Ayutthaya: Day Trips and Tours from Bangkok

Day trips to Ayutthaya from Bangkok are steeped in history and beauty. This UNESCO World Heritage Site might have been the largest city in the world during the 1700s and was the heart and soul of the country. Today, it’s a cultural and touristic hotspot in Thailand — only 80km away from Bangkok.

On a visit to Ayutthaya, you can learn all about Thailand’s history, with many of the remnants — including the headless Buddha — still around today. See why Ayutthaya is often compared to Paris and Venice for its beauty, while discovering its ancient ruins and majestic temples.

Scroll down for helpful tips and tricks about Ayutthaya, one of the most scenic day trips from Bangkok.

How do you get to Ayutthaya from Bangkok, and how long does it take?

Located only 80 kilometers north of Bangkok, Ayutthaya is an easily accessible day trip from the capital. You can travel to Ayutthaya by car, train, bus or guided tour.

From Bangkok to Ayutthaya by car

There are two main highways you can take north to Ayutthaya from Bangkok — Route 347 or the AH2, the latter being a toll road. Each route will take you about an hour.

From Bangkok to Ayutthaya by train

The train is one of the most popular methods, with trains leaving from Hualamphong Station in Bangkok’s city center. They take around two hours.

From Bangkok to Ayutthaya by bus

The bus offers a slightly shorter travel time compared to the train, with journeys taking around 90 minutes.

Guided tours to Ayutthaya from Bangkok

Many tour companies offer mini-vans and other vehicles as a more comfortable mode of transport, which takes between one and one-and-a-half hours.

River cruises are also a great way to reach and visit Ayutthaya in style, although you will still need to take a bus before reaching the boat.

What's the average price for day trips to Ayutthaya from Bangkok?

The price of day trips to Ayutthaya from Bangkok will range anywhere from US$45 to US$200, depending on your mode of transport, the length of the tour and if it's a private or group tour.

Ayutthaya tours by bus

Day trips from Bangkok to Ayutthaya start at around US$45 and include a visit to the ancient city and Bang Pa-In Summer Palace and most of the iconic sights covered on your tour. Travel is a combination of a bus and boat, with river tours typically included.

Private tours are also available – these include lunch and a private guide around Ayutthaya, but will run you somewhere between US$100 and US$200.

There are also biking tours available, which allow you to discover the city by cycle. Expect to pay around US$130 for cycling tours.

Ayutthaya tours by cruise

As fun as it is to stroll the grounds of the palace and temples of Ayutthaya, going on a river cruise adds another dynamic and allows you to get a handful of pictures of these magnificent sights.

Typically, tours are composed by a trip to Ayutthaya from Bangkok which includes the visit to the main temples. After the visit, you will jump on a boat and go back to Bangkok travelling on the Chao Phraya river. You can expect to pay around US$70 for a boat cruise.

When is the best time of year to visit Ayutthaya?

Ayutthaya tends to be hot and humid all year round. However, the best time to visit is between November and January, as there is less rainfall. January is the busiest time of the year and has plenty of tourists.

March and April are the hottest times of the year, with the weather sometimes reaching 45ºC. If you’re not a fan of extreme heat, it might be a good idea to avoid in the off-season months.

What are the best things to see in Ayutthaya?

Wat Phra Si Sanphet

Wat Phra Si Sanphet, otherwise known as the temple of the Buddha Si Sanphet, was the holiest temple on the site of the old Royal Palace. Its three bell-shaped chedis have become iconic in Ayutthaya, and it’s still one of the best-preserved on the island. It takes its name from the large standing Buddha image erected there in 1503.

Bang Pa-In Summer Palace

Bang Pa-In Summer Palace is a royal complex that’s within easy reach of Ayutthaya. Initially used as a summer retreat by Siamese royalty, it’s managed to keep much of its allure today. The Chinese-style palace features a throne room with ornamental tiles, and there is a scenic park that is ideal for a wander.

Wat Lokayasutharam

Home of the reclining Buddha, Wat Lokayasutharam is a place where you can get a real grip on how Ayutthaya looked before it was destroyed by the Burmese raids. The Buddha is 37 meters long and 8 meters high, with its head resting on a lotus flower. Take your time and stroll around Wat Lokayasutharam to bask in its history.

Wat Mahathat

Wat Mahathat is a large temple complex that was constructed in 1370. Once the most important temple in the city, Wat Mahathat was home to many royal events. The Burmese attacks saw the temple destroyed, with the ruins on show for visitors today. Wat Mahathat provides visitors with a real sense of the devastation in the city of Ayutthaya went through during the Burmese attacks.

Wat Ratchaburana

After King Intharacharthirat’s death in the fourteen hundreds, it was left to his two sons to duke it out for the crown — in an elephant duel to no less. Neither son survived, and the third son, Chao Sa Phraya, was left to take the throne.

He ordered the construction of Wat Ratchaburana to remember his father and two brothers. Today, you can head deep inside the crypt at Wat Ratchaburana, where royal history tells a tale of desire to be king.

Chao Sam Phraya National Museum

While the Burmese took most of the artefacts and jewellery during the raids, there were some items left over. What’s left can be found at The Chao Sam Phraya National Museum, which is a great starting point to discover initially uncovered gold, stone buddha heads, and other engrossing items.

Wat Yai Chai Mongkol

Located a few kilometres south of Ayutthaya, Wat Yai Chai Mongkol is one of the most significant temples in the area. It was built by King U-thong in 1357 for the use of monks - its name means The Temple of the Supreme Patriarch. The temple is still active today and is a popular destination with many tourists.

The Foreign Quarters

Ayutthaya enjoyed a position as one of the most important cities in the world, which meant that it had many visitors from foreign shores. The Foreign Quarters remains today and features a British, Portuguese, Dutch, and French quarters, with Catholic Churches in the area.

Chao Phrom Market

Thailand is famous for its wonderful markets with authentic Thai food and interesting items. Chao Phrom Market never shuts and has a wide selection of fresh produce that includes means, fish, fruits and veg. You can also find stalls with electrical good, just in case you need to get your hand on a TV for some reason.

Travel tips

• There’s so much history in Ayutthaya, which is why it’s worth booking day trips with a tour guide who will provide even more insight into the city’s rich past.
• The weather can be very hot in Ayutthaya, so make sure that you wear appropriate clothing and keep yourself hydrated.
• Don’t forget to bring a camera or your phone to take plenty of pictures of the ruins and temples.