24 Hours in Ayutthaya: The Perfect Day Trip From Bangkok!

Embrace your inner explorer with majestic ruined temples, historical sites and river views. Here’s why you should make a day trip from Bangkok to Ayutthaya!
The historic city of Ayutthaya is only 86 miles north of Bangkok, and played an important role in Thailand’s history as the second Siamese capital. Founded around 1350, Ayutthaya became a global centre in the Ayutthaya Kingdom (the beginnings of modern Thailand) through the 14th-18th centuries. With three rivers connecting to the sea and an elevated location, it proved an ideal spot for commerce and diplomacy, connecting the East and the West.
However, during the Burmese–Siamese War of 1765–1767, the city was attacked by the Burmese army. The city was razed to the ground, forcing its inhabitants to leave and seeing the destruction of its once grand buildings.
In 1969, renovation and repairs began to restore the ruin sites left after the attack and centuries of abandonment. Today, Ayutthaya is a Historic City, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1991. With over a dozen impressive ruins and a handful of active temples, it’s an impressive place to visit and imagine the splendour that once stood there.
If you’re planning to add Ayutthaya to your Thailand itinerary, here’s everything you need to know about visiting!
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Ayutthaya Visitor’s Guide: Everything you need to know!
How long should you spend in Ayutthaya?
One day in Ayutthaya will be enough to cover the major historical sights. Most travellers visit Ayutthaya as a day trip from Bangkok.
For the easiest option, you can book a guided tour with included transportation.
However, I’d fully recommend staying overnight for at least 24 hours in Ayutthaya. This way, you can experience Ayutthaya’s historical sights at quieter times away from the crowds. You’ll get to explore at a more relaxed pace on your own time, and can enjoy some of the local restaurants and bars in the evening.


How to get to Ayutthaya
By train:
For a self-guided visit to Ayutthaya, trains depart throughout the day from Bangkok Hua Lamphong – the old main station) and Krung Thep Aphiwat (Bangkok’s new station). You don’t need to book in advance, but I’d advise arriving at the station early to get your ticket.
For a day trip from Bangkok to Ayutthaya, I’d recommend an early express train from Krung Thep Aphiwat – the 111 train at 7.30 will get you to Ayutthaya around 8.40am. Bear in mind trains can often run behind in Thailand! A return train departs at 7.16pm to get you back to Bangkok, giving you plenty of time to explore Ayutthaya. The very last train is at 9.42pm.
Tickets for these trains are more expensive than the local trains, but the journey takes around an hour and the seats are usually more comfortable.
For our overnight trip to spend 24 hours in Ayutthaya, we chose the 9.30 train from Hua Lamphong, which arrived in Ayutthaya at 11.30am, travelling in third class with fan only. We returned on the 13.23 rapid train with AC the following day, getting us to Krung Thep Aphiwat around 2.30pm. Tickets cost just 20 THB each way, and the journey takes around 1hr
You can find full timetables for trains from Hua Lamphong (select ‘Bangkok’) and Krung Thep Aphiwat to Ayutthaya here.


By bus/minivan:
The train is usually the cheapest way to get to Ayutthaya from Bangkok. However, if the pickup location is more convenient, you could consider booking a minivan transfer to Ayutthaya, starting from 150 THB each way.
On a guided tour:
If you’re looking for an easy day trip from Bangkok to Ayutthaya, you could also join an organised tour. This affordable Ayutthaya Historical Park Guided Day Trip visits the major sights in Ayutthaya, with air conditioned transport from Bangkok and a professional guide; plus options for hotel pickup and included entry fees.


Where to stay in Ayutthaya
We stayed overnight in Ayutthaya at Baan Khun ya Ayutthaya, a simple and cosy guesthouse in the centre of town. The major historical sights of Wat Mahathat and Wat Ratchaburana are just 15 minutes’ walk away, and there are plenty of food and drink options close by.
Our host was incredibly warm and welcoming, and helped us plan our time in Ayutthaya. He arranged a boat trip at a better price than if we’d booked independently, and also recommended an amazing restaurant for our evening meal.
Our double room cost 648 THB (around £15/$20) for one night’s stay.
More places to stay in Ayutthaya:
Early Bird Hostel ($) – dorms in a clean, cosy hostel.
Baan Lotus Guest House ($$) – offers budget, twin and double rooms in a traditional Thai building
Luang Chumni Village ($$) – traditional Thai style rooms surrounded by greenery
iuDia Hotel ($$$$) – boutique hotel on the river with an outdoor pool
What to see and do in Ayutthaya
There are lots of historical sites to check out in Ayutthaya, and you don’t need to run yourself into the ground trying to see every single one! My personal favouirites were Wat Phutthaisawan, Wat Chaiwatthanaram, and Wat Mahathat
These are some of the main sights and temples worth seeing on a day trip to Ayutthaya:
Take a boat tour to see the Chao Phraya river temples
On the day of our arrival, we took a boat tour to explore some of the main temples along the Chao Phraya river. We weren’t actually planning this, but our guesthouse host suggested it and it worked out perfectly! The tour takes place from 4pm-6pm – so works well if you’re planning an overnight stay in Ayutthaya.
The boat tour cost 200 THB each, plus an extra 50 THB to enter Wat Chaiwatthanaram. We were picked up in a communal songthaew truck from our accommodation, and taken to the departure point. The boat only had around 10 seats, so was a much more intimate experience. I LOVE seeing cities from the water, and the peek into local life combined with sunset at a stunning temple made this the perfect way to explore.
You can book a private boat tour in advance, but I’d advise against it – it was MUCH cheaper to book through our guesthouse on the day. Most hotels and guesthouses will be able to book these trips for you at a good rate. If you’re staying somewhere that doesn’t offer this, there are tour providers in the centre of town (particularly in the station area) that you can speak to.


