Every time we visit Thailand, we go on a day trip to Ayutthaya from Bangkok. We spend a couple of nights admiring the temples and go back to the city. Hard to believe that this magical place is so near such a big and hectic city, and yet an off the beaten track Thai destination!
In the 14th Century, Ayutthaya was the second capital of the Kingdom of Siam, modern-day Thailand. The beautiful city of Sukhotai in the north was the first. The city flourished so much that by the 18th Century it was the biggest in the world. Some 1 million people lived in Ayutthaya. Unfortunately, the Burmese destroyed it in 1767.
What we love about Ayutthaya is how the archaeological remains blend with the city. Gorgeous monasteries, towers, fortresses, and temples dot the entire city. Most are inside the Ayutthaya Archaeological Park. Some are a bit off the center. Fortunately, luxurious hotels and restaurants have opened over the past few years.
Day Trip to Ayutthaya
Ayutthaya is only 85 kilometers from Bangkok. In fact, you pretty much don’t notice you are leaving the city until you go past the Don Mueang airport. The city lies in the valley of the Chao Phraya River. Everything in the area is far more rural and there are no tall towers.
Due to its splendor and importance, UNESCO included Ayutthaya in its list of World Heritage Sites. Take note that most structures are in bad shape. We are not complaining. Their sheer size and beauty are a testament to the city’s former glory. Besides, we kind of love the ruin vibe.
The archaeological remains are in an area of 711 acres (290 hectares). That’s why we strongly recommend spending at least one night in Ayutthaya. These are Thailand’s most important archaeological remains! Don’t worry about a thing. With our tips, you will be able to enjoy Ayutthaya without a glitch.
How to Get to Ayutthaya from Bangkok
Trains from Bangkok to Ayutthaya
The best way to go from Bangkok to Ayutthaya is by train. The journey is an attraction in itself, so be sure to grab a window seat. You get to see the city from the train and how it slowly becomes more rural. In addition, you get to travel with local people.
Trains depart from Bangkok’s Train Station. It’s the big station next to the river on Rong Muang Road. Locals call it Hua Lamphong. Take your time and admire the station. There’s even a small museum inside. To get there, take the metro to Hua Lamphong. A taxi there from anywhere in Bangkok shouldn’t be much.
The earliest train departs at 6 AM and the latest comes back at 09:30 PM. Trains run approximately every hour. The entire journey takes approximately 1.30 minutes. Ayutthaya’s train station is close to the center. You can walk 40 minutes to reach the main temples. There are also tuk-tuks at the station.
Buses from Bangkok to Ayutthaya
If you rather go by bus, take note that the journey should take the same, but you can run into traffic jams. Buses used to connect Ayutthaya with Bangkok. However, there are currently no buses operating the route. The latter could change, so be sure to enquire.
Therefore, you have to take a van. Vans depart from Bangkok’s Moh Chit Bus Terminal and arrive in the center of Ayutthaya. These are a better choice because they are more comfortable. However, they charge more. In fact, vans are twice as expensive as trains.
Take note that vans don’t have a fixed schedule. They leave as soon as they are full. Likewise, they stop several times along the way. That said, it is an interesting way to see how locals live their lives. The bus terminal in Ayutthaya is next to the train station. You have to walk 30 minutes to the Ayutthaya Archaeological Park.
Private Tour to Ayutthaya
If you don’t feel like going on your own, you can take an Ayutthaya Tour from Bangkok. Though there are several tours, we like the ones offered by GetYourGuide. They have different tours for different tastes and needs. We’ve sent several friends, and they’ve raved about the experience.
If you are not into big groups, the Ayutthaya Temples Small Group Tour with Lunch is perfect. The tour takes at the most 15 people in an ac vehicle to the nicest temples. It includes a guide, entrance tickets, and a very good lunch. You can arrange hotel pick up.
For a private experience, hire the Ayutthaya Private Full-Day UNESCO Trip. It doesn’t get any fancier than this one. You get your own vehicle and expert guide. A fancy lunch is included. You can also hire the ultimate tour from Bangkok: Ayutthaya & Khao Yai National Park Day Trip.
How to Visit Ayutthaya
Hire a Tuk-Tuk
Hiring a Tuk-Tuk to discover the temples is a great idea; especially on your first time in the area. Finding the structures and the best way to reach them can be tricky on your own. Thai divers are amongst the best in the world. They will make sure you visit everything you should safely.
Besides, it can be very hot in Ayutthaya. You want to be protected from the sun and be properly hydrated. Your driver will take care of you and stop when needed for a bite. Of course, there’s no need to be stingy. How much would you pay for such class A service back home?
Taxi’s and tuk tuks wait next to the train station. Agree on a price and enjoy the ride. Take note that you’ll need at least 3 hours to see the main sites. We advise you to pay the entrance ticket to all of the temples. It’s a better deal than paying for the grandest ones.
Rent a Bicycle
The best way to visit Ayutthaya is biking! We’ve done it several times and loved it. Remember that it can be very hot, so wear some sunscreen, and take a recycled bottle of water and a hat. Biking around the Archaeological Park is easy and safe. Most bike renting places are in front of the park.
However, to see some temples, you’ll have to cross the river. Don’t worry, we did and didn’t have a problem. If for any reason, you don’t feel like it, return your bike and hop on a tuk-tuk. Be sure to rent a proper bike too. If you are on the taller side it can be tricky to find one that fits.
