Ayutthaya is one of the best day trips you can do from Bangkok! Made an UNESCO World Heritage site in 1991, Ayutthaya was at one point one of the most developed cities in the world! It’s less than 2 hours from Bangkok and easily accessible by public transportation. This historical city is an archeological dream and is the perfect escape from the busyness of Bangkok.
If you love history, make sure to read about Sukhothai! Sukhothai was the first capital of Siam, even before Ayutthaya!
Brief History of Ayutthaya
Founded in 1350, Ayutthaya was the 2nd capital of Siam (the former name of Thailand) until the city was destroyed by Burmese invaders in 1767. That means Ayutthaya was one of the best cities in the world for over 400 years! When you think that the United States of America is less than 250 years old, you realize just how impressive that is!
Ayutthaya is located on an island which not only helped to protect it, but also made it a very important trading location between India and China. Both of these things helped Ayutthaya prosper for so long.
If you are very interested in Thai history, consider also visiting Sukhothai. Sukhothai was the first capital of Siam and is also an UNESCO Wold Heritage site. It’s less busy than Ayutthaya, however it is also much farther from Bangkok and the ruins aren’t as close together.
How to Get to Ayutthaya
Ayutthaya is only 80 km (50 miles) from Bangkok. Due to it’s close proximity to Bangkok, there are many options to get there from the city. These options range a lot in price, comfort, and flexibility.
Train From Bangkok to Ayutthaya
There are many trains between Bangkok and Ayutthaya – up to 32 a day! The train usually takes very close to 2 hours. While the train is often slower than a bus, it can be the cheapest option. Some train tickets are as little as 15 baht each ($0.50 USD)! Trains also have the added bonus of a toilet onboard (although they usually aren’t the cleanest). Make sure you ask for a seat when you buy your tickets! We once bought tickets from Ayutthaya to Bangkok and had to stand almost the whole two hours!
There are currently trains running from both Hua Lamphong Station as well as the new Bangkok train station (Krung Thep Amphiwat Central Terminal) to Ayutthaya. You can find more information on train times here.
While some trains are really cheap, express trains can be over 300 baht!
Bus/Mini Bus From Bangkok to Ayutthaya
You can take a bus or minivan from Mochit Bus Terminal. Keep in mind that Mochit Bus Terminal is NOT at Mochit BTS station – you need to take a quick taxi between them!
Minibuses are more frequent than trains. They usually leave every half hour or whenever the bus is full. However they also cost a little more than the train. They’re usually faster than the train and arrive in an hour and a half or less! Minibuses are still a very convenient option between Bangkok and Ayutthaya!
Taxi From Bangkok to Ayutthaya
Ayutthaya is close enough to Bangkok that it is possible to take a taxi between the two, however it is definitely not the cheapest. It can be very convenient if you agree to a set price with the driver and he not only drives you to Ayutthaya, but also between the different historical sites. A taxi one way will cost well over 1,000 baht ($30 USD) while a half day trip should start at a couple thousand baht.
This is what we did when our parents came to visit us in Bangkok as it was the most convenient for our 6 person group. We agreed to a set price with one of our taxi drivers from earlier in the week. He then took us to and from Ayutthaya, as well as between all the ruins that we wanted to visit!
Take a Tour from Bangkok to Ayutthaya
If you want a tour guide to give you as much information as possible and plan the stops for you, consider taking a guided tour from Bangkok to Ayutthaya! These are all highly rated tours:
Klook.comHow to Get Around Ayutthaya
If you choose to take a bus or train to Ayutthaya, or even a taxi just one way, you’ll have to figure out transportation once you arrive in Ayutthaya. While Ayutthaya isn’t huge, it’s too big to walk between all the main attractions. There are some individual taxis and tuktuks driving around, but it will be much more cost effective to figure out one mode of transportation that you can use for the whole day!
Bicycle in Ayutthaya
Bicycles are a popular option in Ayutthaya. They are very cheap to rent at less than 100 baht/day ( < $3 USD). Ayutthaya has lots of bike paths and bike parking throughout the historic sites.
