You’ve spent some time in the bustling capital of Thailand, Bangkok, and you are lucky to be able to extend your stay in this fascinating country. But where do you go after Bangkok? Luckily Bangkok is well-connected to a host of different, interesting places in Thailand. Where you go next depends on the time you have, your personality, and the kind of vacation you are looking for. Here are some fun ideas for where to go next after Bangkok.
Chiang Mai/ Image via zoutedrop/ Flickr
1. Chiang Mai
Thailand’s second city has a vastly different atmosphere from the capital. It is much quieter, more relaxed, and laid back in Chiang Mai, with plenty of things to see and do. You will love Chiang Mai in the north of Thailand if you love mountains, scenery, markets, and temples. There are cooking classes, lovely massage places, spas, temples, and a whole host of accommodations in all price ranges.
You can also take trips out into the surrounding countryside to trek, visit hill tribes, see the wildlife, and get some fresh air. It is generally cheaper to stay here than in Bangkok. It takes an overnight bus ride or a flight to get to Chiang Mai, so it is a good option for people looking for a two-city break.
2. Hua Hin
Just a short distance from the capital, Hua Hin is Thailand’s original beach resort town. Famous for its past popularity with royalty, Hua Hin is a relaxed place with some great resorts and excellent seafood restaurants. The beach is wide and spacious, and you have plenty of choices in bars, clubs, and cafes. If you have the time, Hua Hin is a good place for a weekend break from Bangkok.
3. Ayutthaya
If you have only a short amount of time and want to see a place packed with culture, history, and interest, pay a visit to Ayutthaya. Ayutthaya is the ancient capital city of Bangkok and has many Buddhist temples, statues, ruins, and a fascinating sense of history. You can go here on a day trip from Bangkok or stay the night in the area. Many people miss this place when they visit Bangkok, but it is worth making the trip – it has been described as a miniature Angkor Wat, Cambodia.
4. Koh Samet
If you want to get away for the weekend from Bangkok and don’t have time to travel to the islands in the south (which are admittedly more attractive), Koh Samet is a good option. A short 3-hour hop from Bangkok gets you to the coast and a fun, lively little place with plenty to do.
Phuket bay/ Image via edwin.11/ Flickr
5. Phuket
Phuket is a large island and a short plane ride from Bangkok. Phuket offers something for everyone, from the isolated and tranquil beaches in the north of the island to the beautiful Kata Beach in the south. If you want a place to relax and have fun, Phuket provides a whole host of entertainment options.
Plus, there are some seriously upscale resorts that provide everything you need for a vacation to remember. Phuket is family-friendly and offers a wide choice of accommodations, restaurants, and beaches.
6. Krabi Province
As well as Phuket, Thailand, offers Krabi Province a world of white sand beaches and some stunning scenery. Plenty of choices in accommodation where you can stay in a basic beach hut or visit a luxury resort. The cheaper options are Ao Nang and Krabi Town, while the most popular spot is Railay Beach. You can also visit or stay on a local island like Koh Phi Phi or Koh Lanta.
7. Islands in the South
You’ve got a wide range of choices in islands when you go south in Thailand from Bangkok. There’s Koh Phi Phi for parties and celebrities, Koh Tao, Koh Lanta for a more relaxed vibe, Koh Phangan, and many more. If you have the time, go here and do a little island hopping. You can stay cheaply on the beach in basic resorts or splash out on a more upmarket choice.
8. Angkor Wat
If you can get out of the country while visiting Thailand, go to Siem Reap in Cambodia. Here you will find the amazing ruins of Angkor Wat, the huge ancient capital city with a collection of stunning temples, amazing ruins, and a beautiful environment in the jungle.
Siem Reap is a traveler-friendly place with many accommodations and excellent restaurants. You can fly to Siem Reap from Bangkok or take a bus trip where you cross the border on foot. It takes a while to reach Cambodia, but the trip is worth it for the different cultures you can experience, the food, and the attractions.
Places to Go After Bangkok ⇔ Final Words
Bangkok is an incredible city with so much to see and do, but there are also many unique places to visit outside of the town. From the beautiful beaches of Koh Samui and the historical city of Ayutthaya to the stunning nature of Khao Yai National Park and the cultural treasures of Chiang Mai, there are endless options for adventures beyond Bangkok.
No matter where you choose, these destinations will leave a lasting impression and provide memories that will last a lifetime. Happy travels!
