Amphawa, Samut Songkram
Located only 1.5 hours’ drive from Bangkok, Samut Songkram is home to the famous Amphawa floating market which features a variety of food and retail stalls alongside the Mae Klong River in a retro setting. Here, you can find delicious traditional Thai dishes like the steamed vermicelli and prawns, authentic drinks like cha yen (orange ice tea) and authentic coffee and various traditional desserts made from sugar palm and coconut. Take a boat trip in the evening to see fireflies while enjoying the charm of the traditional river way of living.  

Muak Lek, Saraburi
Famous for its scenic nature, Muak Lek has two beautiful waterfalls 15 minutes away from each other, Chet Sao Noi Waterfall and Muak Lek Waterfall. Get in touch with nature, here, by walking through a garden full of tropical plants to the Muak Lek Waterfall and refresh yourself by taking a dip. If you can’t get enough of water, then the Khrua Naam Tok (Waterfall Kitchen, 086-131-0311) offers a good selection of delicious Thai dishes. Before heading home, get yourself a box of the famous local snack, curry puffs stuffed with chicken or taro.

Khao Yai, Nakorn Ratchasima
Not only famous for its beautiful national park and lush greenery, Khao Yai is home to a few local vineyards such as Granmonte Family Vineyard (www.grandmonte.com) and the neighboring PB Valley Khao Yai (www.khaoyaiwinery.com). Enjoy the fresh air of Khao Yai while sampling a local wine. Drop by the Tuscan-village-themed attraction, Primo Piazza (www.primopiazza.com), which reopened late last year after a massive revamp, for an outdoor Thai fusion meal and a browse around its souvenir shop. The numerous fluffy sheep there also make for great photo opportunities.

Angthong
Best known for its arts and crafts, Angthong sits just north of the old capital Ayutthaya, two hours’ drive from Bangkok. Both charming and authentic, Angthong has monumental sacred sites and is a place where you can also enjoy the small-town life.  Start your day with a bang at Ban Pae in the Ekkaraj district (Open daily 7am – 4pm), dubbed the “drum-maker village” for almost a hundred years. Watch locals as they go about making Thai traditional drums and get a glimpse at the world’s largest drum. Another option is the Pamoke district (open daily 9am-4pm) where you can see the finely-crafted dolls. There is also Anek Farm Floating Market (081-191-4449) which offers various food and souvenir stalls, as well as plays at the weekend.

Samut Prakarn
Set only about 20 minutes from BTS Bearing, Muang Boran, the Ancient City (02-709-1644. Open daily 8am-5pm, www.ancientcity.com) features three-quarter-size replicas of most of the kingdom’s historical sites set in gorgeous parkland laid out in the shape of Thailand. Here, you can rent bikes or bring your own and spend a day cycling past the mini Chedi Chet Yo or up the steps of Preah Viheear. There is also a floating market where you can enjoy food and drinks by the human-made canal in the cultural park.