Ayutthaya Day Trip from Bangkok: Complete Guide + How To Get There

If you’re visiting Bangkok and looking for an easy day trip, Ayutthaya should be high on your list. In fact, this was one of my favourite days of our Thailand trip so far. Just a short journey from Bangkok, Ayutthaya feels worlds away from the busy streets of the capital, with ancient temples, atmospheric ruins and plenty of history to discover.

We spent the day exploring the old city, wandering between the impressive temple ruins and taking in the unique atmosphere of what was once the capital of the Kingdom of Siam. It was the perfect change of pace from Bangkok and one of those days that made us appreciate just how much there is to see beyond Thailand’s biggest cities.

If you’re planning an Ayutthaya day trip from Bangkok, this guide covers everything you need to know, including how to get to Ayutthaya, the best things to do, how to get around, costs and our top tips for making the most of your visit.

How to Get to Ayutthaya from Bangkok

We decided to take the train from Bangkok to Ayutthaya, mainly because it was incredibly cheap and gave us the chance to experience a more local way of travelling through Thailand.

The journey was straightforward, although it definitely wasn’t the most comfortable train ride we’ve had. The carriages were pretty hot, with only ceiling fans to keep you cool, so be prepared for a warm journey, especially if you’re visiting during Thailand’s hotter months.

Bangkok to Ayutthaya by Train

For us, the train was by far the best option because of the price. We paid just 30p per person each way, making the return journey only 60p per person. It’s hard to find a cheaper way to explore Ayutthaya!

The journey takes roughly 1–2 hours, depending on the train you take. We travelled in a basic carriage with open windows and ceiling fans, which certainly wasn’t luxurious, but it was all part of the experience.

If you’re travelling on a budget, we’d definitely recommend considering the train. Just take some water with you and be prepared for the heat, as the basic carriages aren’t air-conditioned.

Bangkok to Ayutthaya by Bus or Minivan

You can also travel from Bangkok to Ayutthaya by bus or minivan. This can be a good alternative if you’d prefer not to take the train, although prices and journey times vary depending on the service you choose.

Bangkok to Ayutthaya by Tour

If you’d rather not worry about organising transport or working out how to get between the different temples, an organised Ayutthaya day tour from Bangkok can be a convenient option. These usually combine transport with visits to some of the city’s main historical sites.

Which Is the Best Way to Get to Ayutthaya?

For us, the train was the clear winner, particularly as budget travellers. At just 30p each way, it was incredibly affordable and getting to Ayutthaya was relatively easy.

It wasn’t the most comfortable journey because of the heat, but we didn’t mind this too much given how little we paid. If you’re travelling on a budget, we’d definitely recommend the train — just bring plenty of water and don’t expect air conditioning!

Best Things to Do in Ayutthaya

One of the main reasons we loved our Ayutthaya day trip from Bangkok was simply exploring the incredible temples and ruins scattered throughout the ancient city. Ayutthaya was once the capital of the Kingdom of Siam, and today the historic area is filled with impressive temples, towering stupas and atmospheric ruins.

We spent the day wandering between the different sites, and it honestly felt like stepping back in time. There is a lot to see, but the attractions below are some of the highlights we would recommend adding to your Ayutthaya itinerary.

Explore Wat Mahathat

Wat Mahathat is one of the most famous temples in Ayutthaya and is probably best known for its stone Buddha head nestled amongst the roots of a tree.

Visit Wat Ratchaburana

Located close to Wat Mahathat, Wat Ratchaburana is another impressive temple ruin and an easy one to include on your Ayutthaya itinerary.

The temple is particularly recognisable for its large central prang, which rises above the surrounding ruins. Walking around the site gives you a great idea of the scale and architectural style of the ancient city.

Its close proximity to Wat Mahathat also makes it convenient to visit both during the same part of your day.

See Wat Phra Si Sanphet

Wat Phra Si Sanphet is one of the most impressive temples in Ayutthaya and was once part of the royal palace complex.

The three large chedis are the main feature of the site and have become one of the most recognisable images of Ayutthaya. Although the temple is now largely in ruins, the scale of what remains makes it easy to imagine how impressive the complex would have been during Ayutthaya’s time as the capital.

