khao Yai National Park became the first ever national park on September 18, 1962. The Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex, a section of the park, is even protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Khao Yai provides both Bankokians and tourists in the capital with the perfect escape from the city.
The national park spans some 2,168 square kilometres in size. It is home to an abundance of rare species that visitors are bound to come across whilst exploring it. Visitors will find everything from emerald green meadows to towering waterfalls in the national park, with a few macaque monkeys in between, as well. It is here that visitors will also get the chance to see an elephant, Thailand’s national animal.
How do I get there?
- Khao Yai can be reached by taking a minibus or bus to Pak Chong from the Southern Bus Terminal at the Mochit BTS Skytrain station.
- Entrance into the national park is ฿400 (about $12.50) for adults and ฿200 (about $6.30) for kids.
- It is about three hours from Bangkok.
The best weekend trips from Bangkok?
Ayutthaya
Prepare for some peace and quiet and a whole lot of ruins in Ayutthaya. This historic city is home to many of temples that have been restored as best they can after the city was sacked by the Burmese in 1767. Most of the city was destroyed, but there are still some 50 or so temples (or relics of them) that remain in the city today. The temples that used to stand here took about 150 years to complete, and those that remain were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991.
Many reflect both Siamese and Khmer-style designs. Though much of the city was destroyed in a fire, it was eventually rebuilt and is one of the top destinations for travellers to Thailand. In addition to exploring the temples found throughout the city and in the Ayutthaya Historical Park, there are many of things to see and do in the city that do not involve temple hopping. There are also many quaint eateries and tasty street vendors worth frequenting, museums, boat rides, and more.
How do I get there?
- Ayutthaya can be reached by taking a minibus or bus from the Southern Bus Terminal at the Mochit BTS Skytrain station.
- The price is ฿60 (about $1.90) per ticket.
- It is about an hour from Bangkok.
Find out more about Ayutthaya in the amazing video below!
The best weekend trips from Bangkok?
Hua Hin
Hua Hin is a quaint, westernized town situated on the Gulf of Thailand. Though it remains a top tourist destination, many of locals vacation here as well because the late King made this city his number one holiday destination in the 1920s. It is the perfect destination for those wanting to leave the rigours of the capital behind and instead soak in the sun on the beach.
This city has it all, from temples to water sports to rejuvenating retreats. Those with baht to blow may opt to stay in one of the many five-star resorts found along the sandy shores. Backpackers will also find that there is no shortage of budget-friendly accommodations options. The Phraya Nakhon cave that houses the famous Kuha Karuhas pavilion is also found in Hua Hin as well as a pristine winery that many visitors include on their itineraries when visiting this popular destination.
How do I get there?
- Hua Hin can be reached by taking a minibus or bus from the Southern Bus Terminal at the Mochit BTS Skytrain station or the Eastern Bus Terminal at the Ekkamai BTS Skytrain station.
- The price is ฿160 (about $5) per ticket.
- It is about three hours from Bangkok.
The best weekend trips from Bangkok?
Kanchanaburi
Located in Western Thailand is the historical city of Kanchanaburi. It is but a few hours’ drive from the capital, and you will find that there are plenty of things to see and do here. Those of you who are nature-lovers may want to venture to the stunning Erawan National Park. The national park was the second one to ever be established in the country. Its biggest claim to fame is the seven-tiered waterfall found here. Each one ends in a crystal-clear, emerald swimming pool and is perfect for visitors to swim and lounge in.
The city is also sprinkled with many of historic finds. Kanchanaburi was one of the cities in which the Japanese occupied during WWII. Asian labourers and POWs were taken here to construct a railway from Thailand to Myanmar. The railway was commonly known as the Death Railway. It is portrayed in movies like The Railway Man starring Nicole Kidman and Colin Firth. Though the construction has long been halted, you will still find the reconstructed bridge over the River Kwai here, the JEATH War Museum, the Hellfire Pass Memorial, and many more attractions honouring those who lost their lives during the construction throughout the city.
How do I get there?
- Kanchanaburi can be reached by taking a minibus or bus from the Southern Bus Terminal at the Mochit BTS Skytrain station.
- The price is ฿150 (about $4.70) per ticket.
- It is about three hours from Bangkok.
The best weekend trips from Bangkok?
Pattaya
Though Pattaya may seem like a cesspool of sorts, there are plenty of things to see and do in this beachside city. The city is home to one of the largest floating markets in the world. It is also equipped with uncrowded beaches (if you know where to look), tasty seafood options, a handful of stunning temples, and much more. Of course, no visit to Pattaya would be complete without drunkenly meandering down Walking Street. This infamous stretch of road captivates all visitors in Pattaya with its myriad of bars, pubs, clubs, and females beckoning all those who pass with the promise of drink specials and more. Pattaya is also equipped with a handful of great diving spots, as well.
How do I get there?
- You can take a bus or minibus from the Eastern Bus Terminal at the Ekkamai BTS Skytrain station.
- The price is ฿100 (about $3.10) per ticket.
- It is a little over two hours from Bangkok.
Want to know more about taking the most bomb weekend trips from Bangkok?
Did this article get you excited about venturing out of the capital? Are you looking to spend a Saturday and Sunday in a neighbouring city? We went ahead and compiled even more helpful articles for you. We only recommend websites we read and love, as well. Enjoy!
- The Best Weekend Getaways from Bangkok by Kyle Hulme for Culture Trip
- The 9 Best Places to Visit Outside Bangkok by Greg Rodgers for tripsavvy
- 6 Easy Weekend Escapes from Bangkok by Ray Montgomery for HotelQuickly
- 6 Fun Weekend Day Trips From Bangkok – Including Khao Yai, Ayutthaya, Hua Hin, Kanchanaburi And More by Dawn Pillay for TripCanvas
- 4 awesome last-minute getaways from Bangkok by Monruedee Jansuttipan for BK Magazine
Pin Now, Read Later:
