Updated: 30 October, 2024
Detailed visit with everything to see in Ayutthaya in 1 day, with prices, how to get there and get around, curiosities and where to stay.
Ayutthaya is one of the most popular visits from Bangkok, which is only 80 km away and is one of the most important archaeological sites in Thailand.
This is a place with a fascinating history. It turns out that Ayutthaya was the capital of the ancient kingdom of Siam from the 14th to the 18th century and an important commercial center in Southeast Asia, where they traded wood, ivory, sugar and silk.
More than 1 million people lived there, something incredible for that time.
During its glorious era, there were more than 400 temples in the area within its walls.
However, in 1767 it met a sad end at the hands of the Burmese who looted and destroyed it. The decapitated Buddha statues are part of the destruction.
The ruins today belong to the Ayutthaya Historical Park which was declared UNESCO World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1991.
If you don't have time to read the entire article, at this link you can reserve the Ayutthaya excursion most popular, which is also the cheapest. 🤑
Alternatively, if you prefer a more independent adventure, I'll outline all the transportation options below. 😉
Can you visit Ayutthaya in 1 day?
Yes, although it has a fairly large area, Ayutthaya can be visited in 1 day.
This historic park is often compared to Angkor Wat in Cambodia, because both have Khmer-style temples.
When making this comparison, Ayutthaya is said to be small, simply because Angkor Wat is immense and impossible to visit in its entirety in 1 day.
Likewise, Ayutthaya is not small, it covers a total area of 289 hectares, to give you an idea, that is as if 578 football fields were put together.
Likewise, the main temples of Ayutthaya are relatively close to each other, so 1 day can be enough.
🎥 Fun fact- Several movie scenes have been filmed in Ayutthaya Historical Park, including Kickboxer with Jean-Claude Van Damme, in this other article you can read more about 7 Movies Filmed in Thailand.
Is Ayutthaya worth it?
Many travelers ask this question, especially those who have already visited Angkor Wat. Yes, Ayutthaya is worth visiting.
Although you will see similarities in the type of archaeological site and constructions, Ayutthaya has unique characteristics, which make it worth a visit of at least one day to appreciate all its beauty.
What to see in Ayutthaya in 1 day: 8 essentials
Ayutthaya has many interesting places, below I leave you a list of those that you cannot miss and below I have marked them on the map:
- Wat Mahathat: it is the most important temple where the famous buddha head among the roots of a tree. According to legend, when looters cut off its head, the tree protected it with its roots. To this day the Buddha's head remains disembodied and embraced by the tree. Admission costs 50 baht.
- Wat Ratcha Burana: It is one of the largest temples, dating back to 1424 and preserving the original structure. Admission costs 50 baht.
- Wat Lokayasutha: where the impressive sculpture of the reclining Buddha, 42 meters long and 8 meters high, is located. Entrance is free.
- Wat Chai Watthanaram: Khmer style reminiscent of Angkor Wat in Cambodia, notable for its 30-meter central pagoda. Admission costs 50 baht.
- Wat Si Sanphet: It was a palace complex of the king built in 1499, where some impressive stupas are preserved. Admission costs 50 baht.
- Viharn Phra Mongkol Bophit: for the striking sculpture of the bronze Buddha.
- Wat Yai Chaya Mongkol: It is located outside the historic center, which is why it is intact. The most beautiful thing about this temple is its enormous stupas and the views from above. Admission costs 50 baht.
- Bang Pa-in Royal Palace: Also known as the Summer Palace, it is where the king and his family stayed, it was little used and is very well preserved. The walk through its gardens is pleasant. Of course, it is the one that is furthest away. Admission costs 100 baht.
👍 Friend's tip: if you want to save, you can buy one combined ticket for all 6 temples The most important ones sell it at the entrance of any of these temples.
Keep in mind that to take a photo next to the Buddha's head you should crouch down so as not to be above it, out of respect. 😉
Ayutthaya Map
* To check the legend for each place, click the button in the top left corner of the map. To view this map on your phone or computer, tap the star on the right side of the title. Then go to Google Maps, select "Your Places" and "Maps" from the menu.
Places to avoid in Ayutthaya
- Floating Market: Although the markets and floating markets are usually quite interesting, the one in Ayutthaya is a market very focused on tourists, from my point of view it is not worth it.
- Elephant rides: Here is one of the few places you will find that offer you the elephant tour, please avoid it. This is a form of animal abuse, because their spines are not prepared to carry people on them, in addition to being punctured behind the ears. There are also places nearby with shows where they mistreat animals to make them paint, dance or do other things.
🐘 In this other article you can read more about Elephant Sanctuary in Thailand: ethical or just a business?, where I talk in depth about elephants in Thailand.
How to get from Bangkok to Ayuttaya?
Getting to Ayutthaya from Bangkok is quite easy and cheap, whether you want to do it on your own or go on a 1-day excursion.
1. Driving
The best way to visit Ayutthaya on your own is to drive, it is less than 80 km from Bangkok and the road is good.
