Ayutthaya: a day trip from Bangkok, Thailand
Ayutthaya was, without a doubt, one of my favourite day trips from Bangkok. So much so, that this year I am planning to visit again (I’ll update the post with more info and pictures!).
Ayutthaya is a former capital of Thailand and its historical center has now become a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Historical Park is full of ruins of temples and monasteries dating all the way back to the 14th century.
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Brief history of Ayutthaya
Ayutthaya is the second capital of the Kingdom of Siam (former Thailand) after Sukhothai (also worth a visit!). The Ayutthaya Kingdom was founded in 1350 by King U Thong and its ideal location in an island in the confluence of three rivers connected the city to the sea while protecting it from invaders and floods. This ideal location led to an unprecedented growth, becoming a center for trade and diplomacy, that turned it into the largest city in the world by 1700 with over 1 milion inhabitants. European merchants often described it as the finest city they ahd ever seen.
The splendor of the Ayutthaya Kingdom came to an end when the Burmese Kingdom (current Myanmar) inveded it in 1767 and burned everything almost to the ground. In 1991, the ruins (mostly temples and palaces, since they where the only buildings made of stone at the time) were recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
How to get to Ayutthaya
Its prime location close to Thailand’s current capital Bangkok makes of Ayutthaya a fantastic place for a day trip. There are several ways to reach Ayutthaya from Bangkok, such as a scenic river cruise (55$), van (40$), or bus (departing from the Northern Bus Terminal, which is quite far away from the center).
However, the best way – in my opinion – to get there is by train. Trains to Ayutthaya start at 0.50$ for a 3rd class ticket! (not much more for 1st class actually) and it is a fast and reliable way to get there (and quite scenic). Trains leave from the Hua Lamphong station quite frequently, but I suggest getting there early in the morning to arrive when temperature are still bearable.
We chose to get the 1st class tickets on the way there (since we weren’t sure what to expect from the 3rd class) and it was actually good, they gave us complimentary food and the seats were comfortable (although maybe not designed for someone as tall as me – I am 194 cm -).
On the way back we got the 3rd class ticket and, even though it was more crowded, we found it more charming and it was still ok (and much cheaper!).
Moving around in Ayutthaya
The Historical Park in Ayutthaya is quite large, so it is not advisable to explore it on foot (unless you are staying for a few days). A very popular option is to rent a bike, with prices starting at about 50 baht (2$) a day (leaving an ID as a deposit). You can find bike rental companies around the train station.
Travel tip: if you’re gonna be pedalling, make sure you bring plenty of water and sunscreen. Start early in the morning and have a break during the hottest hours of the day (perfect time for lunch!).
A very popular option is to hire a tuk-tuk on an hourly basis or for the day. We took this option because we didn’t really have time to research which temples we wanted to see and we didn’t have data (so no Google Maps). There are plenty of tuk-tuk drivers in front of the train station and some agencies as well. The typical fee is 300 baht/hour. We decided to try some luck a bit further away from the station and after some negotiation we got a deal with a tuk-tuk driver for 800 baht for the day. We were very happy with our decision because it removed all of the hassle from the day and helped us decided which temples we were going to visit.
You can also rent a motorbike starting at around 10$ for the whole day. Make sure you are familiar with the way of driving in Asia (which can be quite scary).
Travel tip: elephant rides still exist in Ayutthaya. Please, do not participate in this kind of activities that perpetuate animal suffering.
A guide to the Ayutthaya Historical Park
The Historical Park is quite big and it is filled with temples, but it is not realistic to aim at all of them in one day. I would suggest keeping it to something in between 5 and 8, depending on how long you have and how fast you are in each of them. Also, I think it’s a good idea to mix some of the most popular temples with some smaller, off-the-beaten-track ones. Here’s what we did (in no particular order) so you have an orientation. There are many more that are beautiful as well, but I cannot talk for those, but I was very happy with my itinerary and it is totally doable in a day trip.
Travel tip: you can buy the entrance to the following temples separately or buy the temple pass, which will grant you access to the major temples (1,2,3,4,6 in the list below plus Wat Maheyong in n.7). this ticket is worth it only if you visit at least 5 of these temples since it costs 220 baht.
1. Wat Chaiwattharanam
Wat Chaiwattharanam was the temple that I found most spectacular in the area. It is located on the bank of the Chao Phraya river and was built in 1630 by King Prasat Thong to be a symbol on the victory over the Khmer Empire 200 before and as a memorial for his mother’s residence.
Opening hours: 8-17. Price: 50 baht.
2. Wat Ratchaburana
Wat Ratchaburana is one of the most visited temples in Ayutthaya. It was founded in 1424 by King Borommarachathirat II on the cremation site of his two brothers. The main prang (the spire) is one of the finest in the city.
Opening hours: 8-17. Price: 50 baht.
3. Wat Phra Mahathat
Wat Mahathat is probably the most known Ayutthaya temple internationally. Built in 1374 by King Borommaracha I, its name means “Temple of the Great Relic” because it enshrined some relics from the Buddha. After its destruction by the Burmese in the 18th century, it became abandoned and after the restaurations began in the 1950s, a Buddha head was found in the roots of a tree, which grew around but not over its face. This is the most popular place in Ayutthaya.
Although the rooted Buddha head is a really interesting sight, the whole temple is big and full of other corners. Make sure you take time to explore it in full.