Wat Phanan Choeng Worawihan
Wat Phanan Choeng Worawihan is an active temple on the bank of the Chao Phraya river. One of the most important temples in the city, it was built in 1324 and managed to escape the destruction that caused the ruin of surrounding temple complexes.
Through loving renovation across the ages, the temple has a more modern look that betrays it’s ancient roots. Inside, you’ll find a giant golden buddha statue, attracting devotees from all over the country. The area around the temple itself is equally worth checking out, including the masses of fish that gather at the riverbank to be fed by locals and tourists.
Admission fee: 20 THB


Wat Phutthaisawan
Wat Phutthaisawan was built in 1353, and is most noted for the striking whitewashed prang that sits in the centre of the complex. Said to represent Mount Meru, the prang is surrounded by golden Buddha statues. Wat Phutthaisawan is home to an active monastery, and the Phutthaisawan Sword School, which teaches krabi-krabrong – ancient Thai sword fighting.
To the east side of the complex, we found a charming section of temple ruins, including a reclining Buddha statue. As this temple is more difficult to get to than others, we had the west side of the complex mostly to ourselves. As a bonus, it’s also one of the few free-to-enter temples in Ayutthaya.
Admission Fee: Free


Wat Chaiwatthanaram
This was by far my favourite historical site that we visited, and is a must-do on a day trip to Ayutthaya!
Resting on the bank of the Chao Phraya river, this restored 17th century Buddhist temple ruin is one of the city’s most visited sites. And for good reason – the towering main prang and surrounding smaller prangs and chedi are intricately detailed relics of history.
Admission Fee: 50 THB


Explore the centre of Ayutthaya Historical Park on foot
After taking our boat trip the previous evening, we actually woke up early the next morning to explore Ayutthaya Historical Park on foot ahead of the crowds. If you’re joining an organised tour from Bangkok, you’ll definitely spend some time at these temple sites, either with a guide or as free time to explore.
All of the central temples are easy to see during a day trip to Ayutthaya. You don’t have to visit them all, as to the casual observer, they can feel quite similar, so I’d advise picking a few and taking your time exploring.
Wat Mahathat
One of the oldest and most important temples of historic Ayutthaya, Wat Mahathat housed the Buddha’s holy relic. Walking through the complex, you can make out where important buildings stood, such as the royal hall and pagodas. One of the most unique elements of this temple is a stone Buddha head, entwined within the roots of a tree that have grown around the sculpture piece.
Admission Fee: 50 THB


