While Bangkok holds innumerable urban wonders, even the hardiest shopper and sight-seeing maven would need to take time out to keep from getting overloaded by all the city has to offer. Day trips to places like Ayuthaya and Nakhon Pathom offer an attractive escape from The City of Angels, especially if you list history and Buddhism among your interests.

Nakhon Pathom is an hour or two from Bangkok, depending on mode of transportation. The city is known for its past, which historians believe dates back more than two thousand years. Some legends give Nakhon Pathom credit for being the first place in Thailand to become Buddhist. Phra Pathom Chedi is supposedly the oldest Buddhist temple in Thailand. The history of the temple involves many of the regions biggest historical figures. Khmer emperor Suriyavarman I added on to the temple after conquering a large part of what is now Thailand. The Burmese also had control of the area. It wasn’t until King Mongkut (Yes, the guy from The King and I) recaptured it.

Today, the temple, which is constructed of brick, is unmistakable. It reaches a height of nearly four hundred feet.

Another site of cultural importance lies about 1 hour from Nakhon Pathom. Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is the most famous floating market in Thailand. The colorful and quaint way of commerce is clogged with tourists most days, leaving little room for an authentic experience. However, if hiring a boat for the day, it is possible to give the market a cursory glance before heading for some of the canals away from this main stretch. According to Lonely Planet, it is possible to rent a room from a local family if you inquire at the local tourist office in Damnoen Saduak. A trip amongst the “backwaters” of the area is recommended, although there are also similar experiences to be had in the hidden canals of Bangkok as well.

Another attraction in Nakhon Pathom is the night market. Located near the center of town, there are plenty of good eating and shopping opportunities here, beginning at dusk. With the spectacular Phra Pathom Chedi rising up next to the market, the setting for dinner is at once bustling and spectacular.

Between Phra Pathom Chedi and the canals around Damnoen Saduak, there are opportunities to cross the famous sights of the world off your checklist before venturing deeper into the culture and life of this ancient land. At the very least, Damnoen Saduak and Nakhon Pathom are the perfect places to escape Bangkok for a day or two.