Ayutthaya Day Trip from Bangkok: Complete Guide

If you’re spending a few days in Bangkok and want a break from the city’s chaos, Ayutthaya makes for the perfect day trip. I visited back in 2019 while backpacking around Asia, and it ended up being one of those places that really stuck with me. 

I took the train from Bangkok, which was already a fun experience on its own, then spent the day biking between ancient ruins and quiet temples that felt a world away from the traffic and noise of the capital.

Honestly, I didn’t expect to enjoy it as much as I did. I’d seen photos and read about it, but being there — cycling under the trees and hearing birdsong instead of motorbikes gave it a kind of magic I wasn’t prepared for.

Ayutthaya is easy to get to, easy to explore, and easy to love. If you’re craving some history and a slower pace, I really recommend carving out a day for it.

In this guide, I’ll share how to get there, how to explore it (bike or no bike), the temples worth visiting, and a few tips to help you make the most of your time.

Why I think it’s worth it

I’ll be honest—I’m not a huge history person. I usually skip museums, and long explanations about ancient kings or architecture kind of go in one ear and out the other.

But this place isn’t just about history. It’s about the atmosphere, the open space, and that rare feeling of getting to explore somewhere at your own pace.

What surprised me most was how calm it felt. Even though it’s a major destination and pretty popular with tour groups, it never felt packed or overwhelming. The area is so spacious that people are spread out.

It’s not one of those places where you’re ticking off a list of must-see things. It’s more about the vibe—slow and peaceful. You don’t need to be into ancient history to enjoy it.

So if you’re asking whether Ayutthaya is worth visiting, I’d say yes—but especially if you’re into laid-back days, local culture, and places where you don’t have to do much to enjoy it. It’s not flashy—but it’s the kind of place that really grows on you.

Where is Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya is a small city in central Thailand, about 80 km north of Bangkok. It used to be the capital of the old Siamese kingdom, but today it’s best known for its massive historical park full of ancient temples and ruins.

From Bangkok, it’s roughly 1.5 to 2 hours away, depending on how you travel. That makes it an easy day trip, whether you’re coming by train, van, or private car.

It’s also not too far from other central Thailand spots—Lopburi is about an hour north, and Kanchanaburi is 2–3 hours west.

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Map of Ayutthaya

How to get there

There are a few ways to get here from Bangkok, depending on your budget and comfort level. 

The train is the cheapest and most local option, and it’s the one I went with. If you’d rather skip the heat and crowds, a minivan is more comfortable and still affordable.

Join a tour

If you prefer a hassle-free organized tour where everything is taken care of, we recommend the Ayutthaya and Ayothaya Floating Market day trip.

In addition to the temples, the tour will take you to Bang Pa-In Royal Palace, the former residence of Thai kings, and a floating market. A great benefit of this tour is that you’ll also have a guide who can help you learn more about Thai history.

The final price includes all the entrance fees, guide, and transportation from/to Bangkok.

By train

I took the train from Bangkok to Ayutthaya and honestly, it was part of the fun. Tickets for third class cost just 15 Baht, and while there’s no air-con, you get open windows, ceiling fans, and a proper glimpse of local life. But AC carriages are also available.

The ride can take anywhere from 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on which train you catch.

Trains leave from a few different stations in Bangkok, but the most common are Hua Lamphong and Krung Thep Aphiwat (Bang Sue Grand Station). I bought my ticket at the counter just before departure—super easy.

Once you arrive, the train station is across the river from the main historical park. There’s a small ferry right outside the station that costs just a few Baht and gets you across in a couple of minutes. From there, it’s easy to rent a bike or hop in a tuk-tuk.

By minivan

Minivans are a good alternative if you want something quicker and with air-con from the start. They usually leave from Mo Chit Van Terminal, and the journey takes around 1.5 hours, depending on traffic. Prices vary, but you’re generally looking at 150–200 Baht.

Some services also leave from touristy areas like Khao San Road, which is convenient if you’re staying nearby. The vans tend to drop you off closer to the center of Ayutthaya, which can save a bit of time once you arrive.

I’d recommend buying the ticket online through 12Go. It’s easy to use, you can compare departure times and van companies in one place, and—most importantly—you avoid the stress of figuring things out at a busy terminal with no clear signage.

