The perfect Day Trip from Bangkok: Ayutthaya Historical Park

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Why Ayutthaya Should Be on Your Bangkok Itinerary

Ayutthaya was the capital of the Kingdom of Siam for over 400 years and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is home to ancient temple ruins, crumbling statues, and centuries of Thai history. If you are putting together a Bangkok itinerary and want to see a side of Thailand that goes beyond the city, a day trip from Bangkok to Ayutthaya is the obvious choice. It’s close, affordable, and gives you a completely different perspective on this incredible country. Check out my full guide on the best things to do in Bangkok for more inspiration on what to do while you are in the city.

How to Get to Ayutthaya from Bangkok

There are a few different ways to get to Ayuttahaya from Bangkok, depending on your budget, time and how much planning you want to do. I opted for a guided tour and would recommend it, but here are all three options so you can decide what works best for you.

1. Book a Guided Tour (My Recommended Route)

This is the option I chose and for a day trip from Bangkok I would recommend it without hesitation, especially for solo female travellers. I booked through GetYourGuide and paid around £30 (approx 1250 THB) for the tour without entry fees included. I was picked up directly from Si Lom MRT station in a comfortable air conditioned van. It meant that I didn’t need to organise transport or deal with any of the admin stress. Everything was taken care of from the moment I was collected.

2. Take the Train from Bangkok to Ayutthaya

The train is the most budget-friendly way to visit Ayutthaya.Trains depart from Hua Lamphong Station regularly throughout the day and the journey takes around 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on the service. Tickets cost between ฿15 to ฿40 (£0.34 to £0.92) for a third class seat -making it one of the cheapest journeys you will ever take. Book your train tickets in advance through 12Go to check timetables and secure your seat before you travel.

3. Private Transfer or Taxi

A private transfer is the most comfortable and flexible option for getting from Bangkok to Ayutthaya, but also the most expensive. Expect to pay around £35 to £60 depending on the operator and vehicle. The journey takes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes depending on traffic. This option works well for groups or families wanting a fully flexible itinerary at their own pace. Use 12Go to compare private transfer options and book in advance.

The Temples of Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya is home to some of the most atmospheric temple ruins in all of Thailand. Most entry fees are cash only and very affordable, so make sure you have small change, or smaller Thai baht notes on you before you arrive. Here is a breakdown of the three temples I visited on my tour:

First Stop – Bang Pa-In Royal Palace (The Summer Palace)

Before reaching Ayutthaya, our tour made a first stop at Bang Pa-In Royal Palace, also known as the Summer Palace. It sits around 85km north of Bangkok and entry costs ฿100 (£2.30) cash only, so make sure you have Thai baht on you before you arrive. The palace grounds are stunning, a beautiful mix of Thai and European architectural styles set around ornamental lakes and manicured gardens. It is a really peaceful and photogenic spot and a lovely way to ease into the day before heading into Ayutthaya itself. We spent around 45 minutes to an hour before heading off towards the historical park.

1. Wat Yai Chaya Mongkol

Wat Yai Chaya Mongkol is one of the most impressive sites in Ayutthaya and the first temple we visited on the tour. It is dominated by a huge chedi (stupa) that you can see from a distance as you approach, surrounded by rows of seated Buddha statues draped in orange robes. Entry costs ฿40 (£0.92) cash only. It is a genuinely beautiful and peaceful place to walk around, and the scale of everything takes you by surprise. Give yourself around 30 to 45 minutes here.

2. Wat Maha That

Wat Maha That is probably the most famous temple in Ayutthaya and you will recognise it instantly from the iconic image of a Buddha head entwined in the roots of a Bodhi tree. Entry costs ฿80 (£1.84) cash only, slightly more than the other temples but absolutely worth it. This is one of those places that genuinely makes you stop and appreciate where you are. It is atmospheric, photogenic and easily one of the highlights of this trip.

3. Wat Phra Si Sanphet

Wat Phra Si Sanphet is the largest and most important temple in Ayutthaya and the final stop on my temple tour. Entry costs ฿80 (£1.84) cash only. The site is dominated by three iconic restored chedis standing in a row – one of the most photographed sights in the whole of Ayutthaya. It was the royal temple of the ancient capital and the scale of the complex really gives you a sense of just how grand this city once was. A brilliant end to a fascinating Ayutthaya tour.

Essential Tips for Your Day Trip from Bangkok

Before you head out on your day trip from Bangkok to Ayutthaya, here are the things I wish I had known before I went:

1. Cover up: All temples require covered shoulders and ankles. You won’t be allowed in if you aren’t covered up properly. You also aren’t allowed to wear tight clothing.Wear loose, lightweight clothing or bring a scarf to wrap around you.
2. Bring cash: The majority of temples and attractions are cash only – make sure you have plenty of small change and smaller denominations of Thai baht before you leave Bangkok.
3. Stay hydrated: The temperature during peak season can be dangerously hot. Carry a large water bottle with you and drink regularly throughout the day
4. Use the free umbrellas: Most temples offer free UV umbrellas at the entrance. They keep the sun off and double up as rain cover during rainy season. If you prefer your own, I recommend picking one up from my Amazon storefront before you travel.
5. Lunch: Our tour included a lunch stop at a local Thai restaurant – the food was outstanding. If you are going independently, ask locals for recommendations rather than eating near the tourist sites as these tend to be a lot more expensive.
6. Start early: The heat builds throughout the day. Getting out early makes the whole experience much more comfortable.

Is Ayutthaya Worth It as a Day Trip from Bangkok?

Honestly – yes. Ayutthaya has a completely different vibe to the beaches and islands of Southern Thailand, but it is beautiful in its own right. The temple ruins are peaceful, atmospheric and surprisingly moving and it’s hard to believe you are less than two hours from the chaos of Bangkok. The contrast between the two places is vast. If you are spending time in the city and want to experience a quieter, more reflective side of Thailand, this day trip from Bangkok is well worth it. I would particularly recommend booking a guided tour through GetYourGuide if it is your first visit – it takes all the stress out of getting there. For more inspiration on exploring Thailand, read my full Thailand travel guide.

Frequently Asked Questions: Day Trip from Bangkok to Ayutthaya