Wanted: A Quiet Green Getaway Near Bangkok

[estephan500]

I would really love to find a smallish town, less than 2 hours from bangkok, that I could visit and hike around near. It would just be a day getaway and a chance to walk in the country for me.

People say "what about khao yai park..." ... I sense it's crowded and I was more hoping I could hike around a relatively rural town or towns, not a fixed hiking trail.

Hey, if there was a river to sit by, that would be nice.

Does this ring a bell with anyone? We'd show up, grab a coke and some fried rice, walk around, walk to the next village, sit by the river, walk a bit more, and go back home to BKK.

I realize this is a strange specific image, and the odds that some place will fit my image is slim. But... Any ideas?

Thanks! --Eric

[craigt3365]

How about Kanchanaburi and the areas around it? I've heard some of the villages near 3 pagoda pass are quite nice. And supposedly, there's a long wooden bridge that is nice also. I think you can also stay on houseboats on a lake near there, or on the river (away from town as many "party" boats go up and down the river.

[pomchop]

How about Kanchanaburi and the areas around it? I've heard some of the villages near 3 pagoda pass are quite nice. And supposedly, there's a long wooden bridge that is nice also. I think you can also stay on houseboats on a lake near there, or on the river (away from town as many "party" boats go up and down the river.

good advice....some very nice rooms built right over the water for river swims in a clean looking river...lots of hikes no problem...easy in/out bkk...songhachaburi is the wooden bridge town and pretty nice spot....

[Impkenai]

Check out Hidden Holiday House at Nakhon Chasri, in Nakhon Pathom. It's located in the countryside by the Tha Chin River. There are lots of things you can do nearby, and the owners can help you with directions and provide you with your meal. Check their website -

http://www.hiddenholidayhouse.com/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1〈=ENG

You can call them and ask for Khun Areeya, or K. Chris. They are a husband/wife owner operator. I stay there several times and will be going back again.

Cheers!

[nowork114]

you may alos try Suan Phueng in Ratburi

[patekatek]

Try Kaeng Krachan area. Very laid back and quiet. Especially mid-week. Huge park system with good fishing, waterfalls, river, and great inexpensive food in the little town of Kaeng Krachan. Lots of small mom and pop places to rent. One downside is a very noticeable lack of English. Both in signs and people who speak it. Maybe this is part of the charm of this area and why we built our house here.

Not sure if the photo will show up too well, but it is a sunset photo from our deck on Jan 3.

[estephan500]

It is GREAT to get these replies! Thanks so much to you guys for supplying your ideas. I will start googling these places and see which one might be good for a day's run in, stroll around, breathe some fresh air...

THANKS again! --eric

[estephan500]

Also, any additional ideas that people might have are appreciated! I bet that other people are finding these ideas useful also --

eric

[estephan500]

I just noticed that a few of these places mentioned above are perhaps 4 hours drive from Bangkok.

Does anyone have thoughts about relaxing towns that are a bit closer? Like 1 or 1.5 hours from central bangkok?

That would make it a possible 'day trip.' I realize that is a tricky request!!

eric

[impulse]

I just noticed that a few of these places mentioned above are perhaps 4 hours drive from Bangkok.

Does anyone have thoughts about relaxing towns that are a bit closer? Like 1 or 1.5 hours from central bangkok?

Kanchanaburi has come up and that's my recommendation. I rented a kayak for 450 baht including a truck ride up the river. Then I spent about 4-5 hours alone on the (2 seater) kayak with almost no people in sight for the first 3 hours. Lush jungle scenery, quiet and on the water. Well worth getting up a little early to stretch the day.

It's about 2-1/2 hours by car, or you can take the Sat-Sun Tourist train for 120 Baht, then hire a car or take a bus for the ride home if you don't make it back to town in time for the afternoon train to BKK.

[rgs2001uk]

I just noticed that a few of these places mentioned above are perhaps 4 hours drive from Bangkok.

Does anyone have thoughts about relaxing towns that are a bit closer? Like 1 or 1.5 hours from central bangkok?

That would make it a possible 'day trip.' I realize that is a tricky request!!

eric

Chachoengsao, Nakon Nayok, Prachin Buri, all easy to get to from Bkk, decent roads as well