I get cabin fever if I am in the concrete urban jungle we call Bangkok for too long. A weekend trip to the 'burbs is ideal for when the bank balance is low, but the holiday spirit is high. The capital's surrounding areas are a treasure trove of exciting activities and all it takes is a sense of adventure. So strap on the exploration belts and let's go on a ride!

Whales? Here? In Thailand? Yes, yes and yes! Of course, we are not talking about Hump Back's but Bryde's whales, which are found in the Gulf Of Thailand. Peak sightings take place between September and November, so you're in luck!

A two-hour drive from Bangkok and onto a boat off the coast of Samut Songkhram and Phetchaburi, these day-trips are hosted by wildlife foundations. Most trips start early in the day and last around four to five hours. Patience is key here, people! Clearly you have to love the open water. These excursions are held once or twice a month and are on converted fishing trawlers.

There are two main tour operators, Wild Encounters Thailand and ChomWhales from the Love Wildlife Foundation, and both promote educational wildlife ecotourism.

- Wild Encounters Thailand usually operate from the end of May to the year-end off the coast of Phetchaburi province. Their boat is two-decks, with a maximum capacity of 40 passengers. The upper desk is the relaxation area while a TV on the lower deck will teach you all you need to know about marine conservation. Please note: This is not a party and alcohol is not permitted aboard. Leave those chilled beers behind! Best thing about this trip, is that if you don't spot a whale you can come back within 365 days after your trip to try your luck again!

Visit wildencounterthailand.com.

- ChomWhales either operate off the coast of Samut Songkhram or Samut Sakhon, depending on weather conditions. They also limit their passengers to 15. Though while on the way you may even spot the Irrawaddy dolphin. Viewing two sea creatures for the price of one, basically! Though their boats may not be as big as the others, it does offer a boutique experience, with an upper deck. Nikon fans can ooh and aah while they get to try the Nikon Telephoto lens while onboard.

Visit chomwhales.org.

While we are still playing water babies, it's time to revisit the islands closest to Bangkok

Koh Kret

One of my spots for a day's visit is Koh Kret, which is bang-smack in the middle of the Chao Phraya River. Ride the normal boat service up the River of Kings to Nonthaburi, where you disembark and either get on a longtail boat to the island or get into a taxi to Wat Sanam Nuea and then use the ferry to cross over.

Though there are bicycles for hire to ride around the island, I prefer walking which enables soaking up the atmosphere. (Also, because I cannot cycle… we will never get to that!) The island has one main road that goes around the perimeter, starting at the pier and ending at the pier, and it's best to follow it. The Mutao pagoda, which is constructed in Mon-style is by the river and depicts the identity of the island, which is largely Mon. It is pre-dominatingly a pottery village and that is evident in almost every shop or house dotting the coast. If you're good with your hands, have a go at the potter's wheel at the Soon Hatakam Kreung Pan Din Pao Center. Some of the food and desserts found on the island are from the Mon community and definitely worth a try. The best thing about Koh Kret is that there are no cars! Avoid the weekends if you want a serene visit.

Koh Sichang

Some 100km from Bangkok, towards Sin City, lies the tranquil island of Koh Sichang. Another island with no traffic, the beaches, temples and a historic palace make it a good weekend getaway. Motorcycles and bicycles are available for hire (cheap mode of transport), though getting around in a tuk tuk is fun (expensive mode of transport), too! While most of the coastline is rocky, there are a few beaches which are good for snorkelling. Though the island doesn't receive many visitors, it's best to avoid it on weekends and public holidays.

The palace on the island was built by King Rama V or King Chulalongkorn in 1892 to use as his summer palace. The stone base of the main residence, which has eight points making it octagonal, is still visible. The buildings and gardens have been renovated and restored and are worth a dekko. Many of the other sites are within walking distance to the palace, which also has a marine biology centre with a museum at its entrance. The palace beach is popular with the locals. For those looking for peace of mind, there is also a meditation centre. I would encourage an overnight visit to this island, if you're planning a weekend getaway.

Wat Don Wai

Popularly known as Wat Don Wai floating market, the temple market is hardly that. It is, in fact, a riverside market where small organic farmers and vendors sell their produce. It is also a market for forgotten Thai dishes, the herbal duck being most popular. Popular on weekends though open seven days a week, the market is a paradise for food lovers and people who enjoy cooking due to the variety of produce on sale; some of which are hardly seen within city limits.

What draws me most to this market (and worth making the trek to Nakhon Pathom) is the lovely little boat rides on the Tha Jeen river. The trick to this is not to eat at any of the market stalls or riverside restaurants. Instead buy whatever looks good and take it aboard -- to eat. The boat has tables and chairs just for this purpose and the hour-long (or more) ride is the perfect way to spend a hot afternoon meandering along a river, the banks of which are dotted with new and antique Thai houses and the odd temple.

Phutthamonthon Park

The biggest park I have been to on the outskirts of Bangkok is Phutthamonthon. Home to a 52-feet-tall Buddha statue and sites that depict the four main events in his life, this park is a sight to behold. It is so vast that you can easily picnic on the banks of the lakes and canals that run through without a soul in sight.

The park is popular with cyclists, runners and picnickers. You can even take a boat ride, self operated, in the lakes. However, if you are paying respect to the statue, do not do it when the sun is at its peak, as there is no shade. You can also feed the fish as there are vendors selling fish food near the fish ponds. Do take your own food as food and drink options within the park are few and considering the vastness, it will be a long walk or bicycle ride. Like other Thai parks, vendors also rent out picnic mats and cycles. There is no better place to get closer to nature than here!