Advertise with us

Not sure where else to go in Bangkok despite still having a few days left? Then don’t stay in the city! Take a day trip to Ayutthaya, where you can explore, eat and shop to your heart’s content!

In fact, Ayutthaya is full of surprises – with various kinds of activities in store for you! To get you started, we’ve personally planned (and went on) this trip to ensure you’ll get the ultimate Ayutthaya day-trip experience.

Need more convincing? Say no more. Here are 7 reasons why Ayutthaya is the perfect destination for a day trip.

So read on before you decide to cross Ayutthaya off your list! (highly recommended!)

Note: We highly encourage you to travel on a Friday or the weekend to enjoy everything on this list.

PS: For our Ayutthaya trip, we booked a car charter with driver (USD $116.89 / 3600 Baht). It was sooo much easier to get around the city, making our trip super enjoyable. We highly recommend getting a car and driver!

Photo Via TripCanvas

Read more:

6 fun weekend and day trips from Bangkok – including Khao Yai, Ayutthaya, Hua Hin, Kanchanaburi and more.

20 unique temples in Thailand for an out-of-the-ordinary experience

29 must-do things in Ayutthaya including places to eat, explore and stay that’s more than visiting temples

 

Day-trip Itinerary

See the church-like temple built since the 19th century – Wat Niwet Thammaprawat Ratchaworawihan (วัดนิเวศธรรมประวัติราชวรวิหาร) (1 hour)

Be prepared to be stunned by Wat Niwet Thammaprawat Ratchaworawihan with the temple located in a European-style building on an island (cuz I definitely was!). It’s a small temple, but the European architecture will definitely leave you in awe!

If you didn’t know better, the buildings on this island (dedicated to the temple) will make you think you’re visiting churches in Europe! But don’t worry, the orange-garbed monks roaming around the complex will remind you otherwise.

(FYI: For the best experience, come here in the morning when the monks are cleaning the premises and doing their morning tasks.)

Not sure how to get here? Take one of the two cable cars to get to the island, which is where the temple is located. (PS: The cable car is free of charge. But feel free to donate for the upkeep if you wish to.)

Photo Via TripCanvas

For more info, tap to expand!
Wat Niwet Thammaprawat Ratchaworawihan (วัดนิเวศธรรมประวัติราชวรวิหาร)

Entrance fee: free
Address: Bang Pa-In Tambon Ban Len, Amphoe Bang Pa-in, Chang Wat Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13160 (Coordinates here)
Contact: +66 3526 1004 or +66 3522 43273
Opening hours: Daily from 8am to 6pm

Website

Understand how Japanese & Thais co-existed since the Ayutthaya period – Japanese Village Museum (40 minutes)

Did you know that the Japanese and the Thais have a long history? In fact, the Japanese had supported and even influenced Thailand since the Ayutthaya period! Discover everything about their history at the Japanese Village Museum.

(Fact: Thailand’s beloved dessert Foi Thong was made and introduced by Thao Thong Kip Ma, an Ayutthaya-born Japanese-Portuguese and head of the Royal dessert kitchen)

Through the exhibitions and the videos, you’ll be introduced to two influential Japanese figures during the Ayutthaya period and learn the reason why there were many Japanese people living in Thailand. You’ll also find out which countries Thailand traded with back then (including Japan) and what items were being traded.

There’s also a small Zen garden and a bamboo pathway here, in case you’re looking for an authentic Japanese experience. (PS: You can also rent kimonos, available for a price).

Photo Via TripCanvas

For more info, tap to expand!
Japanese Village Museum

Entrance fee: 20 Baht / approx. USD $0.65 (children); 50 Baht / approx. USD $1.63 (adults)
Address: Ko Rian, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000 (Coordinates here)
Contact: +66 35 259 867
Opening hours: Mon-Fri from 9am to 6pm; Sat-Sun from 8:30am to 6pm

Website

Enjoy a relaxing rest in the countryside beside the fields – Rak Na Ayutthaya (รักษ์นา อยุธยา) (1.5 hours)

You’ve been travelling the entire morning, so take the chance to relax and fuel up (by eating scrumptious Thai food) while being surrounded by rice fields. I recommend sitting on one of the tables near the field (on the left side of the cafe) to completely savour the calming vibes.

My favourite spot though? At the edge of the cafe, where you can sit on the floor and let your legs hang. It’s even more relaxing when you eat and drink while enjoying the views of the field and people on the bridge.

Not sure what to get? Rak Na Ayutthaya offers numerous dessert, drinks, and food options, including satay and order-to-eat food.

Before you leave, take pictures with your loved ones on the bridge. With its aesthetic bamboo bridge and decorations and scenic view, your pictures will definitely come out instagrammable!

Photo Via TripCanvas

For more info, tap to expand!
Rak na Ayutthaya

Price: from 50 Baht / approx. USD $1.60
Address: 88 ตำบล บ้านป้อม Tambon Ban Pom, Amphoe Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Chang Wat Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000 (Coordinates here)
Contact: +66 65 478 5090
Opening hours: Daily from 7:30am to 7pm

Dress in Thai traditional clothing among ruins – Wat Chaiwatthanaram (วัดไชยวัฒนาราม) (1.5 hours)

Always wanted to dress up in one of those traditional Thai garbs? You’re in luck! Grab your chance at Wat Chaiwatthanaram, where you can rent Thai traditional costumes for only 200 baht! You can also rent a traditional parasol or get your make-up or hair done here for an additional 50 baht each (highly recommended for females as it looks awesome on pictures!).