However, Ayutthaya is often hotter than Bangkok so biking in the middle of the day would be very tiring! It would also be a very long bike ride to some of the far temples.
Rent a Motorbike in Ayutthaya
Another option is to rent a motorbike in Ayutthaya. This is our personal favorite option! The motorbike makes it easy to get to all of the temples and isn’t as strenuous during the middle of the day when it’s very hot.
There are many places to rent motorbikes across the road from the train station. Last time we rented a motorbike from a hotel less than a 10 minute walk from the minibus stop. A motorbike should only cost between 200-300 baht/day ($6-9 USD) plus gas.
A TukTuk Tour of Ayutthaya
You will also see many TukTuks around Ayutthaya advertising tours you can do with them. There are usually many of them waiting by both the train station as well as the minibus station.
The prices vary a lot and should be negotiated with the driver beforehand. We’ve seen some tours for up to 1,000 baht ($30 USD) for a full day while others charge by the hour. It can fluctuate from 200-400 baht/hour ($6-12 USD). Also make sure you agree upon which places you will stop at during your tour.
While this option isn’t as cheap as driving yourself, it would be nice not to have to worry about navigating the roads. You’re also covered with a roof above you.
What to Wear to Ayutthaya
Every time that we have been to Ayutthaya, it has felt hotter than Bangkok. Even more so because you are outside walking around temples in the sun. For this reason you want to have breathable clothes and lots of sunblock!
At the same time, you are visiting temples and need to be dressed accordingly. While it is okay for men to wear shorts, women needs to be more covered. Everyone should have their shoulders/chest covered and women should be covered to below the knee.
As Ayutthaya is so hot and we usually rent a motorbike, I find it easiest to wear shorts and bring a wrap around skirt. It’s so easy to take on and off to enter temples, yet still be cool on the back of the bike and while eating lunch, etc. There are also many touristy shops by the temples that sell long skirts if you don’t remember to bring one!
When to Visit Ayutthaya
The seasons in Ayutthaya are the same as the majority of Thailand. It’s busy season from November-March so you will encounter the most people in Ayutthaya, but also the best weather.
Summer is from March-June meaning it will be extra hot walking around the temples under the sun! If you visit Ayutthaya during these months, make sure you start your day early to avoid as much of the heat as possible! It’s also a good idea to carry an umbrella with you for the sun. You are guaranteed to see other people doing this!
July-October is the rainy season. The biggest issue you could face during rainy season is if Ayutthaya is flooded! During one of our visits in early November, some of the temples and many of the riverside restaurants were flooded and closed! We were still able to visit many sites, however we could not visit two of our favorite ruins.
How Much Does it Cost to Enter Ayutthaya
While there isn’t a fee to enter the Ayutthaya Historical Park, some of the temples charge a small fee. It’s usually between 20-50 baht/person ($0.60-1.50 USD) depending on the site you’re at.
How Long Should You Spend in Ayutthaya
I think this is more personal preference. We’ve been to Ayutthaya multiple times, but only for day trips. We packed as much as we could into one day then headed back to Bangkok after dinner.
Many people say a day trip isn’t enough and they prefer to stay overnight. If you want more time to explore even more temples and learn about the history of this fascinating city, there are many hotels available.
Best Budget Hotel in Ayutthaya
Siri Guesthouse is the best budget hotel in Ayutthaya! Not only is it in a great location on the Ayutthaya island, but the owners are very friendly and willing to give you lots of recommendations. It’s also one of the cheapest hotels you’ll find in Ayutthaya!
Best Midrange Hotel in Ayutthaya
The Baan Tye Wang Hotel is the perfect hotel to stay in Ayutthaya! With it’s traditional Thai style architecture, you’re transported back to Ayutthaya years ago. This hotel is also in the perfect location – just minutes away from ruins and temples! They even provide bicycles so you can get around more quickly.
Best Luxury Hotel in Ayutthaya
Sala Ayutthaya is the best 5 star resort in Ayutthaya! Right on the edge of the river, it has amazing views of the temples across the banks. The rooms are really large and well designed. This is the perfect place to stay in the middle of Ayutthaya without missing any comfort.
