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5 Underrated Places To Escape The Urban Jungle of Bangkok

When you think of long weekends, you’ll think of Bangkok. But Bangkok isn’t just about it’s exciting nightlife, delicious Thai street food or the cheap bargains that makes every Singaporean go gaga! KKday brings you 5 underrated places to escape the urban jungle of Bangkok for a peculiar experience in Thailand. (Photo: Flickr / Thangaraj Kumaravel)

1. Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park
Flickr / Thanate Tan
Approximately 2 and a half hours away from Bangkok, the Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park is dominated by craggy, limestone mounts offering various hiking opportunities. Away from the bustling city life of Bangkok and the weekend traffic jams in ThailandKhao Sam Roi Yot National Park is the ideal location to relieve all that work stress.
2. Ayutthaya
 
Flickr / daniel julià lundgren
 
Ayutthaya used to be the capital city of Thailand until it was destroyed by Burmese army in 1767. The ruins of Ayutthaya, however, are still around in modern Thailand. From old pagodas to dated Buddha statues, the rustic nature of Ayutthaya definitely leaves every tourist in awe. Located only 75km away from Bangkok, Ayutthaya makes a perfect day trip from Bangkok.
3. Amphawa Floating Market
Flickr / Sam Sherratt

For an authentic floating market experience, skip Damnoen Saduak and head to Amphawa Floating Market instead. Situated approximately 63km west of BangkokAmphawa Floating Market is perfect for shopaholics. With many little wooden houses lined up neatly along the canal, Amphawa Floating Market is as authentic as a floating market can get in Bangkok.

4. Kanchanaburi
Flickr / Prowpatareeya Tan

Away from the stresses of Bangkok city and into the peaceful countryside, Kanchanaburi grants you a glorious and moving experience in Thailand. Situated approximately 150km and 2.5 hours away from BangkokKanchanaburi is notorious for its Thailand to Burma Railway (also known as the Death Railway).Built using POWs and Asian labourers during the Second World War, it’s estimated that 16,000 POWs and 100,000 Asian labourers lost their lives completing the Thailand to Burma Railway.

It’s recommended for you to stay a few nights at Kanchanaburi to fully immerse in the experience, but if you are short on time, take a day out at this beautiful province.

5. Khao Yai National Park
Flickr / Scott Gregory
Located 2.5 hours away from Bangkok, Khao Yai National Park is Thailand‘s gem. With lush flora and occasional sighting of wild elephants, Khao Yai National Park is one of the most well known parks in Thailand. Did we mention that the park also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage siteKhao Yai National Park is definitely the perfect escape from Bangkok’s city life.
Bangkok has been a favoured holiday destination for many of us Singaporeans, and it’s easy to understand why when Bangkok has a piece of everything for every type of traveller!
Spending a few days in Bangkok?
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