10 Places Near Thailand For Your Fun - Filled Day Trips

Thailand is one of the most popular Southeast Asian countries for world travelers. The dreamy beaches and picturesque islands make for a perfect vacation. Destinations like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phi Phi Islands, Pattaya, Koh Samui, Phuket, and Krabi often figure on Thailand itineraries. However, if you are planning to go for an extended vacation to Thailand then it is a great idea to also include some places near Thailand for an adventure and go offbeat!

The Most Amazing Places To Visit Near Thailand

Lying within 250 KM of Thailand borders, these places can be easily covered in a day or an overnight trip. So get that multi-entry visa for Thailand and explore everything beyond the Thai borders.

1. Vientiane, Laos

Unlike the bustling city of Bangkok, Vientiane moves at a much slower pace. The beautiful city has a French influence thanks to the French inquisition and its historic quarter with colonial villas makes for a pretty picture. The city is one of the most popular tourist places near Thailand and tourists love the idyllic cafes and temples. Among its most famous temples is the Wat Si Saket and has over 2,000 ceramic and silver images of Buddha. You can go on a river cruise and spend a day relaxing and exploring the laid-back city of Vientiane.

Nearest Border Crossing: Thanaleng Border Crossing
Distance from Thailand border: 20 KM
Places to visit: Pha That Luang, Patuxai, Wat Si Saket, Haw Phra Kaew, Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge

2. Langkawi, Malaysia

Langkawi is just 75 mins boat ride away from Thailand, and that makes it one of the best places to go near Thailand. The entire group of over 99 islands of Langkawi has been given the status of UNESCO World Heritage Site for their lovely white sand beaches, tropical forests, waterfalls, and natural wealth. Langkawi is also a duty-free zone which makes it a cheap destination to party, shop, and live the paradise life!

Nearest Border Crossing: Changwat Satun – Thai-Malaysia Border
Distance from Thailand border: 48 KM to Kuala Perlis Port for boat to Langkawi
Places to visit: Langkawi Cable Car, Pantai Cenang, Payar Island, Temurun Waterfall

3. Siem Reap, Cambodia

Siem Reap is hands down among the best places to visit near Thailand. The is home to the Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious monument, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 12th-century temple with its iconic architecture is the symbol of Cambodia, and its iconography is seen all over the country. Along with temples, the town has some of the best hotels, restaurants, and spas, offering weary travelers a chance to enjoy history with relaxation!

Nearest Border Crossing: Poipet International Border
Distance from Thailand border: 152 KM
Places to visit: Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Ta Prohm, Bayon, Banteay Srei

4. Kulen Promtep Wildlife Sanctuary, Cambodia

Mostly a swamp area, the protected area of Kulen Promtep Wildlife Sanctuary is around the Kulen mountain which is also one of the most sacred sights of Cambodia. It is one of the best places near Thailand if you wish to seek a respite from the tourist crowds and cities. The Kulen Promtep reserve was started to preserve the Giant Ibis, which is also the national bird of Cambodia. Regular nature tours and walks are conducted by the locals of the village of Tmatboey.

Nearest Border Crossing: Choam
Distance from Thailand border: 123 KM
Places to visit: Wildlife Sanctuary

5. Perhentian Islands, Malaysia

Travelers who are tired of the tourist circuits of Thailand will love to explore the Perhentian Islands. The Perhentian islands located in Malaysian waters are resort islands that have been well-developed for tourists yet retain the charm of tropical islands. An ideal destination for snorkeling and diving, the Perhentian Islands are one of the best places to travel near Thailand. Once you reach the white sands of Kecil Island and dive into the clear waters, you will not want to go back to reality!

Nearest Border Crossing: Tak Bai
Distance from Thailand border: 28 KM
Places to visit: Lighthouse Towers, Coral Bay, Kecil Island, Rentang

6. Naypyidaw, Myanmar

Imagine a brand new capital city, where the infrastructure is new and everything is planned. This is what you can experience in Naypyidaw, one of the places near Thailand! The capital of Myanmar was Yangon till the new capital sprung up in 2006. While there isn’t much history to the city, it is extremely well planned and has new tourist attractions and places of interest. If you wish to explore what a new city might look like then you should definitely head there!

Nearest Border Crossing: Wat Thai Wattanaram
Places to visit: Uppatasanti Pagoda, Naypyidaw Zoological Gardens, Gems Museum, National Herbal Park

 

7. Phou Khao Khouay, Laos

Just 40 kms away from the capital of Laos, Vientiane, is the Phou Khao Khouay National Biodiversity Conservation Area. It is one of the places to see near Thailand and a wonderful place for a jungle getaway. The protected forest has stunning cliffs, river gorges and crystal clear rivers that flow into the Mekong River. The forest is also home to the endangered white-cheeked Gibbon monkeys, langurs and even the green peafowl. You can stay in Vientiane and visit this place for a day trip.

Nearest Border Crossing: Thanaleng Border Crossing
Places to visit: Ecotourism Interpretation Centre

 

 

8. Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park, Vietnam

The Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is home to the largest cave in the world, the Son Doong Cave. The iconic cave has been covered by National Geographic and the entire region has received a UNESCO World Heritage Status for its natural cave system. While Vietnam does not share its border with Thailand, it just 270 KM from the border of Thailand crossing Laos. It is undoubtedly one of the most unique places near Thailand to visit!

Nearest Border Crossing: Nakhon Phanom
Places to visit: Vom Cave Systems, Son Doong Cave, Ruc Man Cave Phong Nha Cave

 

9. George Town, Malaysia

The state of Penang in Malaysia is a melting pot of cultures and George Town its capital is at the centre of it all. One of the best places near Krabi Thailand, it is the best spot to stopover for a weekend trip or as the first port of entry into Malaysia. From the 7-tier Buddhist Pagoda to the Chinese clan house of Khoo Kongsi there is a lot of sightseeing to do before hitting the beach.

 

10. Pakse, Laos

Pakse is a beautiful city in Laos and among the most easily accessible places to visit near Thailand Airport. Pakse is just a short distance of 130 KM from the Ubon Ratchathani International Airport in Thailand. The city is Laos has sprung up at the meeting point of Mekong and Xe Don Rivers and is a fertile region. It is an ideal place to get away from the bustling cities and enjoy its rural landscapes, natural beauty and admire the French colonial architecture still present in the city buildings.

Nearest Border Crossing: Chong Mek Customs
Places to visit: Vat Phou, Bolaven Plateau, Si Phan Don, Phu Salao, Wat Luang