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If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the noise and crowds of Bangkok, consider taking a quick day trip to the quaint town of Ayutthaya. This temple city is just 80 kilometers from Bangkok and is a must-visit stop on any Thailand itinerary. Wondering how to get to this UNESCO World Heritage site? Mai pen rai, krap (means no big deal in Thai). There are several transportation options available to suit all types of travelers. You can choose between comfortable minivans, taking the train, a private car or a guided tour. Keep reading to get more info about all transportation options, including duration, ticket costs, where to book tickets, and some must-know tips. Here we go
Wat Arun, Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok, the Thai capital, is a popular tourist destination in the world. The city has a big airport, which makes it a great place to start your adventure in Thailand and Southeast Asia. Bangkok is different from other cities you might travel to in Asia. It doesn’t have temples like Siem Reap, the modern vibe of Hong Kong, and the Old Town like Hanoi.
But what makes Bangkok worth visiting is the unexpected things you find here. You can see ancient palaces, temples, and old mansions in the central area of Talat Noi, go shopping in big malls, visit street food vendors on Yarowat Road, or browse local markets. Even at night, the city is always lively. That’s why people call it the “city that never sleeps”, just like New York.
If you want a quick change of pace and scenery, I suggest a day trip to Ayutthaya. Although quite touristy, it is a perfect spot to escape the chaos of Bangkok.
A Buddhist monk at Ayutthaya, Thailand
Ayutthaya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is utterly unmissable if you are traveling across Southeast Asia. This ancient city is located north of Bangkok in Thailand’s Central Plains.
Did you know that Bangkok hasn’t always been the Thai capital? Let me tell you about the interesting and dark history of Ayutthaya! This ancient city was built in 1350 by King U-Thong and served as the capital of the Kingdom of Siam for more than 500 years. Once, it was a commercial hub, trading various items like ivory, silk, leather, wood, and sugar.
However, in 1767, the Burmese destroyed Ayutthaya during a fight for land and power. After losing the battle, the royals moved to Bangkok, and Ayutthaya remained in ruins. They never rebuilt the city. Personally, I think that the old ruins are way more interesting and attractive than building a new city. They give us a glimpse of the city’s past and the brilliance of its architecture.
Today, Ayutthaya is a popular tourist attraction with old temples, Buddhist monasteries, statues, and tall towers called Prang. If you’re a conscious traveler like me who prefers a more authentic and local vibe, Ayutthaya will be a perfect stop on your Thailand adventure. You can stop here on your way north to Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, or Sukhothai.
→ Also read: Chiang Mai Flower Festival: Is It Worth to Visit?
Ayuthaya is located about 80 kilometers (50 miles) north of Bangkok, and it is easily accessible. The travel time between these two cities is 1.5 to 2 hours, but it can vary depending on traffic hours and the mode of transportation you choose.
There are four ways to get from Bangkok to Ayutthaya: a train (1.5-2 hours), a minivan (2 hours), a taxi (1.5 hours) and a guided tour. If you’re short on time and don’t have time to organize your trip, you can join day trips from Bangkok to Ayutthaya.
Ayutthaya is surrounded by three rivers: the Lopburi, Chao Phraya, and Pa Sak River. The historical ruins of Ayutthaya are located on an island formed by the rivers that join each other. Most of the ruins are on the island’s western side, while restaurants, bars, and hotels are on the island’s northeast side.
If you’re traveling to Ayutthaya by train, you need to walk to the bridge or take a small ferry boat to get to the island. But if you’re traveling by bus or minivan, you’ll reach the island directly. Keep scrolling to learn more about these options!
Estimated Duration: 1-2 hours
Estimated Cost: $2-$22
The most popular and affordable way to get from Bangkok to Ayutthaya is by train, and I’d highly recommend it. A train usually takes 1-2 hours to reach Ayutthaya, but sometimes it gets delayed, and you may take a little longer.