Visit Wat Chaiwatthanaram

Situated slightly outside the main concentration of ruins, Wat Chaiwatthanaram is one of the temples we would definitely recommend making the effort to visit.

The temple sits alongside the Chao Phraya River and is known for its large central prang surrounded by smaller structures. The architecture is particularly impressive, and the open surroundings make it a great place to wander around and take photos.

If you’re exploring Ayutthaya by bicycle or tuk-tuk, this is an easy site to add to your route.

Explore Wat Phanan Choeng

Wat Phanan Choeng is home to a huge seated Buddha statue and offers something a little different from some of the ruined temples around Ayutthaya.

The enormous Buddha image is the main attraction and is particularly impressive when you see it in person. The temple is still an active place of worship, so remember to be respectful when visiting.

See the Famous Buddha Head in the Tree

Although it can get busy around this particular spot, the rest of Wat Mahathat is well worth exploring once you’ve taken your photo.

Explore Ayutthaya Historical Park

Rather than thinking of Ayutthaya as one single attraction, it’s better to think of it as a huge collection of historic temples and ruins spread throughout the old city.

Much of the area makes up the Ayutthaya Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site containing the remains of the former capital.

This is what made our day so enjoyable. Instead of simply visiting one attraction and moving on, we could spend the day travelling between different ruins, stopping whenever something caught our eye. The combination of ancient temples, enormous Buddha statues and crumbling brick ruins makes Ayutthaya unlike anywhere else we visited in Thailand.

How to Get Around Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya is a fairly spread-out city, so having your own transport makes it much easier to visit several temples in one day. There are plenty of options, including bicycles, tuk-tuks and boats, but we decided to hire a motorcycle for the day.

Exploring Ayutthaya by Motorcycle

We hired a motorcycle for just 200 baht (£5) for the entire day, which gave us the freedom to explore Ayutthaya at our own pace. This was ideal for us as we could easily travel between the different temples without having to wait for transport or negotiate with tuk-tuk drivers.

It also meant we could fit a lot into our day without feeling rushed, stopping whenever we wanted along the way.

However, we would only recommend hiring a motorcycle if you are confident and experienced riding one. Andy has loads of experience driving motorcycles, so we felt comfortable doing this, but if you’re not confident on a motorcycle, please consider another option.

Thailand’s roads can be busy and unpredictable, and there is no point putting yourself at risk just to save a few pounds. Far better to be safe than sorry, especially when there are plenty of other ways to explore Ayutthaya.

Exploring Ayutthaya by Bicycle

Hiring a bicycle is another budget-friendly way to explore Ayutthaya. The historic area is relatively flat, and cycling gives you the freedom to stop at the temples whenever you want.

The main downside is the heat. Ayutthaya can get extremely hot, particularly during the middle of the day, so make sure you carry plenty of water, wear sunscreen and take regular breaks.

Hiring a Tuk-Tuk

If you don’t fancy driving or cycling, hiring a tuk-tuk is probably the easiest way to get around Ayutthaya. You can arrange for a driver to take you between the main temples, making it a convenient option for a day trip.

If you choose this option, make sure you agree on a price before setting off and confirm which attractions you want to visit.

Taking a Boat Around Ayutthaya

For something a little different, you can also take a boat around Ayutthaya. The historic city is surrounded by rivers, and a boat trip gives you a different perspective of the ancient temples and ruins.

We would see this more as an additional experience rather than your main method of transport, but it could be a relaxing way to finish your day after exploring the temples.

How Much Does an Ayutthaya Day Trip Cost?

One of the things we loved about visiting Ayutthaya was how affordable it was, especially compared with some of the more expensive day trips from Bangkok. If you’re travelling on a budget, Ayutthaya is a great option.

Our biggest expense was simply getting there and back, and because we travelled independently, we could keep the costs low. We paid just 30p per person each way for the train, while our motorcycle rental cost 200 baht (£5) for the day.

You’ll also need to budget for temple entrance fees, food and drinks throughout the day. Overall, though, you can easily visit Ayutthaya on a relatively small budget, particularly if you use public transport and explore independently.

