Buzz
1. Traveling from Bangkok to Ayutthaya
Ayutthaya is approximately 85 km north of Bangkok, depending on your budget, you can choose to travel here by taxi, train, bus, or private car.
Ayutthaya, the ancient capital, is one of Thailand's tourist destinations abundant in beauty, cultural, historical, culinary, and traditional values.
Taxi
If you prefer not to spend much time traveling and seek absolute convenience, a taxi is the best mode of transportation, costing around 1,000 baht (~730,000 VND). You can also negotiate with the driver for a round-trip service, taking you around and back to Bangkok for approximately 2,500 - 3,000 baht (~1,800,000 VND - 2,200,000 VND).
Train
The train departs from Hualamphong station in the city center. It takes about 2 - 2.5 hours to travel, with ticket prices ranging from 25 - 300 baht (18,000 VND - 220,000 VND) depending on the seat class. Although it's the slowest mode of transportation, if you enjoy sightseeing and experiencing Thai trains, this is an excellent choice.
The Ayutthaya train station, located east of Ayutthaya, requires a ferry ride to reach the central area.
When taking the train to Ayutthaya, you'll need to take a ferry to reach the central area, with a ferry ticket price of about 4 baht/ride (~3,000 VND).
Bus
You can also catch a bus from Mo Chit station to Ayutthaya. The distance is approximately 30 minutes, with a travel time of 90 minutes. The bus fare ranges from 50-100 baht/ticket (36,000 VND - 73,000 VND).
Private Car Rental
Based on my Ayutthaya travel experience, if you're traveling in a group, have a specific itinerary of places to visit, and prefer privacy and convenience, consider using full-day private car rental services. Typically, these services include a driver, fuel costs, toll fees... with rental times ranging from 8 - 10 hours (may be longer with surcharge).
Experience Ayutthaya in a Day with a Guided Tour
Since it's a day trip to Ayutthaya, joining a tour is a popular choice for many. With a tour, you'll have all your transportation, meals, and an English-speaking tour guide taken care of, providing insights about the places you visit. Tours in Thailand, especially to Ayutthaya, offer diverse options, including boat tours departing from Bangkok. Here are some Ayutthaya day trip itineraries you can consider:
Embark on a boat ride along the river and admire Ayutthaya's famous landmarks lining both sides. @march7268
Another option is a more personalized private tour or a self-designed tour. This Ayutthaya travel experience may also include round-trip transportation, a guide, meals... but you can choose your destinations and arrange them into a perfect itinerary. It offers more flexibility, allowing you to visit all the desired attractions.
3. Sightseeing Spots in Ayutthaya
Wat Phra Si Sanphet
This is the largest temple complex in Ayutthaya built in the 14th century, a must-visit spot. The attraction lies in the trio of towering chedis (pagodas) in a row – a characteristic symbol you'll encounter throughout Ayutthaya. These pagodas are truly imposing, and notably photogenic!
Wat Phra Si Sanphet is a favorite photography spot beloved by shutterbugs. @michael_ryvkin
Wat Phra Si Sanphet also housed a giant Buddha statue made of 0.3 tons of solid gold before being destroyed due to wars and invasions.
Wat Yai Chai Mongkol
Despite its relatively young age of just over 100 years, Wat Yai Chai Mongkol boasts a striking presence. The steep stairs leading to the peak of the pagoda, nearly 90 degrees incline, present a challenging ascent. While not as ancient as other temples, many parts of its architecture reveal weathered bricks, adding to its allure.
The moss-covered weathered appearance is precisely what draws many visitors to Wat Yai Chai Mongkol for exploration and admiration. @gledsonraymundo
Historical site of Wat Phra Mahathat
Wat Phra Mahathat is renowned for the iconic image of Buddha's head entwined within the roots of a Bodhi tree, a striking sight that attracts many visitors. However, based on my Ayutthaya travel experience, the other remaining ruins here are also worth exploring, offering picturesque photo opportunities you won't want to miss.
The image of Buddha's head nestled within the Bodhi tree roots. @flynn.voyage
Wat Chaiwatthanaram
Constructed in the traditional Khmer style, similar to the Angkor Wat temple in Siem Reap, Cambodia, Wat Chaiwatthanaram is one of the most photogenic temples in Ayutthaya. Based on previous Ayutthaya travel experiences, it features a central prang surrounded by smaller chedis. Visitors can often ascend to the top to enjoy panoramic views of the city, especially at sunset.