In addition, it will help you continue your trip north towards Chiang Mai.
To rent a car in Thailand, I recommend this search engine, there I have managed to rent cars for less than 20 euros per day.
2. Train
On the other hand, if you prefer to go by public transport from Bangkok, the cheapest and easiest way is by train. You have trains starting at 2 euros in third class with a fan.
But be careful, the fans don't always work and the seats are very hard, if you can afford it, go at least in second gear with air conditioning.
Departures are from Bang Sue and Don Mueang, although this second station is far from the center. The total route is between 45 minutes and 1:15 hours depending on where you depart from.
In this website You can look at schedules, prices and book tickets without having to go to the station.
🚂 This is the same train route to Chiang Mai, you can read more in this other article about Travel by night train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai (and vice versa) where I also talk in detail about other trains and ways to make this journey.
3.Bus
There are several companies that do this route, they are usually minibuses, they cost from about 3 euros and take about 2 hours.
There are departures from the new Mochit station and from Khao San Street.
In this same web page which I recommended to see the trains, you can also check the bus schedules and prices and book; as well as other means of transportation in Thailand.
4. Boat
This is a popular alternative for the return route from Ayutthaya to Bangkok.
It didn't seem very interesting to me and I didn't get around to doing it, which is why I don't know the price. The best thing is that you hire it right there, they will surely offer it to you. 😉
5. Excursion to Ayutthaya
The most practical alternative is to take an excursion so as not to miss a single detail of its incredible history.
If you go on your own, you can hire a guide right there, but the cheapest prices I have seen are around 2,500 bahts (68 euros).
A Ayutthaya tour from Bangkok Since this costs you cheaper, you have transportation, lunch and you can choose to have it with a guide in Spanish.
This is the cheapest excursion I have found, it is for small groups, below you can see availability and book, because it is very popular and places sell out quickly.
👉 Another alternative is this excursion with a guide in Spanish full day, which includes a visit to the Railway Market and the Bangkok Floating Market.
With this excursion you save a lot of time, because if you do it on your own you will need at least 2 days.
⭐ In this article you can read more about visiting the Bangkok Railway Market and Floating Market.
How to get around Ayutthaya?
To get around the ruins of Ayutthaya, the ideal is to rent a bike, motorcycle or hire a tuk tuk, because the distance between the temples is not too great, but with the heat it is a killer.
The bike may seem like a good idea at first because the terrain is flat, but just like walking in the sunshine, the bike can be very tiring there.
On the other hand, with tuk tuk you always run the risk of ending up paying dearly, because they are usually scammers.
Therefore, for Ayutthaya if you go on your own I recommend renting a motorbike which will cost you from around 200 bahts per day and will give you more flexibility to visit the most important sites at your own pace.
👉 You may also be interested in these articles about 15 Most Common Scams in Thailand and how to avoid them. And this other envelope How to Rent and Drive a Motorcycle in Thailand.
Where to stay in Ayutthaya?
If you want to see the most emblematic temples in Ayutthaya, 1 day is enough, but I will not deny that staying to see the sunrise or sunset there is very beautiful, especially if you like photography.
Also staying overnight in Ayutthaya is an excellent option to continue the trip north, whether to go to Sukhothai or Chiang Mai.
As for the area, the ideal is that you stay in the historic center or nearby, below is a list of the best hotels in Ayutthaya and a hostel, for different budgets:
- Plum: Zleepinezz Hostel It is very well located, it is clean, it has breakfast included, both the shared and private rooms.
- Cheap: Niwas Ayutthaya It has beautiful bungalows and very cheap rooms, and they also give you free bicycles to visit the historic site.
- Half: iuDia Hotel It is close to the main temples, the best thing is its pool to take a dip after the visits and the breakfast is abundant and delicious. This is the best hotel in terms of quality-price.
- Luxury: One Dhatu Ayutthaya Premium Homestay It has exquisite decoration, very spacious rooms with hydromassage.
⭐ Check out this article for further insights on What to see in Chiang Mai: 14 best plans and about Visit to Sukhothai: What to See and How to Get There.
Final Thoughts
These are the best things to see in Ayutthaya and as you have seen you have many options to visit this wonderful place, which is one of the most popular 1-day tours from Bangkok.
If you have any questions, leave me a comment below and I'll help you as much as I can. If you found the article useful, share it with other travelers. Have a good trip! 😘
More about Bangkok and Thailand
- What to see in Bangkok: 21 must-sees
- Khao Yai National Park: the jungle near Bangkok
- What to bring to Southeast Asia: 47 Essentials in your Backpack
- 6 Best Hotels in Bangkok at a good price
- 8 Affordable Rooftop Bars & Restaurants in Bangkok
Hello, I’m Andrea, the creator and writer of Viajeros Activos (Active Travelers). I’m a nomad, so I consider myself a full-time traveler. I’m passionate about good food and always looking for new adventures.