Places to See Near Bangkok

Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya was the Thai capital for 417 years, before being replaced by Bangkok. Thanks to its tenure as Thai capital, Ayutthaya hosts many magnificent ruins and artworks. Ayutthaya was ruled by kings of several dynasties, bringing in so many architectural styles for Ayutthaya. Enjoy all this while on travel tour of Ayutthaya.

Historic Places

Significant historic places in Ayutthaya are Old Palace, Chantarakasem Palace, Bang Pa-in Summer Palace, Phom Phet and St Joseph's Church. Old Palace was built by King U-Thong in 1350. Later rulers built several palaces there. Chantarakasem Palace was used by King Rama IV of Bangkok as a summer retreat. Bang Pa-in Summer Palace, a palace built as summer retreat, was restored by King Rama IV. St Joseph's Church is the where Catholic Christians worshipped continuously over 300 years in Thailand.

Temples

Ayutthaya is also known for its temples. Some more famous temples you can visit on your travel tour are Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Wat Phra Ram, Wat Phanan Choeng, Wat Phu Khao Thong, Wat Chai Wattanaram, Viharn Phra Mongkol Bopit and Wat Phra Mahathat. Wat Phra Si Sanphet has been made famous by its three bell-shaped chedis, which have become a symbol of Ayutthaya. Wat Phra Ram known for its chedis and the towering prang. Wat Phanan Choeng is one of the most lively temples in Ayuthhaya. Wat Phu Khao Thong, having stark white chedi, is located amidst sweeping rice fields. Wat Chai Wattanaram is a monument of Old Ayutthaya. Viharn Phra Mongkol Bopit has a large Buddha idol, dating from the 15th century. Wat Phra Mahathat was built by King Boromaraja in the 14th century.

Museum and Crafts Centre

Bang Sai Royal Arts & Crafts Centre in Ayutthaya has been set up for promoting the traditional crafts. Established with the encouragement of Thai Queen, the foremost attraction in the crafts centre is the museum shop, built in Thai style pavilion. There is an aquarium and two aviaries too. Chao Sam Phraya Museum exhibits Ayutthayan Buddhist art as well as the famed gold objects found in Wat Raja Burana.

Festivals

Two festivals are particularly associated with Ayutthaya. These are Bang Sai Arts & Crafts Fair, celebrated in January, and Ayutthaya World Heritage Site Celebrations in December.

Kanchanaburi Travel

Kanchanaburi, a choice of backpackers, is at two to three hours journey from Bangkok. Tourist attractions in Kanchanabari are Death Railway, Bridge of River Kwai, the museums, Erawan National Park, Sai Yok National Park, Prasat Muang Sing Historical Park and Caves. Tour travel to Kanchanburi gets you across all these attractions.

Death Railway

The Japanese Army, which annexed Thailand during the Second World War, compelled thousands of Thais to build the railway line from Thailand to Burma for moving their soldiers and material. Hundreds of Thais died during the construction, giving the railway line its fearful name. Sections of this route are still in use.

Bridge of River Kwai

Japanese Army had forced the war prisoners to assemble the bridge of River Kwi. It suffered bombing several times and was rebuilt after war.

The Museums

War Museum, located near the River Kwai Bridge, showcases the collection of weapons, tools and utensils used by the Allied POWs and the Japanese during Second World War. The JEATH War Museum resembles an Allied POW camp. The thatched huts contain bamboo bunks and war memorabilia.

Erawan National Park

The park is visitable for its falls, cavers and flora. The 7-tiered Erawan Waterfall is one of Thailand's most impressive falls. A pleasant 2-km hiking trail ascending beside the falls is a challenging activity. Tham Wang Badan, a large limestone cavern, is on the west side of the park. The caver has several colorful stalactites and stalagmites.

Sai Yok National Park

Sai Yok National Park is known for its pleasant river scenery and lovely falls. The most visited attraction is Sai Yok Yai Waterfall where the water falls directly into the Kwai Noi River. The Sai Yok Noi Waterfall is closer and easily reachable.

