Trip Planner for Central Thailand
Bangkok
A Thailand trip planner wouldn’t be complete without including the electrifying Bangkok. This city perfectly blends the old and the new, creating a vibrant and lively atmosphere. Bangkok has towering skyscrapers, bustling markets, stunning temples, and a street food scene that’s out of this world – and so cheap!
I feel like Bangkok has something for everyone, from exploring the Grand Palace, taking a leisurely boat ride along the Chao Phraya River, getting lost in the maze of Chatuchak Weekend Market, or shopping for your favourite brands at MBK Centre.
Also, getting around Bangkok is pretty easy for a big city. The public transport system has the Skytrain (BTS), the underground metro (MRT) & river ferries. Plus, it’ll never be difficult to find a taxi or Tuk Tuk (getting a fair price from a Tuk Tuk driver can be hard though).
Flying into Bangkok there are two major airports; Suvarnabhumi Airport and Don Mueang Airport and both offer easy access to the city centre. For the least amount of hassle, I would recommend pre-booking an airport transfer to your hotel or getting a taxi. The taxis from the airport are all set prices, so you won’t get ripped off.
Maeklong Railway Market
The Maeklong Railway Market is a great option for a day trip from Bangkok. It’s a long day but also nice not to have to pack up and change hotels.
This market isn’t your typical Thai market, imagine a bustling market with vendors selling fresh produce, seafood, and local delicacies, all set up right on the train tracks. And, not because this is an abandoned railway track – several times a day, a train comes through, and the vendors swiftly pull back their awnings and produce to make way. It’s amazing to see their precision and timing, and once the train passes, everything goes back to normal as if nothing happened.
Getting to Maeklong Railway Market from Bangkok is a bit of a mission, but worth it for the experience! You can take a van or bus from the Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai) which will get you there in about 1.5 to 2 hours. Or, you can take a train from Wongwian Yai Station to Mahachai, then a ferry across the river, and another train from Ban Laem to Maeklong.
And, after you have experienced the market, make the most out of the day by also visiting the nearby Amphawa Floating Market. This isn’t a touristy floating market but it’s still so picturesque watching the locals row along the river selling their fresh produce.
Ayutthaya
If you love history and exploring ancient ruins, visiting Ayutthaya is a must! This historic city, located about 80 kilometres north of Bangkok, was once the thriving capital of the Kingdom of Siam. Today, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with stunning temples and ruins that tell the story of Thailand’s past.
The highlight of Ayutthaya is Wat Mahathat, a temple complex that’s famous for its iconic statue of Buddha’s head entwined in the roots of a banyan tree. It’s a sight that you won’t find anywhere else and a perfect spot for some amazing photos.
Wandering through the ruins, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time, surrounded by centuries-old stupas, and statues.
Getting to Ayutthaya from Bangkok is pretty straightforward. You can take a train from Hua Lamphong Station, which takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. Alternatively, you can book a private transfer with Get Your Guide.
If you want to fully immerse yourself in all Ayutthaya has to offer, I would recommend spending at least 2 nights there. This will allow you to explore the many historical sites and temples the city is home to.
Wat Samphran Dragon Temple
Another must-see place in central Thailand is Wat Samphran Temple. The main building of the complex is truly unique and eye-catching. I visited Wat Samphran on a day trip from Bangkok, it’s only 40 kilometres west of the city.
What makes this temple more unique than other Buddhist temples in Thailand is the striking pink tower with a giant dragon wrapped all the way around, and his head resting at the very top.
The temple isn’t just about the exterior. Inside, you can climb up through the dragon’s body to reach the top of the tower, where you’ll be rewarded with views of the surrounding area. The temple grounds are also home to various statues, shrines, and a large Buddha statue, offering plenty of spots to explore.
There’s no entry fee to the temple but a small donation is appreciated upon entry. To get to the temple I would recommend taking a private taxi who will wait to return you to Bangkok. Relying on a Grab or similar rideshare may leave you stranded as finding a ride back could be difficult. Alternatively, you can take a bus from the Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai) heading towards Nakhon Pathom and ask to be dropped off near the temple. But I’m not sure how regular these buses are.