Wat Chaiwatthanaram in the glow of sunset. @nueng_nawinee
Wat Ratchaburana
The historical site of Wat Ratchaburana. @carolinehasgoneto
The colossal Buddha statue at Wat Lokayasutharam
Wat Lokayasutharam is a renowned pilgrimage site for Thai Buddhists and a must-visit destination for travelers. The colossal Buddha statue, symbolizing the Enlightenment of Buddha, is a familiar icon of Buddhism.
The colossal Buddha statue at Wat Lokayasutharam. @viaggiandolathailandia
What will you find in Ayutthaya's culinary paradise?
Giant river prawns
Location: Riverside restaurants in Ayutthaya
The enticing combination of shrimp paste and local signature dipping sauce will elevate the allure of Ayutthaya's specialty river prawns. @dpandee
This will be the highlight dish for your day trip to Ayutthaya. When visiting the ancient capital, don't miss out on these giant-sized river prawns. The generous portion of succulent shrimp heads combined with the savory dipping sauce is the culinary paradise we're talking about! Due to its size and mesmerizing flavor, this dish may come with a hefty price tag, but it's definitely worth every penny you spend.
Boat Noodles
Location: Krung Kao Boat Noodles
Nowadays, you can enjoy boat noodles on the river or at stationary eateries along the streets. @vana_travelogue
You can't leave Ayutthaya without trying the signature boat noodles, a delicacy in this Thai ancient capital. The origin of this dish is simple: noodles served and cooked on boats traveling through canals and rivers; later on, due to demand, it's also sold at street-side eateries. Boat noodles are typically served in small bowls, and you can choose your preferred ingredients to add to your bowl, creating your unique flavor. It's this uniqueness that makes boat noodles quite fascinating, attracting many tourists when visiting Ayutthaya.
Roti Sai Mai
Location: U Thong Road
Roti Sai Mai features a colorful sweet filling wrapped in a thin pancake. @nari_kaeru
If you have a sweet tooth, you'll probably love Roti Sai Mai. It's a quintessential sweet treat not only in Ayutthaya but also in Thai tourism. There are many types of Roti, but the most iconic one is made with multicolored cotton candy wrapped in a savory crepe. Moreover, you may even have the chance to try making one yourself at the stall here.
Tom Kha Kai (Tom Kha Gai)
Location: Malakor Thai Restaurant
Your day trip to Ayutthaya will be complete with Tom Kha Kai. Tom Kha Kai is a beloved Thai dish—a hot and sour chicken soup cooked with coconut milk. The ingredients are simple but have the power to keep you hooked.
Tom Yum
Location: Wat Yai Restaurant
One of the most famous dishes in Thai cuisine, if you have time, you should try Ayutthaya's Tom Yum. A quality bowl of Tom Yum will contain noodles cooked with crab meat, shrimp, scallops, minced meat and boiled eggs, broth…
Pad Thai
Location: Local eateries
Also a famous Thai dish, although simple with stir-fried noodles with eggs, tofu, shrimp, etc., it delivers a mouth-watering flavor. Served with some vegetables and a hint of sourness from lime, don't miss out on enjoying Pad Thai in the ancient capital of the land of elephants!
5. Activities you should try with a day trip itinerary to Ayutthaya
Boat Tour around Ayutthaya Island
You can easily find long-tail boats at the pier located northeast of the island, near Hua Ro market. It's best to go on a boat tour in the evening when the temples are illuminated, creating a splendid and magnificent scene.
Boat tour on the river enjoying Ayutthaya sunset. @wander.russ
Elephant Riding at Ayutthaya Elephant Camp
Based on my Ayutthaya travel experience, including elephant riding in your day itinerary can be very exciting. At Ayutthaya Elephant Camp, you'll experience this typical activity of Thai tourism. An elephant will take you around several ancient ruins, interact, and learn about how elephants are trained and cared for.
Elephant Riding at Ayutthaya Elephant Camp. @_kazu420
Visit Floating Market
Despite being a tourist market, the floating market still retains the local and unique features of Thailand. Here, you can see many people wearing traditional Thai costumes, buying and exchanging local goods. The highlight of this market is clothing, souvenir shops, local stalls, and food. You can also try various dishes on boats or on the dock.
Ayutthaya floating market offers a wide variety of goods, and you can also find unique souvenirs here. @zmichcaptures
