Dying for a vacation, but do not have enough leaves? There are many places that are close to Hong Kong, which means you can get your holiday fix over the weekend. While we love Hong Kong vacations, camping in Hong Kong and traveling through the islands around Hong Kong, sometimes, you just want to get away somewhere quickly to enjoy a weekend or a public holiday. Luckily, there are a few short trips from Hong Kong to feed your wanderlust, and best of everything, each place is beneath four hours away! Now, let us see the popular getaways from Bangkok and be ready to explore the world.
Popular Getaways from Bangkok
- Macau- Just a one-hour ferry ride from Hong Kong, Macau is one of the cheapest and popular getaways from Bangkok. Check-in one among the several resorts there and spend quality time at the lounge by drinking cocktails or spending money at the casinos. If this is not your scene, then discover the alternative side to S.A.R, and find attractive heritage buildings, cool cafes, great restaurants, and cultural sites.
- China- Wonderful China is right on your doorstep, making it a must-visit on the list of short trips from Hong Kong. Whether you want to jump on a train to Shenzhen and enjoy great food, saunas, and shopping, or if you want to fly to Shanghai and party the whole night, there are so many interesting regions in this huge country to explore. Never miss out on visiting the pandas and the delightful architecture of Chengdu or why not take the entire family to the island of Sanya? Popularly known as Chinese Hawaii, it is world’s away from what you might expect and has large numbers of attractive beaches, great restaurants, and resorts. Also, it is simply 1.5 hours away from Hong Kong.
- Taiwan- Less than 2 hours from Hong Kong by plane, Taipei, i.e. the capital of Taiwan, is regarded as one of the popular getaways from Bangkok. It is a land full of nature, unique designs, tasty foods, and some of the best people in this world. If you are living in Taipei, there are plenty of things to see and do, from exploring the Shilin Night Market to traveling through creative centers like Creative Park and Songshan Cultural to scaling Taipei 101 or visit the attractive Presidential Palace. If you want to move further into the country, then consider moving to Taichung for a hiking spot or visit the Eternal Spring Shrine waterfall present inside Taroko National Park.
- South Korea- As far as short trips from Hong Kong are concerned, you really cannot beat the attractive pace of culture and life in South Korea. It takes nearly 3 hours to reach the most beautiful destinations in Hong Kong, including Busan, Jeju, and Seoul, and wherever you visit is going to be vast from the next. When in Seoul, watch the changing of the guard at the colorful Gyeongbukgong Palace or walk through the historic Insadong for various souvenirs before spending the whole night in partying in Gangnam. Busan has those chill beach vibes, making it an excellent summer getaway.
- Ayutthaya- Though Ayutthaya, the old capital of Siam from 1350 to 1767, is frequently visited as a day trip from Bangkok, an elective overnight stay will offer the right time to enjoy. On a day trip, you will be hurried to try to see so many ruins in a single day and finally miss the prehistoric vibe that pervades the area. The Burmese sacked this old capital in 1767, causing it to be moved where Bangkok stands now. The temples and headless Buddha statues of Ayutthaya are best enjoyed in much the same manner as Angkor Wat in Cambodia: by renting a cycle.
Centuries of Thai history can be absorbed by exploring the different structures, museums, and temples. You can reach Ayutthaya by train. You will reach fast and you can avoid Bangkok’s traffic while enjoying the beautiful scenery. Based on which train service you select; the journey takes almost 2 hours. You can buy a ticket yourself for one of the several daily trains from the Hualamphong Railway Station.
Kanchanaburi- Have you heard about the bridge on the River Kwai? Well, you will find this popular historical landmark in Kanchanaburi, situated 130 km west of Bangkok. One day trip to Kanchanaburi is humbling and harrowing, studying about the construction of the Death Railway. Manage some time to visit the Jeath War Museum to learn more about this tragic incident and pay your respect to the soldiers who lost their lives in the war. Despite the horrible history, the view is spectacular.
Koh Si Chang- Do not confuse it with the much larger Koh Chang. It is a small island situated near to Pattaya. Though beaches are not as beautiful because of the rocks and heavy boat traffic. This island serves as one of the popular getaways from Bangkok for people who want to be close to the sea. Peace exists on the island, unlike neighboring Pattaya. Koh Si Chang is home to a royal summer palace or no longer in use, a small community, many interesting caves, and temples. To reach Koh Si Chang you must pass through Sri Racha in Chonburi Province. The whole trip can be completed within 3 hours, including a one-hour ride on the ferry.
Floating Vineyards- Though Thailand does not have a wine legacy, the special “floating vineyards” located 40 miles south of Bangkok in Samut Sakhon offer an exhilarating day trip from the city. Fresh fruit from Thailand is generally sweet and much tastier than average, so there is some possibility to produce great products. The local “Spy” product of wine coolers is one of the best drinks to balance the afternoon’s heat and the spiciness of the food. By hearing the term, “floating vineyards”, do not think that it floats.
They are built on fertile land recovered from the Chao Phraya River Delta. Workers push small boats between the narrow rows to do the pruning. Tourists can take a tour and check the sample products, but the operation is focused on real production, and not to accommodate visitors. For disabled travelers, facilities are not accessible. One of the most popular and largest vineyards to visit is the Siam Winery. It is better to contact a travel agent in Bangkok who can guide you. Tours run for nearly 4 hours. Visit this place during the dry season in Thailand.
Khao Yai National Park- Khao Yai National Park is one of the most popular national parks in Thailand. Spanning across five various protected areas the Khao Yai National Park reaches the Cambodian border. Based on your fitness level and how active you are, there are several options that you can enjoy. Simply take a raft out on the Khun Dan Prakan Chon Chan and enjoy the manmade reservoir and waterfall. A popular alternative is to enjoy hiking in the Wang Ta Kari waterfall and then again going to Haew Narok Waterfall. Both these hikes need a minimum fitness level and provide spectacular views of Thai natural forest areas.
Hua Hin- Situated around 4 hours towards the southwest of Bangkok, it is one of the famous coastal beach choices in Thailand. The city is home to several Western refugees; the wide beach attracts both international and local families. Over 3 miles of beach offers enough space for everyone. Popular restaurants and hotel chains inhabit the main strip with several spas squeezed between. But to the credit of Hua Hin, some greenery remains on near hills.
Khao Takiab occupies the southern part of the beach and offers a great view of the total length of Hua Hin. The Buddha statue on the top offers the perfect ambiance for taking in beautiful sunsets- but cautious of the several cheeky monkeys who consider the hill their own. Golf is a common activity in Hua Hin. It has attracted many players for decades. Medical tourism has risen in the area, along with a comparatively new abundance of wellness centers. You can enjoy shopping in shopping malls, markets, and night bazaars.