Looking for a quick getaway from the bustle of Bangkok? Head out for a day trip from Bangkok to Ayutthaya, the former capital of Thailand and a UNESCO world heritage site since 1991.
This city’s cultural and historical grandeur can be attributed to Buddhist temples like Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, tall ‘prangs’ (shrines), former royal residences, palaces and museums. Ayutthaya is also only a food lover’s paradise with its famous boat noodles and Pad Thai available at the Floating Market. Visitors can also engage in other recreational options like going on a boat trip around the island or an elephant ride at the Ayutthaya elephant camp.
These are just some of the reasons why Ayutthaya should be high up on your list of tours from Bangkok. Continue reading to find out what to do, where to go, when to visit, and must-do activities when you visit this beautiful historic city.
Ayutthaya - A Mystical Paradise of Ancient Temples
Founded in the mid-14th century, the historic city of Ayutthaya was a thriving cosmopolitan city that housed diplomats, architects, and traders from across the world.
Although the city was razed by the Burmese in the 18th century, many of its magnificent monuments have been restored and protected by the Thai government.
Ayutthaya is perched on the banks of the Pa Sak River in central Thailand and boasts some of the finest architectural wonders in the country. From the imposing Wat Chaiwatthanaram to the Bang Pa Summer Palace, Ayutthaya is replete with historical sites and attractions.
It is located just an hour away from the capital city of Bangkok, making it an ideal destination for a one-day tour.
If you love ancient ruins with hidden passages and imposing statues, Ayutthaya has a limitless supply of medieval Wats (south-east Asian temples).
Continue reading our day trip from Bangkok to Ayutthaya guide to pick up facts, tips, and lesser-known information about this must-visit destination.
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Find yourself enveloped by a cloud of tranquility at the Ayutthaya Historical Park.
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If you have an eye for architecture, you'll be moving at a snail pace with the many elements to drink in.
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Ayutthaya is nothing if not connected to all the natural elements: experience this city by water.
Why Take a Day Trip From Bangkok to Ayutthaya?
Here are some reasons why you should visit Ayutthaya:
Soak up the grandeur of Ayutthaya
Whether you're visiting the grand temples of Ayutthaya like Wat Phra Sri Sanphet and Wat Mahathat or the luxurious Bang Pa-In Palace - the summer home of Thai monarchs - you'll be surrounded by the majestic glory of this historic city.
Learn all about Ayutthaya's history and culture
Apt for culture vultures and history lovers, Ayutthaya has much to uncover. Ancient mysteries and old-time traditions still very much in use, you'll leave this city feeling culturally enriched. Visit the Wat Ratchaburana temple and the Chao Samphraya National Museum to pick up facts and figures of Ayutthaya's history and culture.
Gasp at the 42-meter-long reclining Buddha
Have you ever seen something so marvellous? The reclining Buddha statue is perhaps one of the most sought-after attractions in Ayutthaya, and for good reason. Make your way to the Wat Lokayasutharam temple and click pictures with the massive statue as your backdrop.
Try out Thai delicacies
Head to the Floating Market where food is cooked on boats and served on decks. Slurp some savory boat noodles, take a big bite of a fresh giant river prawn, and satisfy your sweet tooth with Roti Sai Mai.
Best Bangkok to Ayutthaya Day Trips
Guided Tours from Bangkok to Aythhaya
If you're on a time crunch and want to spend the little time in Ayutthaya most efficiently, let us recommend an organized guided tour from Bangkok to Ayutthaya. This way, you won't have to worry about travel logisitics like transportation, buying attraction tickets, etc. All you need to do is show up on time, enjoy the changing scenery from Bangkok to Ayutthaya, and pick up fascinating facts about Ayutthaya from your expert tour guide.
Self Guided Tours
For the ultimate culture vultures and impulsive travelers, we recommend a self-guided visit to Ayutthaya from Bangkok. Craft your own itinerary (with a little help from us) and embrace the adrenaline rush as you add last-minute pitstops to your trip.
Top 7 Attractions to visit in Ayutthaya
Day Trip Itinerary
While creating your own itinerary, try and include as many of the following attractions as you can (trust us, you don't want to miss out on them!) Even if you're short on time, you can fit at least 4-5 of these attractions in a 1-day trip to Ayutthaya.
1Wat Phra Sri Sanphet
Visit Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, a historically important temple in old Ayutthaya. Situated right beside the Grand Palace, it was first built in the 14th Century for the royalty to perform rituals. Its three large chedis (Buddist stupas) and various smaller ones make this temple -- also known as the King's Temple -- one of the most impressive sights in Ayutthaya.
2Wat Ratchaburana
Wat Ratchaburana is one of the most well-preserved temple ruins in the Ayutthaya Historical Park area. King Boromracha II had Wat Ratchaburana constructed in 1424 in memory of his elder brothers Ay and Yi, who were killed in a duel over the succession to the throne. Here, you can go inside the main prang and head down to the crypt, where you will find wall paintings by Chinese artists.
