Wondering how to take a day trip to Ayutthaya from Bangkok?
This guide will show you the best ways to get from Bangkok to Ayutthaya, how to get around, what temples to see, entrance fees, and exactly how much it costs to visit.
Spoiler alert, it’s actually very cheap to visit this fascinating historical site!
If you love history and architecture, taking an Ayutthaya day trip from Bangkok would be a great addition to your 4 day Bangkok itinerary.
So keep reading to find out how to plan the best Ayutthaya day trip itinerary.
Top Pick
BEST AYUTTHAYA DAY TOUR
No time to read the whole post? Here’s an awesome Ayutthaya day tour from Bangkok that will allow you to explore all the best temples without worrying about logistics. Includes transportation, entrance fees, drinks, and an expert guide. Option for join-in or private tour!
Rating: 4.8/5 (6,000+ reviews)
***This article may contain affiliate links, meaning each time you click through and make a purchase, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you which helps a lot in keeping this website running. Thank you for your support :)
Read more about Thailand:
- Ultimate 4 day Bangkok itinerary for first-timers
- Best places to visit in North Thailand
- How to visit Thailand in 10 days?
- Top things to do in Krabi in 4 days
About Ayutthaya
Established in 1350, Ayutthaya was the second capital of the Kingdom of Siam and one of the most important trading ports in Asia.
In 1767, the city was attacked by the Burmese army, destroying most of the buildings and temples.
Although Ayutthaya was never rebuilt to its former glory, some of the temples have been restored partially and the city is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The city is dotted with many beautiful temple ruins and palaces and is one of the most popular day trips to take from Bangkok.
How to get to Ayutthaya from Bangkok?
Train
If you’re on a budget, taking the train from Bangkok to Ayutthaya is the way to go since it costs only 20 baht per person for a 3rd class seat.
2nd class seats are also available and cost about 250 baht. Tickets can only be bought on the same day and the journey takes approximately 2 hours.
As of 2023, you’ll have to take the train from Bang Sue Grand Station (Krung Thep Aphiwat) or Don Mueang train station. Trains usually depart every 30-60 minutes with the first one leaving at 6.40 a.m. Make sure to inquire about the updated schedule at the train station the day before.
The 3rd class carriages have huge windows and fans while the 2nd class ones are air-conditioned. There’s also a toilet on board but it’s a squat toilet so not too ideal when the train is moving.
The Ayutthaya train station is found about 3 km from Wat Mahathat where most of the temples are found.
Organized Day Tour
You can also take an organized day trip to Ayutthaya from Bangkok. This is by far the most convenient option since you don’t have to worry about logistics.
This highly-rated Ayutthaya tour from Bangkok includes transportation in an air-conditioned van, entrance fees, and a certified tour guide who will provide information about each temple you’ll be visiting.
Going with an organized tour as opposed to taking the train or minivan means that you won’t have to worry about how you’ll get around once you’re in Ayutthaya as transportation is already sorted out.
You have the option between a join-in tour or a private tour.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK AN AYUTTHAYA DAY TOUR FROM BANGKOK
Bus/Minivan
Another option is to take a bus or minivan from Mo Chit bus terminal in Chatuchak. The journey takes roughly 2 hours and costs around 70 baht.
Note that there’s usually a lot of traffic in Bangkok, especially in the afternoon so the return journey might actually take longer.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK A BUS TO AYUTTHAYA
Private Taxi
A one-way transfer by private taxi from Bangkok to Ayutthaya costs about 1,800 baht (US$ 47).
CLICK HERE TO BOOK A PRIVATE TAXI TO AYUTTHAYA
How to get around Ayutthaya?
Since some of the temples in Ayutthaya are not that close to each other, you can hire a tuk tuk driver for about 800 baht for the whole day.
A cheaper alternative is to rent a bicycle for about 50 baht per day. There’s a bike rental shop near the train station in Ayutthaya.
River cruises are also available but you’ll be limited only to the temples found along the river’s edge.
The last option of getting around Ayutthaya is to walk but be prepared with lots of water and a hat as it can be very hot. I explored the temples on foot and was a bit tired at the end of the day but it’s still doable.
I did hire a tuk tuk driver to take me from the train station to Wat Mahathat and also from Wat Chaiwatthanaram back to the train station. A single tuk tuk ride will cost about 80-100 baht depending on your negotiation skills.
Related post: Ultimate Bangkok 4 day itinerary
Ayutthaya Entrance Fee
There is no entrance fee to enter Ayutthaya Historical Park itself but some of the temples require a fee of 50 baht while others like Wat Kasattrathirat are free to visit.
You can buy tickets individually or get a temple pass for 220 baht which gives you access to six main temples, namely Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Wat Phra Ram, Wat Ratchaburana, Wat Chaiwatthanaram, Wat Mahathat, and Wat Maheyong.