How Long Do You Need in Ayutthaya?

For most visitors, one full day in Ayutthaya is enough to see the main temples and get a good feel for the historic city.

We visited as a day trip from Bangkok and felt that one day was the perfect amount of time for us. We were able to visit several of the main temples, explore the ruins and enjoy the city without needing to stay overnight.

If you love history or want to explore at a slower pace, you could easily spend a night or two in Ayutthaya. However, if you’re short on time during your Thailand trip, a day trip from Bangkok is absolutely worthwhile.

Our Ayutthaya Day Trip Experience

Our Ayutthaya day trip was one of my favourite days of our Thailand trip so far. After the busy streets and constant energy of Bangkok, it was lovely to spend the day exploring ancient ruins and temples at our own pace.

We travelled from Bangkok by train, which cost us just 30p each way per person, before hiring a motorcycle for 200 baht (£5) for the day. This gave us the freedom to travel between the different temples without having to rely on organised tours or taxis.

Although the heat made things a little tiring at times, we loved having the freedom to stop whenever we wanted and explore the ruins independently. Ayutthaya has such a unique atmosphere, and seeing the remains of what was once a major Siamese capital made the day particularly memorable. The historic city was founded around 1350 and flourished for centuries before being destroyed in 1767.

If you’re staying in Bangkok, we would definitely recommend adding Ayutthaya to your Thailand itinerary.

Best Time to Visit Ayutthaya

The best time to visit Ayutthaya is generally during the cooler and drier months, when you’ll be able to spend more time outside exploring the temples without dealing with the intense heat and humidity.

Whenever you visit, we’d recommend starting your day early. Many of Ayutthaya’s attractions are outdoors, with very little shade, so the temperature can become uncomfortable by the middle of the day.

We visited during our Thailand trip and found the heat noticeable, particularly when travelling around on the motorcycle. Make sure you carry plenty of water and take breaks whenever you need to.

Ayutthaya’s historic ruins are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, covering an extensive archaeological area, so you’ll be spending a lot of your day outdoors.

What to Pack for an Ayutthaya Day Trip

As you’ll be spending most of your day outside exploring temples and ruins, packing appropriately will make your visit much more enjoyable.

Comfortable Shoes

You’ll be doing plenty of walking and exploring uneven surfaces, so comfortable shoes are essential.

Plenty of Water

Thailand’s heat can be intense, so bring plenty of water with you. If you’re cycling or riding a motorcycle between the temples, you’ll want to stay hydrated throughout the day.

Sun Protection

Don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat. There can be very little shade around some of the temple ruins.

Light, Breathable Clothing

Lightweight clothing will help you stay comfortable in the heat. However, remember that you’ll be visiting Buddhist temples, so dress respectfully and ensure your shoulders and knees are covered where required.

Cash

It’s always useful to have some Thai baht with you for entrance fees, drinks, food and transport. We found having cash particularly handy when travelling around independently.

Portable Charger

If you’re using your phone for maps, taking photographs and navigating between temples, a portable charger is a useful addition to your day bag.

Tips for Visiting Ayutthaya

Visiting Ayutthaya independently is relatively easy, but there are a few things we would recommend knowing before you go. The biggest thing to remember is that you’ll be spending most of the day outside, often in the heat, so a little preparation goes a long way.

Start Early to Beat the Heat

Our biggest tip is to start your Ayutthaya day trip early. The temperature can become very hot by late morning, and many of the temple ruins offer very little shade.

Starting early also means you’ll have more time to explore the different sites without feeling rushed. If you’re travelling from Bangkok, an early train is a great way to make the most of your day.

Dress Appropriately When Visiting Temples

Remember that Ayutthaya is home to important Buddhist temples and religious sites, so dress respectfully when visiting.

We recommend wearing clothing that covers your shoulders and knees, particularly when entering active temples. Lightweight, breathable clothing is ideal because you’ll still want to stay cool in Thailand’s heat.

Bring Plenty of Water

Don’t underestimate the heat in Ayutthaya. You’ll be walking around ancient ruins and travelling between different sites, often with limited shade.