3Wat Mahathat
The stunning Wat Mahathat temple is one of Thailand’s most popular attractions -- due to the unusual Buddha head entwined within the roots of a banyan tree. Built by King Ramesuan in 1384, this temple was earlier used by royalty and then as a monastery by monks from around Thailand. Today Wat Mahathat is considered a symbol of Buddhism in Thailand.
4Wat Chaiwatthanaram
In 1630, King Prasat Thong commissioned the construction of one of Ayutthaya's most impressive temples. Similar to Angkor Wat in Krong Siem Riep, Cambodia, Wat Chaiwatthanaram was built in traditional Khmer style (a corn cob-shaped tower standing on a raised brick platform). Resting on the west bank of the Chao Phraya river, the entire structure stands on a rectangular platform with a central 35-meter-high prang, surrounded by four smaller prangs.
5Chao Sam Phraya National Museum
Learn about Ayutthaya’s rich history and culture at the Chao Sam Phraya National Museum. Founded by King Bhumibol Adulyadej in 1961, this museum houses important artifacts like the Buddha statues uncovered in Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, the Buddha relics found inside the crypt of Wat Mahathat. You can also find a number of sculptures and artifacts from different periods throughout Thailand's early history, including a golden headgear, a golden sword, gold utensils and ornate teak friezes.
6Bang Pa-In Royal Palace
Also known as the Summer Palace, Bang Pa-In was where the royals resided. Built in 1632 by King Prasat Thong and rebuilt in the 1850s by King Mongkut, the buildings in the palace exhibit several complex architectural styles, ranging from the traditional Thai and Chinese structures to neoclassical European buildings. You will also find Phra Thinang Uthayan Phumisathian here, a magnificent two-story Victorian style mansion.
7Ayutthaya Floating Market
Ayutthaya Floating Market didn’t grow organically but was built to increase tourism in the city. It has been designed in the traditional style of a Thai floating market and is generally frequented by locals. At the market center, meals are cooked on boats and served to customers seated on nearby decks. The market’s outer area resembles a fair; the perfect place to try local snacks without burning a hole in your pocket or to buy some souvenirs.
Ways to Travel from Bangkok to Ayutthaya
Ayutthaya is around 80 km from Bangkok and will take you about an hour or two to complete this journey. As Ayutthaya can be explored in a day, it’s better if you start early. Here are the best transport options:.
| Mode of Travel | Time | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus | 1 hour 30 minutes | from ฿50 | Fastest route |
| Train | 2 hours 15 minutes | from ฿60 | Scenic journey |
| Taxi | 1 hour 30 minutes | ฿1000 | Convenient journey |
| Organised Tour | 9-10 hours roundtrip | ฿1,216 (all inclusive) | Hassle-free journey |
By train
Taking a train to Ayutthaya is the most economical option, since the journey will take just about two hours. There are hourly trains from Hualamphong Station, which is located in the city center, to the main train station in Ayutthaya. You can book tickets online or at the train station itself.
However, third-class seats can’t be reserved online and get sold out quickly. We recommend going early or if possible, a day before to reserve your seat. Once you reach Ayutthaya station, you can hop onto a tuk-tuk (auto rickshaws in Thailand) to take you around. They will charge you around ฿60.
By Bus
A bus from Bangkok to Ayutthaya will take around 90 minutes. Buses leave twice every hour from Mo Chit station, the main bus depot. You can buy your ticket at the Mo Chit (Northern) Bus Terminal for around ฿50-฿60, for a minibus (van). Tourist minibuses run between Ayutthaya and Bangkok’s Khao San Road as well. These cost around ฿200 and include pick up from guesthouses in Ayutthaya.
By cab or car
A direct journey by road will take you around 1.5 hours. Hailing a taxi or renting a car for this trip is mostly about convenience. If you plan to rent a car, there are ample rental services at both of Bangkok’s airports.
However, there isn’t enough information about parking facilities, so it’s best you take a taxi. A taxi ride from Bangkok to Ayutthaya costs roughly ฿1000; if your driver agrees to show you around, you can negotiate your traveling expenses at around ฿2500. Check the rate card in your taxi to strike a fair deal.
Guided tours from Bangkok to Ayutthaya
It’s best to take a guided tour from Bangkok to Ayutthaya if you want to avoid the hassle of planning your day trip from scratch.
Ayutthaya Historical Park Day Trip From Bangkok
This day tour is the best option for you as it includes hotel transfers in air-conditioned coaches (if your hotel is located within the free pick-up area), a professional English-speaking tour guide, drinking water and more.
During this is a 9-hour tour, you can visit popular attractions like Bang Pa-In, the Floating Market, Wat Mahathat and many more. The tour guide will inform you about interesting history and trivia of each attraction.
Best Time To Visit Ayutthaya
You can plan your trip between November and February as the weather is ideal during this season and the city is full of tourists. During winter, the average temperature is between 94.8°F (34.9°C) and 88.4°F (31.3°C). In fact, it rains or snows only once a month. From February to May, expect hot and humid weather with average rainfall between two to nine days. However, as expected, fewer tourists frequent Ayutthaya during this time, winter being the busy season. June through September is also a good time as the weather is quite comfortable. It gets slightly humid in September and October.
