Ayutthaya Day Trip from Bangkok: Complete Guide
Want to plan the ultimate Ayutthaya day trip from Bangkok?
Thailand’s ancient capital is just over an hour from the city and remains one of the most popular day trips from Bangkok. There are plenty of tours that’ll whisk you round the main sights, but this guide is for anyone going independently.
We’ve done the temples twice — once with a tour, once self-organised. Doing it ourselves was far better. More freedom to explore, a better feel for the place, and far less rushing about.
I’ll walk you through how to get to Ayutthaya, which temples are worth your time, how it compares to going with a guide, and a few tips we picked up that might help you plan better.
Why Take a Day Trip to Ayutthaya from Bangkok?
Nearly everyone takes a day trip to Ayutthaya for one thing: the temples. And honestly, they’re worth it even if you’re not into history. Crumbling ruins, towering chedis, and that quiet, unfussy kind of history that doesn’t need much explaining.
Ayutthaya was the capital of Siam for over 400 years. At its peak, it was one of the largest and wealthiest cities in the world, a major trading hub attracting merchants from Japan, Persia, Portugal and France. Over a million people lived here. That was more than London or Paris at the time.
The city wasn’t just big, it was dense with temples. Ayutthaya is believed to have had over 400, most of which were destroyed in 1767 when the Burmese invaded. What’s left is just a fraction, but still enough to feel the scale of what came before.
Today, the ruins form Ayutthaya Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most impressive historical areas in Thailand. An easy day trip from Bangkok. And a very good one.
How to Get to Ayutthaya from Bangkok
Ayutthaya is just over an hour from Bangkok and easy to reach without a tour. You’ve got four main options: train, minivan, taxi or boat. Bangkok is massive, so the best route often depends on where you’re staying and how early you want to start your day.
By Train
Taking the train from Bangkok to Ayutthaya is one of the cheapest and most popular ways to get there. Trains leave regularly from Hua Lamphong station, starting around 4.30am. The journey takes about 90 minutes.
Third-class tickets cost as little as 20 to 30 baht, or you can pay more for air conditioning and reserved seating. Ayutthaya’s station is fairly central, with tuk-tuks waiting outside.
By Minivan
Getting from Bangkok to Ayutthaya by minivan is quick, flexible and still affordable. We took the van from the Mo Chit bus terminal. It was 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 160 baht, and the ride takes 90 minutes to two hours, depending on traffic. You might need to wait for the van to fill, but rarely more than 20 minutes. On the way back, your driver will show you where to wait. Or just ask your tuk-tuk driver to drop you near the minivan stand.
There are also services from Khao San Road, though they tend to cost more. You’ll find them at the travel agents along the strip.
By Taxi or Grab
A taxi from Bangkok to Ayutthaya takes about 90 minutes and costs around 2,000 to 2,500 baht one way. If you’re in a group, it can work out well — especially if the driver waits and takes you back later. Grab works reliably and is more transparent on price.
By Boat
Some river cruise tours run from Bangkok to Ayutthaya, but these aren’t regular transport services. If you want a slower, scenic route and don’t mind paying extra, it’s a decent option. Just know the journey takes longer, and you’ll still need to get around 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, which costs 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.
Ayutthaya Day Trip Itinerary: What to See in One Day
If you’ve only got one day in Ayutthaya, focus on the highlights. You won’t see everything, but you can get a good feel for the place without rushing.
9.30am – Arrive in Ayutthaya
Try to get in by mid-morning. If you’re coming by train, take the short ferry across the river and grab a tuk-tuk for the day.
10.00am – Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon
Start a little outside the island. Known for its reclining Buddha, steep chedi you can climb and peaceful gardens. Less crowded early on and a nice warm-up before heading into the centre.
11.00am – Wat Mahathat
One of Ayutthaya’s most famous temples. The Buddha head wrapped in tree roots gets all the attention, but the surrounding ruins are worth a proper wander.
11.45am – Wat Ratchaburana (optional)
Right next to Mahathat. Quiet, underrated and usually less busy. You can go inside the crypt if it’s open.
12.30pm – Lunch nearby
There are plenty of local restaurants and food stalls around the Historical Park. If you’re with a tuk-tuk driver, they’ll usually have a place in mind. Let them know if you want something quick, local or with air con.
1.30pm – Wat Phra Si Sanphet
Part of the old royal palace complex and known for its three large chedis. One of the most important sites in the park.
2.15pm – Wat Thammikarat (optional)
A little different from the rest. Active worship site with modern statues, lion guardians and the occasional rooster. Often skipped by tours, but worth a look if you’re nearby.
3.00pm – Wat Chaiwatthanaram
Finish here. Slightly outside the centre but a favourite. Good condition, impressive design and late afternoon light is perfect for photos.
4.00pm – Head back to Bangkok
Return via your pre-arranged transport or head to the train or minivan station.
Best Temples to Visit in Ayutthaya
There are over 40 temple sites within Ayutthaya Historical Park. Some are collapsing, others are partly restored. You won’t see them all in a day, but even a few give 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 the city’s most iconic temples. Built in 1630 by King Prasat Thong in memory of his mother, Wat Chaiwatthanaram is a striking mix of symmetry and symbolism. The towering Khmer-style prang and surrounding chedis represent Mount Meru, the centre of the universe in Buddhist cosmology.
From the right angle, it really does look like a scaled-down Angkor Wat. And yes, everyone takes that photo. For us, this was the standout. 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 tangled in tree roots. It’s been photographed thousands of times, but seeing it in person is still oddly powerful.
Wat Mahathat was once a major royal monastery. Much of it was destroyed by the Burmese, but there’s still plenty to explore. Crumbling pillars, broken statues and banyan trees growing through brickwork. Feels like a lost city.
