The klongs, Khaosan, and Wat Pho hold no secrets for you anymore? You think you’ve explored Bangkok inside and out? Hop into my imaginary tuk-tuk: we’re escaping beyond the city of angels to discover 9 must-see destinations including Ayutthaya, the ancient royal capital, colorful floating markets, the Erawan waterfalls, the spectacular Mae Klong railway market, and the beach of Bang Saen. The trip is a gift, senses heightened, and a little tip before you go: a travel insurance is highly recommended in Thailand (care can sometimes be expensive) — we even found a -5% discount with Heymondo for a worry-free journey.
Have you already wandered through the klongs, strolled along Khaosan, and meditated at Wat Pho? Get in my literary tuktuk! Heading beyond “the city of angels” to explore 9 easy escapes from Bangkok: royal ruins, summer palaces by the Chao Phraya, floating and railway markets, emerald waterfalls, peaceful canals, giant pagodas, fishing ports, and urban beaches. A crucial note before starting: travel insurance is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED in Thailand. Care can be limited or costly; we negotiated -5% with Heymondo for a worry-free trip. Learn more.
Discovering the surroundings of Bangkok: 9 must-see destinations to explore
Surrounding Bangkok, miniature worlds unfold within two hours: ancient capitals entwined with vines, floating markets buzzing in boats, tracks emptying at the sound of a train, jade-colored waterfalls, and countryside dotted with klongs. For inspiration that buzzes before you leave, take a look at travel trends on TikTok and Instagram, feel-good reflections on happiness in travel, the grand maneuvers of Asian luxury travelers, news from the airlines favored by vacationers, and French summer trends.
Ready? Fasten your imaginary tuktuk seatbelt, we’re starting.
Walking through the ancient city of Ayutthaya
Less than two hours by train, the ancient capital Ayutthaya unfolds its brick stupas and temples ravaged by history. Classified as a World Heritage site, the historic park offers you an open-air Buddhist odyssey: stone lions, lofty prangs, and surviving frescoes.
The highlight? The famous Buddha head cradled by the roots of a tree, which a legend says was “captured” during the Burmese sack in 1767. Rent a bike or a local tuk-tuk to zigzag among the ruins in the cool, and let the setting sun ignite the bricks in an incandescent red.
Going back in time at Bang Pa-In Palace
By the Chao Phraya, the former summer palace of Bang Pa-In welcomes you in a setting of ponds, pavilions, and impeccably manicured gardens. You can stroll through walkways and gazebos, in a royal and refreshing atmosphere.
With Siamese, Chinese, and European influences, the walk tells the tales of the sovereigns’ retreats. Remember to wear an outfit covering your shoulders and knees: elegance is required for this historical interlude.
Awakening the taste buds at Taling Chan Floating Market
Among the fifteen floating markets around the capital, the Taling Chan Floating Market remains one of the most authentic. Cooking boats sizzle seafood and fragrant noodles, while the stalls overflow with exotic fruits, fresh herbs, and coconut sweets.
Settle on a walkway for a “toes in the water” lunch, then treat yourself to a Thai massage in the shade of a tree. Simple, local, delicious: Bangkok as we love it, without any fuss or glitter.
Finding a dessert at Mae Klong Railway Market
About 90 km from the sea, the Mae Klong market has sprung up on… the railway track. When the signal sounds, everything folds away in seconds: awnings, baskets, stalls open like a mechanical fan to let the locomotive pass slowly.
You’re there for the show, certainly, but also for the sweets: honeyed pineapples, sticky mango with glutinous rice, pandan flans… Snack on a dessert between train passes, keep a respectful distance, and your phone well secured: the star here is the train.
Refreshing at Erawan Waterfalls
In the heart of a bustling jungle, the Erawan Waterfalls unfurl seven turquoise pools. The clear water invites you to take a dip while curious little fish tickle your calves: natural spa guaranteed.
This is not the closest getaway from Bangkok, but the reward is worth the detour: an emerald bath, root pathways, and a scent of adventure. Leave early, bring water and non-slip shoes, and let the forest do the rest.
Gliding along the Mahasawat Canal
Stretching 28 km, the Mahasawat canal winds around the outskirts of the capital. Board a boat and let the splashing dictate the tempo: orchards, rice fields, lotuses, and small shops parade in a pastoral and serene Thailand.
Along the quays – these klongs where life unfolds just above the water – you will encounter floating markets and crunchy snacks. A slow-paced break, ideal for unplugging from the urban chaos.
Visiting Nakhon Pathom
Verdant and airy, Nakhon Pathom seems to breathe more freely than its neighbors. At its heart, the monumental Phra Pathom Chedi – one of the largest stupas in the world – towers its golden spire nearly 120 m high, visible from miles away.
At the base of the stupa, worshippers and families intermingle in a ballet of incense sticks and offerings. Stay until dusk: lanterns light up, the chedi sparkles, and you understand why this ancient city is unlike any other.
Exploring Samut Sakhon
As the first major stop in the Gulf of Thailand, Samut Sakhon retains the essence of a free port: fishing boats, fish markets, contemporary temples, and colorful murals. It’s the laborious, salty, and smiling Thailand.
A highlight is the sanctuary of Phanthai Norasingh, which honors a legendary servant condemned for damaging the royal barge. At the end of the day, head towards the salt flats: the crystals turn pink at sunset, and the salt farmers greet you with a wave, generous despite their fatigue.
Sunbathing on Bang Saen Beach
Just over an hour away, Bang Saen beach offers a stunning escape: sun loungers under umbrellas, warm waters, and seafood platters that call like sirens. Ideal for a taste of the islands without straying too far from the capital.
For an unusual detour, step into the neighboring Garden of Hell, filled with fantastic statues and Buddhist moral scenes: a theater of the otherworld that reflects as much as it impresses. Then return to the waterfront: a fresh coconut, and the day slips by like a gentle wave.
