Ayutthaya is one of the easiest and most rewarding places to visit on a day trip from Bangkok. Just over an hour from the Thai capital, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to centuries-old temples, towering Buddha statues, and fascinating ruins that offer a glimpse into Thailand’s former capital. If you’re planning an Ayutthaya day trip from Bangkok, this guide will help you make the most of your time.
Wether you travel by train, join a guided tour, or rent a car, visiting Ayutthaya in one day is surprisingly easy. In this guide, I’ll show you the best way to get there, share the perfect one-day itinerary, and cover everything you need to know before you go, from the must-see temples to practical tips that will help you enjoy a smooth and memorable visit.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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WHY VISIT AYUTTHAYA?
Ayutthaya was once the thriving capital of the Kingdom of Siam, one of the most powerful kingdoms in Southeast Asia. Foudned in 1350, the city flourished for more than 400 years before it was destroyed by the Burmese in 1767. Today, its impressive ruins have been preserved as the Ayutthaya Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that attracts visitors from around the world.
Walking through Ayutthaya feels like stepping back in time. Ancient temples, crumbling stupas, and giant Buddha statues are scattered throughout the city, each with its own story to tell. One of the most famous sights is the Buddha head entwined within the roots of a banyan tree at Wat Mahathat, but there are many other incredible temples waiting to be explored.
If you enjoy history, photography, or simply discovering places with a unique atmosphere, Ayutthaya is well worth adding to your Thailand itinerary. Its fascinating history, beautiful temple ruins, and convenient location make it one of the country’s most rewarding destinations.
HOW TO GET TO AYUTTHAYA?
One of the reasons Ayutthaya is such a popular day trip from Bangkok is how easy it is to reach. Located around 80 km north of the capital, the journey takes between 1 and 2 hours, depending on how you travel and your budget.
GETTING TO AYUTTHAYA BY TRAIN
Taking the train is one of the most popular ways to travel from Bangkok to Ayutthaya. Trains depart regularly from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal, and some services also stop at Don Mueang Station, making it a convenient option if you’re staying near the airport.
The journey takes between 1 and 1.5 hours, depending on the service. Third-class tickets are incredibly affordable, while second-class offer more comfort.
Buy your train tickets in Thai – Railways.
We went to Ayutthaya with the train and we were quite happy with our choice. For the outbound journey, we chose tickets on a second-class with air-conditionning wagon and for the return, we chose tickets on a second-class wagon without air-conditioning. Both train rides were very comfortable.
Tip: Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal is really big. I recommend getting to the station at least 20 minutes before your train departure time to ensure you find your way.
GETTING TO AYUTTHAYA BY BUS
Buses to Ayutthaya depart throughout the day from Bangkok’s Mo Chit Bus Terminal. The trip usually takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, although traffic can make the journey longer during busy periods.
Tickets are inexpensive, and buses are generally comfortable with air conditioning.
Personally, I would only opt for the bus if you are traveling on a low budget.
GETTING TO AYUTTHAYA BY SHARED MINIVAN
Shared minivans are one of the fastest and most convenient ways to reach Ayutthaya. They leave regularly from various locations in Bangkok, including Mo Chit, and usually take around 1.5 hours.
Minivans are slightly more expensive than buses but are still very affordable and a faster option than a bus.
Book your bus tickets or shared minivan at 12Go Asia.
GETTING TO AYUTTHAYA BY JOINING A GUIDED TOUR
If you prefer a hassle-free experience, joining a guided tour is one of the easiest ways to visit Ayutthaya. Most tours include transportation from Bangkok, entrance fees, and an English-speaking guide who explains the history behind each temple.
The only downside to joining a guided tour is that most probably you will not be able to visit all the places listed in this blog. Guided tours only visit the most important highlights in Ayutthaya.
Here are my top recommendations of guided tours.
MOVING AROUND AYUTTHAYA
The main temples of Ayutthaya are spread across a large area, so once you’re in Ayutthaya, you’ll need some form of transport to make the most of your day. Fortunately, getting around is easy, and there are several options depending on your budget and travel style.
Renting a bicycle is one of the most popular choices. Bike rentals are inexpensive and available near the train station and throughout the city. However, the tropical heat is no joke.
If you’d rather avoid cycling in the heat, tuk tuks are a convenient alternative. You can hire one for a few hours to take you to the main sights, and most drivers are familiar with the best route. All you have to do is practice your haggling skills to get the best possible price.
Scooters are another great option if you’re comfortable riding one. They give you more flexibility and allow you to visit temples that are a little further from the historic center.
We opted to rent a tuk tuk for the day to take us to the most famous sites, plus some additional temples that our driver recommended.
TIPS FOR VISITING AYUTTHAYA
A little planning can make your day trip to Ayutthaya much more enjoyable. These practical tips will help you stay comfortable, respect the local culture, and make the most of your visit.
