When visiting Thailand, Bangkok will most likely be your first stop in the country. Despite many people rushing to leave the city within a few days of arrival to go elsewhere in Thailand, it is worth sticking around for to get settled in and enjoy everything Bangkok has to offer, from markets to river cruises. Whilst the main area of Bangkok has a lot to offer within the city, there are several notable spots outwith the city that every traveller should make the time and effort to see when they are staying there.

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market was made famous by the James Bond movie ‘The Man With The Golden Gun’ and has since seen herds of tourists flock to the area to experience the market for themselves. Here, you can get on a row boat and head off through the canals as locals approach you on their boats selling all kinds of produce and souvenirs for as little as 200 baht per person.

The market is 1 hour from Bangkok so a tour group or private hire taxi would be the best option to get here. The Maeklong Railway market is close by so can be combined on the same trip. 

Maeklong Railway Market 

This market is positioned on either side of the railway tracks heading to and from Maeklong Railway station. It is one of the most popular tourist markets in Thailand due to the train passing in close proximity to vendors and onlookers. If you visit here make sure to check the schedule to ensure you get to witness the train passing and the locals packing up their stalls just as the train arrives, before quickly reassembling as soon as it passes. 

The tracks are busy with other tourists looking for a similar experience so ensure you get there in enough time to secure a good spot. Many people don’t have anywhere to stand and as the train comes they end up standing in front of others who have waited for a while for their space. To avoid this consider stopping by one of the cafes with seating which makes sure no one will stand in front of you which is likely to happen elsewhere. 

Most tours will cover Maeklong Railway market and Damnoen Saduak Floating Market together due to the close proximity. Alternatively, you can get on the train that rides through the market from Bangkok and experience the railway market from onboard rather than at track level.

Direction of Travel		Arrival/ Departure Time
Bangkok – Maeklong	08:30	11:15	14:30
Maeklong – Bangkok	09:00	11:30	15:30

Wat Sam Phran – Dragon Temple

Unlike any of the other temples in Bangkok, Sam Phran Temple is adorned with a dragon that spirals its way around the 17 floor building. Once there, you can walk in the dragons body to the top of the building and exit via the mouth. The views from above look out over unobstructed farm land. 

If you have hired a car/ driver for the day then a detour to the Wat Sam Phran can easily be added into your journey home from the Maeklong Railway market and Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. If you don’t have either then there are tours available from Bangkok.

Ayutthaya Historic Park

The ancient capital of Thailand, first founded in 1350, was once the world’s largest and most cosmopolitan area before its demise after the Burmese attacked in 1767. What is left are the remains of this once rampant civilisation, worthy of a day trip from Bangkok. The ruins are reminiscent of the surrounding temples of Angkor Wat but can be visited at a fraction of the cost with many temples having free entry. 

Ayutthaya Historic Park is an hour drive or a 2 hour train journey from Bangkok or can be booked as part of a tour. As it is situated to the north of Bangkok, you will likely need a day carved into your itinerary specifically for visiting this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Happy & Healthy Bike Lane

One of the more unique experiences we had when in Bangkok was this 23.5km purpose built, cycle route around the perimeter of Suvarnabhumi Airport. The designated cycle route is ideal for those who enjoy cycling, airplanes, outdoor activity or leisurely exercise. The lane itself if free to enter but, presumably, you will need to hire a bike to cycle unless you’re a local. The price of this ranges from 420-1500 baht (£9.32-£33.29) depending on the quality of bike. A passport is needed to get signed into the track due to the proximity to the airport. As you cycle round there is numerous stopping points for drink breaks with restrooms and you get to witness planes taking off and landing throughout.

To learn more about this experience you can read our full blog on the activity here.

Locations