Bangkok, the capital of the Kingdom of Thailand, is located nearly at the country's center. Moreover, the city serves as the transportation hub of the nation. It boasts two major airports (Suvarnabhumi and Don Muang), Hua Lampong railway station, and six bus stations, three of which are official. You can reach any part of the country from Bangkok. Let us guide you on where to travel from the capital and what awaits you at each destination.
Pattaya
This resort has gained a reputation as one of the most budget-friendly places to vacation in Thailand, thanks to its affordable accommodation, food, and shopping options. Pattaya offers a wide range of entertainment for all preferences, from lively bars to family-friendly playgrounds. However, the local sea may not meet your expectations of pristine beaches, so you may want to explore the neighboring islands for that.
Ko Lan
Ko Lan is the nearest island to Pattaya. It is known for its well-maintained coastline featuring white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. The island's popularity is on the rise, especially at Tawaen Beach.
You can reach Ko Lan by taking a ferry from Bali Hai Pier in Bangkok, with buses available from Mochit bus station.
Ko Chang
Thailand's second-largest island is just a few hours' drive from Bangkok. It offers all the amenities for a fantastic vacation: well-developed beach infrastructure, a variety of restaurants and cafes, accommodation options to suit all preferences, spa centers, and family-friendly attractions.
Ko Chang is located within a Marine Reserve, ensuring the pristine cleanliness of its coastline. However, the protected area prohibits activities such as boating and jet skiing, creating an atmosphere of peaceful beach relaxation.
Ayutthaya
Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of Thailand and the precursor to Bangkok, is just a couple of hours away by bus. It is still home to numerous historic ruins of ancient palaces, statues, and temples.
Ayutthaya can be easily reached by train or car.
Kanchanaburi
The province of Kanchanaburi offers an exotic escape near a major metropolis. People predominantly visit Kanchanaburi for the following purposes:
- Enjoying the picturesque nature
- Living near the River Kwai and taking a boat ride
- Exploring the historic Death Railway
- Witnessing local customs in a village of long-necked women
Angkor
The Cambodian city of Angkor is a rival to Thailand's Ayutthaya when it comes to ancient ruins. It boasts a greater number of well-preserved ancient structures, many of which are in excellent condition compared to Thailand's ancient capital. It's advisable to allocate a couple of days for sightseeing, as Angkor's architecture reflects the Khmer civilization.
Reaching the city involves a nine-hour bus ride between Bangkok and Siem Reap station in Cambodia.
Deciding where to go from Bangkok can be a challenging task due to the plethora of destinations available, but Thailand's efficient transportation system ensures accessibility to all of them.