Ayutthaya from Bangkok: How to Plan the Perfect 2025 Day Trip
Want to know how to plan the ultimate day trip to Ayutthaya from Bangkok?
Thailand’s ancient capital, Ayutthaya, is just over an hour from Bangkok and remains one of the most popular day trips from the city. There are plenty of tours that’ll take you to the main sights, but this guide is for anyone planning to go independently.
I’ve visited the temples a couple of times — once with a tour, once self-organised. Doing it on our own was a much better experience. More freedom to explore, a better feel for the place, and far less rushing around.
I’ll walk you through how to get to Ayutthaya from Bangkok, which temples are worth your time, how it compares to going with a guide, and a few things we learned that might help you plan better.
Why Visit Ayutthaya?
Nearly everyone visits Ayutthaya for one thing – the stunning temples. Honestly, they’re worth seeing even if you’re not into history. A mix of crumbling ruins, towering chedis, and the kind of quiet history that doesn’t need much explanation.
Ayutthaya was the capital of Siam for over 400 years and was once one of the biggest and wealthiest cities in the world. It became a major trading hub, with merchants arriving from Japan, Persia, Portugal and France. At its peak, over a million people lived here, which was more than in London or Paris at the time.
The city wasn’t just large, it was packed with temples. Ayutthaya is believed to have had over 400 — far more than what remains today. Most were destroyed when the Burmese invaded in 1767, but what’s left still offers a glimpse of the city’s former scale.
The ruins are now part of Ayutthaya Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most significant historical areas in Thailand.
How to Get to Ayutthaya from Bangkok
Ayutthaya is just over an hour from Bangkok and easy to reach on your own without a tour. You’ve got four main options: train, minivan, taxi, or boat. Bangkok’s huge, so the best choice often depends on where you’re staying and how early you want to start.
By Train (Best for Budget Travel)
Trains leave regularly from Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong station, starting around 4.30am. The journey takes about 1.5 hours. Third-class tickets cost as little as 20–30 baht, or you can pay more for air-con and reserved seating. The station in Ayutthaya is central, and tuk-tuks are waiting outside.
By Minivan (Fast and Flexible)
We took the minivan from Mo Chit bus terminal — quick, cheap, and fairly straightforward. You’ll find the ticket counters easily, and someone will usually ask where you’re heading before you’ve had a chance to check the signs.
Tickets cost around 150 baht, and the ride takes 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic. You may need to wait for the van to fill up, but that’s rarely more than 20 minutes. For the return, your driver will point out where you’ll need to wait, or just ask your tuk-tuk driver to drop you at the minivan stand.
There are also services from Khao San Road, though they tend to cost more. You’ll find these at the travel agents that line the road.
By Taxi or Grab (Most Comfortable)
A private taxi from Bangkok to Ayutthaya takes about 1.5 hours and will cost roughly 1,500 to 2,000 baht one way. If you’re travelling as a group, it can work out well, especially if you agree on a return fare and get the driver to wait. Grab also works reliably and is a bit more transparent on price.
By Boat (Scenic, but Slow)
There are river cruise tours that run from Bangkok to Ayutthaya, but they’re not regular public transport. If you want a slower, scenic route and don’t mind paying extra, it’s a decent option — just be aware the journey takes longer and you’ll still need to get around Ayutthaya once you arrive.
How to Get Around Ayutthaya
Ayutthaya’s not huge, but it’s spread out. Most of the main temple ruins are clustered on a kind of island — the Ayutthaya Historical Park — but you’ll still need transport to get between them. Walking the whole thing isn’t really an option unless you’re keen on heatstroke.
By Tuk-Tuk (Most Popular)
We went with a cool-looking tuk-tuk, and it worked out well. It was quick, shaded, and easy to cover the main temples. We paid 900 baht for 5 hours, just for the two of us, which felt like having our own private tour. The standard rate is around 250 baht per hour, and most drivers are open to a bit of haggling. Tuk-tuks usually fit up to six people, so if you’re in a group, it gets even cheaper per person.
By Bicycle (Best on a Cooler Day)
Bikes are cheap to hire, just a few dollars a day, and easy to find near the station or inside the historical park. If the weather’s mild, cycling’s a great way to see the temples at your own pace. If it’s pushing 40°C, it’s a different story. You’ll see people doing it. Doesn’t mean it’s fun.
By Moped
If you’re comfortable on a scooter, this can be a decent way to get around, especially if you’re visiting lesser-known sites outside the main park. Just bear in mind that local traffic can be a bit chaotic.
