Ayutthaya Day Trip from Bangkok: Temples, Itinerary & Travel Tips

Posted on April 29, 2025 | Julie J. |

Ayutthaya is one of the best day trips you can take from Bangkok — and it’s totally worth it. Just a couple of hours away, you’ll find yourself wandering among ancient ruins, massive Buddha statues, and riverside temples that feel like they’ve been frozen in time.

My boyfriend and I spent a full day in Ayutthaya (with an overnight) and packed in a lot without feeling rushed. We rented bikes to explore the historical park and ended the day with a peaceful boat ride at sunset, followed by dinner at the night market.

Here’s how we did it:

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Biking Around the Ancient Ruins

The best way to explore Ayutthaya is on two wheels. The town is flat, easy to navigate, and bike rentals are super cheap (we paid around 50–100 THB for the day). Most guesthouses or shops near the train station or bus stops offer rentals, and they usually give you a basic map of the main temple sites.

We started the day by visiting three of the most iconic temples inside the historical park:

Wat Ratcha Burana

This one was our favorite! You can actually climb up the main prang (tower), and the view from the top is really cool. The site is quiet, atmospheric, and filled with crumbling stupas and old carvings.

Wat Mahathat

Famous for the Buddha head entwined in tree roots — it’s a must-see (and yes, it’s just as impressive in person). The grounds are sprawling and great for slow wandering.

Wat Phra Si Sanphet

These iconic, bell-shaped chedis are Ayutthaya’s most photogenic spot. This used to be the royal temple, and you can definitely feel the grandeur here.

Between temples, we just rode around, stopping for iced coffee and snacks at random street stalls. It’s hot, so take your time and bring water or grab drinks along the way.

Wat Phutthaisawan, Ayutthaya — Wat Ratcha Burana

A Sunset Boat Ride Around Ayutthaya

In the late afternoon, we booked a boat tour that circles the island (Ayutthaya is surrounded by rivers) and stops at a few temples along the riverbanks. It was the perfect way to cool down and see a different side of the city.

Here’s where we stopped:

Wat Phanan Choeng Worawihan

Home to a massive golden Buddha and an active monastery. It’s not as ancient as some of the others, but very much alive and spiritual.

Wat Phutthaisawan

A bit quieter and peaceful, with beautiful architecture and less foot traffic.

Wat Chaiwatthanaram

This temple at sunset is stunning. It’s similar in layout to Angkor Wat and looks magical as the sky changes color. Definitely the highlight of the boat ride.

You can book the boat at one of the piers or through your guesthouse. It’s usually a shared longtail boat, but it doesn’t feel too touristy. The ride lasts about 1.5–2 hours and ends just before it gets fully dark.

Wat Phanan Choeng Worawihan, Ayutthaya — Wat Phanan Choeng Worawihan

Dinner at Ayutthaya’s Night Market

We wrapped up the day with dinner at the night market near the river. It’s not massive, but there’s a nice variety of local food, from grilled meats and noodle soups to sweet treats and smoothies. We just walked around, grabbed whatever smelled good, and sat down by the river to eat.

It’s a chill way to end the day and soak in the local vibe before heading back to Bangkok (or staying overnight, which is also a great idea if you’re heading North next).

At the time of writing, the last train back to Bangkok was at 9:38 PM.

Wat Chaiwatthanaram, Ayutthaya — Wat Chaiwatthanaram

Travel Tips for Visiting Ayutthaya

How to Get to Ayutthaya from Bangkok

There are a few easy ways to reach Ayutthaya from Bangkok:

By Train – This is the most popular and scenic option. Trains leave frequently from Hua Lamphong Station and take about 1.5 to 2 hours. It’s cheap (3rd class is less than 20 THB!) and a nice local experience. From the train station in Ayutthaya, you can take a short ferry across the river and rent a bike nearby.

By Minivan – Faster and a bit more direct. You can catch minivans from Mo Chit Bus Terminal. The ride takes about 1.5 hours, depending on traffic.

By Private Tour or Driver – If you prefer comfort or are short on time, you can book a private car or a guided day tour, which often includes transportation, a guide, and a boat ride.

Getting Around Ayutthaya

Rent a Bike – The easiest and cheapest way to explore. Rentals cost around 50–100 THB per day. The historical park area is flat and mostly shaded, making it great for cycling.

Tuk-Tuks – If biking isn’t your thing, you can hire a tuk-tuk for the day. Agree on a price in advance (around 200–300 THB per hour is typical).

Temple Tips

Dress Modestly – Just like in Bangkok, cover your shoulders and knees when visiting temples.

Entrance Fees – Some temples are free, others charge around 20–50 THB each. You can also buy a combo pass at the historical park that covers several major temples.

Best Time to Visit – Start early in the day to beat the heat and avoid crowds. The late afternoon boat ride is also a great way to escape the midday sun.

Quick Tips

Bring sunscreen, a hat, and lots of water — it gets hot.
Wear comfortable shoes (you’ll be walking and biking quite a bit).
Bring cash — small vendors and markets rarely take cards.
If staying overnight, book accommodation near the historical park to avoid extra transport time.

Final Thoughts

Ayutthaya is one of those places that makes you slow down. It’s beautiful, laid-back, and full of history — and biking through centuries-old ruins with barely anyone around felt like stepping into another world.
If you’re planning a visit, I highly recommend going early to beat the heat, renting a bike to explore at your own pace, and ending the day with that dreamy boat ride. It was one of our favorite days in Thailand.

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