Trains to Ayutthaya leave from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal or Don Mueang Station in Bangkok. These stations are easily accessible from the city center by Taxi or MRT (Metropolitan Transit System). Make sure to double-check carefully which station your train departs from.
Thai Railways runs multiple trains daily, including both daytime and nighttime trains. The first train leaves at 7:10 am, and the last train leaves at 11:23 pm. The ticket prices range from $2 to $22 (70 to 800 Baht), depending on the type of train and seat/class you book. You can also select which train station you want to depart from.
To buy your train tickets, I’ll suggest booking online through 12Go. It is the most feasible option to avoid any last-minute rush. If you’re near the station, you can buy them from the ticket counter.
When you arrive in Ayutthaya by train, you can easily reach the Ayutthaya Historical Park. As I discussed above, the heritage site is located outside the station and is separated by a river. To cross the river, you can walk across the bridge, take a ferry boat, or take a bicycle or tuk-tuk.
Please note that the ferry service stops at 6 pm. You can use the bridge if you miss the last boat.
There are various types of trains that have different types of classes to ply the route to Ayutthaya. You can see on 12Go that prices range from very cheap to around $ 22.
This is because some of these trains are sleeper trains that go all the way from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. They have sleeper berths (that are converted to seats during the day) and are a lot more expensive than regular seats.
I think you don’t need an expensive seat for such a short train ride from Bangkok to Ayutthaya. You’re good to go with a 3rd class or 2nd class seat without AC. If you don’t like the heat, the only way to get air conditioning is by booking a more expensive sleeper berth seat. But I personally find the air conditioning too cold and not comfortable.
Click the below button to check train schedules and book tickets online through 12Go.
Estimated Duration: 1.5-2 hours
Estimated Cost: $4-$9 (150 Baht – 330 Baht)
Another eco-friendly and economical way to get from Bangkok to Ayutthaya is by van. A minivan takes about 1.5-2 hours to get there. However, remember that Bangkok’s notorious traffic can sometimes cause delays, so allow extra time.
More than 25 vans travel between Bangkok and Ayutthaya daily from 6 am to 6 pm. These minivans can accommodate 10 to 14 passengers, and most have air conditioning and WiFi. They leave from different terminals in Bangkok, like Khao San Mama Travel (in the Khaosan area) or Mo Chit New Van Station (near Chatuchak). So you can easily choose the one closest to your hotel in Bangkok.
The minivans make several stops along the way. They drop off passengers at different stations in Ayutthaya, such as Ayutthaya Win, Wat Mahathat, and Chao Phrom Market. Make sure to get off at the last stop, Naresuan Alley. From there, you can easily walk to Wat Mahathat, the main temple in Ayutthaya Historical Park.
A van ticket from Bangkok to Ayutthaya costs around $4 to $9 (150 – 330 Baht). You can book your ticket online through 12Go, but if you decide to take a van from the bus terminal, confirm the price and pay in cash to avoid any scams.
Here are some popular and reputable van companies you can choose to get from Bangkok to Ayutthaya.
Win 91 Ayutthaya is a popular van service that takes passengers from Bangkok to Ayutthaya and back. It runs 11 daily trips from 6 am to 6 pm. All the vans leave from Mo Chit, Bangkok’s main bus station. A one-way ticket costs around $4 (150 Baht).
Win Tha Ruea is a reputable van service that goes from Bangkok to Ayutthaya. It offers multiple trips at various times throughout the day. These vans can accommodate up to 15 passengers, and their tickets cost around $4. They also offer the flexibility to drop passengers off at convenient points along the route.
Mama Travel & Tour is a popular company that operates minivan services from Bangkok to Ayutthaya. They offer three daily trips, and their van tickets cost around $9 (330 Baht).
If you’re planning to spend only one day in Ayutthaya, you can catch the van back to Bangkok at the same stop where you got off. To get more info and book your ticket, tap the button below!