I’ve used it a bunch of times across Southeast Asia, and it’s been super reliable. You’ll get a confirmed seat, clear instructions, and often an e-ticket that you can just show on your phone.

How to get around

The temples are pretty spread out, so you’ll need some kind of wheels to make the most of your day. There are three main options: bicycle, scooter, or tuk-tuk.

I went with a bicycle, which I rented right before crossing the river from the train station. It cost around 50–100 Baht for the day, and it was such a nice way to explore. Cycling under the trees, with the ruins scattered around, was honestly half the experience for me.

If you prefer something faster (and don’t mind dealing with traffic), you can rent a scooter for about 200–300 Baht per day. This is a good option if you want to see temples that are a bit further out, like Wat Chaiwatthanaram.

The third option is to hire a tuk-tuk with a driver, which is perfect if you don’t feel like pedaling in the heat. A half-day usually costs around 200–300 Baht per hour, depending on your bargaining skills and how many temples you want to see.

The upside is that the driver knows the area well and will usually wait for you at each stop, making the whole day really easy.

Entrance fees

The Historical Park itself is completely free to enter. You can ride around the grounds, explore the green spaces, and pass by dozens of temple ruins without paying anything at all.

But if you want to step inside the more famous temples, that’s where the small entrance fees come in.

Most of the major sites, like Wat Mahathat and Wat Phra Si Sanphet, charge 50 Baht each. Smaller temples tend to ask for 20 Baht, and a few—like Wat Lokayasutharam, where the giant reclining Buddha lies—are totally free.

You’ll often find someone sitting in a small booth at the entrance, where you have to pay in cash.

If you’re planning to visit several of the main temples, there’s also a multi-site pass available for 220 Baht. It covers most of the top historical sites and is valid for 30 days.

Dress Code

Like most temples in Thailand, there is a dress code to follow. To enter the main temple grounds, you’ll need to cover your shoulders and knees.

For men, that usually means shorts just above the knee are fine, and a t-shirt instead of a tank top. For women, long skirts, light pants, or a scarf to wrap around your shoulders work well.

Other rules to follow

• Keep your head lower than Buddha images. In Thai culture, the head is considered the most sacred part of the body, so it’s disrespectful to position yourself above or level with a Buddha statue.
• Take your shoes off before entering active temples or shrines. Signs usually make it clear where this applies.
• Keep your voice down. Some temples are still used for prayer, so it’s good to move quietly and respectfully.
• No drones. Flying drones is not allowed inside the historical park without special permission.
• Stay on paths where marked. Some areas are fragile and protected, so avoid stepping onto crumbling walls.

History of Ayutthaya

During Thailand’s history, there was a period between 1350 and 1767 known as the Kingdom of Ayutthaya. During this time, the city of Ayutthaya served as the kingdom’s capital and the center of power for Siam (the historical name for Thailand).

The city quickly became one of the most important in Southeast Asia. Thanks to its location at the intersection of three rivers (Chao Phraya, Lopburi, and Pa Sak), it was perfect for trade, with merchants arriving from China, India, and even Europe.

It was known as a very beautiful city because of its grand temples, golden palaces, and advanced infrastructure. However, its prosperity also attracted enemies.

In 1767, the city was attacked and destroyed by the Burmese, who burned many of its temples. Survivors moved south to a new location, which later became Bangkok. Today, Ayutthaya is part of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites, and its ruins attract many visitors.

While its temples are not as majestic as the famous White Temple and Blue Temple in Chiang Rai or as majestic as Wat Huay Pla Kang, it’s an experience not to be missed.

Best temples to visit

Wat Mahathat

Wat Mahathat is one of the most iconic temples in Ayutthaya, famous for the Buddha’s head, entwined in tree roots.

The exact origin of the head’s placement remains a mystery. Some believe that during the Burmese invasion in 1767, the soldiers beheaded many Buddha statues, possibly because they were filled with gold.

Over time, the head may have been abandoned and entwined by a tree’s roots.

It’s a popular photo spot, but visitors should sit down to take a photo with the Buddha’s head. Standing next to or over the Buddha’s head is considered disrespectful in Thai culture, as it is believed to be inappropriate to be taller than the Buddha.

