Living amid the hustle and bustle of a big city drains a tremendous amount of energy, causing urban dwellers to sometimes need rest to recharge their lives, even during brief free moments.
Thairath Online takes on the role of a guide by selecting nearby travel locations from Bangkok for "morning train trips with evening returns".We carefully selected destinations and estimated budgets to focus on.Five locations.Just bring 500-600 baht notes,and you can enjoy a relaxed trip without overspending.
1. Relax listening to the waves at Suan Son Pradipat Beach in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province.
For those tired of Bangkok’s traffic jams, change the atmosphere and enjoy the sea breeze without the hassle of driving by simply taking the Southern Line train to "Suan Son Pradipat Station" in Prachuap Khiri Khan.
The trip takes about four hours, traveling in the morning to savor the scenery along the way. The charm here is the destination itself, as the train station is right next to the beach. Just step off the train and walk a few steps to the sea immediately.
Once there, you can rent a beach chair under the pine trees, recline while listening to the waves crashing ashore, order spicy papaya salad or seafood to enjoy by the beach, let the sea breeze wash away your fatigue, then shower, change clothes, and catch the evening train back home.That alonecan be enough to recharge your spirit.
This trip costs about 600 baht or less, including 90 baht for round-trip train tickets, 50 baht for the beach chair rental, and around 450 baht for food and drinks to indulge in.
2. Enjoy craftwork and stroll the riverside market in Ratchaburi Province.
For hipsters, art lovers, andcraft enthusiasts who adore local art and tasty treats, a train trip to the "Dragon Kiln City" is the answer. The train journey takes just over two hours to Ratchaburi Station.You might start by taking a motorcycle taxi to enjoy the famous "handmade egg noodles" with chewy strands that delight the palate, then stroll and take artsy photos at "Taohongthai," a ceramic factory transformed into a stylish art space. In the late afternoon, when the sun softens, take a leisurely walk through the Koi Kee Market by the Mae Klong River, buy snacks, and watch the sunset reflecting on the water — a truly rewarding relaxation.
This easy, affordable trip may cost around 500 baht, including 50 baht for round-trip train tickets, 80 baht for local transport, and 300 to 400 baht for food, cafes, and shopping.
3. Food tour and riverbank temple visits in Chachoengsao Province.
Foodies and those seeking spiritual blessings should not miss this trip. You may need to get up early to catch the train from Hua Lamphong Station, enjoying scenic views for just over an hour before arriving at Chachoengsao Junction Station.
From there, take a songthaew (shared taxi) from the station to pay respects to "Luang Pho Sothon" for good fortune. After blessing, continue by songthaew to the "Ban Mai 100-Year Market" to sample a wide array of delicious dishes.
From start to finish,you can enjoy thin-skinned steamed chive dumplings, grilled hor mok (steamed curry fish custard), and steamed rice-skin dumplings. Take a break sipping traditional coffee by the river while watching boats pass by, then catch the train back home.This trip is budget-friendly at just 450 baht, covering 26 baht for train tickets, 60 baht for songthaew rides throughout the day, 50 baht for offerings of flowers, incense, and candles, and about 310 baht for a full meal of steamed rice-skin dumplings, pastries, and drinks by the river.
4. Pay respects to the Buddha image and explore the night market in Nakhon Pathom Province.
Traveling to Nakhon Pathom is ideal for a slow-life trip. Start by enjoying the scenery along the way on a cool train ride to Nakhon Pathom Station. Upon arrival, a short walk across the street brings you to "Phra Pathom Chedi" to make merit and pray.
After this spiritual moment, head to the famous "Nakhon Pathom red pork rice" for lunch. In the afternoon, escape the heat at a cafe or stroll through Sanam Chan Palace to enjoy the breeze. The highlight comes in the evening when the night market in front of the Buddha image opens, offering a chance to indulge in street food to your heart’s content.
This trip keeps within a 500 baht budget, with 30 baht for train tickets, 20 baht for merit-making donations, 60 baht for lunch, 150 baht for cafe visits or palace entry, and the remaining 240 baht for feasting at the evening night market.
5. Cycle through the ancient capital and enjoy boat noodles in Ayutthaya Province.
This trip takes about an hour and a half by train to Ayutthaya. You can then walk to the ferry to cross to the island city, rent a bicycle, and ride through the historical park, stopping to see Buddha heads entwined in Bodhi tree roots.
When hunger strikes, don’t miss the renowned "Ayutthaya boat noodles" with rich, flavorful broth. In the afternoon, cool down at one of the many riverside cafes before cycling to watch the sunset reflecting on temple spires. Finish the day by buying soft roti sai mai (cotton candy wrapped in thin pancake) to take home before catching the train back.
This trip costs no more than 500 baht, including 30 baht for train tickets, 10 baht for the ferry, 50 baht for bicycle rental, 10 baht for historical site entrance, 80 baht for boat noodles, 120 baht for a cafe visit, and up to 200 baht for street food and roti sai mai.
The most important tip for third-class train travel is to check train schedules in advance and arrive at the station 20-30 minutes early to secure a window seat on the side away from the sun. Doing so will make your restorative trip even more comfortable and relaxing.