Estimated Duration: 1-1.5 hours
Estimated Cost: $40-$70 (1500 – 3000 Baht)
The most comfortable and fastest way to get from Bangkok to Ayutthaya is by taxi. If you’re willing to spend more and want privacy, hiring a private taxi is a good option. The journey takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the traffic hours and where you start in the city.
Taxi prices start from $40 (1500 Baht) for a one-way trip. Prices can vary according to the vehicle size. You can choose different types of vehicles, like SUVs for 4 people, vans that can carry 11 people and more. If you’re not staying overnight in Ayutthaya, my advice is to agree on a round-trip transfer that includes transportation within Ayutthaya and back to Bangkok.
Taxis are available everywhere in Bangkok, but the best option is to book your private taxi online through 12Go. Another perk of having a private taxi is that you can choose your pick-up location in Bangkok and drop-off location in Ayutthaya, so you don’t have to go through the hassle of heading to a specific point.
Here are some popular taxi services available from Bangkok to Ayutthaya and vice versa.
Firstplan Transport Services is the best taxi service from Bangkok to Ayutthaya. You can book your taxi ride online through 12Go. They run different types of vehicles as taxis, including Economy 3 Pax ($43), SUV 4 Pax ($49), and Van 10 Pax ($76).
GB Limousine is a popular taxi service from Bangkok to Ayutthaya with the best track record. Whether you’re traveling alone or with friends or family, they run different types of vehicles, such as taxis and vans. You can choose from Economy 3 Pax ($40), EV Class 3 Pax ($40), VIP Van 9 Pax ($90), and Business 3 Pax ($180).
Bangkok Taxi24 is another reputable taxi service that can take you from Bangkok to Ayutthaya. They offer luxury vehicles as taxis for the comfort of travelers, like SUV 4 pax ($54), Economy 3 Pax ($49), Comfort 3 Pax ($51), and VIP Van 9 Pax ($58).
These taxi services can be booked online through 12Go. Before booking your ride, make sure to check each company’s reviews!
If you’re short on time, don’t know how to organize your itinerary, or feel overwhelmed by the number of temples in Ayutthaya, you can book a guided tour from Bangkok to Ayutthaya. You can visit the city’s attractions within a limited time frame—no need to deal with public transport and expensive taxis.
Many companies offer affordable day trips from Bangkok to Ayutthaya and you can find most of them on Viator. If you want a personalized experience, you can choose a private tour, but if you’re looking for an affordable option, you can book a group tour.
These day trips usually include pick-up and drop-off service, transportation, English-speaking tour guides, lunch, and much more.
Here are some popular day trips from Bangkok to Ayutthaya in 2024!
Join this full-day tour of Ayutthaya Historical Park. This small-group tour is perfect for travelers who want a more personalized experience with fewer crowds. Only nine travelers are allowed. Your tour will include round-trip transport from selected areas of Bangkok and entrance fees to the main attractions of Ayutthaya.
For adventurous and eco-conscious travelers, this full-day cycling tour is the best way to get from Bangkok to Ayutthaya. During this 9-hour tour, you’ll pedal 80 kilometers through local communities and visit Ayutthaya historical sites. In Ayutthaya, you’ll see the ancient palaces and temples and enjoy a riverside lunch before returning to Bangkok in an air-conditioned van.
Join this 7-hour boat tour from Bangkok to see the Thai history and culture in Ayutthaya and enjoy the glittering sunset. The tour starts at 1:30 pm with hotel pick-up in Bangkok. During this tour, you’ll visit the famous Ayutthaya temples. Afterward, enjoy a boat ride around this ancient city to see more ruins and temples and enjoy the sunset view. The tour ends with a return to Bangkok at 6:30 pm.
After seeing the historical wonders of Ayutthaya, you can easily return to Bangkok using the same transportation options I discussed above. Whether you choose a train, van, or private taxi, you’ll return to Bangkok with the beautiful experiences and memories of Ayutthaya.
Once you arrive in Ayutthaya, there are many options to get around. Most of the sites are located close to each other, so you can visit them on foot and enjoy the leafy paths of Ayutthaya Historical Park.