BEST TIME TO VISIT AYUTTHAYA
The best time to visit Ayutthaya is during Thailand’s cool season, from November to February. Temperatures are more pleasant, making it much more comfortable to explore the temple ruins on foot or by bicycle.
If you’re visiting between March and May, be prepared for intense heat, with temperatures often exceeding 35ºC.
The rainy season, from June to October, brings frequent but usually short showers. While rain can interrupt your plans, it also means fewer crowds and greener surroundings.
No matter when you visit, I recommend arriving early in the morning. The temperatures are cooler, the temples are quieter, and you’ll have better light for photography.
DRESS CODE
Ayutthaya is home to many active Buddhist temples, so it’s important to dress respectfully. Wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees, especially if you plan to enter temple buildings.
Lightweight, breathable clothing is the best choice, as you will be spending several hours outdoors in the heat. Comfortable walking shoes or sandals are also essential, as you’ll be walking over uneven paths and ancient brick ruins.
BRING PLENTY OF WATER
Thailand’s tropical climate can be exhausting, especially if you’re exploring the temples during the middle of the day. Make sure to drink regularly and stay hydrated.
CASH IS NEEDED
You’ll need cash to pay the entrance fees for the temples unless you purchase the combined ticket at one of the main sites.
In addition, most restaurants, local shops, and tuk tuk drivers only accept cash.
TEMPLE ETIQUETTE
Ayutthaya’s temples are not just historical landmarks. Many are still important places of worship, so it’s important to be respectful during your visit.
Speak quietly, avoid climbing on the ancient ruins, and never touch or sit on Buddha statues. If you enter an active temple, remove your shoes before going inside and follow any signs or instructions from the staff.
VISITING AYUTTHAYA - THE PERFECT ONE DAY ITINERARY
This is the exact itinerary we followed during our day trip from Bangkok. We traveled by train, hired a tuk tuk for the day, and visited both Ayutthaya’s famous landmarks and a few quieter temples that many visitors skip. If you start early, you’ll have plenty of time to see all these incredible places without feeling rushed.
1. TRAIN TO AYUTTHAYA IN SECOND CLASS WITH AIR CONDITIONING
We caught the 8:45 train from Bangkok which arrived in Ayutthaya at 9:41. We booked second-class seats with air conditioning, which were comfortable, clean, and well worth the small extra cost. The journey took just under an hour and passed through the Thai countryside, offering us a glimpse of local life outside the capital.
Once we arrived at Ayutthaya Railway Station, there were plenty of tuk tuk drivers waiting to take visitors around the historical park. We negotiated the price for the day, and once we had an agreement, we set off to visit Ayutthaya.
2. WAT PHANAN CHOENG Worawihan
Our first temple of the day was Wat Phanan Choeng Worawihan, one of the oldest and most important temples in Ayutthaya. Built in 1324, it predates the founding of the ancient capital and remains an active place of worship today.
The main reason to visit this temple is the magnificent 19-meter-tall golden Buddha, known as Luang Pho Tho. Sitting inside the temple hall, this enormous seated Buddha is one of the largest and most revered in Thailand. Seeing it in person is truly impressive, especially when local worshippers gather to pray beneath it.
We also took a few minutes to walk around the temple grounds as well, where we found smaller shrines, colorful decorations, and a peaceful atmosphere.
Starting our itinerary here was a great introduction to Ayutthaya. It offered a glimpse into Thailand’s living Buddhist traditions before exploring the UNESCO historical park.
Practical information
- Price. This temple has an entry fee of 20 THB.
- Opening hours. You can visit the temple daily between 8:00 and 17:00.
3. WAT YAI CHAI MONGKOL WORAWIHAN
Just a few minutes from Wat Phanan Choeng lies Wat Yai Chai Mongkol Worawihan, one of Ayutthaya’s most iconic temples. Built in 1357 by King U-Thong, the founder of Ayutthaya, the temple originally served as a monastery for monks returning from Sri Lanka. Later, King Naresuan commissioned the enormous central chedi to celebrate his victory over the Burmese, giving the temple its name, which translates to “Monastery fo the Auspicious Victory“.
The most impressive site in this temple is the 62-meter-tall chedi that dominates the complex. Climb the steep staircase to the upper terrace for beautiful views over the temple grounds and the surrounding countryside.
One of the most recognizable sights at Wat Yai Chai Mongkol is the long rows of seated Buddha statues draped in bright saffron robes. They line the walls around the chedi and create one of the most photogenic scenes in Ayutthaya.
Before leaving, make sure to visit the reclining Buddha behind the main temple. Measuring around 28 meters long, it’s often overlooked by visitors rushing to the next stop, but it’s another of the highlights of the complex.
Practical information
- Price. This temple has an entry fee of 50 THB.
