Ayutthaya Day Trip From Bangkok: Your Complete Guide
Want To Know How To Plan The Ultimate Ayutthaya day Trip from Bangkok?
Thailand’s ancient capital, Ayutthaya, is just over an hour away from Bangkok and is one of the most popular day trips from the capital. Having explored the temples on more than one occasion, I want to give you an insight into what to expect on your Ayutthaya day trip from Bangkok.
While there are endless tours of the magnificent temple ruins, one of the best ways to see them is with a self-organized trip. I’ve written this short guide so that you can plan your own unforgettable DIY Ayutthaya tour.
Just looking for an Ayutthaya tour? The best is this Private Excursion to Ayutthaya & the Floating Market with a perfect 5⭐️ rating
Ayutthaya is one of the most popular places for a day trip from Bangkok. You’ll see laminated photos of the UNESCO World Heritage site everywhere you go in the city and with good reason. The old capital is less than two hours away making it a convenient and cultural experience.
I’ll go through the way to get to Ayutthaya from Bangkok, the temples you MUST see and FAQs just to completely put your mind at ease.
An Introduction To Ayutthaya
Before you head off on your Ayutthaya day trip, it’s useful to know the history of the ancient city and why it was such an important place in Thailand’s history. To start with, the country was called Siam back then! Most people know that Ayutthaya was Thailand’s ancient capital city, but it wasn’t Siam’s first capital.
Sukhothai
Thailand’s first capital was actually Sukhothai. In the early 13th century, local tribes revolted to overthrow the Khmer Empire which controlled the region. Pho Khun Bangklanghao led the rebellion and was later crowned the first king of the Sukhothai Kingdom. Most historians agree that this was the beginning of modern-day Thailand.
Sukhothai became a Buddhist kingdom and it’s believed that the Thai script was invented during this time as well as the foundations for politics. Temples and stupas were built to enshrine relics of the Buddha and some of these remain even today.
As important as Sukhothai was to Thai history, the kingdom was overthrown a couple of centuries later. A rising power, in the form of a close neighbour to the south, invaded in 1349 and controlled Sukhothai as part of a new kingdom. That kingdom was Ayutthaya!
Ayutthaya Kingdom
The Ayutthaya kingdom flourished over the next 400 years. Not only did it claim Sukhothai but it also conquered Angkor, in modern-day Cambodia. In doing so, it ended 600 years of Khmer rule! However, Ayutthaya’s success wasn’t just about the might of their military.
The strategic position of Ayutthaya made it the perfect meeting place for merchants from all over the world. Ships from all of Europe and Asia sailed to Ayutthaya making it one of the trading capitals of the world. During this time of wealth, many grand temples and palaces were built and Ayuttaya became one of the finest cities the world had ever seen. At one point, Ayutthaya was the largest city in the world with a population of over 1 million people!
After centuries of prosperity, the city was sacked in 1767 when the Burmese finally defeated Ayutthaya after years of conflict. Most of the city was burnt to the ground and those who survived were taken as slaves. Unfortunately for the Burmese, Chinese invasions of their homeland meant a complete withdrawal from the city, and a new dynasty emerged to reunify Siam by 1770. They would be the ancestors of the current monarch we know today.
How To Get To Ayutthaya From Bangkok
Most people visiting Ayutthaya will probably be staying in Bangkok but you’ll be pleased to know you can easily make the trip by minivan, train, and even by boat! Unfortunately, it looks like public buses no longer run from Victoria Monument in Bangkok. This could change in the near future though.
The fastest option is by train and there are regular departures from Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong station. You should reach Ayutthaya station in 1.5 hours and you can pay very little for a 3rd class cabin or splurge for a first-class ticket with air-con and meal. Trains leave every hour and start as early as 4.30 am for those of you who are super keen!
Another option is by minivan. These can be taken from Mo Chit Northern bus terminal or Khao San Road (for an inflated price.) From Mo Chit, just look for the ticket counters and someone will certainly spot you and ask if you want a ticket to Ayutthaya! You will have to wait till the minivan is full but this is never normally more than 20 minutes. Tickets are only a few dollars and the journey takes around 1.5 – 2 hours.