Caves

Lawa Cave and Daowadung Cave, located beside the Kwai Noi River, can be accessed by boat. The caves have numerous beautiful stalactites and stalagmites, as well as the world's smallest mammals, the 3-cm long bats. Visit to the caves is quite an adventurous task.

Prasat Muang Sing Historical Park

Prasat Muang Sing Historical Park, an ancient site on the banks of the Kwai Noi River, is believed to be the westernmost outpost of the Angkor-centered Khmer Empire. Artifacts harking back to the twelfth and fourteenth centuries are found here.

Kanchanaburi Tour

Kanchanaburi is a good base for exploring the province. Adequate public transport makes traveling in the province easy.

How to Reach

Buses for Kanchanaburi leave from Southern Bus Terminal of Bangkok. Trains are available from Noi Railway Station of the metro.

Ko Kred Travel

Ko Kred, a man-made island on Chao Phraya River, is located 20 km off Bangkok in Nonthaburi province. A visit there would enable you to catch a glimpse of traditional rural life in Thailand. Mon people have been living on the island for generations and pottery is their only meaning to earn a livelihood. Their way of life hasn't changed for centuries.

Man-made Island

About 300 years ago, a channel was cut through a sharp bend in the Chao Phraya River. The motive was to shorten the trip up and down river from Ayuthaya. The result was the island of Ko Kred.

Earthenware Pots

Making and selling of earthenware pots is the main tourist attraction of Ko Kred. The island has earned a name for itself by producing quality earthenware pots in a variety of styles. The potters in the island are accustomed to the art of pot-making. A number of kilns and shops are located in the island. However, most of these are on the northeast corner of the island. And ferry on the island is also located in the northeast.

Making of Thai Sweets

While journey to Ko Kred, you can visit a Thai village along Khanomwan canal. Here you could see the locals making traditional Thai sweets before moving on to Koh Kred.

Dining and Touring

You can satisfy you hunger with Thai-style luncheon at a local restaurant in Ko Kred. Thereafter you can visit the Mon village. Temples there have been the community's centers for social life for long. In the local workshops, you can observe the masters of handmade pottery in action. You can purchase pottery which would be a nice souvenir.

How to Reach

You have to go to Nonthaburi province by a vehicle and thereafter take a boat ride to the island. Return journey would be vice versa.

Lopburi Travel

Lopburi, a neighboring province of Bangkok, formerly known as Lawo, was an important place during 10th to 13th centuries. King Narai set up Lop Buri as his second capital with the help of French architects. The period is known as Ayutthaya period in Thai history. Architecture of Lopburi during Ayutthaya times reflects the mixture of Thai and Western styles. Many Khmer ruins are still found in and around this town.

Attractions

Statue of King Narai

The idol commemorates King Narai who made Lop Buri an important and prosperous town. King Narai was the first Thai monarch who established diplomatic relations with France. He constructed several other important structures in Lob Buri.

Phra Prang Sam Yot

This is Lopburi's best known landmark. The laterite and sandstone structure have been built in the Lop Buri style and bedecked with stucco.

Prang Khaek

This Khmer ruin was built in the 15th century as a Hindu shrine with three nearby towers. This is the oldest monument in Lop Buri.

Wat Sao Thong Thong

The wihara and the main Buddha image in Wat Sao Thong Thong were created in the Ayutthaya period. King Narai gave western look to the windows of the wihara.

Lop Buri Zoo

25-acre Lop Buri Zoo has Asian and Australian birds and mammals. You could find tigers and dogs living in complete harmony here.

Wat Yang Na Rangsi

This temple has four Buddha images made of sandstone and quartz. Built in Lawo period, the temple offers typical style of the rural central region. It has been transformed into a local boat museum displaying now a collection of local boats and oars.

Location

Lopburi is located 153 kilometres north of Bangkok. The place covers an area of 6,199 square kilometres.

How to Reach

Car is the most convenient way to reach Lop Buri from Bangkok. Buses for Lopburi are available from Northern Bus Terminal. Trains for Lop Buri leave from Hua Lamphong railway station.