4 awesome last-minute getaways near Bangkok
Didn’t plan ahead for the super-long-weekend coming up? Here are a few options.
9 years ago
Day Trip
Ratchaburi-Samut Songkram
Why: Ratchaburi province has everything: fresh air, floating markets, mountains and wildlife. What’s more, it’s not even crowded and can be reached from Bangkok within an hour and a half.
Where: Skip Amphawa. We recommend you go the extra distance to Bang Noi Market. It’s like Amphawa in the old days, and most of the people are actually locals, either buying groceries or selling fresh vegetables, fruits and delectable food. Be sure to eat at Khao Pad Pla Tu Boran Mae Phu (open Sat-Sun 11:30am-2pm, 081-308-7378), which serves two of Samut Songkram’s most famous products: namprik kapi Klong Khone (fermented shrimp paste) and mackerel. Ratchaburi also has a great art scene, thanks to Silapathorn artist Wasinburee Supanichvoraparch, whose ceramic factory Tao Hong Tai is responsible for the area’s now-iconic giant dog sculpture. Also check out the much-loved d Kunst Gallery (323 Woradej Road, fb.com/THT.dKunst), situated next to the Mae Klong River, which recently revealed a new public art and design library. Guaytiew Khai Khun Mam (114/10 Ratyindee Rd. [next to Prompaet Hospital], 081-644-5406, open daily 7am-5pm) is another must-eat place, and has specialized in tomyam noodles for more than 50 years. Read our full guide to Bang Noi here, and Ratchaburi here.
Drifting Slowly
Chumpon
Why: If you want somewhere that’s the complete opposite of Pattaya, head to Chumpon—the mainland’s charming, sleepy alternative beach destination.
Where: To just relax in a boutique resort, you’ll need to cross your fingers for last-minute cancelations at Tusita Resort (077-579-151, www.tusitaresort.com), but if you’re not after luxury then visit Tong Tom Yai Homestay (081-345-6743, watcharin1@msn.com, tinyurl.com/klumz3k). Located in a small fisherman’s village, they offer activities from diving to night-time squid fishing. Alternatively, kick back in your overwater homestay cottage and enjoy the peaceful view—you can even jump right from your homestay into the ocean. The price starts at B900 per person for a one night stay (including four meals!) and B1,700 for two nights (eight meals). For groups of 10 guests or more, they’ll even throw in a free chartered boat trip to nearby islands or fishing, which usually costs B2,000.
Beach Party
Pattaya
Why: A bunch of new 4-5 star hotels popped up this year, the latest of which, Mercure Pattaya Ocean Resort, is unfortunatedly fully booked. But the fireworks alone are reason to be in Sin City come Dec 31.
Where: There are a lot of NYE dinners out there, including at Hilton Pattaya (038-253-000, tinyurl.com/lowra7d), which has stunning views from Horizon Bar and is right in the middle of the strip. The New Year’s Eve buffet at Edge restaurant costs B4,750-net per person. Alternatively, party hard at the Hard Rock Hotel (038-428-755-9, pattaya.hardrockhotels.net). Though their rooms are fully booked for NY, they still have one of the best countdown parties in town, which includes a buffet and free-flow beer at B6,500-net per person, and goes on till 3am.
Hillside Retreat
Mae Sot–Umphang
Why: This mountainous border town is pretty far off the tourist radar, meaning you can fly there even during New Year from approximately B4,000 with Nok Air. Once you arrive, you’ll find both a slow-life city and the rural delights of Mae Sot.
Where: Mae Sot town is not without charm (read our full guide here). The locals are a mix of Thais, Burmese, Buddhists and Muslims, which makes for a lively food scene. Start your morning with a stroll along Siripanich Road in search of the renowned Roti Ong (151 Siripanich Road, 5am-9am) and Store Ocha (5/1 Isambamrung Road, 055-531-786, 4am-5pm), which both serve different roti variations for as little as B3 per piece. After breakfast, make your way to the beautiful Mae U Su Cave, or even take a day-trip across the border to Myawaddee trading city in Myanmar—no visa necessary for Thai. Those with longer to spare should also head to Umphang district for a rafting trip to Thi Lo Su Waterfall. Phudoi Camp Site (www.phudoi.com, 055-561-049, 055-561-580, 081-886-8783) offers last-minute three-day jungle trips at B5,500 for two people with a chartered bus from Mae Sot.
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