Motorbike Adventure: A Day Trip to Thailand History

Do you have a day off, or are you looking for something to do with some time in Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (Bangkok)? I want to share with you a day trip to Thailand History where I took time to see the city's historical beauty outside the downtown area.

An incredible adventure by motorbike and ferry, exploring and learning, and doing many things cheaply or for free. I traveled 82 kilometers and never left the Bangkok Metropolitan Region!

Today, I’ll share my experiences with you so you can try them yourself next time. So, ride on!

Visiting Bangkok’s “Green Lung” and Historical Forts

Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (Bangkok) has a fantastic landscape, culture, and historical diversity. One of the best ways to escape downtown and explore the city is a motorcycle tour of the outlying areas. I suggest a ride through Bang Nam, Bang Kachao, Phra Samut Chedi, Phi Suea Fort, Chulahomkao Fort, and back.

You can cover all these kilometers using the ferries on a fast-moving but relaxed day. And there is so much to see on the way to the forts! Stop for a visit to Wat Bang Nam, tour the “Green Lung,” and pass through a Thai Navy Base.

The Forts are of particular significance in Bangkok’s early history, perfectly maintained and free to enter. Special attractions include a fascinating temple near one fort and a unique ship museum at the other. I may also have some recommendations on stops for coffee and food and tips on getting around.

7 Waypoints for a Day Trip to Thailand History (Bangkok’s Southside)

#1 Ferry to Wat Bang Nam Phueng Nok

From Sukhumvit, there are many points to cross over to Bang Kachao, so it depends on where you are staying. I chose to go from BTS Udom Suk near our office on Sukhumvit 68 and cross at Bang Na Pier. The first stop is Wat Bang Nam Phueng Nok, a place in pristine condition with a Stupa next to the ordination hall. It’s free to get in, and there is an excellent view of the river and skyline from the top floor. 

After that, I looked for a pick-me-up to keep going and found Beehive Coffee nearby, serving delicious cakes and rich coffee to give us the jump-start I needed. I got back on my motorbike and had a leisurely ride through the trees taking in the fresh air. The island is an oasis of oxygen for the entire city, so it is called the "Green Lung."

#2 Road to Phra Samut Chedi and Phi Suea Samut Fort Museum

After crossing Bang Kachao, I went over the bridge and onto the main road to head south. This takes me to Phra Samut Chedi, where things get interesting. It’s free to enter the Chedi (Temple), and inside is an amazing ornate Wat and a Pagoda 40 meters tall! 

Inside are golden Buddha images, fantastic statues, and Buddhist relics to enrich your understanding of Buddhist culture. I spent another half-hour there and then continued over a bridge into the Phi Suea Samut Fort Museum, passing through a fantastic forest of mangrove trees. 

Phi Suea Samut Fort is the smaller of the two Southern forts guarding the entrance to the Chao Phraya River estuary. The fort saw action only once, in July of 1893, against the French in what is called the Paknam Crisis.

#3 Through the Thai Navy Base

I was on the road again, heading south from Phra Samut to the enormous fort Chulachomklao. However, to get there, tourists must pass through the Thai Navy Base just ahead of the fort. They won’t stop you, but with a motorbike, you need to get off it and walk about 50 meters. 

It seemed funny because cars could drive on with no problem but at a slow speed. Bikers had to walk for no apparent reason. I presumed this was for security reasons. The cars looked like a much more significant threat, so it felt silly to me. 

It did end up being fortunate for me, though, because as I walked, and came across another coffee place. This one is called “Hall of Fame, Mine Coffee House,” so I took note of that on the way back!

#4 Pom Chulachomklao

“Pom” means Fort in Thai, and in the old days, Chulachomklao was the primary defense of the river entrance to Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (Bangkok). The two forts rose to prominence in the 1890s because of the purchase from Britain of 7 large breech-loading naval guns. They were very high-tech arms for the time called “Disappearing Guns.” 

The cannons were mounted on a swing mechanism, allowing them to pop up, shoot, and then hide back down. Five were positioned at Chulachomklao, and two were placed at Phi Suea. These cannons saw action in a fight against French gunboats on July 13th, 1893. 

The French ships took some hits, and one was severely damaged, but the others managed to pass. Then they took up blockade positions against Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (Bangkok), ending the short war. Of modern interest is that territories east of the Mekong were ceded as part of Siam’s concessions. This is now Laos.

#5 HTMS Mae Khlong Naval Ship Museum

The HTMS Mae Khlong, decommissioned in 1997, is mounted on land for tourists to visit for free at the forthwith, all the original armaments still there on board. Mae Khlong carried 4x 5-inch guns, depth charges, mines, and torpedoes. The ship was commissioned in 1937 and was the world’s second longest-serving combat vessel. 

The Mae Khlong performed many duties over its 60-year career. It was used for patrolling coastal waters, laying mines, and as an officer training ship. It served as personal transport for King Rama VIII, and even King Bhuminbhol watched river parades from her decks. Standing on the bridge, you get the feel of a Navy commander. Also, kids are always so cool to run around a real Navy ship! You can play with the guns, steer the wheel, check out the engines, and see how the sailors lived.

#6 The Way Back to Bangkok

It’s late afternoon on Sunday, and time to head back home. But my day trip to Thailand History is not done yet.

Going through the Navy base again, I stopped at the Hall of Fame (Mine Coffee) for another round of refreshments. I went on to the Navy compound this time, so I had to get passes. I turned in my regular ID, went for coffee, and picked them up on the way out. After charging with caffeine, I got on the central road north, returning the same way I came down. 

There was no traffic by now, so it was faster this time. Once I got there, I boarded the ferry at Phra Pradaeng Pier to take me back to Bang Na. River rides are much better than Bangkok streets!

#7 One Last Stop

After a great day like this, I was in a good mood for a bar stop before going home. There is nothing better to do after a day trip to Thailand's History while riding around Bangkok’s tourist sites than visiting a sports bar. I went 1 km past Udom Suk BTS to 101 Food & Drink Sports Pub. I had a beer and a good chat. 

Another perfect place to seek comfort and talk about the things I saw during my trip. I remembered the little curiosities like Thailand’s first telegraph pole, old cannons, grand statues, and all the beautiful trees everywhere. 

As someone once said, “Travel is not the destination; it’s the journey,” today was a perfect example. Next time you are looking for something to do for a day in Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (Bangkok), don't hesitate to try your own journey like this. 

The waypoints here are just an outline; the rest of the tour is yours to create and discover.

So, until next time... Rumble on!