When visiting a foreign country for business, sometimes you may feel a little overwhelmed by trying to plan what to do on your days off. You don’t want those precious few days chasing after an activity to do or getting confused as this is the only time in which you can treat your business trip like a Bangkok holiday.
It would be much preferable to have everything set in stone and planned so that your weekends are well spent and so you can get more out of them. So what can you do on those days off? Well, you can visit…
Amphawa & Fisherman Village
Amphawa and the nearby Fisherman’s Village are charming and unique destinations in Thailand. They are both located in the Samut Songkhram Province, not far from Bangkok, making them great options for day trips or weekend getaways . Here’s what you can expect when visiting these two delightful places.
Amphawa:
Amphawa is most famous for its floating market, which takes place on weekends (Friday to Sunday) from late afternoon into the evening. Unlike some of the more touristy floating markets in Bangkok, Amphawa has retained a more authentic and local atmosphere. Vendors sell fresh seafood, Thai snacks, fruits, and other goods from their boats.
Firefly Watching
One of the highlights of an evening visit to Amphawa is the opportunity to go firefly watching. Take a boat tour along the river, and you’ll see fireflies lighting up the trees along the banks, creating a magical spectacle.
Amphawa Riverside Market
In addition to the floating market, there’s a riverside market that runs throughout the day. You can explore a wide variety of local food stalls, souvenir shops, and enjoy the scenic views of the canal.
Temples
Amphawa has several temples worth visiting, including Wat Amphawan Chetiyaram, which is known for its large reclining Buddha statue. These temples offer insight into Thai culture and spirituality.
Homestays: Consider staying at one of the homestays in Amphawa to immerse yourself in the local way of life. It’s a unique opportunity to experience Thai hospitality and community life.
Fisherman’s Village (Mae Klong)
Mae Klong Railway Market: The Mae Klong Railway Market, also known as the “Umbrella Pull Down Market,” is a fascinating and Instagram-worthy experience. The market is set up directly on the train tracks. When a train approaches, vendors quickly retract their awnings and goods to make way for the train, and then set everything up again once it passes.
Fresh Seafood: Since Mae Klong is a fishing community, you can savor some of the freshest seafood dishes here. Restaurants and street food stalls offer a variety of seafood options.
Walking Streets: Besides the railway market, Mae Klong has a charming walking street with shops selling local products, handicrafts, and delicious snacks. It’s a great place to explore on foot.
Cultural Experiences: Take the opportunity to learn about the local way of life, traditional fishing techniques, and visit temples in the area.
Both Amphawa and the Fisherman’s Village offer a glimpse into authentic Thai culture, and they are a short distance from each other, making it convenient to visit both in one day. Remember to check the operating hours and days for specific attractions, as they may vary. Enjoy your visit to these unique and picturesque destinations.
You get to eat an authentic Thai meal in a local family’s home, try your hand at making coconut sugar bars, join fishermen in their daily activities such as fishing and finding krill, and visit a non-famous sightseeing small town
River Kwai in Kanchanaburi Province
If you want to enjoy a three-day weekend, lets-tour-bangkok.com offers a 3-day Bangkok holiday to River Kwai where you will be taken to a variety of locations to learn about Thai history as well as a lot of exhilarating action. You start by visiting the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre museum dedicated to teaching the history of it to tourists. Throughout the remaining time, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy an elephant ride, bamboo rafting, and much more.
This tour combines learning about the culture and just a ton of fun together splendidly. There’s hardly a better way to spend three days in Thailand.
Here are more spots to see ;
Erawan National Park
Explore the stunning Erawan Waterfalls, which consist of seven tiers of emerald-green pools. You can hike up to the higher tiers and swim in the crystal-clear waters.
Hellfire Pass
Pay your respects at Hellfire Pass, a moving museum and memorial dedicated to the prisoners of war who worked on the Death Railway.
Cave Exploring
Explore the caves at Wat Tham Sua and Wat Tham Khao Noi for a unique cultural and natural experience.
River Cruises
Take a boat ride along the River Kwai to enjoy the beautiful scenery and learn more about the region’s history.
The best time to visit Kanchanaburi is during the cool and dry season, which typically runs from November to February. This is when the weather is most comfortable for outdoor activities.
Hua Hin Beach
With the extra leisure a fourth day can bring to a business-trip-turned-Bangkok-holiday, you can visit the beautiful and famous Hua Hin beach.
