Thailand is an absolutely beautiful holiday destination and is a boiling pot of raw natural beauty, and there are no two thoughts about it. From beaches to forests, to adventure and attractions, food and shopping, it is a perfect holiday package. However, there is something about Thailand that irks many travelers – It has way too much to offer to be covered in a single trip. What makes things further difficult is the fact that many tourist hot spots are scattered far from each other, and you need to fly across them, which shoots up the budget. This means if you want to do Phuket, Samui and Chiang Mei in a single trip and you are tight on time and budget, it is going to be near to impossible for you.
Interestingly, there is something about Thailand, which even many regular travelers are unaware of. You can get a bit of everything Thailand in places close by Bangkok. Bangkok is dotted by some beautiful towns and even islands, some of which are exotic and unexplored. You can visit these places for a short getaway without having to fly or spending a fortune. Here are some of the top getaway spots close by the capital that you should look into.
Pattaya
Pattaya is one of the hottest tourist magnets in Thailand and partly so because of its proximity to the capital. Located at about a 3-hour drive from Bangkok, it is a beach town known for its night markets and party places. Pattaya also has a very touristy beach, and if you want a more dedicated beach experience, you can take a boat tour to the beautiful coral islands surrounding Pattaya. Other than that, it has amusement parks, water parks, zoos, cultural shows and a bunch of other activities to cater to all kinds of tourists. If you feel a bit more adventurous, you can also try jumping off the plane at Skydive Thailand in Pattaya. You can find many Online Pattaya excursions if you want to book something in advance.
Ayyuthaya
If you are a history person, Ayyuthaya is your place to be. It was first founded in 1350 and was the capital of Siam (former name of Thailand) back then. Besides the breathtakingly beautiful scenery, you will find beautiful ancient temples and stone remnants of the historical capital, which makes it a fascinating destination to explore. Ayutthaya is easily accessible by either a bus or a train and is less than 2 hours away from Bangkok.
Erawan Falls National Park
Bangkok is primarily an urban center, and no matter how many attractions it offers, no amount of entertainment can replace a natural escape. If you want to escape the bustling traffic, noise and flashy lights of the city, head straight to this gorgeous natural getaway. Located in Kanchanaburi, the park is home to one of the best waterfalls in the country.
Koh Chang
So you want an island escape but Pattaya is too touristy for you, and you do not want to fly to the far south of the country? Koh Chang is the perfect answer to your problem. Many people are not even aware that an island exists so close to Bangkok and it is partly for this reason why this place is still quite secluded and peaceful. It has almost all attractions such as snorkeling, diving, island hopping and hiking that you will find on any other favorite island in the country. Another plus is the availability of a variety of accommodation options on the island for an overnight or even an extended stay.
