The Perfect Day Trip From Bangkok To Ayutthaya

If you are visiting Bangkok you should definitely consider a day trip to Ayutthaya, especially if you are interested in Thailand’s history and stunning temples. It’s only about a 2-hour drive from Bangkok and it’s not too crowded!

In this guide, you’ll discover how to plan your day trip, the best ways to get there, and a practical itinerary to make the most of your visit.

Are you ready?

Let’s dive in!

Why Is Ayutthaya So Famous?

Wat Chaiwatthanaram in Ayutthaya. Silvia is posing in front of a statue of Buddha.

Image: Buddha statue at Wat Chaiwatthanaram

This city is full of temples, buddhas and ruins. It’s incredibly fascinating to visit, and different from Bangkok, but that’s not all. Ayutthaya’s history is insane, when I visited, the story I listened to from the guide sounded perfect for a new series on Netflix!

Once the capital of Thailand, the city flourished as a major trading hub from the 14th to the 18th century. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it looks stunning.

When Did The Thai Capital Move From Ayutthaya To Bangkok?

Did you know Ayutthaya was the capital of Thailand? Its role as the capital ended in 1767 when it was destroyed during the Burmese–Siamese War.

Following this, the capital was temporarily relocated to Thonburi before King Rama I established Bangkok as the capital in 1782. Bangkok was chosen for its strategic location along the Chao Phraya River, which offered better protection and trade opportunities.

How to Get from Bangkok to Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya is about 80 kilometres north of Bangkok, perfect for a day trip. The city is surrounded by three rivers: the Chao Phraya, Pa Sak, and Lopburi, so a big part of the city is an island. Some temples are located on the island and others are outside.

Here are the most popular ways to get there:

By Train

Trains to Ayutthaya depart frequently from Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong Station. The journey takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the type of train you choose. Third-class tickets are affordable and most popular among local people.

➡️ Check out train tickets on 12Go

By Bus

Buses (or in this case – minivans) to Ayutthaya leave from Mo Chit Bus Terminal. The trip takes approximately 2 hours, and they run quite frequently throughout the day. This is perfect if you are travelling on a budget – although sometimes train tickets are cheaper, so make sure you check both!

➡️ Check out bus tickets on 12Go

Guided Tour

Guide talking about Ayutthaya history in the minivan from Bangkok to Ayutthaya

This is the easiest way to get there considering you only have one day available. Consider booking a full-day guided tour from GetYourGuide.com, I paid around $30, but I noticed that prices keep changing depending on the time of the year.

This tour includes transportation in an air-conditioned van and a knowledgeable guide who provides insights about Ayutthaya’s history during the ride and on-site.

I’ve tried this before and it was worth every penny! I had enough time to stop at each temple, take pictures, and ask all my burning questions.

➡️ Check Out Tour Availability On Get Your Guide I absolutely loved it! This tour was also perfectly on time, and the guide spoke PERFECT ENGLISH!

Perfect 1-Day Itinerary from Bangkok to Ayutthaya

Here’s my suggested 1-day itinerary for Ayutthaya so you can make the most out of your trip and learn lots! Also, check out the map below to get an idea about the location of each spot you will visit on your day trip.

☕ Morning

Wake up nice and early and head to the station where you will get the train to Ayutthaya. Ideally, you should be there by 9 AM or earlier to avoid the crowds. Don’t forget to bring water and a few snacks to keep you going.

Once you get to the station in Ayutthaya, you can jump on a Tuk Tuk or rent a bicycle. The temples are fairly close to each other and there isn’t much traffic, so you can totally ride a bike in between them or get a Tuk Tuk.

Small note about Tuk Tuks in Ayutthaya: You will note these Tuk Tuks look different from the ones in Bangkok. That’s because these are the original Tuk Tuks which were supposed to replicate the ones in Italy after the Second World War!

Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon

Start your temple marathon with Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, known for its beautiful Buddhist temple (dated 1357 AD), a pagoda, and a large reclining Buddha statue. There are different theories about why the pagoda was built, I will pass this on to your guide!

This is because there are quite a few controversial versions of it, however, they all have to do with one of the battles won by Ayuttaya over the Burmese.

Wat Maha That

Trust me when I say this place looks absolutely magical, it’s a stop you can’t miss. The location is huge and filled with amazing pagodas. However, one of the reasons why Wat Maha is visited nowadays is the Buddha’s head entwined in tree roots.

You read that right! Decades ago, the head of a Buddha statue was placed by the roots of a beautiful tree. Since then, the roots have grown around the head creating one of the most iconic sights of Ayutthaya. It’s insane, you have to see it!

