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Ultimate Travel Guide to Pathum Thani: Why This Province Is the Perfect Day Trip Destination from Bangkok!

| Last Updated: October 2024

Taking a break from Bangkok’s hustle and bustle is always a good idea. However, not everyone can afford to take extended days off. 

So, whenever I need a quick time off, Pathum Thani is one of my go-to destinations. Just shy of an hour’s drive from Bangkok, it’s skipped by most tourists in favor of other provinces further north. 

But guess what? This is exactly why it’s great for quick day trips! For starters, it’s filled with stunning Buddhist temples and fun attractions that’ll help you decompress. 

There’s more, though, and we’re sharing everything we love about Pathum Thani in this travel guide. Read on!

Best Time to Visit Pathum Thani

The best time to visit Pathum Thani is anytime between November and February because of the drier and cooler weather conditions. During this time, you can expect more comfortable daily temperatures so you can head out from morning to night.

These months also experience little to no rainfall so most days are bright and sunny, perfect for sightseeing and other outdoor activities.

Things to Know

Language: Thai (Central Thai)
Calling Code: (+66)
Location: Pathum Thani, Thailand
Nearest Airport: Don Mueang International Airport (17.9 km)

How to Get to Pathum Thani

Bus: Riding a bus is the best way to get to Pathum Thani from Bangkok speed-wise and price-wise. The most convenient option is the buses going to Rangsit District because they can drop you off at the Future Park shopping center.

You’ll also find many regular buses heading to the Pathum Thani campuses of Bangkok University and Thammasat University. Once you reach these destinations, you can easily get around the province via public taxis.

Taxi: Booking a taxi from Bangkok to Pathum Thani is more expensive but convenient. Ride-sharing apps like Grab and Bolt are also available.

Rental Car: You can also rent and self-drive a car to Pathum Thani from Bangkok if you have a driver’s license and an International Driving Permit. From the capital city, start by driving north using Sirat and Udon Ratthaya Expressway.

Exit at the Bang Phun Toll Plaza and turn left to Highway 346 to reach Pathum Thani’s city center.

Where to Stay in Pathum Thani

Ingnatee Resort

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Address: 62 Moo 7, Chiang Rak Yai, Sam Khok District
Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)
Contact Number: +66 82 796 7581
Website: http://www.ingnatee.com/
Pricing: ฿฿฿

Ingnatee Resort is a gorgeous hotel near the Chao Phraya River. This property is known for its serene tropical farm and lotus pond, perfect for tourists who prefer a relaxing atmosphere.

All of their cozy villas have balconies next to either the pond or river, so expect to wake up to a scenic view every morning. 

There are also activities like yoga and boating, plus arts and crafts tours to the local shops in Pathum Thani. Thai cooking classes using organic ingredients grown on their farm are also available!

Novotel Bangkok Future Park Rangsit

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Address: 114 Phahonyothin Road, Prachathipat, Thanyaburi District
Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)
Contact Number: +66 2 520 2525
Website: https://novotelbangkokfutureparkrangsit.com/
Pricing: ฿฿฿

Novotel Bangkok Future Park Rangsit is one of the more modern hotels in Pathum Thani. Here, you can expect a stunning bird’s-eye view from your room’s floor-to-ceiling window.

Apart from their standard units, you can also upgrade to a suite for a separate living room or a club quarter for exclusive access to their executive lounge. Some of the notable amenities in the building are the pizzeria, outdoor pools, and jogging track.

They run various promotions so be sure to check their website before booking your room.

The Idle Hotel & Residence

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Address: 58, 58/851 Moo 13, 852, Khlong Nueng, Khlong Luang District
Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)
Contact Number: +66 2 908 8077
Website: https://www.theidle-residence.com/
Pricing: ฿฿

The Ideal Hotel & Residence is one of the more accessible hotels in Pathum Thani. It’s along the national highway so it’s easy to find. Its standard rooms are basic but chic, but you can opt for an upgrade if you need a kitchenette and more space

There’s also a massive outdoor pool with a poolside bar and restaurant, a stylish banquet hall, fully-equipped conference facilities, and a full-service spa and gym.

Where to Eat in Pathum Thani

Mae Nam Restaurant

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Address: 39 Pracha Niyom Road, Bang Prok Subdistrict
Operating Hours: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Contact Number: +66 97 018 5746
Website: https://www.facebook.com/maenam.pathum/
Pricing: ฿฿฿

Mae Nam Restaurant is a romantic riverside restaurant known for its charming open-air dining area, perfect for candlelit dinner dates along the Chao Phraya River.

You can also book a table in their exclusive boat dining area. 

This place is popular for its seafood dishes, like stir-fried crabs, grilled giant river prawns, and more.  

If you visit during holidays like Valentine’s Day or Loy Krathong Festival, they also serve special set menus that include complimentary items for celebrating these occasions.

Vietnam Pathum Thani

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Address: 29/3 Phatthana Samphan Road, Bang Prok
Operating Hours: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Contact Number: +66 2 581 5670
Website: https://www.facebook.com/vietnampathumthani/
Pricing: ฿฿

Vietnam Pathum Thani specializes in classic Viet dishes. Their chao tom is a must-try—a mouthwatering appetizer made with grilled shrimp paste wrapped around a sugar cane stick—it’s an explosion of sweet and savory goodness!

Their extensive menu also includes Thai and Isan dishes, so there are plenty of food options in case you’re looking for something else.

