Bangkok is often the starting and ending point of visitors' journeys around the country because of its many attractions, including its enormous street markets, stunning temples and palaces, and many scented food stalls.

Visitors with more days to spend in Bangkok but occasionally needing quieter surroundings have many options for day trips outside the city. We have compiled a list of the top day trips from Bangkok to help you plan the perfect escape.

Related: 10 Must-Do Activities During A Three-Day Stay In Bangkok

10 Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

Some of Bangkok's best hotels are clustered along the waterfront, close to the city's most famous traditional market, Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. Damnoen Saduak Floating Market gives visitors an authentic taste of traditional Thai shopping, even though modern Thais no longer use longtail boats. Unwind as a driver skillfully navigates the winding canals, pausing to point out local fruit stands and residences built on stilts.

9 Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya, one of Thailand's most significant ancient cities, is only an hour away from Bangkok and is often recognized as the birthplace of the modern Thai history we know today. Due to its strategic location, guests can enjoy a stay in the area close to all the gorgeous structures that provide a fine example of Siam-style architecture before European influences. This historical city was often called the Venice of the East in colonial-era European chronicles. The iconic Buddha head buried in a Banyan tree is one of the most photographed landmarks in Ayutthaya.

8 Kanchanaburi

In Kanchanaburi, roughly 130 kilometers west of Bangkok, guests will find the famous bridge across the River Kwai, which makes for an enlightening and sobering day excursion. Visitors can learn about the Death Railway's construction and the hundreds of lives lost in the process. Please learn more about this terrible period in history at the JEATH Conflict Museum, and pay respects to the soldiers who gave their lives in the adjacent cemetery.

7 Khao Yai National Park

Khao Yai National Park is an excellent option for those who want to get away from the concrete jungle and discover the wild side of Thailand. Enjoy a calming stay in the area, stroll through the monsoon forests of Thailand's oldest national park, and spot some of the local species. Visit the Khao Yai National Park Visitor Center first and learn about the park's flora and animals before venturing into this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

6 Khao Yai Vineyard

The vineyard just outside of Khao Yai National Park is one of the most beautiful places in Thailand and boasts some of Thailand's most breathtaking sunsets. It's well worth the trip for those already in the area, so get to the north of Khao Yai, where there are several wineries, but the most reputable of these is PB Valley Khaoyai Winery. Guests can take a tram tour across the vast fields and plantations or stroll amid the rows of grapevines.

5 Pattaya

Pattaya, a beach city only 90 minutes from Bangkok, is a great weekend getaway. Pattaya has many attractions, so planning is essential if there's only one day to explore. Many visitors to Pattaya stop by the Sanctuary of Truth, a majestic teak tower, and the Nong Nooch Tropical Gardens, which are landscaped in a French manner. A visit to the temple atop Wat Phra Khao Yai (also known as "Big Buddha Hill"), reached by climbing a long flight of stairs, rewards visitors with a breathtaking panorama of the surrounding area.

4 Rose Garden Thai Village

A trip to Rose Garden Thai Village is ideal for those who need a day of tranquility and relaxation. Beautifully tended, these gardens are among the best in Southeast Asia. Bringing together horticulture and local culture, the Rose Garden is the perfect place to experience both the beauty of Thailand's flora and the rich traditions of its people. There will be performances of traditional Thai dance and tours of authentic Thai homes spread throughout the day.

3 Koh Si Chang

Koh Si Chang is the perfect island for a short stay for those interested in seeing some of the most beautiful shorelines in Thailand. Take a journey to Koh Loi Pier and get on a ferry to the picturesque island of Koh Si Chang. Relax on the beach and soak up the sun, or go out and see what the area offers.

The Summer Palace, built during King Rama V's reign, is considered one of the finest examples of Thai architecture ever created.

Related: Two Days In Bangkok: Here's What To See In This City In Only 48 Hours

2 Maeklong Railway Market

Visitors can find a market in Thailand even across train lines, as with the Maeklong Railway Market. Businesses near the tracks must regularly close their umbrellas to make space for the frequent Maeklong Railway trains. Understandably popular, staying near the area is a great way to experience this unique market arrangement. It's incredible to witness how near the massive train comes to crushing the various fruits and veggies at the market and how quickly everything goes back to normal afterward.

1 Hua Hin

For those seeking a more sedate experience, a stay in Hua Hin offers a more subdued alternative to Pattaya. Located on the Gulf of Thailand's coast, Hua Hin is home to a beautiful beach and the pristine Kaeng Krachan National Park. Find dozens of independently owned stores and family-run restaurants in Plearnwan, a hipster, vintage-style hangout, and enjoy visiting the former beach getaway for the Thai royal family, the Mrigadayavan Palace.