Wat Phra Si Sanphet
The holiest temple on the Grand Palace site, Wat Phra Si Sanphet served as the royal chapel and monastery. The restored chedi (monuments/shrines) here hold the ashes of three Ayutthaya kings.
Admission Fee: 20 THB
Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit
Amongst the temple ruins, you’ll find the more modern-looking Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit. An active temple containing a large bronze Buddha, the temple and the Buddha image were both extensively renovated after both were near-destroyed by fire.
Admission Fee: Free
Wat Ratchaburana
The striking, well restored prang of Wat Ratchaburana is considered one of the finest architectural ruins in the historic city. In 1957, robbers struck the temple’s crypt to loot a large number of artifacts. The culprits were caught, however not all of the stolen items were recovered. Those that were are on display at the Chao Sam Phraya National Museum.
Admission Fee: 50 THB
Wat Lokayasutharam
Just southwest of the Royal Palace site, you’ll find Wat Lokayasutharam. There’s no temple building here, but the site is home to an impressive 42m long reclining Buddha statue.
Admission Fee: Free
Take a walk through Bueng Phra Ram Park
Nestled between the main temple sites of the historical park, Bueng Phra Ram is a lovely spot to take a stroll around its central lake. The park contains the remnants of some smaller temples and more modern buildings, as well as lake bridges which make for great photo opportunities!
Rent a bike to see more temples on the outskirts of Ayutthaya
If you have more than a day in Ayutthaya, renting a scooter or bicycle will allow you to visit some of the further away temples. You may also be able to hire a tuktuk by the hour to take you to these spots – however, this is usually a more costly option, so make sure you agree a price before taking the tuktuk driver!
We didn’t make it this far unfortunately (and I’m TERRIBLE at riding bikes), but some of the popular sites to visit in the surrounding area are:
- Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon – one of the most popular temples on the east side of the city, with a 60m towering chedi and a large reclining Buddha statue
- Wat Phra Ngam – this temple features an entrance arch encased in tree roots, giving it the magical nickname of ‘The Gate of Time’.
- Wat Phu Khao Thong – surrounded by rice fields, this impressive site is off-the-beaten track but well worth the visit for its enormous white chedi. You can climb the stairs to the upper levels for sweeping views of the surrounding landscapes.
Ayutthaya Floating Market
We didn’t actually make it here, but if you have time, check out the Ayutthaya Floating Market, one of the area’s most prominent attractions outside of the temples. Expect traditional Thai market vibes, with food, drinks, costumes and performances.
Where to eat in Ayutthaya
Ayutthaya has plenty of places to eat – check out my recommended spots that we visited:
Baan Kun Pra
We were recommended Baan Kun Pra by our host, a charming little restaurant set beside the river with live acoustic music some evenings. It was absolutely teeming with rain when we went, but the seating area is covered.
I tried my first ‘Morning Glory’ dish here and it’s still one of the best I’ve had since. We also enjoyed their spring rolls, and I heard incredibly satisfied noises after the Thai fish cakes were consumed!
One tip – Ashley ordered the stir fried catfish and the veg/salad served with it wasn’t great, so I’d maybe avoid this if you’re planning to eat fish. There are plenty of other options on the menu that are much better!


Cosy House
For something that feels a little more Western in atmosphere, Cosy House is a warm and aesthetically-pleasing spot for brunch or lunch. It actually really reminded me of some of our favourite cosy restaurants in London, but with a focus on Thai food


CelebbRotea
CelebbRotea was pretty much the closest place we could find near our accommodation that had ample choice of vegetarian food. I actually had my first papaya salad of our month-long Thailand trip here, and it was deliciously fresh, sharp and crisp.
They do a good range of Thai food in a stylish environment, with a few more unusual dishes to choose from and their signature roti. We also loved the fruit sodas here – try the Apple one, and thank me later!


Nightlife in Ayutthaya
If you’re making an overnight trip to Ayutthaya, don’t expect the nightlife of a big city here! However, the central island close to the historical park has a handful of bars, often frequented by locals.
We dropped by a few at the northern end of Naresaun Soi 2, grabbing seats out front and a couple of beers to enjoy some music and people-watch!


Day Trip to Ayutthaya FAQ
What should I wear in Ayutthaya?
The dress code in Ayutthaya’s temples are less strict than in other areas, as most are historic sites rather than active temples. However, I’d still recommend dressing more modestly to visit them. A pair of long, light trousers or a long skirt, combined with a t-shirt or a scarf to throw around your shoulders will do nicely.
Be aware that if you’re planning to visit active temples in Ayutthaya, you’ll still need to cover your shoulders and knees. I’d also advise wearing comfortable and sturdy footwear, particularly when walking around the temples.
How much should I budget for an Ayutthaya day trip?
As with any trip – this will depend on your level of luxury and decisions. However, based on what we spent, these are the average amounts you can expect to pay when visiting Ayutthaya on a day trip or overnight stay:
- Travel to Ayutthaya by train from Hua Lamphong costs from 20 THB (£0.40/$0.58) each way (third class with fan).
- Accommodation in Ayutthaya ranges from around 250 THB (£5.66/$7.29) for a dorm room,
- Entrance to individual temples costs between 20-50 THB, depending on the temple – I’d budget around 140 THB (£3.17/$4.08) to visit two of the major temples and two smaller ones.
- An average meal for two with drinks will cost around 400-500 THB (£10/$13)
How to get around in Ayutthaya?
- On foot: The centre of Ayutthaya Historical Park is relatively small, so easy to explore on foot.
- By bike: If you’re planning to visit some of the temples outside of the main island, you can hire a scooter or bicycle for the day.
- By taxi: Ayutthaya has plenty of taxis to get you where you need to go. We used the Grab app – basically like Uber – which is widespread in Thailand.
- By tuktuk: If you’re happy to spend a bit more on your Ayutthaya day trip, you can hire tuktuk drivers to take you around to the main temple sites. Bear in mind this is the most expensive option, and many will charge by the hour. If you’re planning on doing this, it’s worth booking a tuktuk tour with an upfront price.
Planning a trip to Thailand? Check out more of my travel guides:
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Combine fascinating history, beautiful scenery and buzzing local life with two days in Kanchanaburi.
Visit Thailand’s most spectacular waterfalls with this complete guide to Erawan National Park!
Spend two days in Pai for hippy, mountain town vibes! While you’re there, visit the Bamboo Bridge.
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