Ayutthaya Day Trip From Bangkok: BEST Guide (2025)

How To Get To Ayutthaya	Time	Price	Where To Book
Train	2.5 Hours	40 THB / $1.30	Book On Day
Public Bus	2.5 Hours	70 THB / $2.00	BOOK NOW
Taxi	1 Hour	$35.00	BOOK NOW
Shared Shuttle	2 Hours	$4.00	BOOK NOW
Group Tour – BEST STRESS-FREE OPTION	Full Day	$43.00	BOOK NOW

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🚗 How I Book Cheap Transport In Thailand: 12Go Asia 🚗

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Why You Should Visit: The History

To truly appreciate the history of Thailand, no holiday would be complete without a visit to Ayutthaya. This historic city was the second capital of the Siamese Kingdom having been founded in 1350.

From the 14th to the 18th centuries it actually grew to one of the largest in the world, and was an important center for diplomacy and commerce.

Visiting you will understand why this area was chosen as the capital. Located on an island encompassed by three rivers that flow to the sea made it a strategic position.

Though, unfortunately in 1767 Ayutthaya was attacked and razed by the Burmese. The city was burned to the ground and the locals who called it home had to flee.

What remains is now the popular UNESCO World Heritage Site covering a total of 289 hectares. The impressive Buddhist monasteries and tall towers give insight into the city’s past.

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The Transport Situation Between Ayutthaya And Bangkok

Luckily Ayuttahaya is relatively close to Bangkok making it the perfect option for a day trip. Transport generally takes between 1 to 2 hours to travel the 85 kilometers.

Some of the most popular options include taking a bus, train, taxi, shared shuttle, or tour. The latter which I will get more into in a separate section below.

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Bus

One of the most cost-effective ways to travel is by bus.

The journey takes approximately 2 hours and costs 70 THB / $2.00.

You can catch a bus from the Mo Chit Northern Bus Station in Bangkok. The buses are air-conditioned and depart every 20-30 minutes.

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Train

The train to Ayutthaya is a popular and convenient way to travel between the two cities.

It takes around 80 to 120 minutes to arrive by train. However, it’s important to note that they often get delayed in the busy stretch of railway coming out of Bangkok and journey times can take 30 minutes or more than scheduled.

There are 24 trains per day, with the first departing at 4:20 AM and the last departing at 8:45 PM.

The ticket prices range from 40 to 1050 THB / $1.30 to $30.00 depending on the type of seat you book.

The fastest is Train #7 departing at 8:30 AM, which takes 1 hour 17 minutes.

Ayutthaya Historical Park is located 4 km from the train station, you can take a tuk-tuk for around 100 THB / $3.00.

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Taxi

If you’re planning on a day trip from Bangkok, you can also opt for a taxi ride. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and costs around $35.00.

You can book a taxi over on 12.Go Asia.

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Shared Shuttle

One of the most convenient and affordable ways to travel is by shared shuttle which takes around 1 hour depending on traffic.

The cost for a ticket ranges from ฿200 THB to ฿300 THB / $5.00 to $8.50 per person. They depart from various locations in Bangkok, including Khao San Road and Mochit Bus Terminal 1.

You can book your shared shuttle ticket online on 12Go Asia.

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Best Options For An Ayutthaya Tour

There are plenty of day tour options to Ayutthaya and you will have no problem finding one.

There are many travel agencies around that will offer such tours, especially if you are staying in the Khao San Road area. Though, you may have a problem finding a decent one.

These types of tours sold by travel agencies are known to squish people onto small minivans and buses. It is not too much of a fun experience being herded like sheep under the hot sun.

Before booking one of these day tours from Bangkok, make sure to ask questions.

Find out if your entrance fee is included, how you will get between temples, if lunch is included, and how many people will be in the group.

If you don’t want to do any pre-planning and aren’t fussed about what you see then this could be the best option for you.

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How to Get Around Once In Ayutthaya

When it actually comes to getting around Ayutthaya you have a couple of options. These are hiring a bicycle or going on a boat tour:

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Hire A Bicycle

No doubt one of the more popular options for getting around is taking a bicycle. Rates are extremely cheap and I saw them starting at 70 baht / $3.00 for 24 hours.