Take note that most temples open from 8 AM to 5 PM. However, you’ve got to get in by 4:30. We’ve rented our bikes from Pa Lek Boat Noodle restaurant next to the Night Market. Keep your bike if you are spending the night. Biking around the temples at night is a fantastic experience.
Walk
As mentioned, the remains are scattered in an area of some 700 acres. Thus, it’s almost impossible to see it all walking. However, you can walk around the Ayutthaya Historical Park. The park is in the center of the city. It’s over half an hour walking from the train station.
Walk south from the train station until you reach Preedee Bridge. Cross the bridge and keep walking on Rochana Road and turn right on Chikun Alley. The park is three blocks down the alley. It’s a big area, so you’ll need at least 2 hours. Get plenty of water.
You can also cross the Pasak river on a ferry. It takes a couple of minutes and 5 bahts. Ferries depart next to the train station. You can’t go from Bangkok to Ayutthaya by boat. As you will notice, some people tour the Historical Park on an elephant. We don’t like to judge as much as we don’t like to mistreat animals.
What to See and Do in Ayutthaya
Explore the Ayutthaya Historical Park
The Ayutthaya Historical Park is the home of the most famous temples. The incredibly green lush park is full of ruins to discover. You have to pay a small fee to enter some of the temples or a ticket for all of them. If you don’t have time in Ayutthaya, spend it all in the historical park.
It’s a big area with incredible nature. If you get thirsty, you can buy refreshments at the entrance. Once inside the park, search for one of the most famous spots in the whole of Ayutthaya. Indeed, tourists flock to Wat Pra Maha That to photograph the head of the Buddha wrapped in a tree.
Wat Pra Si Sanphet is the grandest temple in Ayutthaya. Behind it, you will find the Wat Lookayasutharam temple. The giant Reclining Buddha statue inside will take your breath away. The other two temples you must not miss are Wat Phra Ram and Wat Ratchaburana. Take your time and spend some time admiring the plants too.
Visit the Temples across the River
The area is so big and rich that you could spend weeks discovering new temples. Three of the most fascinating ones are on the other side of the river. You simply can’t skip Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, Wat Chaiwatthanaram, and Wat Mahaeyong. Besides, you will get to see more of the city.
Wat Mahaeoyong and Wat Yai Chai are to the east of the Pasak River, closer to the train station. If you are biking, Mahaeyong is north of the Chedi Wat Sam Pluem, and Yat Chai to the south. Chedi Wat is the massive stupa in the middle of Rochana Road. Wat Chaiwatthanaram is next to the Chao Phraya River.
Be sure to stop at nearby temples. Ask your tuk-tuk driver to take you to the three temples before agreeing on a price. Driving between the three should take 20 minutes; biking, approximately 40 minutes. If you are tired, bike inside the Archaeological Park, and take a tuk-tuk to the rest of the temples.
Have Coffee by the Lake
We’ve been to Ayutthaya over the years and seen it change. One thing that has improved considerably is coffee. Like in the rest of Thailand, new coffee houses have mushroomed in the city. Today, you can have delicious and real espresso coffee in the city.
One of our favorite coffee houses is Sanoh at Ayutthaya. It’s in the center of the Ayutthaya Archaeological Park, overlooking a lake. They serve delicious coffee in a fantastic setting. Another cool place is in front of Wat Mahathat. Coffee Old City is a restaurant and coffee house with views of the temple.
Most coffee houses are north of the park; in particular, around Naresuan Road and Chikun Alley. Take note that most places close early in Ayutthaya. If you want a late cup of joe, go to 7/11. The ubiquitous chain offers pretty good coffee now. They are everywhere!
Try Delicious Food in a Local Restaurant
If you’ve been to Thailand, you already know how good the local cuisine is; especially in Bangkok. That’s why we are happy to report that Ayutthaya now has top-notch restaurants. Though you can eat good food just about anywhere, Ayutthaya is a great place to go fancy.
Our favorite restaurant is Baan Pomphet. It’s an elegant place with great service. The food is amongst the best we had in the country. We could tell that posh Thais favor the restaurant. Since we are not experts on local food, we decided to follow the chef’s recommendations. Great decision!
Most of the best restaurants are on the Chao Phraya River. The river is very atmospheric and offers great views. Ban U Thong specializes in simple yet good-quality Thai food. Nearby BaanMaiRimNum serves the best river prawns in the city. Go at night to enjoy memorable views of Wat Khun Phrom.
Spend a Night by the River
Ayutthaya is a great day trip destination from Bangkok. However, you would be making a mistake if you don’t spend at least 2 days in Ayutthaya. Remember that the archaeological remains are some of the best in South East Asia. Myanmar has Bagan, Cambodia Angkor Wat, and Thailand Ayutthaya and Sukothai.
The best hotel in Ayutthaya is Baan Pomphet. The exclusive property is next to the Baan Pomphet ancient fortress. That is, it overlooks a UNESCO-listed monument! As if that was not enough, it has a lovely garden with an ancient banyan tree. The views of the river and the fortress are stunning.
It’s a new hotel that resembles traditional Thai architecture. No detail has been left unattended. The pool and the garden are perfect to chill after a day exploring the ruins. The rooms are big, plush, and offer great views. As mentioned, the best restaurant in the city is in the hotel.
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