Beyond the Big City: Exploring Bangkok’s Suburbs and Surrounding Areas
Bangkok – The capital city of Thailand, is known for its vibrant lifestyle, local markets, and street food, but there’s much more to the city than just the hustle and bustle of its urban areas. Venture outside the city center, and you will encounter an entirely different world – tranquil suburbs, wildlife sanctuaries, ancient temples, and much more. By exploring Bangkok’s suburbs and surrounding areas, you can experience the real essence of Thai culture and gain some memorable experiences.
Getting to Bangkok’s Suburbs and Surrounding Areas
Bangkok’s suburbs and surrounding areas are accessible through various modes of transportation such as trains, buses, taxis, and private cars. Some of the best ways to reach these locales are:
– By Bus: Bangkok’s bus system is quite efficient, and several routes connect the city center with its suburbs and surrounding areas. You can catch a bus from various bus terminals located across the city.
– By Train: Bangkok has an extensive railway network that connects the city with its suburbs and other tourist destinations in the country. The BTS Skytrain, MRT subway, and Airport Rail Link are the most popular train services in Bangkok.
– By Taxi: Taxis are an affordable and convenient mode of transportation in Bangkok. You can easily hail a taxi from the city and travel to its suburbs and surrounding areas.
– By Private Car: If you want to explore the city and its suburbs at your pace, hiring a private car is the best option. You can rent a car from various car rental companies in the city.
Top 10 Tourist Attractions Beyond the Big City of Bangkok
1. The Ancient City – The Ancient City, also known as Muang Boran, is a vast open-air museum that showcases the architectural and cultural heritage of Thailand. The museum is spread over 320 acres and has more than a hundred replicas of Thailand’s iconic landmarks, temples, and buildings.
2. The Erawan Museum – The Erawan Museum is one of Bangkok’s most unique attractions, featuring a three-headed elephant statue that symbolizes the Hindu god Indra’s Airavata mythological creature. The museum houses various ancient artifacts, including Buddhist artifacts, Thai antiques, and Chinese pottery.
3. Bang Krachao – Dubbed Bangkok’s “green lung,” Bang Krachao is an island that features a vast network of cycling and walking trails through its dense forests, offering visitors a refreshing respite from the city’s hustle and bustle.
4. Wat Bang Phli Yai Nai – Wat Bang Phli Yai Nai is an ancient temple made entirely of teakwood, dating back to the Ayutthaya period. The temple’s intricate design and style make it one of Thailand’s most beautiful Teakwood temples.
5. Wat Samphran Dragon Temple – The Wat Samphran Dragon Temple is an impressive 17 story building featuring a delightful dragon sculpture wrapping around its exterior. Visitors can climb to the temple’s top and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding areas.
6. The Crocodile Farm – The Crocodile Farm is one of the largest crocodile farms in the world, housing over 60,000 crocodiles. Visitors can witness various shows, including crocodile feeding, crocodile wrestling, and much more.
7. The Rose Garden – The Rose Garden is a vast park located in Nakhon Pathom province that features a beautiful botanical garden, elephant shows, traditional Thai cultural shows, and much more.
8. Ayutthaya – Ayutthaya is a UNESCO world heritage site located 80 kilometers north of Bangkok that boasts numerous ancient temples, ruins, and palaces that date back to the 14th through 18th centuries.
9. Amphawa Floating Market – One of Thailand’s best-known floating markets, Amphawa Floating Market is a popular tourist destination that offers visitors a glimpse of traditional Thai life along the river.
10. Erawan Waterfalls – Located in the Erawan National Park near Kanchanaburi, the Erawan Waterfalls is a popular destination among nature enthusiasts, thanks to its seven-tiered waterfall and numerous hiking and trekking trails.
FAQs about Beyond the Big City: Exploring Bangkok’s Suburbs and Surrounding Areas
Q: What is the best time to visit Bangkok’s suburbs and surrounding areas?
A: The best time to visit Bangkok’s suburbs and surrounding areas is during the winter months from November to February. The weather during these months is pleasant, with little to no rainfall, making it perfect for outdoor activities.
Q: Which mode of transportation is the best to explore Bangkok’s suburbs and surrounding areas?
A: There are various modes of transportation to explore Bangkok’s suburbs, including buses, trains, taxis, and private cars. Of these, private cars are the most convenient and give you more freedom to explore the different areas on your own.
Q: What are some must-see attractions in Ayutthaya?
A: Ayutthaya boasts many ancient temples, palaces, and ruins, but some of the must-see attractions include Wat Chaiwatthanaram, Wat Phra Si Sanphet, and the Ayutthaya Historical Park.
Q: How far is Amphawa Floating Market from Bangkok?
A: The Amphawa Floating Market is around 75 kilometers southwest of Bangkok, and it takes around 1.5 hours to get there by private car.
Q: Is The Ancient City open all week?
A: Yes, the Ancient City is open all week from 9 am to 5 pm.
Conclusion
Exploring Bangkok’s Suburbs and Surrounding Areas is an incredible way to learn more about Thai culture, history, and traditions. From the Ancient City to the Erawan Waterfalls, there are numerous attractions to explore and make your trip unforgettable. So, pack your bags and venture outside the city limits to explore the hidden gems of Bangkok’s suburbs and surrounding areas.