One thing I will say about the bicycle is to make sure you are comfortable riding, especially when the temperatures soar. This option may be alright in the morning and late afternoon. Though, I would not recommend hiring one all day to explore the temples.

I have made this mistake one too many times. Now I make sure to fully think about riding a bicycle through, even if it may be the cheaper option.

If you do decide to do so pack accordingly. Bring lots of water, sunscreen, and a hat, you will most definitely need it.

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Boat Tour

We decided a boat tour would be best for our one day here. They cost 400 THB / $11.50 each for a boat. This was shared with 6 other people who we met along the way.

The boats are owned by local families who drive and navigate the canals that run around Ayutthaya.the city.

It is a really interesting experience traveling by boat as we saw more of local life. Children were going for a lunchtime swim, while the mothers did the daily washing, and men fished from little wooden jetties.

I will say one thing to keep in mind if you decide to do the boat tour is that you will only be able to visit the temples along the waterways.

Obviously, if you don’t mind what you see this won’t be a problem. However, if you want that perfect shot of the Buddha’s face covered in vines then you will be disappointed.

In my opinion, it is best to spend a few days in Ayutthaya to truly experience the different types of temples there are. This would also allow you to do the boat tour one day and a bike tour another day.

Day Trip To Ayutthaya From Bangkok, Thailand

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Entrance Fee To Ayutthaya Historical Park

There are different entrance fees depending on the temples you visit during your day trip.

One of the more popular temples is Wat Chai Watthanaram. It costs 50 THB / $1.50 and I highly recommend a visit as it is what makes this place feel like the Angkor Wat of Thailand.

The majority of temples in cost 50 THB / $1.50 such as Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Wat Mahathat, Wat Ratchaburana, and Wat Phra Ram.

Though, Viharn Phra Mongkol Bopit, Wiharn at Wat Thammikarat, Phra Chedi Suriyothai, and Wat Borom Phuttharam are free.

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🚗 How I Book Cheap Transport In Thailand: 12Go Asia 🚗

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Best Temples To Visit

Here are some of the best temples well worth visiting while in Ayutthaya.

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Wat Chai Watthanaram

A favorite for me was Wat Chai Watthanaram. This impressive structure is a highlight and will have the crowds to match.

However, due to its location, if you are limited on time and riding a bike, it is best to give it a miss as it’s 5 kilometers away from where a lot of the other temples are in the city center.

Wat Chai Watthanaram is one of the most historical sites here. Undoubtedly, its most impressive feature is the 35-meter-long prang in the center of the complex.

This temple is certainly a popular choice for locals as well as international tourists. I loved watching all the ladies dressed up in traditional dresses and taking photos.

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Wat Thammikarat

Unlike many of the other temples which are often on people’s must-see lists, Wat Thammikarat is still a working temple.

It is common to see monks strolling around going about their business.

Though, a favorite sight is a massive gold reclining Buddha. Seriously it is so big you just have to see it. It even is housed in its very own building next to the temple.

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Wat Phra Ram

Often skipped by many tour groups you can expect Wat Phra Ram to be quieter than the other temples.

This is perfect if you want a bit of relaxation or simply to appreciate the beauty of Ayutthaya without camera shutters clicking.

The temple is what draws you in to visit here, though the serene gardens will be the reason you stay. It was established in 1369 by the King at the time as a cremation spot for his father.

Even though it is older than a lot of the other temples it has not received much attention in terms of upkeep.

The central prang makes for a gorgeous silhouette. Unfortunately, the crypt is empty and the lions that guard it are quite damaged.

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Wat Phutthai Sawan

Wat Phutthai Sawan is another temple with a large reclining Buddha.

This one is certainly not as grand as Wat Thammikarat, but a window in the walls provides a beautiful frame.

Wat Phutthai Sawan was an important royal monastery during the reign of Somdet Phra Ramathibodhi.

He was actually the first king of the Ayutthaya kingdom and started a seeming tradition where the king in charge would build these impressive structures.

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Wat Phra Si Sanphet

Wat Phra Si Sanphet is not just an important historical site, but it was also considered the spiritual center.

It is strategically located within the grounds of the Royal Palace. Also as it is a royal monastery it prevents monks from residing there.