The minivan station for your return journey is easy to find. Just ask around or ask your tuk-tuk driver to drop you off once you’ve finished your tour.
If you don’t fancy dealing with the chaos of a Bangkok bus station in the early hours of the morning you can always find a bus on 12Go and book ahead of time to be safe.
Of course, there is always the option of a taxi. This is also the most expensive option but is still cheap by European standards. If you’re a good haggler you may be able to negotiate a return trip plus have them drive you around the sites. Alternatively, Grab is always a great option.
🚌 Book Your Transport To Ayutthaya From Bangkok Here
How to Get Around Ayutthaya
Ayutthaya, as a city, isn’t that small! All the temple ruins are located on a kind of mini island in the Ayutthaya Historical Parkand and you will need a mode of transport to get around all the different sites.
Depending on how you get there you will almost certainly be approached by tuk-tuk drivers asking for your business. These are a great option and one of the best ways to get around the city. Plus they look so cool! These guys are usually a bit tougher to negotiate with and the standard charge is 250 THB an hour. After some haggling, we managed to pay 900 THB for 5 hours for the 2 of us. These tuk-tuks can fit 6 so grab some friends and get a bargain!
If you’ve arrived by train you can walk towards the river and get the ferry for a few Thai baht. Or you can get a tuk-tuk straight from the station. Once in the city proper, you can decide if you want to arrange a tuk-tuk driver (who will most likely be waiting for you once you come off the ferry) bicycle or moped.
If you’re feeling fit then you can hire a bicycle for a few dollars a day. Just bear in mind that temperatures can reach the 40s (Celcius) and this can make your cycling quite unbearable. However, this could be a great cheap option in the winter.
Ayuttaya Entrance Fees
One of the great things about visiting Ayutthaya is that the entrance fees to the temple ruins are fairly cheap. Most of the ruins require a ‘donation of 20-50 THB ($1.5/£1.) If you manage to see 4-5 temples then you’re only going to part with $7-8 dollars.
If you decide to take a tour with a local tuk-tuk driver then they may even include the entrance fees in the price of your tour. If you’re a good haggler.
Compare that to Angkor Wat where a one-day pass to the complex is much much more!! Maybe Ayutthaya doesn’t have the fame that Angkor Wat does but, as a whole, the temples across the ancient city really are beautiful.
What To Wear When Visiting Ayutthaya
Like many religious sites around Southeast Asia, there’s a dress code that you should adhere to. You want to be respectful whilst visiting the temple ruins after all.
Ladies need to cover their shoulders and knees while men should also cover their knees. I went with the same elephant pants I bought outside the Grand Palace in Bangkok! There are usually vendors selling all kinds of scarves and other garments so you’re not likely to be underdressed on your visit.
Ayutthaya Tours: Organised Vs Self-Guided
First of all, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with an organised tour of Ayutthaya, especially if you manage to grab one at a good price and get a great guide.
There are plenty of benefits to an organised tour. Your transport and lunch are usually included and your entrance tickets are all sorted without the need for queuing. You don’t need to do any research or find out which temples you can’t miss and you get insider knowledge on local gems such as a secret coffee or gelato stop.
However, you may feel rushed and that you don’t have enough time to fully appreciate a place because you have to move on to the next item on the itinerary. It also costs a lot more to go on an organised tour especially if you prefer a private tour of just you and your partner.
When possible I prefer to use local transport and reach my destination when I want (usually late!) I like to explore places at my own pace with just my friends and me. This does take a lot more organising and research but that’s just my preference.
Best Ayutthaya Tours From Bangkok
Still not convinced about organising your own Ayutthaya day trip from Bangkok? Well, there’s no need to worry as there are plenty of other options available to you.
Walk past any tour agency (there are plenty of them) and you’ll see many options for tours to the ancient capital. For those of you who prefer to book ahead, I’ve listed the best ones below.