- Opening hours. You can visit the temple daily between 8:00 and 17:00.
4. WAT MAHATHAT AND THE BUDDHA HEAD IN THE TREE
Our next stop was Wat Mahathat, one of the oldest and most important temples in the ancient city. Built in the late 14th century, it once stood at the religious heart of Ayutthaya Kingdom and housed many of the kingdom’s most sacred relics.
Today, the temple is best known for its sandstone Buddha head entwined within the roots of a banyan tree. No one knows exactly how it ended up there, but it has become one of Thailand’s most iconic sights. Out of respect, you will have to sit down when taking a photo, as your head should never be higher than the Buddha’s.
While the famous Buddha head attracts most visitors, don’t rush through the rest of the temple. We wandered around the extensive ruins to discover crumbling bricks towers, ancient chedis, and countless headless Buddha statutes that were damaged during the Burmese invasion of 1767.
Practical information
- Price. This temple has an entry fee of 80 THB.
- Opening hours. You can visit the temple daily between 8:00 and 17:00.
5. WAT RATCHABURANA
Just a short walk from Wat Mahathat is Wat Ratchaburana, one of the best-preserverd temples in Ayutthaya. It was built in 1424 by King Borommarachathirat II on the site where his two older brothers died ina duel while competing for the throne.
The temple’s magnificent Khmer-style prang is its main attraction and remains one of the finest examples of this architectural style in Thailand. Intricate stucco decorations can still be seen on parts of the tower, giving you an idea of how elaborate the temple once was.
While visiting the temple, make sure to climb the steep staircase inside the prang. From the upper levels you’ll enjoy fantastic views across the surrounding temples and the historical park.
Practical information
- Price. This temple has an entry fee of 80 THB.
- Opening hours. You can visit the temple daily between 8:00 and 17:00.
6. WIHARN PHRA MONGKHON BOPHIT
Our next stop was Wiharn Phra Mongkhon Bophit, an active temple that houses one of the largest bronze Buddha statues in Thalaind.
The enormous 12,5 meter tall seated Buddha dominates the interior of the viharn and is covered in shimmering gold leaf. The statue dates back to the 16th century and has been carefully restored after suffing damage during the destruction of Ayutthaya.
Unfortunately, when we visited Ayutthaya, they were doing some restoration works at this temple, so we only visited its outside and did not enter to see the Buddha.
Practical information
- Price. Entrance to this temple is free.
- Opening hours. You can visit the temple daily between 7:00 and 17:00.
7. WAT PHRA SI SANPHET
Directly behind Wiharn Phra Mongkhon Bophit lies Wat Phra Si Sanphet, the most important royal temple of the Ayutthaya Kingdom. Built within the grounds of the former Royal Palace, it was reserved exclusively for the royal family and never housed resident monks.
The temple is instantly recognizable thanks to its three elegant bell-shaped chedis, which contain the ashes of three Ayutthayan kings. These perfectly preserved stupas have become one of the symbols of Ayutthaya.
We spent some time walking around the extensive ruins surrounding the chedis. Although the palace buildings were not there anymore, we could easily imagine the grandeur of this royal complex during the height of the Ayutthaya Kingdom.
Practical information
- Price. Entrance to this temple 80 THB.
- Opening hours. You can visit the temple daily between 7:00 and 17:00.
8. LUNCH NEXT THE CHAO PHRAYA RIVER
By this time we were quite hungry so asked our driver to take us to a local place where we could take a break and have lunch. He brought us to one of the riverside restaurants overlooking the Chao Phraya River, where we enjoyed a delicious Thai lunch.
We loved that this was a real local restaurant and not a touristy place. It was not a fancy place but the food was delicious, prices were very reasonable, and the peaceful riverside setting made it a great place to take a break.
9. WAT CHAIWATTHANARAM
After lunch, we visited Wat Chaiwatthanaram, which many people consider the most beautiful temple in Ayutthaya. Built in 1630 by King Prasat Thong, the temple was inspired by the magnificent temples of Angkor in Cambodia.
Its impressive 35-meter-tall central prang is surrounded by eight smaller towers connected by galleries, creating a beautiful creative temple layout. Unfortunately, it started raining just as we arrived at this temple but we our tuk tuk driver offered us some umbrellas so that we could explore the temple despite the rain.
Practical information
- Price. Entrance to this temple costs 80 THB.
- Opening hours. You can visit the temple daily between 8:00 and 18:00.
10. PHRA BUDDHA SAI YAT
Our next stop was Phra Buddha Sai Yat, a peaceful temple best known for its beautiful reclining Buddha statue which is 42 meters long. The reclining Buddha is very well preserved and surrounded by well maintained gardens.
This temple doesn’t receive many visitors so it is a nice break from the other more frequented sites in Ayutthaya.