The pass can be bought at the entrance of each temple mentioned above.
Temples to see on your Ayutthaya day trip from Bangkok
Wat Mahathat
If you’re doing a DIY day trip to Ayutthaya from Bangkok, I recommend starting your temple tour at Wat Mahathat. To get there, I took a tuk tuk from Ayutthaya train station for 80 baht.
Here you can see the famous Buddha head tangled in between the roots of a tree. If you want to take photos there, make sure to sit lower than the Buddha head as a sign of respect.
I initially couldn’t find the Buddha head since the temple complex is quite big. Essentially, you need to follow the path next to the ticket office and then turn right.
After your visit, I also recommend checking out Wat Nok, Wat Phong, and Wat Langkhadum. All three are located along Bueng Phra Ram Park and are free to visit.
Entrance fee: 50 baht
Wat Phra Si Sanphet
Wat Phra Si Sanphet is the largest and most important temple in Ayutthaya since it used to be part of the Royal Palace complex.
It’s definitely the one with the most tourists so I recommend visiting early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
Its popularity is largely due to its three imposing stupas lined side by side that contain the ashes of previous Ayutthaya kings.
Entrance fee: 50 baht
Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit
Next to Wat Phra Si Sanphet is Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit, a more modern-looking temple that houses a huge Buddha statue. It’s free to enter, so worth a quick stop during your Ayutthaya day trip itinerary.
If you’re already feeling hungry, make your way to the small market found next to the temple. You’ll find many stalls selling souvenirs as well as a restaurant serving Thai dishes for less than 100 baht.
Entrance fee: free
Wat Phra Ram
About a 5-minute walk away is Wat Phra Ram. This temple was built in 1369 by King Ramesuan at the cremation site of his father.
The temple complex isn’t very big and can be explored in just under 30 minutes.
Entrance fee: 50 baht
Thanon Si Sanphet
Thanon Si Sanphet is located not too far from the above and can be accessed through a small wooden bridge. Just be careful while crossing the bridge as it’s a bit wobbly.
Entrance fee: free
Wat Lokaya Sutharam
This is another free temple to visit on your day trip to Ayutthaya from Bangkok. At Wat Kokaya Sutharam you can see the 42-meter-long reclining Buddha. In front is a smaller replica of the Buddha completely covered in gold leaves.
Entrance fee: free
Wat Kasattrathirat
Wat Kasattrathirat is located along the edge of Chao Phraya river. This beautiful temple is completely free to visit but you can leave a small donation if you wish.
I love the mix between the old and new – you can find a restored prang all painted in white behind the main temple.
Entrance fee: free
Wat Chaiwatthanaram
The last temple to see on your Ayutthaya day trip itinerary is Wat Chaiwatthanaram. The architecture was inspired by Angkor Wat in Cambodia with the main prang surrounded by smaller prangs on each corner.
Here, you’ll usually find people dressed up in traditional clothing doing photoshoots. In fact, there are even several stores that rent out these traditional clothes right across the temple.
Entrance fee: 50 baht
Related post: North Thailand itinerary
Is Ayutthaya worth visiting?
If you love history and architecture, then it’s definitely worth visiting Ayutthaya. It’s also less touristy than Bangkok, providing a nice break from the constant noise and traffic.
I love exploring old ruins but after a while, I got a bit of a temple overdose as most of them look quite similar.
So, if you’re like me, I would suggest visiting only 3 or 4 temples on your Ayutthaya day trip instead of trying to see them all.
How much does it cost to visit Ayutthaya?
Since I took the 3rd class train and visited the temples without a guide, the total cost of my day trip to Ayutthaya from Bangkok was only 505 baht (US$ 13). Below you’ll find the total cost breakdown:
Round-trip train ticket from Bangkok to Ayutthaya: 40 baht
4 Temple entrance fees: 200 baht
2 Tuk Tuk rides: 180 baht
Food and drinks: 85 baht
If you’re taking an organized tour from Bangkok, expect to pay about 1,700 baht (US$ 44) per person for a group tour or about 8,500 baht (US$ 220) for a private tour (including transportation, entrance fees, and a tour guide).
I hope you found this guide helpful. If you have any questions about planning your Bangkok to Ayutthaya day trip, please let me know in the comments below.
Read more about Thailand:
- 11+ stunning islands to visit Krabi Thailand
- 15 most beautiful beaches in Krabi
- Hong Island Krabi: Ultimate guide
- Phra Nang Beach: Ultimate guide
- How to get to Pai Plong Beach in Ao Nang
- Tab Kak Hang Nak Nature Walk Krabi
- How to get to Railay Beach?
- The best things to do in Koh Lipe Thailand
- The ultimate best things to do on Koh Lanta
- Top beaches in Koh Lanta Thailand