Wat Phra Si Sanphet
The Grand Temple of Kings
Once the holiest temple in Ayutthaya, part of the old royal palace. No monks lived here. It was used for royal ceremonies only. The three chedis contain the ashes of Ayutthaya kings and anchor what used to be a huge ceremonial complex.
It’s also the model for Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok, which tells you how significant it was. Not much remains of the halls, but the symmetry still impresses.
Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon
The Reclining Buddha
Built in 1357 for monks returning from Sri Lanka, this feels more like a living temple than a ruin. The giant reclining Buddha near the entrance draws the cameras, but you can also climb the central chedi for a decent view.
Many statues here are restored and draped in fresh robes, which changes the atmosphere. Less ancient decay, more calm and colour.
Wat Ratchaburana
Crypt Temple With a View
Built where two royal brothers died in a duel over the throne. Moody backstory aside, this temple has one of the best-preserved prangs in Ayutthaya. You can descend into the old crypt, once filled with treasure, now long gone. Or climb up for views across the site.
Framing the prang through temple windows is a classic photo spot.
Wat Thammikarat
Lions, Roosters, and a Cockfight Legend
Less manicured, more eccentric. Known for the stone lions that ring the base and the surreal number of rooster offerings.
Legend says a Thai prince beat a Burmese one in a royal cockfight here, helping win back Ayutthaya. Take that as you will. The site predates the city’s rise, and while partly ruined, the odd details make it one of the more memorable stops.
Tips for a Smooth Ayutthaya Day Trip
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 from 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 sites, so bring a bottle of water, slap on sunscreen and maybe wear a hat. If you’re cycling, take regular breaks.
Avoid elephant rides
You’ll probably see them near a few temple entrances. 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 visit
There are over 40 ruins. You won’t get through them all in a day. Pick a few key ones before you go. It’ll help you plan your route and avoid being talked into a random circuit by your tuk-tuk driver.
Entrance fees
Most temples charge between 20 and 50 baht each. 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 good value.
Stray dogs
There are quite a few 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.
Ayutthaya Day Tours from Bangkok: Worth It?
If it’s your first time in Thailand, you’ll see plenty of Ayutthaya tours being sold around Bangkok, especially near Khao San Road. I actually did one of them on my first trip to the country. It was fine. Easy, quick, ticked the big sights. But this time, with a bit more travel under my belt, we decided to go independently.
We wanted to see the temples at our own pace, skip the rushed lunch stops and avoid being herded between ruins with thirty other people. And it worked. The DIY version felt more relaxed, more flexible and a lot less boxed in.
DIY vs Tour: What We Found
There’s no right answer. Depends on what kind of day you want.
DIY day trip
- Cheaper overall
- More flexible with time
- Choose your own temples
- Slightly more effort (but not much)
Organised tour
- Easier. No planning needed
- Good if you want a guide to explain the history
- Often includes lunch and transport
- Can feel a bit rushed or rigid
We’ve done both. The first time, the tour made sense. But the second time round, doing it ourselves gave us a better feel for the place and fewer hours staring out of a bus window.
When a Tour Might Make Sense
- You’re short on time
- You want someone to explain what you’re looking at
- You hate planning and just want it sorted
- You’re travelling with older family or young kids
- You like air conditioning and don’t want to haggle with tuk-tuk drivers
Recommended Ayutthaya Tours
If you’d rather not plan it all yourself, these tours are well reviewed, cover the essentials and skip the faff. Some are private, some group-based, and all are solid options.
Full Day Small Group Tour to Ayutthaya
Keeps it simple and small. Groups are capped at nine, with hotel pickup included. Covers Bang Pa In Palace and Ayutthaya’s key temple ruins, with an English-speaking guide to tie it all together.
Private Tour: Ayutthaya & Bang Pa-In Summer Palace
Private, unrushed and includes lunch. You’ll see the main temples plus the Summer Palace, with pickup from your hotel and a guide to steer the day.
Afternoon Tour with Sunset Boat Ride
Short on time? This half-day option covers the key sights and finishes with a sunset cruise. A good call if you want something scenic without the early start.
FAQs: Ayutthaya Day Trip 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 easiest is by train. It’s cheap, relaxed and drops you close to the action. Minivans from Mo Chit are quick and cheap, too. Taxis are faster but cost more. If you want scenery, some tours include a river cruise on the way back.
How long is the trip from Bangkok to Ayutthaya?
About 80 kilometres north. That’s around 1.5 hours by train, taxi or minivan, depending on traffic.
Is Ayutthaya worth visiting for a day?
Absolutely. It’s one of the best cultural day trips from Bangkok. Impressive ruins, a peaceful pace, and just enough to fill a day without feeling rushed.
Can you visit Ayutthaya without a tour?
Yes. Most people do. Trains and minivans are easy to use, and once you’re there, you can explore by tuk tuk, bike or on foot. Just plan your temple route in advance.
What should I wear to the temples?
Temples in Ayutthaya follow the same dress code as the rest of Thailand. Cover shoulders and knees. Lightweight trousers or a long skirt work well. Scarves or wraps are usually available to rent or buy if needed.
What are the entrance fees for the temples?
Most charge between 20 and 50 baht per site. You can visit five or six for under a fiver. Some drivers offer a combined rate if you’re hiring them for the day.
Wrapping Up: Is an Ayutthaya Day Trip Worth It?
Absolutely. For a day trip, Ayutthaya hits the sweet spot. Close enough to reach easily, different enough to feel like a proper escape. If you’ve got a spare day in Bangkok and want something cultural without too much effort, this is it.
We’ve done it both ways. Tour and DIY. And honestly, it’s one of those trips that feels even better the second time around.
