Even though there is no need to leave Bangkok, if you are looking for a day trip away from the city there is no shortage of places to visit.
Here are a few worth visiting:
1) Mae Klong Railway Market (Hoop Rom Market): This market is unique because it is on a railway. The market is over 100 meters. When my friend and I visited the market, it started to downpour which made for a joyful and chaotic experience. At the time, I didn’t realize that this market is also called the Siang Tai market which translates to “life-risking.” This is due to vendors selling their goods on the Mae Klong-Ban Laem railway. When an incoming train arrives, vendors close their parasols and canvas, only to reopen after the train leaves. If you are looking for adventure, check out this market.
Hours: 6:00 am-6:00 pm
Website: https://www.tourismthailand.org/Attraction/mae-klong-railway-market-hoop-rom-market
2) Damnoen Saduak Floating Market: Rivers and canals used to be the main way that trade of goods took place in Thailand. The Damnoen Saduak canal is the longest one in Thailand. This experience was so fun and unique. I was able to get a coconut ice cream in my boat while enjoying watching business transactions take place everywhere I turned. My friend and I visited the floating market and the Mae Klong Railway on the same day.
Hours: 7:00 am-1:00 pm
Website: https://www.tourismthailand.org/Attraction/damnoen-saduak-floating-market
3) Ayutthaya: This city is located about 86 kilometers north of Bangkok and was founded in 1350. It was a prosperous and busy city until it was destroyed by the Burmese in the 18th century. Ayutthaya is an island formed by three rivers. My friend and I were able to take a train from Bangkok to Ayutthaya. Once there, we rented bikes to explore the city. Ayutthaya has many ruins and temples to admire. The Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Historical Park is one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites and will take your breath away.
Ayutthaya Historical Park Hours: 8:00 am-6:00 pm
Tourist Website: https://www.tourismthailand.org/Destinations/Provinces/Phra-Nakhon-Si-Ayutthaya/229
UNESCO Website: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/576/
4) The Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (WFFT): Visit this elephant sanctuary if possible. I was impressed with how ethical staff were regarding the wellbeing of elephants here. They are Asia’s first chain free elephant sanctuary. The WFFT is a non-profit that is based off of donations and volunteers. They rescue and rehabilitate wild elephants. One of the unique things about going to this sanctuary is that they respect the elephants and limit interactions with them. Compared to visiting another elephant sanctuary, I could tell that they really cared about these elephants by how they treated them. They also have a Wildlife Rescue Center which helps rehabilitate and release animals back to their homes. If they aren’t able to be released back to their natural habitats, they are given a safe place to live at the Center.
Hours: Half day tour: 9:00 am-1:00 pm (lunch included) and Full day tour: 9:00 am- 3:30 pm (lunch included)
Website: https://www.wfft.org/projects/elephant-refuge/
If you are looking at getting out of Bangkok for a day, these four locations do not disappoint. They all hold very special memories for me of when I traveled through Thailand.
Sarah Masse
