🛕 Day Trip to Ayutthaya from Bangkok: The Ultimate Ayutthaya Guide
If you’re in Bangkok and craving a mix of history, culture, and tranquility, a day trip to Ayutthaya is the perfect escape. Just over an hour from Thailand’s bustling capital, Ayutthaya transports you to a different world: one of crumbling temples, ancient Buddha statues, and peaceful riverbanks.
Once the capital of the Kingdom of Siam, Ayutthaya was founded in 1350 and became one of the world’s largest and most cosmopolitan urban areas in its prime. Today, it stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering a glimpse into a golden past through its historic ruins. The combination of cultural immersion and scenic serenity makes it a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
🚆 How to Get to Ayutthaya from Bangkok
There are multiple transportation options depending on your budget, comfort level, and adventure spirit. Here’s a rundown of the best ways to make your day trip to Ayutthaya smooth and enjoyable:
🚂 By Train: Budget-Friendly and Scenic
Departure: Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong Railway Station
Arrival: Ayutthaya Railway Station
Duration: 1.5 to 2.5 hours
Cost: 15–300 THB depending on class
Taking the train is an experience in itself. Third-class tickets are extremely affordable, though not air-conditioned. Second-class seats come with A/C and more comfort. This is a great option for those who enjoy scenic travel and don’t mind a relaxed pace.
💡 Sit on the left side of the train going north for better countryside views.
🚌 By Minivan: Quick and Convenient
Departure: Mochit Van Terminal or Victory Monument
Arrival: Ayutthaya Bus Station or Naresuan Road
Duration: About 1 hour
Cost: Around 70–100 THB
Minivans leave regularly throughout the day and are perfect for travelers who want to get there fast. They’re usually air-conditioned and drop you off centrally.
🚗 By Private Car or Taxi: Comfortable and Flexible
Duration: Around 1–1.5 hours
Cost: 1,000–1,500 THB round trip (negotiable)
Ideal for families or groups, hiring a private car gives you the most flexibility. You can stop along the way, travel at your own pace, and even negotiate with local drivers.
🚩 By Guided Tour: Stress-Free Option
Many tour companies offer day tours with hotel pick-up, a guide, lunch, and transport included. Some even add a boat ride or a bicycle tour through the ruins. This is the best option if you want a curated experience without planning every detail.
💡 Recommended tour: From Bangkok: Ayutthaya Temples Guided Tour with Lunch
🚲 Getting Around Ayutthaya
Once you arrive, you have several options to explore the city:
🚲 Bicycle Rental
Cost: 50–100 THB/day
Where: Available at many guesthouses, rental shops, and near the train station
Ayutthaya is flat and compact, making cycling a fun and efficient way to explore. It allows you to move at your own pace and visit hidden gems.
🛵 Scooter Rental
Cost: 200–300 THB/day
Faster than bicycles and good for covering more ground. Remember to wear a helmet and carry an international driving permit.
🛺 Tuk-Tuk Rental
Cost: 200–300 THB/hour (negotiate beforehand)
Drivers often offer half-day or full-day temple tour packages.
🌊 Boat Tour
Explore the city by its rivers! A 1-hour boat tour around the city island typically costs 500–800 THB for a group and includes stops at riverside temples.
📸 What to See: Must-Visit Temples and Attractions
Ayutthaya’s historical ruins are vast, and while you can’t see them all in one day, here are the highlights you shouldn’t miss on a day trip to Ayutthaya:
🛕 Wat Mahathat
Famous for the Buddha head entwined in tree roots, Wat Mahathat was once one of the most important temples in the kingdom. It served as the religious center during the Ayutthaya period and is a powerful symbol of the city’s ancient glory.
🕒 Openings hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
💸 Admission Fee: ~50 THB for foreign visitors (about 10 THB for Thai nationals)
🛕 Wat Phra Si Sanphet
Once part of the Royal Palace grounds, this was the holiest temple on the site of the old capital. It contains three striking chedis (stupas) that hold the ashes of Ayutthaya kings, and its layout inspired the Emerald Buddha Temple in Bangkok.