Arriving by Train?
You’ll need to cross the river to get into the main part of town. There’s a ferry that runs just outside the station — it’s a few baht and only takes a couple of minutes. From there, you can rent a bike or grab a tuk-tuk for the day.
Tips for Visiting Ayutthaya
A few practical tips to make your Ayutthaya day trip go a little smoother. Nothing complicated — just the stuff we wish someone had told us before we went.
What to Wear
Like most religious sites in Southeast Asia, there’s a dress code. Shoulders and knees need to be covered for everyone, not just the girls. I wore my trusty elephant pants that I picked up outside the Grand Palace in Bangkok. Zuz wore a light dress, which worked well in the heat. If you forget, there are usually vendors selling scarves and wraps near the entrances.
Start Early
Try to be on a train or minivan by 7.00 am. The temples open early, and so does the heat. You can always nap on the way, but getting there early makes the whole day feel less rushed.
Bring Water and Sunscreen
It gets hot. Really hot. There’s not much shade at most of the sites, so bring a bottle of water, slap on some sunscreen and maybe take a hat. If you’re doing a bike tour, take lots of breaks.
Avoid Elephant Rides
You’ll probably see them near the entrances to a few temples. As tempting as it might look, please don’t. Once you know how they’re trained, it’s hard to unsee.
Plan Which Temples to See
There are over 40 ruins. You won’t do them all in a day. Pick out a few key ones before you go — it’ll make it easier to plan your route and less likely you’ll be talked into a random circuit by a tuk-tuk driver.
Entrance Fees
Most temples charge between 20–50 baht each (under £1). If you visit five, you’re still under a fiver. Some tuk-tuk drivers include entry in their rate — worth checking if you’re negotiating a tour. Compare that to somewhere like Angkor Wat and you’ll see why this place is such a good value.
Stray Dogs
There are quite a few roaming around. Most are asleep during the day, but they’ll bark if you get too close. No need to panic — just don’t step on them.
Must-See Temples in Ayutthaya Historical Park
There are over 40 temple sites in Ayutthaya Historical Park, with some falling apart while others are p[partly restored. You won’t see them all in a day, but even a handful gives you a strong sense of the place. We managed five on our last visit, which felt like plenty without rushing.
Wat Chaiwatthanaram – Ayutthaya’s Mini Angkor Wat
One of Ayutthaya’s most iconic temples. Built in 1630 by King Prasat Thong in memory of his mother, Wat Chaiwatthanaram is a stunning mix of symbolism and symmetry. Its towering Khmer-style prang and row of chedis are meant to represent Mount Meru — the centre of the universe in Buddhist cosmology.
From certain angles, it really does look like a scaled-down Angkor Wat. And yes, everyone takes that photo. This was the standout for us — dramatic, open, and less crowded than you’d expect.
Wat Mahathat – The Iconic Buddha Head
This is the one with that photo — the Buddha head gently tangled in tree roots, just above eye level. It’s been photographed thousands of times, but seeing it in person is still surprisingly powerful.
Wat Mahathat was once a major royal monastery and housed important relics. Much of it was destroyed by the Burmese, but there’s still plenty to wander through. Crumbling pillars, broken Buddha statues, and banyan trees growing through the bricks. Proper lost-world feel.
Wat Phra Si Sanphet – The Grand Temple of Kings
Once the holiest temple in Ayutthaya, Wat Phra Si Sanphet was part of the royal palace grounds — no monks lived here; it was used exclusively for royal ceremonies. The three iconic chedis contain the ashes of Ayutthaya kings, and you can see why it was considered the city’s most elegant site.
It’s also the model for Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok, which tells you how significant it was. There’s not much left of the halls, but the foundations and symmetry still impress.
Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon – The Reclining Buddha
Built in 1357 for monks returning from Sri Lanka, this one feels more like a living temple than a ruin. There’s a giant reclining Buddha near the entrance and a tall chedi you can climb for a decent view.
Many of the Buddha statues here are restored and wrapped in fresh saffron robes, which adds a different kind of energy. Still active, still peaceful. It’s one of the more photogenic spots — bright colours, less decay, slightly less doom.
Wat Ratchaburana – Crypt Temple With a View
Built on the site where two royal brothers died in a duel over the throne (yes, really), Wat Ratchaburana has a moody backstory and a beautifully intact central prang.
You can descend into the crypt, once filled with treasures, now long looted, and climb up to view the surrounding ruins. The architecture is solid, sharp, and good for photography. Framing the prang through old temple windows? Classic shot.
