The Rose Garden is a worthwhile day trip from the capital. Not a botanical garden as the name suggests (although there are roses in a well-maintained and beautiful garden), it's a cultural center that provides a one-stop shop for learning and experiencing all things Thai.
If you visit the center on a tour, your visit will be timed to take in the daily show at 2:45pm in the Thai Cultural Village. You'll see Thai folk dancing, Thai boxing, sword fighting and an elephant show.
If the show doesn't sound like your thing, there are plenty of hands-on art and craft activities to engage in throughout the Rose Garden. If you've ever wanted to plant rice or make a lantern out of palm leaves then this is the place to do just that.
The Rose Garden is 32 km (20 mi) west of Bangkok. Many people visit here as part of a combined tour that includes a trip to the floating market at Damnoen Saduak.