How to Plan a Day Trip to Ayutthaya from Bangkok 2025

As a historical gem of Thailand, Ayutthaya is a popular day trip option from Bangkok and is just an hour's drive away.

With rich weathered temples to explore, how can you select the one that suits you best? How can you get to Ayutthaya from Bangkok? How can you plan your itinerary? Check out our planning tips below!

Top 4 Things to Do in Ayutthaya

1. Step Back in Time at the Iconic Temples

The temples of Ayutthaya are the highlight of any visit. Each one tells the glorious story of Thailand's past. It is highly recommended to uncover the secrets behind these incredible architectural wonders!

While many of them share architectural similarities, here are the most representative ones that you shouldn't miss:

• Wat Phra Si Sanphet: If you are a history buff, don't miss it. This holiest and once largest temple in the city features three large chedis that showcase the best of Ayutthaya's temples. It has witnessed the historical changes of the Thai royal family.
• Wat Mahathat: If you are a shutterbug, you would love the impressive sight of the Buddha's head entwined in tree roots.
• Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon: For culture seekers, this still-functioning temple would give you a chance to observe traditional practices, including draping robes on Buddha statues.
• Wat Chaiwatthanaram: For a romantic vibe, don't miss admiring a sunset at this riverside, Khmer-style temple. Dress in traditional Thai costume and capture the best moment with your loved one.
• Wat Lokayasutharam: Home to a 42-meter-long (138-foot-long) reclining Buddha statue (the same size as Wat Pho in Bangkok), this temple is less crowded and offers a more peaceful atmosphere than Wat Pho.

These temples are mostly flat, so they are suitable for people with limited walking abilities.

2. Take in the Ancient City from the River

When you're tired of walking around the temple ruins, why not hop on a longtail boat for a serene ride?

You could choose a 1-hour longtail boat ride from Wat Phanan Choeng, a Thai-Chinese temple, to Pom Phet. During the scenic boat ride, you could glimpse local villages, pass by riverside temples, including Wat Chaiwatthanaram, and encounter water monitors.

If you stay overnight in Ayutthaya, you could unwind on a 2-hour dinner cruise along the same route. You could catch a sunset and illuminated views of Ayutthaya.

3. Indulge in a Feast of Ayutthaya Cuisine

Food is a window into local cultures, and the cuisine in Ayutthaya is no exception. The city is famous for its mouthwatering specialties, including roti sai mai (roti-wrapped candy floss), grilled river prawns, and boat noodles.

You could find the sweet treats of Rroti sai mai and Thao Thong Kip Ma via street vendors and local markets. Boat noodles are quite popular in areas near Wat Mahathat, while grilled river prawns are featured in Michelin-starred restaurants, such as Baan Pomphet and Sala Ayutthaya Eatery and Bar.

4. Enjoy a Refreshing Stop at Bang Pa-In Palace

Bang Pa-In Palace, the closest royal retreat to Bangkok, features a unique blend of Chinese, Burmese, and Gothic architectural styles.

While the buildings are currently closed, you could admire their stunning exteriors and stroll around the serene gardens. The expansive palace grounds are perfect for leisurely exploration, but, due to their size, renting a golf cart is highly recommended to minimize walking.

To visit this royal retreat, you have to follow the strict dress code: shoulders and legs must be covered. Tight jeans or jeans with holes are not allowed, either.

How to Plan a Day Trip Itinerary for Ayutthaya

For a typical day trip, most itineraries include three to four temples and Bang Pa-In Palace, or a floating market-like theme park.

To avoid temple fatigue and discover the real Ayutthaya, we have specially handcrafted the following day trip: Bang Pa-In Palace, Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, Wat Phra Si Sanphet, a 1-hour boat ride, and lunch at a Michelin-starred restaurant.

The longtail boat ride offers a unique view of Ayutthaya's charm along its canals, while lunch at a Michelin-starred restaurant adds a delicious highlight to your day.

Specializing in tailor-made tours for families and couples, contact us to create your own itinerary if you have any other interests.

How to Get to Ayutthaya from Bangkok

Not far from Bangkok, you could reach Ayutthaya conveniently. To make the most of your visit, here's how to choose the travel option that suits your needs and maximizes your experience.

1. The Most Flexible and Fastest Private Transfers

A private transfer is the best way to optimize your time, providing flexibility to customize your itinerary and avoid public transport hassles.

We highly recommend hiring a guide along with the private transfer, which is an affordable investment. A knowledgeable guide offers valuable insights into the historical sites and enriches interactions with locals. Without one, you might get nothing other than some photos of the ruined temples.

