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Where to Travel in July? Relaxing Thai Getaways Near Bangkok

11 Oct 2024

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Where to travel in July? This is the perfect time to plan a fun mid-year trip, whether you want to escape the hustle and bustle and relax solo, travel with friends, or create unforgettable memories with your family. Gother has recommended some travel spots near Bangkok that are easy to reach and packed with activities for fun and relaxation. Let’s take a look at some places worth visiting in July!

Nakhon Pathom

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Where to travel in July? If you’re looking for a short trip close to Bangkok, Nakhon Pathom is a great choice! Start your day at the Samphran Elephant Ground & Crocodile Farm. If you’re traveling with family, this spot will be a hit with the kids. It's recommended to go in the late morning, take a stroll to see the animals, and then watch the magic show, the adorable elephant show, and the thrilling crocodile performance, which runs from 12:45 p.m. onwards until the evening. After the show, treat the kids to feeding the elephants and crocodiles, or pedal a swan boat on the pond. This July destination offers excitement and fun for the whole family.

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Next, head to Wat Samphran, an impressive temple and landmark in Nakhon Pathom. The highlight here is a tall pink building with a green dragon wrapped around it. You can climb to the top through a 350-meter tunnel inside the dragon, which is open on religious holidays, Sundays, and public holidays. The temple also features various sculptures, including a statue of Guan Yin, a giant turtle, and the golden outdoor Buddha statue, Phra Phutthophawana. Be sure to stop by and pay your respects.

For those interested in spiritual rituals, don’t miss Wat Sisa Thong, an ancient temple known for Rahu worship, believed to help ward off misfortune and bring good luck. If you want to ensure smooth career progress and good fortune, bring some black offerings to present to Rahu!

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We’ll wrap up this one-day trip at Phra Pathom Chedi, another important landmark in Nakhon Pathom. This large stupa dates back to the Dvaravati period and enshrines relics of the Buddha. Stop by to pay respects for good luck before heading to the Phra Pathom Chedi night market for a delicious meal. The market is packed with famous food stalls like Chor Hoi Tod (crispy fried oysters) and Chor Tod Man Goong (shrimp cakes), but go early as the queues can be long! The market is open from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., so you can enjoy a tasty dinner and take some goodies home with you.

Recommended Places to Stay in Nakhon Pathom

Samut Songkhram

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Where to travel in July near Bangkok? Head over to Samut Songkhram! Start your day at Amphawa Floating Market, a lively market filled with vendors offering delicious food, both savory and sweet. Try local specialties like razor clams, sweet squid, Mae Klong mackerel, and a variety of traditional Thai desserts. Whether you prefer to walk along the canal or sit in air-conditioned comfort, there’s something for everyone here. Don’t forget the special activity—a nighttime boat ride to see the fireflies!

Take a relaxing break at Somdul Agroforestry Home, an eco-tourism spot along the Mae Klong River, which has a cozy, homely atmosphere. KLUB coffee and tea lovers will enjoy sipping a cup of coffee by the river. They serve roasted coffee beans sourced from across Thailand, available to enjoy in-store or purchase to take home. If you're lucky, you might meet their friendly dogs, Baffle and Banoffee, who are always there to welcome guests.

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In the afternoon, head to Wat Bang Kung, an ancient temple famous for its ordination hall completely covered by large tree roots, creating a natural wonder. Visitors love taking photos at this spot and paying respects to Luang Phor Nil Manee for good luck. This is another must-visit for KLUB Mutelu enthusiasts, with stories of people receiving lucky lottery numbers after visiting!

Wrap up your day at the Thai Cat Conservation Center, which is free to enter and home to rare Thai cat breeds. The center is dedicated to preserving the original Thai cat species, including Wichienmaat, Khao Manee, and Suphalak. Cat lovers can donate, buy souvenirs, or simply enjoy playing with the cats in the designated areas. If you’re lucky, one of the cats might even approach you for a cuddle!

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If you're looking for a peaceful way to end your day, consider staying at a homestay in Amphawa and taking a boat ride to see the fireflies at night, especially during the rainy season in July when they’re most active. The atmosphere is magical!

Recommended Places to Stay in Samut Songkhram

Activities in Samut Songkhram

Samut Prakan

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Where to travel in July near Bangkok? Explore the lush greenery of Bang Krachao, also known as the “Green Lung of Bangkok,” on a weekend day trip. This destination is perfect for those who enjoy nature. Getting there is easy—take the BTS to Bang Na Station, then a taxi to Wat Bang Nam Phueng Pier, and a 10-minute ferry ride to Bang Krachao. Once you arrive, you can rent a bike for a scenic ride through nature.

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In the morning, cycle around Bang Krachao and breathe in the fresh air while admiring the greenery. Visit Sri Nakhon Khuean Khan Park and Botanical Garden, which has a birdwatching tower surrounded by lush trees and scenic views. Climb up for a panoramic view and snap some beautiful photos to share on social media.

Afterward, stop by the Thai Fighting Fish Museum, where you can admire colorful Thai bettas. On some days, the museum offers guided tours with information about rare fish species and their ecosystems.

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For lunch, head to Bang Nam Phueng Floating Market, open only on weekends from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The market is filled with delicious Thai food and desserts. Try traditional Thai treats like sticky rice with taro, coconut pudding, and crispy pancakes. After eating, you can also take a boat ride to explore the peaceful waterside community.