Practical information
- Price. Entrance to this temple is free.
- Opening hours. You can visit the temple daily between 8:00 and 18:00.
11. PHU KHAO THONG
Located just outside the historic center is Phu Khao Thong, also known as the Golden Mount. This huge white chedi was originally built by the Burmese after capturing Ayutthaya and was later redesigned by the Thai kings.
Standing around 80 meters tall, it dominates the surrounding countryside and can be ween from several kilometers away.
If you still have some energy left, climb the staircase to the viewing platform, from where you will get panoramic views of Ayutthaya, rice fields, and the surrounding villages. Inside the chedi, you will also find a small Buddha statue.
This was one of my favorite sites in Ayutthaya, we were completely alone here so it was really peaceful.
Practical information
- Price. Entrance to this temple costs 20 THB.
- Opening hours. You can visit the temple daily between 8:00 and 18:00.
12. WAT NA PHRA MERU RACHIKARAM
Our final temple stop was Wat Na Phra Meru Rachikaram, one of the few temples that survived the destruction of Ayutthaya in 1767 almost intact.
Inside the ordination hall stands a magnificent six-meter-tall golden Buddha statue dating back to the 14th century. The temple also features beautifully carved wooden doors, traditional Thai architecture, and intricate decorative details that have survide for centuries.
Practical information
- Price. Entrance to this temple is free.
- Opening hours. You can visit the temple daily between 8:00 and 18:00.
- Be respectful, this is an active worship temple.
13. COFFEE AND SUNSET NEXT TO THE CHAO PHRAYA AT TEWA CAFÉ
After a full day of temple hopping, we still had an hour left before our scheduled train back to Bangkok. We treated ourselves to a well-earned break at Tewa Café, located beside the Chao Phraya River.
We had an orange coffee and a black sesame latte with a coconut sweet treat in their terrace next to the river and watched a beautiful sunset.
14. train back to bangkok
To finish the day, we caught an evening train back to Bangkok. This time, we had booked a second-class carriage without air-conditioning. Initially we were a bit worried due to the heat and humidity but the carriage was equipped with fans and since all the windows were open it was a quite pleasant journey.
HOW MUCH DOES AN AYUTTHAYA DAY TRIP COST?
One of the best things about visiting Ayutthaya is that it’s very affordable day trip from Bangkok and you can easily plan it on your own. But how much does it cost to visit Ayutthaya on your own?
Here’s roughly what you can expect to spend (based on what we paid):
- Second-class train (round trip): 50 € per person. Air-conditioned carriages are on the pricier side. If you want to save some money, you can book carriages without air conditioning.
- Tuk tuk for the day: 1500 THB (39 € approx.)
- Temple entrance fees: 380 THB (10 € approx.)
- Lunch: 300 THB per person (8 € approx.)
- Coffee and Cake: 200 THB per person (5 € approx.)
- Water: 50 THB per person (1 € approx.)
FAQ ABOUT VISITING AYUTTHAYA
IS AYUTTHAYA WORTH VISITING?
Absolutely. Ayutthaya is one of Thailand’s most fascinating historical destinations. The ancient temples, rich history, and easy access from Bangkok make it an excellent day trip for anyone visiting the country.
WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO GET FROM BANGKOK TO AYUTTHAYA?
Train offers the best combination of comfort, speed, and value for money. If you prefer not to organize transport yourself, a guided tour is the easiest option.
IS IT BETTER TO RENT A BICYCLE OR A TUK TUK?
It depends on your budget. Renting a bicycle is the most affordable way to explore the historical park. However, you should know that heat in Thailand is no joke. Hiring a tuk tuk is a much more comfortable option. We chose a tuk tuk and were very happy with the experience.
HOW MUCH TIME DO YOU NEED IN AYUTTHAYA?
It depends on what you want to see. If you only want to visit the main temples, you should spend around 5 hours. If you want to visit all the sites listed in this blog, you should expect between 7 to 8 hours.
MAP WITH ALL LOCATIONS
HOW TO USE THIS MAP: Click the star next to the map title to add this map to your google maps account. To view it on your phone while traveling, open Google Maps, click on the menu button and go to “Your Places”, click on Maps and you’ll see this map in your list.
FINAL THOUGHTS
If you’re looking for the perfect escape from Bangkok, an Ayutthaya day trip should be at the top of your list. Just an hour away from the capital, you’ll discover magnificent temples, fascinating history, and some of the most iconic landmarks in Thailand.
One day to explore Ayutthaya was enough to see the city’s highlights without feeling rushed. Hiring a tuk tuk made it easy to visit both the famous temples and a few quieter spots that we might otherwise have missed. Looking back, it’s one of our favorite day trips in Thailand and a place we’d happily visit again.
I hope this itinerary helps you plan an unforgettable visit and enjoy everything this incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site has to offer.
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