A day trip to Ayutthaya from Bangkok is easy and cheap. Just over an hour away by train, the old capital of Siam lines up red-brick temples, Khmer-style prangs and headless Buddhas. Here is how to plan it: getting there, the temples, tickets and practical tips.
A little history: Siam’s capital for four centuries
Ayutthaya was founded around 1350 on an island ringed by rivers, where they meet the Chao Phraya. For more than four centuries it was the capital of the Kingdom of Siam.
In 1767 the Burmese army took the city and burned it. The capital moved south, first to Thonburi, then to Bangkok. The ruins have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991.
How to get to Ayutthaya from Bangkok
By train: the best option
Since 2023, long-distance trains leave from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal (formerly Bang Sue Grand), linked to the MRT at Bang Sue station (see our guide to getting around Bangkok). About sixteen trains a day stop at Ayutthaya. Allow one hour to an hour and a half depending on the train. A third-class ticket costs around 20 THB.
New since 1 August 2026: the SRT Bangkok Connex (BNEX), a direct air-conditioned train between Krung Thep Aphiwat and Ayutthaya. Six departures a day on weekdays (the first at 5.15am), four at weekends and on public holidays (from 9.05am). The journey takes just over an hour. Launch fare until 31 October 2026: 50 THB at most.
The old Hua Lamphong station still has a few ordinary trains, slow and fan-cooled: 15 to 20 THB, about two hours, tickets at the counter on the day.
Ayutthaya station is on the east bank, off the historic island. Right opposite, a small ferry crosses the river for a few baht (5 to 10 THB). The last boat leaves around 5.30pm.
By minivan
Minivans leave from the Mo Chit 2 terminal, next to the Northern Bus Terminal. There are no longer any departures from Victory Monument. Vans leave roughly every hour from 6am to 6pm and cost 150 to 220 THB. Allow 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on traffic.
By boat
There is no regular public boat between Bangkok and Ayutthaya. Organised cruises usually go up by coach in the morning and come back down the river with a buffet lunch on board, from about 1,850 THB (prices checked in 2026).
The temples not to miss
Wat Mahathat and the Buddha head
A sandstone Buddha head caught in the roots of a tree has become the symbol of Ayutthaya. The spot is still sacred: for your photo, crouch down so your head is not higher than the Buddha’s.
Wat Phra Si Sanphet
The former royal palace temple, with no resident monks. Its three great chedis in a row held the ashes of Ayutthaya kings.
Wat Chaiwatthanaram
On the west bank of the Chao Phraya, off the island. Built in 1630 under King Prasat Thong in Khmer style, with a large central prang surrounded by smaller towers.
Wat Lokayasutharam
A huge open-air reclining Buddha, about 42 metres long, often draped in orange cloth. Free to enter, but there is little shade: go early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon
East of the island, across the river. Its great chedi marks King Naresuan’s victory over the Burmese in 1592. It is a working temple, with monks, a reclining Buddha and rows of statues wrapped in orange. Entry is about 20 to 40 THB for foreigners, usually open from 8am to 5pm.
On site: tickets, getting around and dress
Tickets and opening hours
The historical park itself is free to enter, but the main temples charge a fee. Expect about 80 THB per site for foreigners (some guides still say 50 THB). A combined ticket of about 300 THB covers seven sites, including Wat Mahathat, Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Wat Ratchaburana and Wat Chaiwatthanaram. Most sites open from 8am to 6pm. Prices checked in 2026: they change often, so check at the ticket desk.
Bicycle or tuk-tuk
On the island, the main temples are 1 to 3 km apart. Bikes cost 50 to 100 THB a day near the station ferry pier. In the heat, a tuk-tuk is often the wiser choice: about 200 to 300 THB an hour. Agree the price, the duration and the list of temples before you get in.
Respectful dress
Cover your shoulders and knees: light trousers or a long skirt, and a scarf in your bag. Take off your shoes before entering a building with a Buddha image. Do not climb on statues or point your feet at them.
Mr Schaka’s practical tips
- Set off early. Before 10am the light is beautiful and the heat still bearable.
- Water, hat, sun cream. There is little shade between the temples.
- Save Wat Chaiwatthanaram for last. That is where the sunset is most beautiful.
- Note the time of the last train or last minivan in the morning, so you can get back without stress.
- Try roti sai mai, candy floss rolled in a thin pancake, an Ayutthaya speciality.
Frequently asked questions
Is one day enough to visit Ayutthaya?
Yes, for the five or six main temples. To enjoy the sunset without rushing, stay the night. For more ideas, see our day trips from Bangkok.
What is the cheapest way to get to Ayutthaya from Bangkok?
The ordinary third-class train, at around 15 to 20 THB.
Do I need to book the train in advance?
Not for ordinary trains or the BNEX: tickets are sold at the station on the day. At weekends, arrive a little early.
To go further
Mr Schaka’s guidebook, Bangkok – The Practical Guide, covers the essentials: transport, neighbourhoods, addresses, food, etiquette and safety, updated for 2026–2027.
