Are you looking for a sweet escape away from the buzz of Bangkok? I got you covered with these two day trips starting from Bangkok. You could either visit the ruins of what was once the second capital of the Siamese Kingdom in Ayutthaya, visit the Maek Long train market and Amphawa floating market – or both of course.
PS: Are you planning a romantic getaway to Bangkok with your loved one? Check out these unforgettable things to do in Bangkok, especially for couples.
Day trip 1 - Ayutthaya ruins
The incredible Ayuttaya ruins are just a one hour drive away from Bangkok, and should definitely not be skipped. We took an Uber to get there, which was actually quite cheap. The easiest way to move around Ayutthaya is by hiring a tuk-tuk driver. We got charged for each stop, but it saved us lots of time and effort (especially in the heat of the summer).
Stop 1 - Ayutthaya Historical Park
Stop 2 - Wat Chaiwatthanaram
Stop 3 - The reclining Buddha
Stop 4 - Wat Yai Chai Mongkol
Stop 5 - Wat Mahathat (Buddha tree)
Day trip 2 - Maek Long train market & Amphawa floating market
Maek Long train market
We felt adventurous and took local public transport to go from Bangkok to the Maek Long train market. We took the BTS to Mochit and then a local bus to Sai Tai Mai coach station. Our coach to Maek Long only departed once it was completely filled up, so we had to wait for a bit. All together it took well over 2 hours to get to Maek Long this way.
As soon as we arrived in Maek Long, we checked the time tables for the train. This way, we were able to catch an incoming train passing the market. It is very fascinating to see how quickly the locals can clear the railway and set up the market again when a train passes. Don’t stand too close to the railway though, as you might get hit by the train.
We then had some late lunch in the station with the train right behind us. There are only a few trains a day, so make sure you checked the times beforehand. Then recheck the times upon arrival, as trains may be delayed or cancelled.
Amphawa floating market
To get from Maek Long to Amphawa floating market, we took a tuk-tuk as it was only a 10-minute drive. Unfortunately, by the time we arrived, the floating market had already closed. However, we were told to wait around for a bit to join a sunset and fireflies boat tour.
A bit gutted about having missed the floating market, we decided to take the sunset tour instead. During this tour, we watched the sunset at Wat Bangleeyai. After dark, we continued our way down the river until that moment. It was the very first time in my life I had ever seen fireflies – a moment I will never forget. Unbelievable how much they resemble Christmas lights in a tree. We weren’t able to capture it on camera, but it was indeed a magical experience.
Our bliss of magic didn’t last very long… When we got back to Amphawa, we found out that all transport back to Bangkok had gone for the day. A tuk-tuk driver helpfully offered to drive us towards the highway, from where he managed to stop a Bangkok bounded minivan. Not all tuk-tuk drivers are bad after all, this one kind of saved our life!
Although the minivan driver was kind enough to stop on the emergency lane of the highway to let us in, he did kind of scam the tourists. While all the locals in the van could just tell the driver to drop them off halfway, he didn’t honour our request as we passed our hotel. He then dropped off all tourists at a very remote bus station, after which we all started to complain. The driver was just laughing at us, and it wasn’t until the police got involved that he drove us to a nearby BST station.
If I could do it all over again, I would either book a taxi back to Bangkok in advance or stay overnight at Amphawa after the firefly sunset tour.
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If you prefer to book these day trips from Bangkok in advance, check outΒ ViatorΒ for organised group and private tours:
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