🕒 Openings hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
💸 Admission Fee: ~50 THB for foreigners (symmetrical with other major temples)
🛕 Wiharn Phra Mongkhon Bophit
Located right next to Wat Phra Si Sanphet, this viharn (assembly hall) houses one of Thailand’s largest bronze Buddha images. The statue stands at nearly 17 meters tall and is an awe-inspiring sight.
🕒 Openings hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
💸 Admission Fee: Often included with Wat Phra Si Sanphet or ~50 THB if ticketed separately
🛕 Wat Chaiwatthanaram
This majestic riverside temple features Khmer-style architecture and symmetrical prangs, making it one of Ayutthaya’s most photographed sites. It was built in 1630 to honor King Prasat Thong’s mother and offers stunning sunset views over the river.
🕒 Openings hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
💸 Admission Fee: ~50 THB for foreign visitors
🛕 Wat Ratchaburana
Located near Wat Mahathat, this temple is known for its tall central prang and interior crypt with ancient murals. It was built by King Borommarachathirat II in memory of his two brothers who died in a duel for the throne.
🕒 Openings hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
💸 Admission Fee: ~20–50 THB (often ~50 THB) for foreign visitors
🛕 Ayutthaya Historical Park
The park encompasses most of the ancient city and includes many of the temples listed above. It’s best explored by bicycle or tuk-tuk, and combo tickets are available for major sites within the park. Be sure to wear comfy shoes and bring water, as you’ll be doing lots of walking and exploring under the sun.
🕒 Openings hours: Typically 8:30 AM – 6:30 PM
💸 Admission Fee: There is no single unified entrance fee; most major temples charge individually around 20–50 THB each
🍜 Where to Eat in Ayutthaya
A good meal is key to a successful day trip to Ayutthaya! Here are some top picks:
🐟 Baan Mai Rim Num
A riverside restaurant known for grilled giant river prawns, one of Ayutthaya’s specialties. The setting is relaxed and scenic.
🕒 Openings hours: Daily 10:30 AM – 9:00 PM
🍰 Prang View Café
Located near Wat Ratchaburana, Prang View Cafe offers cozy seating with a temple view, making it an ideal place to enjoy Thai dishes, iced coffee, and desserts while taking in the history around you.
🕒 Openings hours: Daily 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
🍡 Baan Kao Nhom
Charming vintage café that serves traditional Thai desserts, coffees, and teas in an Instagram-worthy setting.
🕒 Openings hours: Daily 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
🍜 Local Boat Noodles Stalls
Scattered across town, especially near the station. These small bowls of rich, spicy broth and noodles are a local favorite.
🕒 Openings hours: Varies by stall, generally 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
🛣️ Itinerary: One Perfect Day Trip to Ayutthaya
07:00 – Depart Bangkok by train or van
08:30 – Arrive in Ayutthaya, rent a bicycle or tuk-tuk
09:00 – Explore Wat Mahathat and Wat Ratchaburana
10:30 – Brunch at Prang View Café
11:30 – Visit Wat Phra Si Sanphet and Viharn Phra Mongkol Bophit
13:30 – Head to Wat Chaiwatthanaram
15:00 – Optional boat tour or more temples
17:00 – Dinner at Baan Mai Rim Num
19:30 – Return bike/tuk-tuk, grab snacks
20:00 – Catch return train or van to Bangkok
👍🏻 Useful Tips for Your Day Trip to Ayutthaya
☀️ Start early to beat the crowds and midday heat.
👖 Wear appropriate clothing for temple visits: cover shoulders and knees.
💸 Bring cash, as many places don’t accept cards.
💦 Pack sunscreen, a hat, and water – it gets very hot!
🎫 Buy a temple pass: Some major temples have entry fees (20–50 THB). A combo pass for multiple sites can save money.
⏰ Watch your time: Check the timetables for the trains or vans. Plan accordingly.
📲 Download Google Maps offline and bring a power bank.
🗺️ Map of What to See & Eat in Ayutthaya
A day trip to Ayutthaya is one of the best ways to balance the excitement of Bangkok with a deeper understanding of Thailand’s cultural roots. You’ll return with stunning photos, delicious food memories, and a sense of awe for a city that was once the beating heart of an empire. Whether you go solo, with friends, or as a family, Ayutthaya has something to offer every kind of traveler. It’s the perfect mix of accessibility, affordability, and authenticity.
So pack your bag, charge your camera, and get ready to walk through history!
