Don't let the rain dampen your wanderlust as Mother Nature unveils her raw beauty when the countryside bursts to life in its greenest glory. Guru By Bangkok Post presents a list of destinations near Bangkok for a day trip to take respite from the town, whether for nature tripping or cafe hopping, rain or shine.
Mother Nature is calling
Nong Phak Chi Watchtower, Nakhon Ratchasima
The reward of trekking down to Nong Phak Chi watchtower inside Khao Yai National Park is an awe-inspiring wildlife spectacle as the tower has been built with animal-watching in mind. It’s a quick walk from the parking area, but once you hit the trail, take your time to explore your surroundings because the weaving path is adorned with lush green meadows, offering countless scenic photo ops along the way. While most tourists flock to the campsite within the national park, this lesser-known site offers solitude, allowing you to bask in sweeping views of mountainous valleys. The focal point from the tower is a clear view of a grassy mound, where you can observe the animals in their natural habitat. Expect to see a herd of gaurs and elephants. The entrance fee to the national park costs B50 per person and B40 per car.
Pasak Cholasid Dam, Sara Buri
If you’re after a sprawling grassland with a waterside setting for a picnic, Pasak Cholasid Dam is your best bet. In addition to its floating train route reminiscent of Studio Ghibli's Spirited Away on Lop Buri's side of the dam, the grassy plain in Sara Buri was a treasure trove for campers before it broke the internet and now has been nicknamed "New Zealand Of Thailand" by netizens. Grazing cattle on the field allows visitors to get (cautiously) up close for a selfie. No sheep to be found, though. As it has become a travel hotspot, expect to see people gathering for outdoor activities, such as flying kites, paragliding and watching the sunset. Food stalls on wheels are at your service, as well as a few mobile toilets. I recommend visiting in the late afternoon, perhaps after 4pm, as the only shade you can get is from the trees by the main road.
Thung Prong Thong (Golden Meadow), Rayong
It's easy to feel as though you've escaped into the wilderness once inside Rayong's largest mangrove forest, a three-hour ride from Bangkok. Spanning an impressive 6,000 rai, the Golden Meadow, known as Thung Prong Thong, is not only a sprawling landscape that leaves you in awe with its breathtaking scenery but also a dedicated site for mangrove conservation. It's a worthy trade to exchange the hustle and bustle of the concrete jungle for a serene stroll along a wooden path, meandering its way through the mangroves, with their twisted roots and dense foliages creating a beautifully haunting landscape that thrives at the intersection of land and sea. Your eyes are drawn to glimmering gold further into the mangrove, which is a vast field of prong trees (Ceriops Decandra), earning the place its nickname due to the colour of the leaves that turn gold under the brightest sunlight. The best time to witness this magical transition is from 11am-3pm.
Khao Chong Lom, Nakhon Nayok
I would be remiss not to mention the famous V-shaped river ravine and you can read about it in my past article.
Sip, savour, and repeat at these cafes with scenic gardens
Meena Cafe, Kanchanaburi
Instagrammers, rejoice. Meena Cafe in Kanchanaburi (fb.com/meenacafe2017) lets you sip a pocket-friendly coffee while feasting your eyes on a million-baht view. The rustic cafe seamlessly blends with its surroundings; bamboo huts for outdoor seating branching out of the bulk of the cafe, connected by a wooden bridge that winds its way through the rice fields. A picturesque backdrop of rice paddies and a hill with Wat Tham Suea (Tiger Cave Temple) frames the cafe’s floor-to-ceiling window. Experience an extra touch of enchantment during your visit in late November as the rice harvesting season blankets the entire field in a radiant golden glow.
Baan Suan Pa Fun, Samut Sakhon
A pond in the centre? Yep. Fringed by tropical trees and greenery? Aha. Cool shade to catch your breath after a road trip? Check. Baan Suan Pa Fun (fb.com/pafunbanphaeo) ticks all the boxes for an oasis-like setting, offering refreshing respite from the hubbub of the city in an hour-and-a-half. You’re spoilt for choice with cabanas for a close-to-nature, alfresco dining experience in the middle of a coconut garden. Come on an empty stomach as the eatery dishes out Thai-fusion delights with a focus on locally-sourced ingredients, but make sure to book a table in advance when visiting on weekends.
Mulberry Mellow, Kanchanaburi
Mulberry Mellow (fb.com/mulberrymellow) in Kanchanaburi is a gem for those who want to relax in a beach chair on a grassy lawn with a cup of coffee, complete with a dance of shadows filtering through foliage alongside a gust of wind. It doesn’t have much decoration, but the surrounding gives you a much-needed serving of green. As the name suggests, mulberry takes centrestage on the signature menu, food and drinks, including Mulberry americano (B65), Green curry with crispy mulberry leaves (B125) and Mulberry pie (B35/piece).
Pirom Cafe, Nakhon Ratchasima
A regular feature on the Khao Yai's cafe scene, this waterfront spot offers a front-row seat to a tranquil lake reflecting the rugged beauty of the encircling mountains. Pirom Cafe (fb.com/Piromcafe) oozes a charming countryside feel with a touch of sophistication, all housed within the wall of a contemporary barn, with indoor and outdoor seating. Next to the barn, you'll find a manicured maze garden that looks picture-perfect and ripe for Instagram photo ops.