Pae Pochana

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Address: 80/1 Rahaeng Market, Lat Lum Kaeo District
Operating Hours: 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Contact Number: +66 82 250 9191
Website: https://www.facebook.com/pare.phochana
Pricing: ฿฿

Pae Pochana is a charming restaurant along the Rahaeng Canal. It specializes in a wide range of traditional and homemade Thai-Chinese cuisines, like tom yum pla (our favorite!), stir-fried spicy fish balls, and more.

Oh, and it’s one of several places in Pathum Thani with a Michelin Bib Gourmand, so all their dishes offer great value for the quality you’re getting.

What to See and Do in Pathum Thani

Check out the exhibits at the Golden Jubilee Museum of Agriculture

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Address: Khlong Nueng, Khlong Luang District
Operating Hours: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Tuesday – Sunday)
Contact Number: +66 2 529 2212
Website: http://www.wisdomking.or.th/

If you’re interested in learning about agriculture and the Thai royal family, the Golden Jubilee Museum of Agriculture is a must-visit. This museum is a royal project that aims to pass on King Rama IX’s knowledge of sustainable agriculture using modern media.

It’s divided into two sections: a pavilion with exhibits of the royal family and King Rama IX’s agricultural exploits and an outdoor space where visitors can observe and learn.

For a more educational experience, we recommend joining their free agriculture classes during the first week of every month.

Eat your way through Wat San Chao Market

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Address: Wat San Chao, Ban Klang
Operating Hours: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Contact Number: +66 93 434 3414
Website: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063557411982

For serious foodies, Wat San Chao is an unmissable gem. The street food vendors here offer various traditional snacks and sweets, from ancient Mon kalamae to pala muek yang, gai tod, and more.

There are also numerous vendors selling fresh fruits, vegetables, and dried seafood, perfect if you like full-blown variety. Souvenir-shopping is also a good activity here since there are stalls selling accessories, toys, and more.

Stop by Wat Bot

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Address: 15 Moo 1, Soi Bang Krabue, Bang Krabue, Sam Khok District
Operating Hours: 6 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Website: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069904287165

Wat Bot is a popular temple along the Chao Phraya River, known for its several holy statues where local devotees pay their respects, like the sacred Buddha image called Luang Pho Sothon and a giant statue of the revered monk Luang Pho Toh. 

Luang Pho Sothon, in particular, is considered to be  Pathum Thani’s priceless Buddha image, so it’s certainly a must-see.

You can also find numerous stalls within the temple so you’re covered for street food, amulets, and souvenirs. There’s also a fish-feeding area along the river where visitors can throw fish food to attract schools of Mekong giant catfish.

Visit Wat Bot Luang Pho Thian

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Address: 96 Moo 5, Ban Klang
Operating Hours: 6 a.m. – 8 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Contact Number: +66 2581 6679
Website: https://www.facebook.com/watbot.lpt

Wat Bot Luang Pho Thian is a sacred temple in Pathum Thani’s town center. This temple is frequented for the sacred statues of Luang Pho Thian, Luang Pho Sompratana, Thao Wessuwan, and King Taksin the Great.

Its principal Buddha image is enshrined in a 400-year-old ubosot constructed during the Ayutthaya Period, so it’s one of the oldest temples in the province.

However, as of writing, the temple’s ubosot and Luang Pho Thian are under restoration. Currently, only a replica is presented to visitors.

This place is crowded during the weekend so we suggest visiting during weekdays if you want a more relaxed experience.

Enjoy the shows and rides at Dream World

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Address: 62 Moo 1, Rangsit – Ongkharak Road, Bueng Yitho, Thanyaburi District
Operating Hours: 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Contact Number: +66 32 562 744
Website: https://www.dreamworld.co.th/
Admission Costs: 1000 baht

Dream World is arguably the most fun attraction in Pathum Thani for the young ones and the young-at-heart. It’s a massive amusement park, so expect a large array of fun rides, exciting shows, and colorful parades.

Two of the most popular attractions are King Arthur’s castle and the haunted mansion, so check these out first! The park has over 40 facilities, so be sure to visit around opening time if you plan to see them all.

Admire Wat Panyanantaram’s 3D art exhibits

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Address: 1 Moo 10, Soi Wat Panya, Khlong Hok, Khlong Hok, Khlong Luang District
Operating Hours: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Contact Number: +66 86 461 8353
Website: https://www.watpanya.org/home-en

Wat Panyanantaram is an active temple with stunning Burmese-style architecture, a sacred Buddha image, and monks. But what’s unique about it is its artsy museum and ancient relics.

The temple’s museum boasts a large collection of 4D wall paintings depicting the Vessantara Jātaka, also known as the Great Birth Sermon. Meanwhile, its reliquary enshrines a wide range of ancient currencies, textiles, paintings, and more.

Tour the Lotus Museum

Address: 39 Rangsit – Nakhon Nayok Road, Khlong Hok, Khlong Luang District
Operating Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Monday – Friday)
Contact Number: +66 2 549 3043
Website: http://www.lotus.rmutt.ac.th/

Pathum Thani is also known for its lotus flowers, so a trip here won’t be complete without visiting the Lotus Museum. 

This place boasts a collection of over 400 lotus species, including popular and rare ones like the sacred lotus, hardy water lily, tropical water lily, and Siamese water lily. 

Definitely don’t miss out on the massive Victoria amazonicas growing in the pond! This lotus variety can grow large and sturdy enough to carry humans, so you can hop on top of the bigger ones and take fun photos!

FAQs about Pathum Thani

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