Ayutthaya
The old capital's temple ruins: Wat Mahathat (the Buddha head in the tree), Wat Chai Watthanaram at sunset. Train from Hua Lamphong (~20 THB third class!) or minivan. Rent a bike at the station.
Guide
Day trips from Bangkok
Bangkok sits in the middle of Thailand's greatest hits: ancient capitals, jungle waterfalls, beach towns, wine country. All real, all reachable.
Photos for Bangkok are still on their way. Every listing below is real.
The ancient capital
Jungle and waterfalls
Kanchanaburi
The River Kwai bridge, the Death Railway museum, and Erawan Falls' seven turquoise tiers (the best waterfall day in central Thailand). Stay overnight if you can - the river rafts are the experience.
Khao Yai
Thailand's oldest national park: waterfalls, hornbills, and the wine country (PB Valley, GranMonte) on the way. Bangkok's highlands.
Beach escapes
Hua Hin
The royal beach town: quieter than Pattaya, night markets, the Venezia of bad taste (skip it) and the real draw - long calm beaches.
Koh Samet
The nearest island: white sand, fire shows, weekend crowds. Bus to Ban Phe, ferry across (30 min).
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