Visiting the Ayutthaya Historical Park from Bangkok is one of the best things to do in Thailand. Formerly the capital of the Kingdom of Siam, Ayutthaya is rich in historical and architectural heritage. You can visit the vestiges of its glorious and prosperous past and discover another face of Thailand.
- How long to plan for ?
- Guided tour from Bangkok ?
- Go to Ayutthaya from Bangkok ?
- What to do in Ayutthaya ?
- Best places to stay in Ayutthaya ?
Ayutthaya Historical Park is a UNESCO World Site Heritage. It was the most influential city in the region from the 14th century until the 18th. The town was burned by the Burmese army in 1767. The city was then abandoned. We can still glimpse its past splendor thanks to the remaining huge monasteries and reliquary towers.
If you like visiting the Angkor Wat temple complex (Coming soon), you will also enjoy visiting Ayutthaya Historical Park.
1. How long does it take to visit the Ayutthaya Historical Park from Bangkok?
Plan for at least one full day to visit Ayutthaya from Bangkok. Ayutthaya is a beautiful place to discover in Bangkok. Time flies when you visit this wonderful city. The tour duration varies depending on the sites visited (see here multiple tours).
Two days in Ayutthaya? Ayutthaya is a much smaller city than Bangkok. If you want to escape the noise of the Thai capital, you can stay a night there without getting bored. This will allow you to discover the magnificent temples of the city more quietly and see other places (for instance, a floating market).
2. Visit Ayutthaya with a guide
How long does it take to visit Ayutthaya with a guide? Guided tours generally last between 6 and 9 hours, depending on the routes. Here are some examples.
Ayutthaya + floating market. This tour includes visits to Bang Pa-In Palace, Wat Phra Sri Sanphet Temple, and round-trip transport from Bangkok. The visit lasts 8 hours (find out more here).
Even more temples. If you take a more extended tour, you can take the opportunity to discover other temples (9.5h): more information here.
Private visit. You can also visit Ayutthaya from Bangkok with a private guide. It is the best solution to maximize the guide’s knowledge. It is one of the best options for visiting Thailand as a family or couple. More information here.
3. Go to Ayutthaya Historical Park from Bangkok
Here are the alternatives for getting to Ayutthaya Historical Park from Bangkok independently, without a guided tour.
By train. The train is one of the best ways to visit Ayutthaya from Bangkok. Most independent travelers choose this mode of Transport. The journey takes about 1h20. The route is direct, and there are no transfers.
By car. The distance between Bangkok and Ayutthaya is 80 km (50 miles). Plan for about 1 hour to get to Ayutthaya from Bangkok by car. You can rent a car or take a taxi. The cost will, however, be higher than for the train (see prices here), but more comfortable.
By bus. The journey by bus takes longer than by car. Plan for at least 1h30 for the bus journey.
By boat. Yes, it’s possible! You can reach the Ayutthaya Historical Park from Bangkok by boat. The embarkment is in Sathorn, near the BTS station “Saphan Tak Sin. ” Navigating the Chao Praya River takes 3 hours. More information is here.
4. Best things to do in the Ayutthaya Historical Park
Here are the best things to do in Ayutthaya.
Temples. If you visit Ayutthaya from Bangkok, do not miss its most beautiful temples: Wat Mahathat, Wat Chaiwatthanaram, and Wat Yai Chai Mongkol.
Floating Market. There is an entrance fee for foreigners, which includes the boat trip to the market. The name of this floating market is Ayothaya Floating Market.
Bang Pa In Royal Palace. Bang Pa In Royal Palace is 20 km from Ayutthaya. This palace was the “summer palace” of the kings of Thailand. The easiest way to visit this palace is to take a guided tour that includes the palace (example here).
Buddha head in tree roots. When you visit Wat Phra Mahathat, do not miss the head of Buddha entwined in the roots of a huge tree.
River cruise. The Ayutthaya Historical Park is on an island. Thus, you can cruise to marvel at the temple from the river. It is best to take this cruise after visiting the temples because you only see one of the best temples: Wat Chai Watthanaram.
5. Best places to stay in Ayutthaya
Accommodation prices are much lower in Ayutthaya than in Bangkok. You can stay in Ayutthaya on a budget and close to the main places to visit. Accommodations in Ayutthaya are bare, and there are few luxury accommodations.
Krodyle Mindfulness House: This guest house offers rooms with a balcony for 2, 3, or 4 people. Traveler reviews are praising.
Room Story Hostel is a lovely and modern hostel! It is a perfect place to stay when visiting Ayutthaya, whether you are a single traveler or a couple.
It takes at least 8 hours to visit the Ayutthaya Historical Park from Bangkok, including round-trip transport. Ayutthaya Historical Park allows you to discover part of Thailand’s history and see a new face of this country.
