Must-Visit Weekend Getaways From Bangkok

Bangkok, the city of Red Bull has always been welcoming. There are so many amazing things to do in Bangkok. They greet more tourists than any other city in the world and it is always filled with life.

Bangkok is really famous for its amazing sightseeing tourist attractions and great varieties of food. The best thing about their sumptuous food is that one would continue to crave for it even after their vacation in Bangkok is over.

In a dog eat dog world, it is a necessity to rejuvenate and keep our sanity alive. Short breaks are the best way to refreshen and come back to our normal life with a refilled energy and zest.

If you are the one who needs a short intermission in your life to revive your battery level, then these five places near Bangkok are sure to make you decide your trip right away.

These top 5 places are a must-visit if you are planning weekend getaways from Bangkok. The destinations discussed in this article are all great options for weekend getaways. 

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This magnificent island is situated relatively close to the Thai capital and it’s just perfect if you have a last-minute weekend getaway from Bangkok planned. It is always a perfect getaway for those who want to explore the Bangkok beaches in a limited time frame.

Being the most convenient spot for most of the residents of Bangkok, this place is flooded with locals on the weekends. Yet, it remains a must-visit spot if you are planning a weekend getaway.

Moreover, there are 16 beaches here. However, staying in Ko Samet villas or Ko Samet Resorts can increase your budget. You’ll find a wide range of options from the Chom Samed Resort to the Tubtim Resort which would cost you approximately 1,500 to 5,000 baht.

Likewise, you can even try the Sunrise Ko Samet Villas where you wouldn’t have to splurge, compared to the other expensive Ko Samet resorts.

Ko Samet in Thailand has some amazing beach cuisines which are a must-try. Ask the beach merchants to serve you a plate of grilled chicken and Som Tam while you make yourself comfortable on your loungers. All beaches have barbeque joints nearby which serve a good variety of sea-fishes.

So, if you decide to explore the beach on your day 1, you could always head towards Haad Sai Kaew or Ao Phai, if you have a flair for live music.

On day two, you can explore the rest of the beaches or go to Samet’s southern end for snorkeling and kayaking. You can lay comfortably hand in hand with your partner in any of the beaches as the waves touch your bare feet.

Try hiking on the paths that link Ao Tubtim, Ao Wong Duean, Ao Cho, and Ao Nuan. 

© Guillaume Capron

Ayutthaya is really crowded during weekends with tourists wanting to visit the Ayutthaya ruins. This is also one of the best and closest weekend getaways from Bangkok.

Visit the Royal Palace which is located at the site of the Wat Phra Si Sanphet. This palace was build in the 1350s and still has many of its structures intact from the Ayutthaya kingdom. Similarly, this place has great historical importance.

If you are a history lover, then this Ayutthaya Historical Park which is a UNESCO Heritage Site is a must-visit. The Ayutthaya historical park comprises of 67 temples with Buddha statues resembling the Siamese capital. The Ayutthaya ruins are the biggest tourist attraction here for people who come from Bangkok to Ayutthaya.

If you have children with you, make sure you to take some time out to visit the Million Toy Museum.

The other main spots of attraction in Ayyutayah are the Wat Chaiwathhanaram and the Chao Sam Phraya National Museum. The Wat Yai Chai Monkol has a huge statue of Buddha. The last three destinations can be visited before leaving from Ayutthaya to Bangkok.

The local markets at Ayutthaya serve the best Thai curries and Arabian sweets. You can also pick up some souvenirs and trinkets.

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Pattaya is an amazing weekend getaway from Bangkok if one doesn’t want to miss the nightlife of Thailand. Also, Bangkok to Pattaya only takes two hours.

The great tourist spots of Pattyara are the Sanctuary of Truth which is mainly related to art, philosophy, and religion of the Thai citizens. Also, make sure to find some time for the famous Tiffany’s Cabaret Show showcasing Thai dances and burlesques.

The other Pattaya tourist attractions are Nong Nooch Tropical Gardens which have some beautiful French Style tropical flowers.

The Wat Phra Khao Yai or the Big Buddha Hill is positioned nearly 100 meters above the sea and is a mesmerizing temple complex. The Khao Pattaya View Point on Pratumnak Hill is the best viewpoint to click pictures of the Pattaya’s Crescent Bay.

Pattaya Beaches have a different vibe altogether. Therefore, so many people are called Pattaya addicts, because they frequently visit these Pattaya beaches every weekend. Coral Island is one which has a perfect cerulean blue sea and a long stretch of pristine beach.

This island is located to the west of Pattaya Beach, providing the most comforting and relaxing environment for visitors. If you have some extra time on hand, hop into the Art in Paradise gallery or the Ripley’s Believe It Or Not 12D movie theatre for entertainment.

The must-try delicacies of the Pattaya city are the famous Khao Gaeng and Kai Jeow or the Som Tum, which happens to be quite spicy, yet delicious! 

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Hua Hin is one of the favorite weekend getaways from Bangkok. A road trip from Bangkok to Hua Hin would just take 3 hours.

Hua Hin’s main attraction is the Maruekhathaiyawan Palace. After traveling from Bangkok to Hua Hin, don’t forget to visit this majestic palace built during the reign of King Rama VI in the 1920s.

Also, visiting the Khao Takiab is a must. Mainly known as the chopsticks mountain, the hill has a temple at the top and one has to hike till the top to reach the pagoda-like structure.

Hua Hin beach is again a must-visit to watch the sunrises. You can easily engage in water sporting activities in the Hua Hin beaches or relax while eating some of the local delicacies provided by the beach vendors.

Hua Hin provides the best crab preparations in Thailand. Kan Chiang Pu Nueng, the Au Suan or the Som Tam Pu Ma are the iconic Hua Hin recipes that you cannot miss.

Cicada Night market and the Cha-Am’s Nightlife give you the exotic nightlife experience in the city.

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Kanchanaburi rivers, caves, waterfalls, and other natural attractions are within the reach if you want a relaxing weekend getaway experience amidst nature.

The River Kwai is the most popular place in Kanchanaburi. More than the river, the River Kwai Bridge became really famous with the movie ‘The Bridge on the River Kwai.’

Try to walk across the bridge and reminisce the scenes from the movie. If you haven’t watched the film, put it on your list and watch it before you visit so that you can have the best experience. 

Swimming in the multi-leveled pools of the Erawan Falls is a wonderful experience too. The turquoise blue color of the water is really beautiful and you will be enchanted by the beauty of the waterfalls.

Erawan National Park is another spot you shouldn’t be missing out on.

Tourist Secrets For Weekend Getaways From Bangkok