Even if you are traveling alone or as a couple, a van is a useful means of transportation in Thailand. You can use public van services that connect Bangkok with various cities around Thailand or join a van tour to one of the popular tourist destinations surrounding the capital city. As a van tour normally means a small group tour with up to 10 people, you might wish to explore Bangkok and nearby cities by joining a shared tour by van from Bangkok.
On a van tour, the small group of tourists is easier to manage, you get more attention from the guide, the tour can be more flexible, and traveling between attractions is faster, meaning that you can spend more time at the actual points of interest.
Discover the most popular routes and destinations for a van tour from Bangkok.
Ayutthaya Historical Park Guided Day Trip by Van
By joining a shared van tour from Bangkok, you can visit sites at the Ayutthaya Historical Park that date back to 1350. You can learn about Buddhist history, architecture, and religion while exploring countless temples with a local tour guide.
On the way to Ayutthaya, you will visit Bang Pa-In Royal Palace, which was used as a summer residence for ancient Thai kings. The palace complex houses the golden pagodas and serene pools that make for a good introduction to the region’s glorious past.
While in Ayutthaya, you will have several hours to explore fascinating ancient religious sites, including Wat Mahathat, where a decapitated Buddha head sits nestled between ancient tree roots; Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, which is the most holy and important complex of the ancient Thai capital; and Wat Chaiwatthanaram, known for its towering stone chedis.
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market Guided Tour by Van
Another very popular van tour from Bangkok is visiting Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. At the floating market, you can experience the colorful scene of vendors selling products from their boats and enjoy a paddle boat ride around the market. Even if Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is less authentic nowadays, it opens daily and lets tourists to have a glimpse into the old shopping tradition of Thailand.
This Damnoen Saduak Floating Market Guided Tour includes a ride by a paddle boat along narrow canals to the floating market, whew you can see the local houses lining the canals and take a quick glance at their way of living. Once at the market, see the amazing array of vendors in their boats selling fresh products, from fruits and vegetables to prepared dishes.
Living Green Elephant Sanctuary Day Trip by Van
Just 1.5 hours from Bangkok, you can experience ethical elephant encounters at Living Green Elephant Sanctuary, located in the scenic mountains of Chonburi. By joining this Living Green Elephant Sanctuary Day Trip, you will explore the 40-acre sanctuary that offers a peaceful home for rescued elephants. At the sanctuary, you can observe, feed, and interact with elephants in their natural environment. The experience includes hand-feeding the elephants, walking alongside them through forest paths, and observing their social interactions.
To join this van tour from Bangkok, you can choose from two sessions: a morning program (07:00–14:30) or an afternoon program (11:00–18:30).
Khao Yai National Park Day Trip by Van
You can take a break from bustling Bangkok and spend the day in nature, exploring Khao Yai National Park on a day trip by van. At the national park, you can hike along nature trails and see impressive waterfalls. While walking through forests and grasslands, you get a chance to spot monkeys, hornbills, or even elephants that can be spotted from the observation tower. Head to the stunning Haew Suwat Waterfall, where jungle vines and rushing cascades create the perfect backdrop for photos, and to Haew Narok Waterfall, which is the tallest three-tiered natural wonder in the park.
Death Railway & Hellfire Pass Tour by Van
You can join this small-group Death Railway & Hellfire Pass Tour by Van to take a journey from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi province, where stunning natural beauty combines with a dark history of World War II. On this tour you visit the Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum, the Death Railway, and the Bridge over the River Kwai, all of them being famous spots due to their part in the history of Thailand and the world.
Hellfire Pass is a dramatic section of the railway that was literally cut through a mountain by the prisoners of war. The tour also includes a trip by train along the historic "Death Railway," which is named for the thousands of prisoners who lost their lives constructing this link between Thailand and Myanmar (Burma). The scenic railway runs across the Tham Krasae wooden viaduct, which skirts a cliff above the Kwai Noi River and crosses the famous Bridge over the River Kwai.
Tips
If you are traveling to Thailand with a family or group of friends and want to get the most out of your visit, it is best to rent a private van in Bangkok. By choosing to charter a private van with a driver, you can discover the best of Bangkok and explore the city's must-see spots conveniently. With a private van, you can also get out of Bangkok to visit floating markets or popular destinations like Pattaya, Ayutthaya, Hua Hin, Kanchanaburi, and Khao Yai.