1. Full-Day Small-Group Tour Of Ayutthaya From Bangkok
Enjoy this small-group full-day excursion Ayutthata day tour from Bangkok without hassle. Groups are limited to nine people so you can enjoy the ancient site without being surrounded by the big tour groups.
Round-trip transportation is included and free from various pickup points or you can request a hotel pickup.
You’ll start with a quick stop at the Nation Stadium before heading to Bang Pa In Palace and onwards to the most important temples in Ayuthaya. All With an English-speaking guide.
➡️ Check Rates & Availability: Full-Day Small-Group Tour Of Ayutthaya From Bangkok
2. Private Tour Of Ayutthaya & Damnoensaduak Floating Market
For those looking for a 5-star private experience, this tour of Ayuttaya and Damnoensaduak Floating Market is the one for you.
This private tour is a combination of two of the best day trips from Bangkok all in one customisable package. Your dedicated guide will take you through the fascinating history of the places you visit while tailoring every aspect to your desire.
Experience the floating market and barter for fruit & veg on your private canal tour before learning about the ancient capital and the temple ruins. Early birds can also add the Maeklong Railway Market to their itinerary.
➡️ Check Rates & Availability: Private Tour Of Ayutthaya & Damnoensaduak Floating Market
3. Private Tour Of Ayutthaya & Pa-In Summer Palace From Bangkok
This fully private tour of Ayuttaya is a great option for anyone who wants to experience the city at their own pace without the crowds.
Beginning at your hotel doorstep, this tour takes you through all the major temples in Ayutthaya as well as visiting Bang Pa-In Summer Palace. Your English-speaking guide will help you get the most out of your day and included is a delicious lunch at a local restaurant.
➡️ Check Rates & Availability: Private Tour Of Ayutthaya & Pa-In Summer Palace From Bangkok
4. Afternoon Tour Of Ayutthaya With Sunset Boat Ride
This afternoon tour from Bangkok is an excellent option for those who are short on time.
All transport is included and after being picked up around 13:00, you’ll be whisked away to the ancient city of Ayuttaya where you’ll experience a few hand-picked temples to give you a taste of the old capital.
You’ll then enjoy a sunset cruise down in your own private boat passing local villages and temples as the sun starts to fade.
➡️ Check Rates & Availability: Afternoon Tour Of Ayutthaya With Sunset Boat Ride
5. Full-Day Private Tour Of Ayutthaya Including Boat Trip
This full-day private tour of Ayuttaya (boat trip included) is a great option for those with more time on their hands.
Enjoy some of the most important temples and the local market at your own pace with your English-speaking guide who’ll give you as much or as little information as you want on your tailored itinerary.
Travellers particularly liked the boat trip and lunch stop on this tour which is why it’s rated as 5 stars!
➡️ Check Rates & Availability: Full-Day Private Tour Of Ayutthaya Including Boat Trip
Best Things To Do In Ayutthaya
Well, by things to do I obviously mean temples! There are so many temple ruins in Ayutthaya that you’d need to stay 2 or 3 days if you want to see them all. If you’re going to Ayutthaya on a day trip then these are the most impressive and important sites that I recommend.
Wat Chai Watthanaram
Wat Chai Watthanaram (try saying that three times) is one of Ayutthaya’s most famous and visited temples. Of all the ruins, this is the must-see in Ayutthaya. Constructed in 1630 by King Pra-Sat Thong, the temple was a memorial to his mother. It is instantly recognizable from its 35-meter high Khmer-style prang. From the right angle, you could even say it looked like a mini Angkor Wat!
Wat Mahathat
Tourists flock to Wat Mahathat to see one thing. The head of a Buddha statue is wrapped in the branches of a Bodhi tree. If you didn’t know, the Bodhi tree is the same tree that Gautama Buddha was meditating under when he achieved enlightenment. It’s probably the most photographed Buddha in Ayutthaya!
Once you drag yourself away from the famous Buddha head you’ll see the rest of the temple is pretty impressive too. There’s almost an Angkor Wat feel to it. Look out for the trees growing from the ruins and you’ll know what I mean! There are also some nicely restored Buddha images around the site.