2. Budget-Friendly Train

Taking the train strikes a good balance between cost, experience, and travel time. The express train from Bangkok to Ayutthaya takes about 40 minutes and costs about US$10 for an air-conditioned seat. However, it's advisable to allow an extra hour for transfers to the train station in Bangkok.

Without traffic, the fixed train schedule enables effective planning of your Ayutthaya itinerary. You could also meet and interact with local people.

When booking your train tickets, air-conditioned trains primarily depart from Don Mueang and Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal, with fewer services available from the Hua Lampong Railway Station (a popular station mentioned in many blogs). Non-air-conditioned trains are not recommended, especially during the hot season (March to May), when temperatures often exceed 35°C (95°F).

3. Public Bus: Not Recommended

Since 2016, there have been no regular buses between Ayutthaya and Bangkok. Minibuses or minivans are the alternatives.

These 2-hour minibusses are popular among backpackers for their low prices, costing about US$3 from Mochit New Van Terminal in Bangkok or US$10 from Khao San Road.

But they also come with some drawbacks: narrow seats with limited legroom, not-on-time schedules, and multiple stops. Therefore, they are not recommended if you have limited time or prefer a comfortable trip.

4. Slow River Cruise: Not Recommended

On your return to Bangkok, you might find the option of a 3-hour river cruise. You could enjoy a buffet lunch and rural scenery along the way.

However, these cruises typically depart from Ayutthaya at about 1:30 pm, leaving you with very little time to explore the city's highlights. Additionally, the scenery could become repetitive, making the long journey less worthwhile.

Best Time to Visit Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya experiences a tropical climate, with daytime temperatures averaging about 32°C (90°F) year-round. With guaranteed clear skies, the best time to visit Ayutthaya falls from November to February, when the midday temperature drops slightly to 30°C (86°F).

You could enjoy all of the highlights of Ayutthaya, from exploring temple ruins and enjoying photography to taking a food-hunting tour. This is also the peak travel season. To minimize the crowds experienced, travel on weekdays.

The rainy season (June to October) is a quieter alternative if you don't mind short bursts (one in 2 days). Rainfall typically occurs in the afternoon or late evening, which has less effect on your trip. (In fact, during our trip in the rainiest month of September, we enjoyed an entire sunny day!) You could skip the long lines to take photos and enjoy the temples surrounded by lush greenery.

Other Popular Questions on Planning a Trip to Ayutthaya

1. Is Ayutthaya Worth Visiting?

Absolutely. If you're a history buff, an excursion to Ayutthaya is a bonus with a quieter atmosphere and somewhat of a Siem Reap feel.

Once an ancient kingdom of Thailand, Ayutthaya is known for its ruined temples. These temples are highly affected by cultures from multiple countries and are totally different from those at popular travel spots, such as Bangkok and Chiang Mai.

Beyond historical highlights, you could also try local food specialties, such as boat noodles and roti sai mai (roti-wrapped candy floss).

2. How Much Is a Day Trip to Ayutthaya from Bangkok?

For a quality experience, the price ranges from US$100 to 160 per person. It includes private transfers from/to Bangkok, private English-speaking guides, entrance tickets, and meals.

Check more planning tips from How to Plan a Trip to Bangkok (First-Timers' Travel Guide).

3. What to Wear for a Visit to Ayutthaya?

When visiting Ayutthaya, it's important to consider the hot weather. Lightweight and breathable clothing is ideal. Since you would be visiting temples, make sure to wear modest attire that covers your shoulders and knees. Additionally, it's advisable to take sun protection items, such as sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen.

4. Ayutthaya vs Sukhothai?

Both Ayutthaya and Sukhothai are UNESCO World Heritage sites and were once ancient capitals of Thailand. Sukhothai is known for its Buddhist sculptures with serene smiles, while Ayutthaya stands out for spectacular temples with diverse cultural styles.

If you're short on time, Ayutthaya is the more convenient option, located just an hour's drive from Bangkok.

If your time allows, Sukhothai is the better choice for avoiding crowds, despite the 6-hour journey from Bangkok. With better-kept historical relics, it also provides a more authentic historical atmosphere, having been established about 400 years before Ayutthaya.

Explore further differences from Sukhothai vs Ayutthaya: How to Choose.

Discover Ayutthaya Hassle-Free with Us

Ready for an adventure? Book one of our tours and let's make some memories together!

• 5-Day Essential Bangkok Tour: See the best of Bangkok and Ayutthaya for a short visit.
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