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After a tasty meal, visit Baan Thoop Hom Herbal House, where you can learn how to make traditional herbal incense sticks. This local enterprise allows you to mix herbal fragrances, handcraft incense, and even create your own batik fabrics. It’s a fun and educational activity for the whole family.

End your day with a beautiful sunset and a delicious meal at Hidden Woods Café, a cozy café surrounded by nature, just a 10-minute walk from Baan Thoop Hom. Enjoy their signature dish, stir-fried noodles with bacon and dried chilies, and finish your meal with coconut ice cream topped with grated salted egg yolk. For a fun twist, you can also rent an electric scooter to explore the area.

Recommended Places to Stay in Bang Krachao

Activities in Samut Prakan

Ayutthaya

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Where to travel in July near Bangkok? Ayutthaya is a must-visit for history lovers. Start your day with a visit to Wat Chaiwatthanaram, one of the most beautiful temples in Ayutthaya. This temple is located in the Ayutthaya Historical Park, and it dates back to the late Ayutthaya period. Be sure to take stunning photos of the gallery, Prang Si Ratana (the main prang), and the ubosot (ordination hall). While you’re here, don’t miss the chance to dress in traditional Thai attire for your temple visit! There are many rental shops around the area, and professional photographers are available to capture your beautiful memories.

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After exploring the temple, head to Ayutthaya Elephant Palace for a unique experience. You can feed the elephants, take cool photos on their backs, and ride them around the historical ruins, such as Wat Phra Ram, the City Pillar Shrine, and Viharn Phra Mongkol Bophit. The ride takes about 15 minutes, and the elephants are very well trained. If you’re traveling with kids, they’ll surely enjoy this activity. It’s best to visit in the morning when there are fewer tourists and the weather is cooler.

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For lunch, stop at a local restaurant to try some of Ayutthaya’s famous dishes, like grilled river prawns, Moo Sarong (crispy pork balls wrapped in noodles), or Roti Sai Mai (cotton candy wrapped in roti). Afterward, drive to the Japanese Village, once home to Japanese settlers during the Ayutthaya period. You can learn about the historical relationship between Thailand and Japan, and even rent a colorful yukata for taking beautiful photos in the Japanese-style garden.

Recommended Places to Stay in Ayutthaya

Activities in Ayutthaya

Lopburi

Where to travel in July? Let’s head to Lopburi, an ideal destination for families who want to combine history, nature, and fun activities for the kids.

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Start your day at Phra Prang Sam Yot, an ancient Khmer temple in the heart of Lopburi. Leave Bangkok around 7:00 a.m. to arrive by 9:00 a.m. when the weather is still pleasant. Kids will love exploring the temple’s interiors and learning about history while admiring the architecture. Be mindful of the monkeys around the temple—they’re mischievous and might try to grab your belongings!

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If you visit during late June to early July, don’t miss the Lopburi Sweet Santol Festival, held near Lopburi’s town hall. You can taste different varieties of Santol fruit, including the famous Talung Santol, a local fruit with a GI (Geographical Indication) designation for its quality.

Around noon, head to Ang Sap Lek for lunch and a break. Choose a restaurant with activities for the kids, such as water slides, banana boats, and inflatable rafts. The adults can relax and enjoy the scenic view by the reservoir while the children play.

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End your day at Mod Dang Clay House around 3:30 p.m. If it’s a weekend, you can visit the Kok Tum Community Way of Life Market, which offers local foods, crafts, and souvenirs, particularly beautiful and affordable pottery. If you visit on a weekday, the kids can still enjoy feeding the animals and participating in educational activities at the farm. Meanwhile, the adults can relax with a cup of coffee in the shaded garden. Don’t forget to try their famous wood-fired pizza!

Recommended Places to Stay in Lopburi

Activities in Lopburi

Prachinburi

Where to travel in July near Bangkok? For the final destination on this list, let’s visit Prachinburi, a province perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

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Start your day at the Sak Supha Resort, where you can take photos of the beautiful purple Murdannia flowers. It’s best to visit in the early morning when the light is just right, and the flowers are still fresh, as they wither by noon.

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Afterward, get ready for some action at Kaeng Hin Perng, one of the most exciting places for white-water rafting. Hop on the back of a pickup truck that will take you into Khao Yai National Park, followed by a short trek to the starting point. The rafting trip takes 1-2 hours, with both gentle and challenging sections that will test your balance on the inflatable raft. There’s also a spot where you can float along with the current—just watch out for rocks below! The best time to visit is during the rainy season, from July to September.

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In the late afternoon, head to Thap Lan National Park to experience the last stretch of the Lan Forest, Thailand’s final Corypha Palm forest. Breathe in the fresh air and take photos with the giant trees. Be sure to visit Pha Keb Tawan, a popular viewpoint in the park, where you can plant Makha tree seeds as part of a reforestation effort. If you’re planning to stay overnight, there’s a camping area with stunning sunset views.

Recommended Places to Stay in Prachinburi

For those wondering where to travel in July near Bangkok, this article provides plenty of great options. Each of these July travel destinations has its own unique charm, whether it’s a festival, beautiful natural scenery, or exciting community activities. No matter your travel style, open your heart and let Gother take you on a journey to discover your perfect getaway!