Wat Phra Si Sanphet
Wat Phra Si Sanphet was perhaps the holiest temple during the height of the Ayutthaya kingdom. It was part of the Royal Palace and is easily recognized by the three Chedis where the ashes of three former kings were buried. It was considered to be one of the most beautiful temples in the kingdom till its destruction by the Burmese.
Not only was Wat Phra Si Sanphet considered important in the past but its significance can be seen today. Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok, or The Temple of the Emerald Buddha, was built using Wat Phra Si Sanphet as its model. It is now regarded as the most sacred temple in Thailand!
Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon
Constructed in 1357 by King Ramathibodi I, Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon was the home of Buddhist monks who were ordained in Ceylon (Sri Lanka.) One of the things you’ll notice about the ruins is that the Buddha statues around this temple are regularly clothed in saffron robes. Nearly all the Buddha statues (including the reclining Buddha) have been reconstructed to resemble their original state.
Wat Ratchaburana
Wat Ratchaburana is another ruin with a beautiful Khmer-style prang at its centre. You can go inside the prang into the crypt below. Unfortunately, the crypt was looted in 1957. The thieves were caught but very few treasures were ever returned. The ruins make a fantastic photo opportunity using the windows to frame the huge prang.
Wat Thammikarat
If you want to see something a little different, then visit Wat Thammikarat. This temple is believed to have been built before Ayutthaya’s rise to power and is full of lion statues and plastic roosters! According to legend, a Thai prince of Burmese origin challenged the Burmese prince to a cockfight. The Thai prince’s rooster won and Ayutthaya was freed from Burmese rule!
Best Ayutthaya Tours From Bangkok
Still not convinced about organising your own Ayutthaya day trip from Bangkok? Well, there’s no need to worry as there are plenty of other options available to you.
Walk past any tour agency (there are plenty of them) and you’ll see many options for tours to the ancient capital. For those of you who prefer to book ahead, I’ve listed the best ones below.
1. Full-Day Small-Group Tour Of Ayutthaya From Bangkok
Enjoy this small-group full-day excursion from Bangkok without hassle. Groups are limited to nine people so you can enjoy the ancient site without being surrounded by the big tour groups.
Round-trip transportation is included and free from various pickup points or you can request a hotel pickup.
You’ll start with a quick stop at the Nation Stadium before heading to Bang Pa In Palace and onwards to the most important temples in Ayuthaya. All With an English-speaking guide.
➡️ Check Rates & Availability: Full-Day Small-Group Tour Of Ayutthaya From Bangkok
2. Private Tour Of Ayutthaya & Damnoensaduak Floating Market
For those looking for a 5-star private experience, this tour of Ayuttaya and Damnoensaduak Floating Market is the one for you.
This private tour is a combination of two of the best day trips from Bangkok all in one customisable package. Your dedicated guide will take you through the fascinating history of the places you visit while tailoring every aspect to your desire.
Experience the floating market and barter for fruit & veg on your private canal tour before learning about the ancient capital and the temple ruins. Early birds can also add the Maeklong Railway Market to their itinerary.
➡️ Check Rates & Availability: Private Tour Of Ayutthaya & Damnoensaduak Floating Market
3. Private Tour Of Ayutthaya & Pa-In Summer Palace From Bangkok
This fully private tour of Ayuttaya is a great option for anyone who wants to experience the city at their own pace without the crowds.
Beginning at your hotel doorstep, this tour takes you through all the major temples in Ayutthaya as well as visiting Bang Pa-In Summer Palace. Your English-speaking guide will help you get the most out of your day and included is a delicious lunch at a local restaurant.
➡️ Check Rates & Availability: Private Tour Of Ayutthaya & Pa-In Summer Palace From Bangkok
4. Afternoon Tour Of Ayutthaya With Sunset Boat Ride
This afternoon tour from Bangkok is an excellent option for those who are short on time.
All transport is included and after being picked up around 13:00, you’ll be whisked away to the ancient city of Ayuttaya where you’ll experience a few hand-picked temples to give you a taste of the old capital.