The location was initially discovered in the 1920s by King Rama VII as a way to get away from the sultry city of Bangkok. Hua Hin beach is easily accessible from Bangkok by car, bus, or train. The drive takes approximately 3-4 hours.
The beach also offers water sports, golf, and a variety of other activities to choose from. The location is stunning and is perfect for a person who really likes the sun and sand. There are also parks, peaks, caves, and waterfalls for you to explore.
For cultural attractions, there are Hua Hin railway station and Cicada market. Additionally, Hua Hin Night Market is famous for its street food and shopping. Try local delicacies and shop for souvenirs, clothing, and handicrafts. It’s a great place to soak in the local atmosphere.
Hua Hin enjoys a tropical climate, but it experiences distinct seasons that can influence your travel experience. A cool and dry season (November to February) is the most popular and comfortable time to visit Hua Hin. However, if you prefer fewer crowds and lower prices, you can consider the rainy season as long as you are prepared for some rain and humidity. Avoiding the hot season (March to May) if you’re sensitive to high temperatures is advisable.
Long Holiday Festivals in Thailand
Long holiday festivals in Thailand offer a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the country’s vibrant culture, traditions, and celebrations. Here are some of the most notable festivals and destinations to consider for a festive tour in Thailand during a long holiday:
Songkran Festival (April)
The Thai New Year is celebrated with the Songkran Festival, famous for its water fights. Head to cities like Chiang Mai, Bangkok, Pattaya , Phuket or Ayutthaya to experience lively water splashing, traditional ceremonies, and cultural activities. Songkran typically lasts for three days, from April 13th to April 15th. However, in some regions, celebrations can extend for a longer period, up to a week or more.
During this time, people of all ages take to the streets with water guns, buckets, and containers to splash water on each other. It’s a joyous and playful way to cool off in the scorching April heat.
The Songkran Festival is not only a time of celebration but also a time for reflection, renewal, and coming together with family and community. It’s a unique and joyful experience that allows you to immerse yourself in Thai culture and traditions while staying cool during the hot summer days.
Loi Krathong and Yi Peng Lantern Festival (November)
Celebrated on the full moon of the twelfth lunar month, this festival features the release of illuminated lanterns and floating krathongs (decorated baskets) into rivers and water bodies .The festival’s dates vary each year based on the lunar calendar. It’s essential to check the specific dates for the year you plan to attend, as they can change. Chiang Mai is one of the best places to experience this festival. Yi Peng is a northern Thai tradition in which sky lanterns, or khom loi, are released into the night sky. These lanterns are made of thin paper and a small candle. As they rise into the air, they create a mesmerizing display of floating lights.
Loy Krathong Festival in Sukhothai (November)
Sukhothai, the historical capital of Thailand, hosts a spectacular Loy Krathong festival with grand light and sound shows, traditional dance performances, and the release of krathongs in the Sukhothai Historical Park.
Phi Ta Khon Festival in Loei (June or July)
This unique and colorful festival features mask-wearing locals reenacting ancient tales. The Phi Ta Khon parade is a highlight of the festivities, and it’s a fantastic cultural experience. Throughout the festival, you can enjoy traditional Thai music and dance performances. These cultural displays provide insight into the local heritage and customs. The Phi Ta Khon Festival is believed to have originated from a Buddhist legend about a prince who encountered spirits during a journey. The festival serves as a combination of religious beliefs and traditional folklore.
Bo Sang Umbrella Festival (January)
This festival in Bo Sang village near Chiang Mai celebrates traditional Thai umbrellas and parasols. You can witness the making of beautiful hand-painted umbrellas and enjoy a vibrant street procession.
Chiang Mai Flower Festival (February)
Explore the lush gardens and vibrant floral displays in Chiang Mai during this festival. The highlight of the festival is the grand flower parade, featuring elaborately decorated floats adorned with a wide variety of flowers and plants. These floats are a sight to behold and are often themed to reflect the rich flora of the region.
Throughout the festival, the city is adorned with vibrant floral displays. Parks, gardens, and public spaces are transformed into colorful landscapes, showcasing an impressive array of flowers, including orchids, chrysanthemums, roses, and many more. The festival often includes the selection of a Flower Festival Queen in a beauty pageant. Contestants dress in elegant traditional Thai costumes and are judged on their grace and poise.