Bring plenty of water with you and make sure you stay hydrated throughout the day. We also recommend taking regular breaks rather than trying to rush between every temple.

Wear Comfortable Shoes

Comfortable footwear is essential. You’ll be doing plenty of walking around temple grounds, and some of the ruins have uneven surfaces and steps.

Leave the uncomfortable shoes at your hotel and opt for something lightweight and supportive instead.

Carry Cash for Small Expenses

It’s a good idea to have some Thai baht in cash with you. You’ll need it for things such as food, drinks, temple entrance fees and local transport.

We also found having cash particularly useful when travelling independently, as you don’t want to be caught without a way to pay when you’re away from the main tourist areas.

Is Ayutthaya Worth Visiting as a Day Trip from Bangkok?

Absolutely! Ayutthaya was honestly one of my favourite days of our Thailand trip so far, and I would definitely recommend adding it to your Bangkok itinerary.

What we loved most was how different it felt from Bangkok. Instead of busy streets, shopping centres and skyscrapers, we spent the day exploring ancient temples, enormous Buddha statues and atmospheric ruins. Having our own motorcycle also meant we could explore at our own pace and visit several different sites throughout the day.

The fact that it’s so easy and inexpensive to reach from Bangkok makes it even better. Our train tickets cost just 30p per person each way, and our motorcycle rental was only 200 baht (£5) for the day.

If you’re visiting Bangkok and have a spare day, don’t overlook Ayutthaya. Whether you’re interested in history, photography, temples or simply want to experience somewhere different from the capital, it’s a day trip that we think is well worth taking.

Frequently Asked Questions About an Ayutthaya Day Trip from Bangkok

Is Ayutthaya worth visiting from Bangkok?

Absolutely! Ayutthaya is one of the best day trips from Bangkok and was one of our favourite days of our Thailand trip so far. The ancient temples, impressive ruins and unique atmosphere make it a completely different experience from Bangkok. It’s also affordable and easy to reach, making it ideal for travellers on a budget.

How do you get from Bangkok to Ayutthaya?

The easiest budget-friendly option is to take the train from Bangkok to Ayutthaya. This is the option we chose, and our tickets cost just 30p per person each way. You can also travel by bus or minivan, or join an organised day tour if you’d prefer everything arranged for you.

How long does it take to get from Bangkok to Ayutthaya?

The journey from Bangkok to Ayutthaya generally takes around 1–2 hours by train, depending on the service you take. This makes it easy to leave Bangkok in the morning and spend a full day exploring Ayutthaya before returning in the evening.

Can you do Ayutthaya in one day?

Yes, one day is enough to see the main highlights of Ayutthaya. We visited as a day trip from Bangkok and were able to explore several of the city’s most famous temples and ruins. Start early to give yourself plenty of time and avoid the hottest part of the day.

How much does an Ayutthaya day trip cost?

Ayutthaya can be a very affordable day trip, particularly if you travel independently. We paid just 30p per person each way for the train and 200 baht (£5) to hire a motorcycle for the day. You’ll also need to budget for temple entrance fees, food, drinks and any additional transport.

Is it better to visit Ayutthaya independently or with a tour?

This depends on your travel style. We preferred visiting independently because it gave us the freedom to explore at our own pace and decide which temples we wanted to visit. However, a tour can be a great option if you don’t want to organise transport or navigate between the different attractions yourself.

What should you not miss in Ayutthaya?

Some of the best things to see in Ayutthaya include Wat Mahathat and its famous Buddha head in the tree, Wat Ratchaburana, Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Wat Chaiwatthanaram and Wat Phanan Choeng. If you only have one day, try to visit a mixture of the major temples and ruins to get a good feel for the ancient city.

What is the best way to get around Ayutthaya?

There are several options, including bicycle, tuk-tuk, motorcycle and boat. We hired a motorcycle for 200 baht (£5) for the day, which worked perfectly for us and allowed us to travel between the temples independently. However, Andy has plenty of motorcycle experience, so we wouldn’t recommend hiring one unless you’re confident riding. A tuk-tuk or bicycle is a better alternative if you’re not comfortable on a motorcycle.