🍴 Lunch Time

Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit

Head to Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit, where you’ll find a cool food market offering local delicacies. This market is not touristy, so the prices are quite reasonable if you want to get food or souvenirs. After lunch, take a moment to visit the nearby chapel which comes with a large bronze Buddha statue.

If you are looking for the bathroom (I’m sure you will by this point!) go to the one by the chapel. It’s super clean, but remember to bring some tissue paper with you as it’s not always available.

☀️ Afternoon

Reclining Buddha Sai Yat – Phra Buddha Sai Yat

Stop here to admire the huge reclining Buddha! That’s right, it is 27 meters long and 8 meters high, it will blow your mind completely!

The Buddha is resting on a lotus and if you look at his feet you will notice they are flat. According to my guide, the reason why the toes have an equal length is because that was the beauty standard of the time.

By the statue, you will often see locals practising different ceremonies which is beautiful to see.

Wat Chaiwatthanaram

This is one of my favourite temples on the itinerary. If you are not on the tour, stay here until sunset time because it’s spectacular.

Wat Chaiwatthanaram is going to probably be the busiest out of all and the reason being is that it’s been the set of a famous Thai TV series called “Love Destiny” and its sequel “Destiny” for which it got even more attention than before.

Because of this TV series launched in 2018, you can now rent traditional Thai clothing to explore the temple and take photos!

If You Take The Guided Tour…

👉 If you opt for a guided tour, you’ll likely return to Bangkok by 3 PM, giving you the evening to relax or explore the city further!

Best Places to Stay in Ayutthaya

While most people would go for a day trip, you can also decide to stay overnight and extend your visit to Ayutthaya. Here are some cool accommodations to check out:

Affordable ➡️ Room Story Hostel

Mid-range ➡️ iuDia Hotel

Lush option ➡️ Syama Residence

Best Places to Stay in Bangkok

Tamni hostel in Bangkok. Image of the lobby with many plants, a green sofa and 2 chairs.

Image: Lobby of Tamni Hostel in Bangkok

If you haven’t booked your stay yet, these are some really good picks:

Low budget ➡️ Tamni

Mid-range ➡️ The Standard

Luxe option ➡️ Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok

💡 If you are looking for more inspiration, I listed the best accommodations in Bangkok in this blog post!

What to Bring for Your Trip from Bangkok to Ayutthaya

SPF –> The sun can be intense, so sunscreen is a must.

Small cash –> Useful for buying snacks or using public restrooms.

Bring modest clothes -> have something handy for when you enter the temples.

Tissues –> Public toilets may not always have toilet paper.

Reusable water bottle –> Staying hydrated is essential, especially in the heat.

FAQs On Your Trip From Bangkok To Ayutthaya

How much is a taxi from Bangkok to Ayutthaya?

A one-way taxi ride typically costs between 1,000 and 1,500 THB, depending on traffic and negotiation skills. You can book a driver in advance via Get Your Guide.

However, if you want the driver, 👉 I would recommend taking this tour instead. It’s such a cool place to visit, you will want to know all about it – you will want to have a tour guide for sure!

How far is Ayutthaya from Bangkok?

The distance is approximately 80 kilometres (50 miles). With the tour, it took us about 75 minutes to drive.

Is Ayutthaya worth visiting?

Yes, Ayutthaya is a must-see for history and culture enthusiasts. Its ruins and temples are stunning. If you want to make the most out of it, I would recommend visiting the Grand Palace in Bangkok beforehand as the guide will be referencing it a lot! If you can’t, you should visit it the day after so your memory is still fresh from the tour!

How much is Bangkok to Ayutthaya by public transport?

Train tickets range from 15 to 300 THB, depending on the class and type of train. Bus fares are similarly affordable, typically under 100 THB.

How long does it take to visit Ayutthaya?

A day trip usually allows enough time to see the main attractions. If you’re staying overnight, you can explore at a more relaxed pace.

Which train station from Bangkok to Ayutthaya?

Hua Lamphong Station in Bangkok is the primary departure point for trains to Ayutthaya.

How can I plan a perfect Thailand tour?

Great question! Combine a visit to Ayutthaya with other destinations like Chiang Mai, Ko Phangan, and Krabi. Do you have 15 days off? Here is the perfect 2 weeks itinerary already done for you!

Last Tips On Your Day Trip From Bangkok To Ayutthaya

If you need to take some pictures, I would recommend wearing something white. It goes really well with the colours of the temples. If you are going on your own, don’t forget your tripod and don’t be shy about asking strangers to take pictures.

👉 If you choose the tour, you won’t have any problems, the guide will know exactly where to take the best shots and will help take pictures for you too!

Ciao for now,

Silvia x