Attractions Nearby Bangkok, Day Trips and Excursions

(Bangkok, Thailand)

Plenty of worthwhile attractions lie close to Bangkok and many people will enjoy a visit to the nearby floating markets in Samut Songkhram. Other attractions nearby Bangkok include the innumerable historic temples and shrines within Ayuthaya, the lively port of Samut Sakhon, and the world's tallest Buddhist monument in Nakhon Pathom.

Many people staying in Bangkok also choose to visit the most family friendly attractions, such as the Dream World entertainment complex in Pathumthani, the vast Safari World and its many exotic animals in the Minburi area, the Future Park Rangsit theme park in Rangsit, and the popular Crocodile Farm and Zoo in Samut Prakan. Less than two-hours' drive from Bangkok, tourists often head to the underwater attractions around Pattaya, which is famed for its scuba diving, colourful marine life and scenic islands.

Samut Songkhram

A popular excursion from Bangkok, the city of Samut Songkhram lies around 70 km / 43 miles to the south-west and is close to the Gulf of Thailand. Featuring a population of roughly 40,000 people and an abundance of water sources, this has become a particularly lush area, where locals grow grapes, lychees, guavas and various other tropical fruits. You can also expect to see plenty of sizable coconut palms around Samut Songkhram, while the main tourist attractions include the impressive Wat Phet Samut Worawihan temple, the Wat Satthatham temple, the Orchid Farm, the King Buddhalertla Naphalai Memorial Park, and also the floating markets, which take place on the many intersecting canals and along the winding Mae Nam Mae Klong River.

Ayuthaya

Around 85 km / 53 miles north of Bangkok, the Ayuthaya province was the Siamese royal capital until the late 18th century. Today the city boasts a population of more than 80,000 and can be found at the meeting point of three main rivers. Particularly notable are the endless temples and ancient attractions within the Ayuthaya Historical Park, so many in fact that this area has become a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Nakhon Pathom

Located just over 50 km / 31 miles to the west of Bangkok, Nakhon Pathom is considered to be one of the oldest cities in the whole of Thailand. With a population of approximately 50,000 and a number of tourist attractions, look out for the eye-catching Phra Pathom Chedi, which is 127 metres / 417 feet in height. Apart from the Chedi monument, other attractions within Nakhon Pathom include Silpakorn University, the Thai Human Imagery Museum, the Samphran Elephant Ground and Zoo, and the Sanam Chan Park.

Samut Sakhon

Samut Sakhon can be found just 28 km / 17 miles south-west of Bangkok and is often affectionately known as Mahachai. Home to around 60,000 inhabitants and enjoying an enviable coastal location, this bustling port boasts plenty of attractions for everyone. Particularly popular is the vibrant market area, the parkland next to the ruins of Wichian Chodok Fort, and the nearby Wai Yai Chom Prasat temple and its dramatic 9-metre / 30-foot high fountain.

Samut Prakan

A tiny province with only 10,000 locals, the province of Samut Prakan stands alongside the actual mouth of the wide Mae Nam Chao Phraya River, next to the Gulf of Thailand. Most tourists from Bangkok come here for one or both of its main attractions, the Ancient City open-air museum, and the extremely popular Samut Prakan Crocodile Farm and Zoo, where you will find around 30,000 crocodiles of all sizes, including one of the biggest captive crocodiles in the whole world.