Why You Should Take A Day Trip to Ayutthaya From Bangkok

If you ever head to Southeast Asia and visit Thailand, make sure you visit its old capital Ayutthaya.

Getting to Ayutthaya from Bangkok, the new capital, is quite simple. So simple in fact, that you can take a day trip to Ayutthaya from Bangkok.

Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon

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Why is Ayutthaya in Thailand So Famous?

The old capital, Ayutthaya, is famous for a few reasons; the first is that it is a UNESCO site.

The Ayutthaya Kingdom lasted from 1351 to 1767. The UNESCO World Heritage Site was the second capital of the Siamese Kingdom, which is known as Thailand today. It is now an archaeological ruin and people from all around the world come to see the historical place.

You can see numerous Buddha statues and of course, the ruins.

The total area of Ayutthaya is 289 ha (714 acres) and if you were to see it all, it would take days.

Wat Phra Si Sanphet

Where is Ayutthaya Historical Park?

Ayutthaya is located in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province. It is north of Bangkok and it has over a dozen ancient temples.

Bangkok to Ayutthaya Distance

The distance between the two cities is 68 km (42 miles).

Ayutthaya Day Trip

Getting to Ayutthaya from Bangkok can be reasonably quick and easy and most definitely worth it. You can get to Ayutthaya by car, bus, train, and taxi. You can also sign up for tours that go to Ayutthaya from Bangkok with a guide that will tell you all about the historical ruins.

Since the distance between the two cities is fairly close, you can get to Ayutthaya from Bangkok in about an hour so you are able to spend the whole day there.

Of course, you can take private tours or group tours. You can check out the times and tickets HERE.

However, if you want to take your time, you can definitely plan a day trip without a guide and travel around the city using a bike, taxi, bus, or some other means of transport.

You will be able to see Thailand’s longest river: Chao Phraya River.

You can book trains, buses, flights, and more on 12Go Asia.

What You Will Need for Your Day Trip

  • Reusable water bottle
  • Sunblock
  • Hat
  • Umbrella
  • Walking shoes
  • Money (you may have to pay to enter the temples)

Travel Tips for Ayutthaya & Thailand

  1. Riding elephants hurts their backs and can cause spinal problems. It can also create wounds from carrying loads because they are not meant to be ridden. Please think about this and do your own research before you plan your trip.
  2. Be sure to check online for the hours of operation and weather before you plan your trip to Ayutthaya from Bangkok.
  3. Stay hydrated! The sun is very strong.

How to Go to Ayutthaya From Bangkok

There are plenty of ways you can go from one city to the next. You can take a taxi, train, rent a car, or take the bus. You can also book a tour.

ayutthaya historical park

Ayutthaya Tour From Bangkok

If you decide to book a day tour then your guide will take you to all of the main temples in the old kingdom. You are also able to book a private tour from Bangkok to Ayutthaya and they will take care of everything for you.

The main temples that you will come across include Wat Phra Si Sanphet, the holiest, Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, a reclining Buddha statue, and a few others. With a guided tour, you will also be able to hear about the incredible history of the ruins.

There are barely any signs that tell you about the history of Ayutthaya so if you get a tour guide, that part will be taken care of too.

Book a tour here.

Bangkok to Ayutthaya by Car

If you are driving from one city to the next, then the road distance is around 80 km (50 miles). You can put your starting and ending destinations and be on your way.

ayutthaya thailand
Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon

Ayutthaya From Bangkok by Train

The train will be the cheapest way to get to the historical park. However, the station in Ayutthaya is not close to the temples. You can catch the train to Ayutthaya at Bangkok’s Hualamphong train station. You can book your ticket online or just buy one at the station. The fastest train going to Ayutthaya is around an hour and a half.

Depending on when you buy your ticket(s), you can choose to get a seat with AC or not. If it’s going to be a hot day (99% of the time it will be) then I’d choose the AC option.

Since the railway station is not close to the park, you can take a tuk-tuk, ferry, bike, or taxi. You might even be able to make a deal with the driver and have them bring you from temple to temple for a set price.

Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon

To Ayutthaya From Bangkok by Van

Vans are a popular means of transportation in Thailand. They are convenient and usually have the AC blasting. With vans, they are usually still cheap but there is no set time on when they leave. Vans will leave once they are full but the plus side is that you will usually be able to wait inside with the AC while you’re waiting for them to fill up.

Since there are no set times for the vans, you could end up waiting 1 minute to an hour. Although you will usually not wait for more than a half-hour.

To get to Ayutthaya by van, you will have to get to Mo Chit Bus Station in Bangkok.

The van will take about one hour and will make several stops between Bangkok and Ayutthaya. You will have to stay until the last stop which is Naresuan Alley. From Naresuan, you can walk to Wat Mahathat in less than five minutes.

Where to Eat & What You Should Try

Pictured: papaya salad, clams, tom yum, prawns. water spinach

There are loads of cafes street food, and restaurants surrounding the park and along the roads.
Near the van stop, there will be Chao Phrom Market where you can stop and grab a snack and beverage if you forgot one.

Wiwa House Cafe is near the park and has coffee, snacks, and AC. You can even play Jenga inside while you’re cooling off and sipping your beverage.

Roit sai mai is a delicious Thai dessert that will fill your mouth with sweetness. It is similar to cotton candy and then it is wrapped in a piece of sweet roti bread. Roti sai mai is a famous snack in this part of Thailand.

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