Phuket Vegetarian Festival (October)
This festival in Phuket is renowned for its striking processions, where devotees pierce their cheeks with various objects and practice strict vegetarianism. It’s a unique cultural experience. The Phuket Vegetarian Festival usually spans nine days, during which participants observe a strict vegetarian diet. The festival dates vary each year based on the lunar calendar, so it’s essential to check the specific dates if you plan to attend.
Temples and shrines across Phuket hold various ceremonies, including prayers, blessings, and performances of traditional Chinese opera. These ceremonies are open to the public and provide insight into the festival’s spiritual aspects.
Wonder fruit Festival (December)
If you’re into music, art, and sustainable living, consider attending the Wonderfruit Festival in Pattaya. It’s a multi-day event that combines music performances, art installations, workshops, and eco-friendly practices.
The festival is known for its impressive art installations and interactive art projects that encourage creativity and exploration. Expect to see large-scale sculptures, light installations, and thought-provoking artwork throughout the festival grounds.
Chinese New Year in Bangkok (January or February)
Celebrate the Chinese New Year in Bangkok’s vibrant Chinatown, which comes alive with dragon dances, lanterns, and traditional Chinese performances.
Leading up to Chinese New Year, Bangkok’s Chinatown (Yaowarat) and other areas with a significant Chinese population are adorned with colorful lanterns, paper dragons, and other festive decorations. The entire city comes alive with a festive atmosphere.
Elephant Festival in Surin (November)
Surin is known as the “Elephant Capital of Thailand,” and this festival showcases traditional elephant shows, parades, and cultural performances. Enjoy traditional elephant games and contests, such as elephant racing, log-pulling competitions, and tug-of-war matches.
These events highlight the bond between the mahouts and their elephants and demonstrate the animals’ physical prowess. Alongside the elephant-related activities, you can also enjoy traditional Thai dance performances, music, and cultural exhibitions that provide insights into the local heritage and customs.
When planning your festival tour in Thailand during a long holiday, make sure to check the festival dates in advance, as they can vary slightly from year to year based on lunar calendars. Additionally, book accommodations and transportation well ahead of time, as these festivals are popular and draw large crowds of tourists and locals alike. Enjoy the rich cultural experiences and festive atmosphere that Thailand has to offer during its long holiday festivals.
Warning for Traffic during long holiday
Traffic in Bangkok is notorious for its congestion and can be a significant challenge, especially during peak hours. During long holiday periods in Bangkok, traffic congestion can be a significant issue.
Tips for Dealing with Traffic in Bangkok:
Use Public Transportation
Bangkok has an extensive public transportation network, including the Skytrain (BTS), subway (MRT), buses, and river boats. These options can help you avoid traffic congestion and reach your destination faster.
Plan Travel Times
Whenever possible, schedule your activities during off-peak hours to avoid the worst of the traffic. Avoid commuting during the morning (7:00 AM to 9:00 AM) and evening (5:00 PM to 7:00 PM) rush hours.
Navigation Apps
Use navigation apps like Google Maps or local equivalents to check real-time traffic conditions and find the quickest routes. They can also help you choose alternate routes if necessary.
Expressways
Bangkok has an extensive network of expressways (toll roads). They can be faster than surface streets but may incur toll charges.
Motorcycle Taxis
Motorbike taxis are a quick way to navigate through traffic, especially for short distances. Ensure your safety by wearing a helmet provided by the driver.
Taxis
Metered taxis are widely available in Bangkok. Ensure the driver uses the meter (known as “taximeter”) or agrees on a fare before starting your journey.
Avoid Road Rage
Traffic congestion can be frustrating, but aggressive driving and road rage are counterproductive and potentially dangerous. Stay calm and patient.
Walk When Feasible
If your destination is nearby, consider walking. Bangkok’s sidewalks vary in quality, but it can be a pleasant way to explore neighborhoods.
Plan Accommodations Wisely
Choose lodging in central areas or near public transportation hubs to minimize commuting times.
Motorcycle Accidents
Be cautious when crossing the road or walking near streets. Motorcycle accidents involving pedestrians are not uncommon.
Despite the traffic challenges, Bangkok has a lot to offer in terms of culture, cuisine, and attractions. By planning your transportation and activities wisely, you can make the most of your time in the city while minimizing the impact of traffic congestion.
We hope this site can help you plan your tour for long holidays or weekend in Thailand better. Our other tour information is also available from lets-tour-bangkok.com.