Wat Phra Si Sanphet

Wat Phra Si Sanphet was once the royal temple famous for its three large, iconic chedis (stupas) standing in a row.

These chedis were built to house the ashes of kings, symbolizing the kingdom’s power and prestige. The temple was also used for important royal ceremonies, including the coronation of kings.

Wat Yay Chai Mongkhon

Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon is known for its impressive reclining Buddha statue and towering chedi that offers stunning views of the surrounding area when you climb it.

The temple was built in the 14th century to commemorate the victory of King Naresuan over the Burmese. It is also a site where monks trained and taught.

Wat Ratchaburana

Wat Ratchaburana is famous for its preserved central prang (tower) and intricate carvings. You can descend into the crypt below the prang, where you’ll find murals depicting scenes from Buddhist teachings.

Other temples

• Wat Lokayasutharam – Famous for its giant reclining Buddha that measures 42 meters in length.
• Wat Na Phra Meru – This temple stands out for its well-preserved wooden ordination hall and is the site where the last king of Ayutthaya, King Chulalongkorn, had his royal ceremony after the kingdom’s fall.
• Wat Thammikarat – A lesser-known temple, unique for its relic stupa and rows of Buddha statues.

Where to eat

• Burinda – A casual riverside restaurant serving solid Thai classics with a relaxed, friendly vibe.
• Tuk Restaurant – A no-fuss local spot with generous portions, cheap prices, and all the Thai comfort food you’d expect.
• Vietnamese Kitchen Dalat – Fresh, flavorful Vietnamese dishes if you feel like a break from Thai food. The pho and spring rolls are especially good.
• Shuinsen Ramen and Izakaya – A cozy Japanese place with hearty ramen bowls, skewers, and cold beer—ideal if you’re craving something different.

Best time to visit

I visited Ayutthaya in the middle of the dry season, and honestly, the weather made a big difference. The best time to go is generally November to February, when the days are warm but not unbearably hot, and there’s little chance of rain.

Cycling around in 30°C heat is manageable—cycling around in 35°C with humidity and afternoon downpours, not so much.

That said, it is open year-round. If you visit during the hot season (March to May), be ready for blazing sun and very little shade. I’d recommend starting early in the morning so you can see a few temples before it gets uncomfortable.

The rainy season (June to October) is hit or miss. Some days are totally fine, with just a quick afternoon shower, while others can be a bit of a washout.

In terms of the time of day, mornings are by far the best. I caught an early train from Bangkok and arrived when the park was still quiet, the light was soft, and it felt like I had whole stretches of it to myself.

Late afternoon is also lovely—especially if you want golden light for photos—but keep in mind many of the temples close around 5 PM.

Where to stay in Ayutthaya

Most people visit as a day trip from Bangkok, but if you’ve got the time, staying a night or two is a really good idea. It gives you the chance to see the temples when the day-trippers are gone and really experience the local vibe.

Accommodation in Ayutthaya is pretty straightforward. Around the island (the central historical park area), you’ll find plenty of small guesthouses and boutique stays. Below are some recommendations.

Other places to visit nearby

If you’ve got extra time in central Thailand, there are a few interesting places that make good side trips or next stops.

• Lopburi – About an hour north by train, this small city is famous for its monkey-filled temples. It’s quirky, a little chaotic, and worth a quick visit if you’re curious.
• Bang Pa-In Royal Palace – Just south of city, this is a beautifully maintained royal summer palace with landscaped gardens and a very different feel from the ancient ruins.
• Kanchanaburi – A bit further west (2–3 hours), but known for the River Kwai Bridge, World War II history, and some great nature spots like Erawan Falls.
• Bangkok – Of course, most travelers come from or return to Bangkok, so if you’re based there, don’t skip the Golden Mount Temple, Khao San Road, or Chinatown.

FAQ

Final thoughts

Looking back, my day here was one of the most unexpectedly memorable stops on my trip through Thailand.

I went in thinking it would just be another set of old ruins, but it turned into something more than that—a calm space to cycle and enjoy the mix of history and everyday life happening side by side.

If you’re spending time in Bangkok, I really recommend setting aside a day (or even better, a night) to see it for yourself. It’s close, it’s affordable, and it’s the kind of experience that sticks with you long after you’ve left.