Wat Thammikarat – Lions, Roosters, and a Cockfight Legend
Less manicured, more eccentric. Wat Thammikarat stands out for its lion statues that ring the base and a slightly surreal number of rooster offerings.
Legend goes that a Thai prince beat a Burmese one in a royal cockfight here, supposedly helping win Ayutthaya’s freedom. Take that as you will. The site predates Ayutthaya’s rise, and while it’s partly ruined, the odd details make it one of the more memorable stops.
Best Tours from Bangkok to Ayutthaya
Still not convinced about doing Ayutthaya on your own? No stress. There are loads of decent tours running daily from Bangkok, and some are actually pretty good.
You’ll spot the tour signs all over Khao San Road and most agencies in town. But if you’d rather lock something in beforehand, here are a few of the better-rated ones:
Full-Day Small Group Tour
This full-day tour keeps things simple — and small. You’ll travel in a group of no more than nine, with hotel pickup included. The trip covers Bang Pa-In Palace and several of Ayutthaya’s top temple ruins, with an English-speaking guide.
➡️ Check Rates & Availability: Full-Day Small-Group Tour Of Ayutthaya From Bangkok
Private Tour: Ayutthaya & Damnoensaduak Floating Market
A customisable private tour that combines Ayutthaya with a visit to the famous floating market — and even the Maeklong Railway Market if you’re up early. Ideal if you want someone else to handle the details but still feel like you’re exploring.
➡️ Check Rates & Availability: Private Tour Of Ayutthaya & Damnoensaduak Floating Market
Private Tour: Ayutthaya & Bang Pa-In Summer Palace
Want to see the ruins without the crowds? This fully private tour includes the key temples and the Summer Palace, plus lunch at a local restaurant. Pickup from your hotel, of course.
➡️ Check Rates & Availability: Private Tour Of Ayutthaya & Pa-In Summer Palace From Bangkok
Afternoon Tour with Sunset Boat Ride
Pressed for time? This half-day tour gives you a quick intro to Ayutthaya’s key sights, topped off with a sunset cruise along the river. Great if you want something scenic without the 6am alarm.
➡️ Check Rates & Availability: Afternoon Tour Of Ayutthaya With Sunset Boat Ride
Private Tour with Boat Trip
This full-day private option includes a flexible itinerary, a local market stop, and a boat ride. Guides are well-reviewed, and you can tweak the schedule to suit your pace.
➡️ Check Rates & Availability: Full-Day Private Tour Of Ayutthaya Including Boat Trip
FAQs: Ayutthaya from Bangkok
Now that I’ve covered all the essentials, here are a few FAQs for the finer details. The kind of things that’ll still help you plan smarter and avoid looking lost when you get there.
How do you get to Ayutthaya from Bangkok?
The train is the easiest as it’s slow, scenic, and barely costs a sandwich. Fastest? A private taxi, if you’re feeling flush. You can also hop on a minivan from Mo Chit or splurge on a river cruise if you’re going for vibes over value.
How far is Ayutthaya from Bangkok?
It’s about 80 km north of the city. That’s 1.5 hours by train or taxi. Just about right for the classic day trip.
Is Ayutthaya walkable?
Yes. Well, sort of. The temples are spread out, and while the centre is flat and easy enough to stroll, you’ll cover more ground with a bike or tuk-tuk. Your feet will thank you
Is Ayutthaya worth a day trip?
Yes! Ayutthaya’s ruins are impressive, slightly surreal, and a welcome break from Bangkok’s chaos. A full day is plenty to see the highlights, soak up the history, and grab some street food before heading back.
How long should I spend in Ayutthaya?
One day is enough to cover the best temples. Two days will give you time to see the less-touristy spots. Any more and you’re probably doing research, not sightseeing.
Wrapping Up: Is Ayutthaya Worth the Trip?
Absolutely. Whether you’re into temples, tuk-tuks, or just want a break from Bangkok, a day trip to Ayutthaya is a smart move.
You don’t need to overthink it. Just get yourself there, haggle for a tuk-tuk, and have a rough list of temples you want to see. Most drivers will wait while you explore, take you for lunch, and drop you back in time to be sipping something cold on Khao San Road by sundown.
It’s cheap, easy, and one of the best ways to get a dose of Thai history without straying too far from the capital. We had a full day of exploring, no rushing, and spent less than a decent dinner back home. Worth it? Completely.