Where can I eat in Ayutthaya?
Here is a list of must-try eateries in Ayutthaya with our recommended must-try dishes. Savor the delicious flavors of Bangkok!
Krung Kao Boat Noodles serves the best of the lot. A bowl of classic boat noodles comprises rice noodles, pork liver, pig blood curd, roasted pork, pork balls and crispy fried pork skin, with soup will do the trick to whet your appetite.
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Summer House is exactly like what its name implies: a cozy place surrounded by nature where you can relax and feel light as a bird. Their most recommended dishes include the charcoal grilled Pork, summer rolls, and grilled river prawns.
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If you are one with a sweet tooth, nothing is better than Baan Kao Nhom, a stylish cafe that sells traditional Thai desserts. Their signature dishes include the Ayutthaya Charming Green Tea Butterfly Pea Ice Cream with Thong-Muan.
Located close to Wat Mahathat, this restaurant is the place to go for lunch. As the restaurant’s name suggests, they make amazing som tum (papaya salad), with the Crispy Catfish being one of the most recommended dishes. Another specialty of is their Pad Thai, a dish made with stir-fried rice noodles, egg, prawns and tofu, also known as Thailand’s national food.
Wat Yai is famous for its Tom Yum soup, which includes yellow and green noodles with crab, flathead lobster, mussels, scallops, squid stuffed with minced meat prawns and a hard-boiled egg. Wat Yai is located very close to Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon and thus, a good option for lunch.
Where can I stay in Ayutthaya?
Thinking of extending your trip in Ayutthaya for an extra day or two? Tired and weary from all the sightseeing in a foreign land? Check into a hotel for the night and rest your weary feet before you take on the next day's excitement. Here are some of our recommendations:
Enjoy outdoor pools and riverside terrace dining at the Krungsri River Hotel. Although it is slightly on the expensive side compared to other hotels and guest houses in the area, the memorable ambiance of the hotel makes it a wonderful place to stay.
Starts from ฿1,874/night
While Ayuthhaya generally exhibits an air of ancient mystery and intrigue, Sala Ayutthaya stands in stark contrast with its modern 21st century decor inspired by minimalism. The hotel is outfitted with a top-notch restaurant and an extensive art gallery as well.
Starts from ฿3,617/night
This is an exceptional place to stay in the center of town, especially if you are traveling solo. If you are on a budget and you want a reasonably good place to rest after an exhausting day of exploring the ruins, Niwas Aythhaya Hotel is the place to be.
Starts from ฿658/night
Shopping in Ayutthaya?
Ayuthhaya is a great place to purchase traditional Thai handicrafts, amulets, and clay pots.
The Bangsai Royal Arts and Crafts Centre has a fine collection of handicrafts from various parts of Thailand. With its incredibly diverse collection, the center is akin to a museum of traditional lifestyle and culture. You can even meet some of the craftsmen who work in the workshop in front of the main building.
The Chao Phrom Market is an age-old market complex that has been around even before Bangkok became the official capital of Thailand. You can find several stores that sell intricate amulets.
The Ayodhaya Floating Market is a shopoholics paradise. You can find wooden toys and wicker handicrafts sold by peddlers on boats. If you are an admirer of pottery, the Khlong Sra Bua is an excellent place to browse traditional clay pots made by potters from the Thai-Mon-Lao community.
Tips For Your Ayutthaya Day Trip
- While there are no hard and fast rules, cover your legs and shoulders when entering a temple out of respect for Thai culture. Also remember to keep your phone on silent.
- Check with each temple before taking photographs. Rules may vary from temple to temple.
- A good way to roam around Ayutthaya is by renting a bike. Most attractions have bike stands to park your bike while touring.
- Remember to carry sunscreen, sunglasses and hats when out during the scorching heat.
- Get some local pandan or taro ice cream from the street to cool down during the day.
- Beware of street dogs during evenings and at night. Attacks by street dogs are frequent in Ayutthaya.
FAQs
Why is Ayutthaya a tourist attraction in Thailand?
Why is Ayutthaya a tourist attraction in Thailand?
How much time should I spend in Ayutthaya?
How much time should I spend in Ayutthaya?
Is there a dress code in Ayutthaya?
Is there a dress code in Ayutthaya?
What is the best way to get to Ayutthaya from Bangkok?
What is the best way to get to Ayutthaya from Bangkok?
If we hire a tuk-tuk to take us around for the day, how long will it take and what is the expected cost?
If we hire a tuk-tuk to take us around for the day, how long will it take and what is the expected cost?
Where can I taste the local cuisines of Ayutthaya?
Where can I taste the local cuisines of Ayutthaya?
Are there specific rules to follow inside the Ayutthaya temples?
Are there specific rules to follow inside the Ayutthaya temples?
For a day trip from Bangkok to Ayutthaya, when should I start my journey?
For a day trip from Bangkok to Ayutthaya, when should I start my journey?
Which is the Ayutthaya white temple?
Which is the Ayutthaya white temple?
