THE SURROUNDINGS OF BANGKOK

The area around Bangkok has a lot to offer and is best known for its rich architecture and history, impressive nature, and beautiful beaches. The Chao Phraya River Delta is a very fertile area, and it is no coincidence that the Ayutthaya Kingdom was founded here.

Kanchanaburi in the west is known for the 'death railway' from WWII. Along the road to the Three Pagodas Pass on the border with Myanmar (Burma) are several national parks and reserves. On the east side is Khao Yai, the oldest national park in the country. South of Bangkok is the cultural city of Phetchaburi, known for the Khao Wang Palace.

Southeast of Bangkok are the popular resorts of Pattaya and Jomtien, and beyond the islands of Koh Samet and the Koh Chang archipelago. Southwest of Bangkok are the popular resorts of Cha-Am and Hua Hin.

Destinations - Sights - Hotels

Mae Klong Railway Market

We know that, at least at first glance, many markets in Thailand look the same. But one that definite stands out is the Mae Klong Railway Market in the town of Samut Songkhram, 80 km to the southwest of Bangkok. Why? Because it has a train running through the middle of it several times a day. Right down the middle and close enough to touch. Only in Thailand!

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

Famous for its tourist-friendly floating markets, Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, 100 km to the southwest of Bangkok, is the one you will find in the tourist literature on Thailand. Bring your camera along to witness the river packed with wooden boats overflowing with fruit and vegetables, which they sell to people standing on land. The scene is very colorful.

Nakhon Pathom & Phra Pathom Chedi

Nakhon Pathom, 67 km to the west of Bangkok, is one of the oldest cities in the country and believed to be the first place where Buddhism came to Thailand. The highlight of the town is the Phra Pathom Chedi. The chedi (stupa) dominates the town and, 120 m in height, is the tallest Buddhist stupa in the world.

Kanchanaburi & River Kwai

Made famous by the movie 'Bridge over the River Kwai', Kanchanaburi, 130 km west of Bangkok, draws many visitors to the infamous death railway. The River Kwai has become known worldwide for the construction of probably the world's most famous railway bridge. More than 100,000 forced laborers and 16,000 prisoners of war, including thousands of Dutch nationals, died because of exhaustion, hunger, disease and abuse. There are 2 Honorary Cemeteries in Kanchanaburi. This period of history is poignantly brought to life at the JEATH Museum, the Thailand-Burma Railway Center, and the Hellfire Pass Memorial.

Kanchanaburi is also one of the most beautiful provinces of Thailand with an unprecedented amount of scenery and is one of the most popular holiday destinations among the Thai population. With its pristine jungle, caves, waterfalls, bamboo forested riverbanks and scenic national parks, this is an ideal destination for the nature lover. Enjoy the river cruises or explore the beautiful waterfalls and caves in several national parks, including Erawan and Sai Yok National Park. The province has numerous good accommodations in the form of beautiful resorts on the river, situated among the greenery.

Hotels:

The River Kwai Jungle Rafts - 3 Stars (3/5) ; Hintok River Camp - 3 Stars (3/5) ; Royal Riverkwai Resort & Spa - 3.5 Stars (3.5/5) ;

The Floathouse River Kwai - 4 Stars (4/5) ; U Inchantree Kanchanaburi - 4 Stars (4/5) ; Felix River Kwai Resort - 5 Stars (5/5)

Ayutthaya

70 km to the north of Bangkok, the old capital of Ayutthaya became the second Siamese capital after Sukhothai. Founded around 1350 Ayutthaya stands at the confluence of the Chao Phraya, Lopburi and Pasak rivers. By digging an additional canal, the city was completely surrounded by waterways. Many European nations, including the Dutch VOC, had trading posts in this once prosperous city. It was destroyed by the Burmese in the 18th century (1767). Its remains, characterized by the prang (reliquary towers) and gigantic monasteries ('wat'), give an idea of its past splendor. Ayutthaya Historical Park is located opposite the Chao Sam Phraya National Museum. This historic park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and contains many temples (“wat”). The temples Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Wat Mongkhon Bophit, Wat Na Phra Meru, Wat Thammikarat, Wat Ratburana and Wat Phra Mahathat are close to each other and can easily be reached on foot. The visit to the rest of the historical park is best done by bicycle. Wat Chai Wattanaram, located southwest of main island on westbank of Chao Phraya River, is one of Ayutthaya's most impressive temples and follows the architecture of the Khmer mountain temples of Angkor. Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, southeast of main island, houses one of the largest chedis in Ayutthaya

Hotels:

Kantary Hotel - 3 Stars (3/5) ; Classic Cameo Hotel - 3.5 Stars (3.5/5) ; Krungsri River Hotel - 4 Stars (4/5) ;

Iudia On The River - 4 Stars (4/5) ; Sala Ayutthaya - 4.5 Stars (4.5/5)

Bang Pa- in Palace.

A short drive of 10 kilometers south of Ayutthaya along the banks of the Chao Phraya River will bring you to Bang Pa In, the summer palace of the kings of Thailand. The 19th-century buildings are laid out in a beautiful park and along an artificial ornamental pond and stand in sharp contrast to those in of nearby Ayutthaya. From Bang Pa-In Palace you can also take a boat across the Chao Phraya River to Ayutthaya.

Khao Yai National Park

The Khao Yai National Park, located just 120 km - 2 hours' drive northeast of Bangkok, is Thailand's best-known wildlife park and nature reserve. With its approximately 2100 km2, it includes tropical rainforest, grassland, and mountains up to 1400m altitude. Many endangered species live here, including elephants, gibbons, tigers and hornbills. In addition, the park has a rich flora. Besides spotting exotic birds, monkeys, and other wild animals, including elephants, you can enjoy beautiful views and take beautiful walks to the Heo Narok and Heo Suwat waterfalls, the latter known from the movie 'The Beach'.

Hotels:

The Greenery Resort Khao Yai - 3.5 Stars (3.5/5) ; Botanica Khao Yai - 4 Stars (4/5) ; Lala Mukha Tented Resort Khao Yai - 4 Stars (4/5)

Phetchaburi & Khao Wang Palace & Khao Luang Cave

Located 125 km south of Bangkok. The capital of the Phetchaburi province is one of Thailand’s oldest towns and an important cultural center. Interesting temples can be explored like the Wat Mahathat and Wat Kamphaeng Laeng. During the 19th century it became a royal retreat, and King Rama IV built a summer palace on the hills of Khao Wang, now part of the Phra Nakhon Khiri Historical Park. Nearby is the the large Khao Luang cave, filled with stalactites and many Buddha images.

NEARBY BEACHES

Southeast of Bangkok, the east coast of the Gulf of Thailand offers something for all tastes. The most interesting towns are Rayong, Chantaburi and Trat. Here you find also the popular beach resort area of Pattaya and Jomtien and further the islands of Koh Samet and the Koh Chang archipelago. (See our destinations)

Southwest of Bangkok and just south of Petchaburi, on the west coast of the Gulf of Thailand you will find the popular beach resort area of Cha-Am and Hua Hin. (See our destinations)

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