You’ll then enjoy a sunset cruise down in your own private boat passing local villages and temples as the sun starts to fade.
➡️ Check Rates & Availability: Afternoon Tour Of Ayutthaya With Sunset Boat Ride
5. Full-Day Private Tour Of Ayutthaya Including Boat Trip
This full-day private tour of Ayuttaya (boat trip included) is a great option for those with more time on their hands.
Enjoy some of the most important temples and the local market at your own pace with your English-speaking guide who’ll give you as much or as little information as you want on your tailored itinerary.
Travellers particularly liked the boat trip and lunch stop on this tour which is why it’s rated as 5 stars!
➡️ Check Rates & Availability: Full-Day Private Tour Of Ayutthaya Including Boat Trip
Tips For Visiting Ayutthaya
Now let’s go through some tips to make sure your day trip to Ayuttaya goes smoothly. I’ll take you through what to wear, and how much it will cost and then finish with some useful tips.
- To get the most out of your day trip you need to start the day early. Try to be at the train or minivan by 7.00 am. You can always have a nap along the way. I did!
- The incredible heat means it’s important to stay hydrated. Take some water, sunscreen and maybe a hat.
- Covering knees and shoulders doesn’t necessarily mean long pants and thick T-shirts. Zuz wore a dress and this made covering up legs a little more bearable.
- This may be the place you encounter an Asian elephant for the first time. As lovely as these creatures are, riding them is not encouraged. If you knew how they were ‘trained’ then you’d see why.
- There are many temple ruins in Ayutthaya so I recommend doing a bit of research beforehand. Choose which ones you really want to see before you start negotiating with a tuk-tuk driver.
- There are a large amount of stray dogs in Ayutthaya. Most of them are asleep during the day so watch your step if you want to avoid being barked at.
FAQs: Visiting Ayutthaya
I’ve given you as much info as I can about visiting Ayutthaya and all the different options but there are always a few questions that slip through. By answering these FAQs I’ll hopefully have covered all there is to know about Ayutthaya!
Is Ayutthaya Worth Visiting?
Without a doubt, yes! Those looking for (more) culture than the temples of Bangkok must put Ayutthaya on their Thailand bucket list. The historical park showcases some of the best-preserved monuments in the country and is well worth the visit.
Is One Day Enough For Ayutthaya?
If you only want to see the best and most popular temples then yes, one day is enough. There are around 40 temple ruins in Ayutthaya and it’s unlikely that you’ll want to visit them all but as it takes up to 2 hours to get there from Bangkok, it could be worth sticking around for another day or 2.
Can I Wear Shorts At Ayutthaya?
The short answer is yes! Like any temple in Southeast Asia, as long as your shoulders and knees are covered, you are ok. I got around with a pair of cheap, thin elephant pants which I ended up loving.
What Is Better Ayutthaya Or Sukhothai?
This is a matter of opinion and you will have to weigh up the pros and cons before deciding. Ayutthaya is closer to Bangkok, making a more convenient day trip, whereas Sukhothai is further away. Ayutthaya is also more crowded but more spread out, whereas Sukhothai is smaller and more tranquil. If you have time to visit both then you should!
Wrapping up: Ayutthaya Day Trip
So if you haven’t guessed by now, I really recommend adding an Ayutthaya day trip from Bangkok to your to-do list. Ayutthaya is the perfect blend of history, culture, and a bit of adventure if you take a tuk-tuk.
You’ll have no worries if you just showing up in the city and negotiating with a tuk-tuk driver if you can. If you have a list of temples in mind that you would like to see then even better!
Your driver will wait for you at each temple and take you somewhere for lunch. He’ll even drop you off at the minivan station so you can be back in Bangkok in time to knock back a few buckets on Khao San Road (if that’s your thing!)
Our Ayutthaya day trip cost very little and just needed a bit of organisation and prep work. Most importantly, we had plenty of time at each temple so that we never felt like we had to rush. What a fantastic day trip from Bangkok!
