The Best Road Trips from Bangkok, Thailand

Road trips allow you to travel at your own pace and enjoy the scenery on the way, and when you’re visiting a beautiful location, there’s no better way to travel. Bangkok is full of things to do and places to see, and if you’re up for an adventure, just obtain an international driving permit and rent a car – you’ll be surprised how many quaint places you can drive to in a single day, even during the rainy season!

If this sounds like something you’d be interested in, here are some destinations to consider for a short road trip from Bangkok. They strike the balance between being just a few hours away from the city (so you don’t have to travel too far), while still being far enough away to escape the hustle and bustle of city of life. 

Ayutthaya (1 Hour and 15 Mins from Bangkok)

The former capital of the kingdom of Siam, Ayutthaya is a UNESCO World Heritage Site today, known for its ancient ruins, statues, and structures that are locked in time.

Ayutthaya is just 80 kilometers away from Bangkok. The best and most convenient way to see it and its highlights is on a road trip – you’ll be able to visit attractions like the reclining Buddha at Wat Lokayasutharam and the revered temples of Wat Phra and Sri Sanphet. 

Pattaya (2 Hours from Bangkok)

The seaside town of Pattaya lies around 147 kilometres from Bangkok and is on almost every tourist’s itinerary – and for good reason! Known for its vibrant nightlife and wonderful atmosphere, there are many gems in the region that make it a great road trip destination for both adults and families alike.

If you’re traveling with kids, they’re sure to love the Nong Nooch Tropical garden with its plants and replicas of dinosaurs. Next, up is the family-friendly Ramayana Water Park and the Sanctuary of Truth Museum that is home to scores of images of religious figures like Ganesha.

Kanchanaburi (2 Hours and 10 Minutes from Bangkok)

If you are a history buff, Kanchanaburi will leave you mesmerized. The area is full of facts about World War II, as well as fascinating history around the infamous Burma Railway that connects Thailand to Myanmar which resulted in the deaths of hundreds of workers who were forced to build it.

Apart from the railway, road trippers can visit the Wat Thom Sua, an iconic Tiger Cave temple known for its intricate architecture and iconic gold figures of Buddha.

Hua Hin (2 Hours and 30 Minutes from Bangkok)

This sleepy, picturesque beach town is incredibly popular among tourists and locals alike. The town is surrounded by national parks on one side and pristine beaches on the other, making it the best destination for a road trip from Bangkok for nature lovers.

In addition to its sublime beauty, another advantage of visiting Hua Hin is that it’s within close proximity of Bangkok, making it the perfect getaway from the heat and hectic life of the city. Feast on delicious seafood and watch the sunrise over the mountains and explore the various attractions this coastal district has to offer for the ultimate road trip.

Dream World (45 Minutes from Bangkok)

Dream World is the Thai version of Disneyland, and it’s located in the Thanyaburi district, about 40 kilometres away from Bangkok. If an adrenaline rush is what you’re after, Dream World is the place for you, with over 40 thrilling rides to make your heart pound and your head spin.

The perfect destination for a family-friendly holiday, Dream World has plenty of attractions and shows appropriate for both children and adults alike. 

If you want to skip the queues, book your ticket online!

Ratchaburi (1 Hour and 15 Minutes from Bangkok)

Ratchaburi is a laid-back province located in central Thailand, to the west of Bangkok, and is best known for its iconic Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. Here, you can get the best deals on food, clothes and other souvenirs sold on traditional wooden boats.

Apart from the floating market, it is also known for its many scenic attractions and historical sights such as Khao Ngu Adventure Park, Bo Klueng Hot Stream and the Alpaca Hill – the latter is the only place in the country where alpaca breeding takes place.

Nakhon Nayok (2 Hours from Bangkok)

Makhon Nayok is an absolute paradise for nature lovers, as it is home to an incredible nine-tier tall Sarika Waterfall. Here, visitors can marvel at the water cascading down from the high cliffs as they take a dip in the pool below.

The town is also home to the beautiful Wanaram Temple and its traditional bamboo grove walkway. While there, make sure you catch a glimpse of the mesmerising sunset from the Khun Dan Prakan Dam, boasting views of the sweeping seaside and mountain and mountains in the distance.

Wat Saman Rattanaram (2 Hours from Bangkok)

If you’re interested in ancient temples, then a visit to Wat Saman Rattanaram should be on top of your road travel destination list. On this awesome journey, you will come across the largest reclining statue of Lord Ganesha in the whole country.

Lord Ganesha,or elephant god,is a Hindu deity and this particular statue stands tall at 16m and is 22m in length,all painted in a bright coat of pink. Shop around for Hindu and Buddhist relics in the surroundings of this popular temple complex.

Samut Sakhon (1 Hour and 30 Minutes from Bangkok)

Many people are not aware that Thailand has vineyards, but sure enough, just 60 kilometres from Bangkok lies a vineyard – the perfect destination for a day trip from the capital.

But they’re not just any type of ordinary vineyards – they’re floating! Located, on the delta of the Chao Phraya River, you’ll find these unique vineyards full of grapes floating above the water. 

The best time to visit is between November and April when the locals handpick the grapes using boats – a truly unique sight to behold!

Khao Yai National Park (4 Hours from Bangkok)

Getting to Khao Yai National Park is a bit of a tiring trip as it involves passing through the town of Pak Chong first. From there, you’ll need to join a guided tour to access the park. That said, if you are a nature lover, the trip is totally worth it – it’s easily the best place to go to escape from the city.

In addition to being beautiful, Khao Yai is also the oldest national park in Thailand and it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are several hiking trails starting from the visitor’s centre that can lead to some exciting wildlife spotting. A must-see spot in the park is the Haew Suwat Waterfalls that were featured in “The Beach”, a film starring Leonardo DiCaprio.