Opening hours: 8-17. Price: 50 baht
4. Wat Phra Si Sanphet
Wat Phra Si Sanphet was the most revered temple in the city until its destruction by the Burmese in 1767. It was the biggest and most beautiful temple in the capital. The temple stands on the site of a former palace built by King U Thong in 1351, which was later converted to a holy site.
The most iconic site of the palace are its three chedis (Thai stupas), containing the ashes of King Ramathibodi II, his father and his brother rest (one in each chedi).
Fun fact: Wat Phra Si Sanphet served as a model for the Temple of the Emerald Buddha at the Grand Palace in Bangkok.
Opening hours: 8-17. Price: 50 baht.
5. Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon
Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon is one of the oldest temples in the complex, dating back to 1357 and built by King U Thong himself (well, probably not himself, but you know what I mean). It is famous for its many Buddha statues surrounding the main stupa and for the views of the city that you get from atop.
Opening hours: 8-17. Price: 20 baht.
6. Wat Phra Ram
Wat Phra Ram is smaller than the previous temples. It was built in 1369 on the site of the first Ayutthaya’s king cremation. The temple is located in a recreational park next to a swamp. It has the characteristic phrang of the Khmer temples. Some of the original stucco work still remains.
Opening hours: 8.30-17. Price: 50 baht.
7. Smaller temples
Besides the main temples, it is also nice to explore smaller temples, usually with no entry fee and usually completely empty. For me this was the nicest experience. You can visit small temples like Wat Choeng Tha, Wat Kuti Dao or Wat Maheyong.
Personally, I visited Wat Choeng Tha, a tiny temple outside of the Ayutthaya island where the Historical Park is. My friend and I were literally alone for the whole time we visited and I found it to be the most charming temple and overall experience in the whole day. I really recommend it (plus it is for free, so nothing to lose).
Other things to do in Ayutthaya
If you are only visiting for the day, probably the temples will fill up most part of it, but if you finish early or you decide to stay for the night, there are some other activities that you can include to you visit to Ayutthaya.
Probably the most visited site other than the Historical Park is the Ayutthaya Floating Market. This market is much smaller and more local than the ones you can find in Bangkok. Another difference is that it’s focus is less on the selling of produce, it behaves more like a fair, where some acts and animals are shown for the locals to enjoy. Since you’re there, taste the boat noodles, an Ayutthaya specialty noodle soup with pork meat (and blood for seasoning, I won’t be guilty of not warning you).
Photo credit: Paul Arps with CC BY 2.0
Another popular attraction is the Royal Palace of Bang Pa-In. This palace, located on the bank of the Chao Phraya, was built as a summer palace for King Prasat Thong, but the current Royal Family uses it scarcely, so it’s open to the public.
Opening hours: 8-16. Price: 100 baht.
You can also visit the Wat Panan Choeng, an active buddhist temple outside of the Ayyutthaya isand. This temple predates the city itself, and it contains a 19m tall gilded Buddha statue. If you are tired of temples, you can visit the Foreign Quarters, a part of the city built for the European settlers, responsible for the few catholic churches around (especially St. Joseph’s church). Other markets besides the floating market, such as the Huo Ro Covered Market or the Na Wangchankasem Night Market
If you’re ready to go back to Bangkok, you can take a river cruise through the Chao Phraya to sit, relax and enjoy the views.
If you decide to stay in Ayutthaya
- Budget: there are many affordable hostels around the Historical Park, such as Muster House or Chommuang Guest House, both with great reviews. A night in a double room starts at 16€. If you really want to save money, a bed in a shared rooms in Zleepinezz Hostel, Nakara Hostel Ayutthaya and Allsum Hostel start at 8€ (4-bedder) and 6 (6-bedder). These are all greatly reviewed and centrally located.
- Flashpacker: if you want something a bit more upscale but still staying on a budget, check P.U. Inn Resort, Niwas Ayutthaya, Tony’s Place B & B or Luang Chumni Village
- Mid-range: if you are a hotel kind of person, don’t think twice and head to Baan Thai House, which is Thai-styled with beautiful clean rooms. A night in a double room is around 70€. Busaba Ayutthaya is like a beautifully designed deluxe hostel in which you can get a double room (private) for 62€ or a bunkbed in a shared room for 15€.
- Luxury: if you need some luxury, Ayutthaya may not be the best town for you. However, iuDia Hotel will suit all your needs. If you’re traveling with family, there is nothing better than Phuttal Residence, a beautiful guesthouse in front of the river with free bikes and parking, garden, bbq area, children’s park… the owners really try that everything in your stay is perfect. It is not traditional luxury (it is still great), but it is luxury in experience. If you want traditional luxury, then you should book at Krungsri River Hotel, for a western touch, or Ayutthaya retreat for an asian touch.
Closing statement
Ayutthaya is a beautiful historical town that has been the center of Thai histori for literally hundreds of years. Not only so, but it has also been the biggest city on Earth for a period of time, and the most important trading center in the world. Right now it is reduced to ruins, but they are still breathtaking, exotic and still have a glare of the grandieur that they once had. If you find organising this trip too much of a hassle, you can also book an organized tour.
If you are more than a couple of days in Bangkok, make sure to add this stop in your itinerary. Also, have a look at this post about Bangkok:
→ Bangkok: top 10 things to do
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