The capital and everything within a few hours of it: royal temples, the ruins of an ancient kingdom, the River Kwai and a seaside town on the Gulf.
Overview
Almost every trip to Thailand starts in Bangkok, and the central plains around it are worth more than a stopover. The capital itself mixes gilded temples, a river lined with palaces, rooftop bars and some of the best street food in the world.
An hour or two north, Ayutthaya's temple ruins recall the former royal capital (a UNESCO World Heritage site). To the west, Kanchanaburi combines the history of the Death Railway and the bridge over the River Kwai with the turquoise pools of Erawan waterfalls. To the south, Hua Hin is an easy-going seaside resort favoured by Thai families.
Less ideal for: postcard island beaches, and sightseeing in the heat of April.
Weather
November to February is the most pleasant period, with less humidity. March to May is the hot season, April often being the hottest month (and the time of the Songkran water festival). The rainy season, roughly June to October, usually brings short, heavy afternoon storms rather than all-day rain. Hua Hin tends to stay drier than the rest of the region.
Jan
100%
Feb
100%
Mar
20%
Apr
20%
May
20%
Jun
0%
Jul
0%
Aug
0%
Sep
0%
Oct
0%
Nov
100%
Dec
100%
The percentage shows the share of the region's destinations in their ideal season that month.
| Bangkok | JFMAMJJASOND |
|---|---|
| Ayutthaya | JFMAMJJASOND |
| Kanchanaburi & Erawan | JFMAMJJASOND |
| Hua Hin | JFMAMJJASOND |
| Khao Yai | JFMAMJJASOND |
Where to go
CityThe City of Angels, a thousand flavours and golden temples
CityRuins of the old Siamese empire along the water
NatureThe River Kwai, turquoise waterfalls and jungle
CityRoyal elegance, sea breeze and a pavilion in a cave
NatureUNESCO jungle, waterfalls and wild elephants 3 hours from Bangkok
Suggested route
Start with 3 nights in Bangkok, then head north to Ayutthaya, west to Kanchanaburi and finish with a few days by the sea in Hua Hin. Each hop takes roughly 2 to 4 hours by minivan or train.
Grand Palace & Wat Pho
Wat Mahathat
Erawan Falls (7 tiers)
Phraya Nakhon Cave
The route at a glance
9 daysDistances are straight-line; road times are rough estimates and depend on the bus or minivan. Ferry times are typical crossings in the dry season.
Transport
Bangkok has two international airports: Suvarnabhumi (BKK), linked to the city by the Airport Rail Link, and Don Mueang (DMK), used mainly by low-cost airlines. From anywhere else in Thailand, Bangkok is the main hub for trains, buses and domestic flights.
In Bangkok, the BTS Skytrain, the MRT metro and the Chao Phraya river boats beat taxis stuck in traffic; ride-hailing apps are widely used. Trains run from Bangkok to Ayutthaya, Kanchanaburi and Hua Hin; minivans are usually faster. Hua Hin is also reachable by bus in about 3 to 4 hours (see our Bangkok to Hua Hin guide).
Budget
Expect roughly €25 to €80 per person per day for a mid-range trip, depending on where you stay.
Indicative ranges for one mid-range traveller: accommodation, meals, local transport and one activity. Peak season (around Christmas and New Year) is noticeably pricier.
FAQ
Three full days is a good start: one for the Grand Palace, Wat Pho and the river, one for markets and modern neighbourhoods, one for a day trip or a slower pace. Add a day if you want to explore the food scene properly, and pick a base with our where to stay in Bangkok guide.
Yes, many visitors do it in a day by train or minivan (roughly 1.5 to 2 hours each way). Spending a night lets you see the ruins in the softer morning and evening light, when it's cooler and quieter.
Yes, especially if you are interested in history or nature: the bridge over the River Kwai, war cemeteries and museums, and the tiered pools of Erawan waterfalls in the national park. Two nights are ideal.
It's a good option for a relaxed beach stay close to Bangkok with a long sandy beach, night markets and hotels for families. The water is less clear and the scenery less dramatic than on the Andaman islands, but it's easy to reach and pleasant for much of the year. To compare with the real islands, see our Thai islands guide.
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By Kylian Dev