You can also rent a bicycle or motorbike. If you’re short on time and want to see most places quickly, you can take a tuk-tuk. You can hire them for a specific location or a whole day. It costs around $10-$15 for a day.
Ayutthaya is home to more than 40 temples. It is not possible to visit all of them in one day. If you’re going on a day trip to Ayutthaya from Bangkok, you can add 4 to 5 temples to your Ayutthaya itinerary. Here are some of the most famous temples to visit.
Wat ChaiWatthanaram is a favorite attraction among many tourists, especially during sunset. Its riverfront location creates a beautiful sunset view. The temple was constructed by King Prasat Thong during his rule. It has pagodas linked by walkways and a 35-meter-tall prang in the center. Its architectural style was influenced by Angkor Wat.
Wat Phra Si Sanphet, also known as the Temple of The Buddha Si Sanphet, is a popular attraction in Ayutthaya. It is located on the grounds of the Royal Palace and has three large chedis at the center. You can walk around the circular paths and take photos of the towers. Because it’s a royal temple, monks don’t live here. There are not many shaded areas, so wear sunscreen, bring a hat, and a water bottle.
Wat Mahathat is a famous attraction in Ayutthaya. The temple has something unexpected: the Buddha’s head statue fell off and was stuck in the roots of a tree. It might have happened when the Burmese army attacked the city in 1767. You can also see its impressive architecture, tall structures (stupas), and intricate carvings and take pictures.
Wat Chai Mongkhon is a beautiful temple on the edge of Ayutthaya. The main temple is in the middle and has an about 8-meter-high chedi. You can wander around the temple grounds, which include Buddha statues, old ruins, and pagodas. There is also a reclining Buddha from the time of King Naresuan. If you’re lucky, you might see monks offering religious rituals and ceremonies.
After roaming through the temples, you can visit Ayutthaya’s floating market. Here, you’ll see vendors selling different types of items and bargaining with buyers. As a conscious traveler, you can buy from them to support the local businesses and community. There are also cultural shows that feature Thai music and dance. For more fun, you can take a boat ride to see the market from the water.
If you want a personalized experience, join this private tour of Ayutthaya’s floating markets and historic sites, including Wat Maha That, Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, and more.
Here are some valuable tips for visiting Ayutthaya.
The best time to visit Ayutthaya is from November to February, when the weather is cooler and drier than in the hot summer months. If you’re visiting during the rainy season, from July to October, make sure to double-check the weather forecast.
A big yes! Ayutthaya is located only 85 kilometers from Bangkok. It takes only 1-2 hours to get there. You can easily go to Ayutthaya for a day trip and return to Bangkok in one day.
There is no strict dress code for Ayutthaya, but you should dress modestly to show some respect for the culture and traditions. This means covering your shoulders and knees. If you need to, you can rent sarongs at the temples. Dresses or shorts are fine as long as they cover your knees.
If you want to see famous attractions, you can do it in a few hours. However, if you want to learn more about the city’s history and culture, I’d suggest you spend a whole day or two there. This way, you can visit more temples, see the old ruins, try local food, and do other fun things.
There you go! If you’re planning a trip from Bangkok to Ayutthaya, I hope this travel guide has made it easier for you. Whether you choose to go by train, van, taxi, or join a tour, there are plenty of transportation options to suit your travel style and budget.
Let me know in the comments below if you have any questions or drop me a message through my contact page.
Also, don’t forget to check out my resources page with my favorite booking platforms and tips to start planning your trip. Additionally, have a look at my favorite travel gear if you want to pack more consciously!
ENJOY!
Disclaimer: This post may include affiliate links. If you click on them, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
Hi! I am Annelies and this is Travelers & Dreamers, a blog about conscious travel which means traveling in a more mindful way, with a positive impact on the world and yourself!
On this website, I cover different topics like slow travel, plant-based food guides, responsible travel, sustainable packing, eco-travel, and more!
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