The long holidays are right around the corner, and it’s alright if you still haven’t made plans. We’ve got you covered for some Songkran road trip ideas near Bangkok. You just focus on having fun.
Quite a long holiday is coming up and you want to take advantage of it. Maybe you don’t want to be in town for the water fights, and you don’t want to fly abroad either. You want a simple road trip with some company, take a load off, maybe do some activities: we get it. These road trip ideas near Bangkok will ensure you have a great time this Songkran, without dealing with the hassle of airports and flights.
[Hero and featured image credit: Rakxa]
Road trip ideas near Bangkok for a quick Songkran getaway
Unwind at RAKxa wellness in Samut Phrakan
Only a 45-minute ride away from bustling Bangkok, RAKxa is a wellness sanctuary hidden amid Bangkok’s green lung at Bang Krachao. This holiday, find your peace with several of RAKxa’s wellness packages that aim to balance your health in different aspects, whether it’s sleep improvement, meal-balancing, or body and mind contemplation. After relaxing in the stunning pool villas, guests can also indulge in nutritious and delicious Mediterranean meals from Unam, and participate in wellness activities.
Location: 28/8 9 Wat Bang Nam Phueng Alley, Bang Nam Phueng, Phra Pradaeng District, Samut Prakan
Sample amazing food and souvenirs at Amphawa Floating Market
For those who have been to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, this is the less touristy and less crowded between the two famous floating markets. Amphawa is just 15 minutes away from the other one, and the amenities are at the same level of fun. After a 1.5-hour drive, arrive in the afternoon and walk around the market for some great delicacies made from fresh ingredients, and grab little souvenirs on your way home. It’s the perfect way to support the local community, too. Ideal for a day trip.
Location: Amphawa, Amphawa District, Samut Songkhram
Visit the pottery community at Koh Kret
Man-made island Koh Kret is located on the northern side of the Chao Phraya river. Along with Central Westgate, Koh Kret is probably why Nonthaburi is still on the map. The native Mon people of the island are well-known for their pottery skills, utilising engraved designs on unglazed terracotta. Take a tour and observe the process of its creation, and buy one as souvenir, for they make for amazing conversation starters.
Location: Ko Kret, Pak Kret District, Nonthaburi
Cycle through Ayutthaya’s heritage sites and eat river prawn
For Songkran break, Ayutthaya is one of those places that can completely slip your mind. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is filled with remnants of the old capital, with ruins of temples and Buddha statues. There’s even a Buddha head poking through the tree trunks outside Wat Mahathat. It takes around two hours to get there, and you can drive around or rent a bicycle for the day to fully soak in what the city offers. If you want to stay over night, check out the boutique hotels and gorge on the famous river prawn for dinner, too.
Location: Naresuan Rd, Tha Wasukri, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya
Soak up history at the Death Railway in Kanchanaburi
Just 2.5 hours away from Bangkok, the Death Railway is a place of historical significance and a major local attraction in Kanchanaburi. The name of the railway commemorates the Allied and Asian labourers who died during its construction in WWII, and the most visited area is the Kwai River, where you can get up close when the train goes by. You can also enjoy the train ride in its entirety at a small cost and bask in the gorgeous cliff-side views of Kanchanaburi while you’re here.
Location: 73 Chao Khun Nen Rd, Ban Nuea, Mueang Kanchanaburi District, Kanchanaburi
Take an eventful banana boat-riding trip to Koh Larn
An hour and a half care ride will get you to Pattaya from Bangkok, making it great for road trips. The great food and lively nightlife are already enough to garner visitors from all over the world. Add just a 45-minute boat ride to the equation and you’ll get to enjoy the gorgeous activities Koh Larn has to offer: everything from banana boat riding and parasailing to getting up close to the coral reefs as you scuba dive down the clear water. Make a whole long weekend of it and stay in cute boutique hotels for the full beach bum experience.
Location: Koh Larn, Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri
Surround yourself with art and nature in Khao Yai
Art and design lies at the core concept of this beautiful resort nestled among the mountains at Nhapha Khao Yai Resort, around 3 hours away from Bangkok. With stunning mountain views outside the window and modern artworks distributed all around the hotel, this resort is a deliberate blend of nature and man-made beauty, creating an ambience of serenity. It also houses the Nhapha Artshop and ARDEL Design Pop-up store that showcases artists’ T-shirts, leather crafts, selected camera accessories, and other souvenirs for visitors to choose from.
Location: GFJC+M97, Mu Si, Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima
Go for a beach bum getaway to Hua Hin
Hua Hin tops the list as many a Bangkokian’s go-to spot for a nearby beach getaway, located around 3 hours from Bangkok. Among hundreds of hotels around this popular district, Dusit Thani caps as one of the best for a fancy stay and service. All eight types of guest rooms and suites are beautifully decorated in Thai style with private balconies. In terms of facilities, Dusit Thani provides two outdoor swimming pools, a water sports centre, and a children’s playground. A fine choice for families with children.
Location: 1349 Phet Kasem Rd, Tambon Cha-am, Cha-am District, Phetchaburi
Enjoy the picturesque countryside at Monsoon Valley
Treat yourself and company to a tour around the Monsoon Valley vineyard in Hua Hin—it’s a more relaxing feeling than one may think. As you’re there, you can also enjoy a plethora of activities they have to offer, from bottle painting to mountain biking. There are also wine tasting sessions. After all, they’re the producers of many prestigious Thai wines. A perfect road trip idea near Bangkok for vino lovers.
Location: Baankhok Chang Patana, Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan
Feed the alpacas at Alpaca Hill in Ratchaburi
The hills are alive with the sounds of alpacas roaming about. Around 3.5 hours away at Alpaca Hill, you can get up close and personal with adorable, fluffy alpacas, as well as other animals in the petting zoo, such as giant rabbits, flamingos, and more. Apart from that, they also feature a lot of day activities to choose from, and a bunch of places that make for the perfect photo opp in Ratchaburi.
Location: Phapok-Tako Land Rd, Suanphung, Ratchaburi
Most Popular