It was quite damaged by the Burmese during the war, but it has since been restored to its original condition. Wat Phra Si Sanphet showcases how glorious the country was during that time, playing an important part in the history of art and archeology.

In the center of the temple are three pagodas which were said to be the base of royal houses in the Ayutthaya period.

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Wat Phanan Choeng

Famous for its huge golden Buddha Wat Phanan Choeng is certainly one temple worth visiting.

It does not have the aged ruins like many other Ayutthaya temples, but it is still considered one of the most beautiful.

According to legend, the Buddha here shed tears when the Burmese attacked Ayutthaya in 1767. It is housed in a beautiful teak building.

I am not sure if it was a small space, but this seemed to be one of the busiest temples.

After checking out the Buddha don’t leave too quickly. Head down to the river to see literally thousands of catfish swarming the riverbanks.

There is cheap food available to buy so you can feed them. However, just be careful where you stand as the splashes they make are crazy.

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Wat Mahathat

No doubt Wat Mahathat is a must-visit temple. This is where you can see that famous photo of the Buddha statue being consumed by a tree.

It is uncertain how exactly it ended up down there, though the likely reason is from looters after the Burmese army raided the city in 1767.

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Wat Ratchaburana

Wat Ratchaburana is one of the most complete temples here in Ayutthaya. As it is so well preserved it is certainly worth the visit.

The highlight here is that it is one of the few temples in Thailand where you can go inside the main prang and drop down inside the crypt.

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Tips For Visiting Ayutthaya

Being a Buddhist complex there are certainly some things you want to know prior to your day trip in terms of how to act and dress.

Show respect: Turn off your mobile phone, remove headphones, lower your voice, avoid inappropriate conversation, remove hats, and no smoking or chewing gum.

Remove your hat and shoes: Hats and shoes should always be removed before entering a temple. You can leave your shoes outside the temple in the designated area and hold your hat in your hands or put it away during your visit.

Cover yourself: Shoulders should be covered and long pants should be worn rather than shorts. Some may provide a sarong or other cover-up for a small fee.

Respect the Buddha statues: Never touch, sit near, or climb on a Buddha statue or the raised platform the statue sits on.

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Where To Stay In Ayutthaya

If you are thinking about staying a couple of days in Ayutthaya, great! This will allow you to explore at a slower pace and more in depth.

The touristy area is actually pretty small since it’s essentially just an island that the rivers flow around.

If you are looking for private rooms on a budget Baan Are Gong Riverside Guesthouse is a great option. Here rooms start at just $14.00 and it’s in a great location right next to the river and train station.

For anyone traveling solo or on a super tight budget, you can also find plenty of hostels.

I stayed at Early Bird Hostel Ayutthaya which is no doubt the best hostel in the city. It had everything I needed including incredible air conditioning, bicycles for rent, dorm beds with curtains, and of course a short walk to the 7/11.

Room Story Hostel A friendly and affordable hostel in a great location. Private rooms start from $20.00 per night. BOOK NOW	Early Bird Hostel Ayutthaya A great choice for solo travelers. Prices start from $8.00 per night including breakfast. BOOK NOW
Ban Boonchu A lovely guesthouse perfect for travelers on a budget. Private rooms here start from $30.00 per night. BOOK NOW	Chommuang Guest House A super affordable option if you are backpacking Thailand on a budget. Private rooms start from $12.00 per night. BOOK NOW

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FAQs About An Ayutthaya Day Trip From Bangkok

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🚗 How I Book Cheap Transport In Thailand: 12Go Asia 🚗

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Wrap Up: Exploring Ayutthaya On A Tour From Bangkok

Hopefully, now you’ve figured out which type of day trip to Ayutthaya would be best for you.

Whether that is on a group tour, or doing your own tour by taking public transport!

Ayutthaya is such an interesting and beautiful city with so many historic places to see.

If you do have the extra time I highly recommend spending a few days here. That way you can truly appreciate these impressive temples and learn more about the culture.

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Backpackers Wanderlust was a guest on the Mekong Pass with Stray Asia, however, as always, all opinions are my own.

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Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. So, if you click on it and purchase something, I get a small percentage at no extra cost to you. As always all opinions are my own and your support is much appreciated.

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