What to Do in Ayutthaya
The normal Ayutthaya Tourist Map has 98 numbers on it marking various temples, ruins, and points of interest. That is a lot of things to do!! While we have not visited all 98 points of interest, we do have our favorite locations we visit every time we go to Ayutthaya. Here’s our list of must sees in Ayutthaya!
A. Wat Mahathat
Wat Mahathat is arguably the most well known ruin in Ayutthaya due to the famous Buddha head in a tree surrounded by tree roots. While the ruin itself is nice to walk around as it is so large, you can’t forget to get a picture in front of this famous Buddha head. Take note of the platform on the ground that you must sit on when you take your picture. This is to show respect by not being higher in the picture than the Buddha. There is often a guard (or we’ve seen an elderly lady) sitting next to the Buddha head enforcing this rule!
You’re also guaranteed to see lots of Buddha bodies around Ayutthaya with their heads missing. This is because when the Burmese soldiers invaded in 1767 they destroyed the statues.
There is also a very cute coffee shop at Wat Mahathat. It’s a great place to grab a cold drink and relax next to the lake before continuing onto more ruins!
It costs 50 baht ($1.50 USD) to enter.
B. Wat Ratchaburana
This is another must see ruin in Ayutthaya! It’s located right next to Wat Mahathat. This ruin is noteworthy as it is also a crypt! And not just any crypt – it’s believed to be the largest crypt in Thailand!
Another unique thing about Wat Ratchaburana is that you can climb up the ruin and actually enter the tower!
It’s another 50 baht ($1.50 USD) to enter this wat.
C. Wat Phra Si Sanphet
Wat Phra Si Sanphet was the most important temple in the old Ayutthaya Kingdom. It was located inside the old Royal Palace of Ayutthaya. Wat Phra Si Sanphet was considered the most beautiful temple in Ayutthaya and was even used as design inspiration for the current Grand Palace in Bangkok!
It’s another 50 baht ($1.50 USD) to enter this wat, but it shouldn’t be missed! It’s three huge chedis are another iconic symbol of Ayutthaya Historical Park.
D. The Reclining Buddha aka Wat Lokaya Sutharam
The giant Reclining Buddha isn’t far from Wat Phra Si Sanphet – and you’ll probably pass some elephants on the way!
Not only is this one of the largest reclining Buddhas in Thailand, but it’s also free to go to!
E. Wat Chaiwatthanaram
These ruins are outside of the Ayutthaya island to the west. It might be far to visit Wat Chaiwatthanaram if you’re on a bicycle, but if you have transportation you should definintely try to visit here!
This is also one of the most popular places to dress in Thai traditional clothes to take pictures. You’re guaranteed to see lots of people dressed up around the temple! And even better – it’s free to enter!
F. Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon
This wat is also outside of the Ayutthaya island, but on the east side. It’s known for the hundreds of Buddhas around the complex as well as the big chedi in the middle that you can climb up for a nice view of Ayutthaya!
Don’t miss the big reclining Buddha on your way out!
It’s 20 baht ($0.60 USD) for a foreigner to enter.
G. Enjoy Some River Prawns for Lunch
While Ayutthaya is known as the birthplace of boat noodles, another food you should definitely try during your visit is the grilled river prawns! We bookmarked a popular restaurant for grilled river prawns, however most of the restaurants along the river should have some on their menu!
H. The Ayutthaya Floating Market
Ayutthaya also has a floating market. We personally skipped the floating market in Ayutthaya as we didn’t hear many positive things about it.
The floating market in Ayutthaya was built specifically for tourists as opposed to the more authentic ones from Bangkok. There is also a fee to enter the floating market and walk around. If you don’t have time to visit any other floating markets in Thailand, it could be neat to see. However if given the option, we would choose one in Bangkok.
[…] part of Thai history! It was the first capital of Siam (the former name of Thailand), even before Ayutthaya, which essentially makes it the birthplace of Thailand. Sukhothai Historical Park is an UNESCO […]
[…] part of Thai history! It was the first capital of Siam (the former name of Thailand), even before Ayutthaya, which essentially makes it the birthplace of Thailand. Sukhothai Historical Park is an UNESCO […]
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