(PS: The traditional costume rental stores are located across the temple. Come here first to rent a costume before entering the temple.)

Once you’re done, have a blast taking pictures at the different scenic spots in the temple complex.

Not sure where the best photo spots are? We recommend taking pictures at the pathway by the river (where boats occasionally pass by), in front of the temple and near the headless Buddha statues in the temple area.

Photo Via TripCanvas

For more info, tap to expand!
Wat Chaiwatthanaram

Entrance fee: 50 baht / approx. USD $1.60
Address: Ban Pom, อำเภอ เมืองพระนครศรีอยุธยา Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000 (Coordinates here)
Opening hours: Daily from 8am to 6pm

Website

See the trapped Buddha’s head in the Bodhi tree – Wat Mahathat (วัดมหาธาตุ) (40 minutes)

You know the famous picture of a Buddha head trapped inside a Bodhi tree? That’s actually in Ayutthaya, specifically at Wat Mahathat. So take the opportunity to personally see it and take a picture with it to keep it as a memory! Just don’t forget to squat down and make sure your head is lower than the Buddha’s head when taking a picture.

Besides the famous Buddha head in a tree, you can also walk around the temple to see the remains of Wat Mahathat. Similar to Wat Chaiwatthanaram, you’ll also see headless Buddha statues here (although there’s one Buddha statue with the head still intact located at the centre).

Photo Via TripCanvas

For more info, tap to expand!
Wat Mahathat

Entrance fee: 50 baht / approx. USD $1.60
Address: Naresuan Rd, Tambon Tha Wa Su Kri, Amphoe Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Chang Wat Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000 (Coordinates here)
Opening hours: Daily from 8am to 6pm

Website

Try traditional Thai desserts in Thailand’s former capital city – Baan Kao Nhom (1 hour)

Tired from walking at temples? Take a rest as you snack on authentic Thai dessert at Baan Kao Nhom. They also offer fusion desserts like Pumpkin with Coconut Ice Cream and Espresso Butterfly Pea Affogato, in case you wanted a more westernised dessert.

I suggest getting the set of 6 yellow egg-based Thai desserts (70 baht per box) and Butterfly Pea Ice Cream with Thong-Muan. Super delicious and not too sweet (in case you’re not a big fan of sweet things)!

You can also get these snacks to-go for yourself or your loved ones back home, with most of them already packaged. With these desserts on hand, your 1.5-hour drive back to Bangkok will surely go much faster!

Photo Via TripCanvas

For more info, tap to expand!
Baan Kao Nhom

Price: from 20 baht / approx. USD $0.65
Address: Pratuchai, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000 (Coordinates here)
Contact: +66 97 921 9465
Opening hours: Daily from 8am to 6pm

Website

Snack on yummy Thai delicacies and ride a wooden boat by the market! – Krungsri Ayutthaya Night Market (กรุงศรีอยุธยาไนท์มาร์เก็ต) (1.5 to 2 hours)

Before you end your Ayutthaya travels and head back to Bangkok, visit the Krungsri Ayutthaya Night Market to try out some local delights. Be spoiled with halal and non-halal food options, ensuring everyone can get their fill here.

I recommend getting the grilled giant river prawns (they are as big as a forearm), Roti Sai Mai and a refreshing glass of sweet palm tree fruit drink (served in a bamboo cup) – all pleasing to the eyes (instagrammable pics!) and the stomach (they’re amazingly delicious! :D).

You can also enjoy a more romantic view of the market by riding a wooden boat – available for 40 baht per person (one round lasts approximately 15 minutes).

Don’t forget to buy something as a keepsake or souvenir from the Night Market – whether it’s a painting with oil paint on velvet or a Thai pattern bag.

Photo Via TripCanvas

For more info, tap to expand!
Krungsri Night Market (ตลาดกรุงศรีอยุธยาไนท์มาร์เก็ต)

Price: from 10 baht / approx. USD $0.32
Address: Si Sanphet Rd, ตำบล ประตูชัย Amphoe Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Chang Wat Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000 (Coordinates here)
Opening hours: Fri-Sun from 4pm to 10pm (Closed on Monday to Thursday)

Website

Day-trip Route here


How to get to and around Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya is a 1-hour drive from Bangkok, and the most convenient way of getting there and getting around Ayutthaya is with a car.

You can choose to hire a private charter (includes driver) (from SGD $160.55). This means SGD $80.30 per person if travelling as a couple or SGD $40.20 per person if travelling as a group of 4.

Or else, you may opt to self-drive and rent a car (From 1,200 Baht / approx. USD $39 per day) via Ezy, AVIS or Hertz.

Cost Breakdown

For 2 people

Transport:
SGD $68.21 / RM207.58 (if renting a car), OR
SGD $160.55 / RM483 (if hiring a private car with driver)

Activities & Food (personal expenses such as shopping not included!):
SGD $38.31 / RM115.43

TOTAL = from SGD $106.52 / RM323.01 ~ SGD $53.26 / RM161.5 per person

Editor’s Note: Say NO to elephant cruelty!
As you travel around Ayutthaya, one of the most common sights you’ll see (especially within the Ayutthaya Historical Park area) are tourists riding on elephants. However, did you know that humans aren’t supposed to sit on elephants? In fact, these elephants are tortured and trained harshly to reach this point. They’re also commuted to the city by a truck for this elephant riding activity – something elephants should not be experiencing. 

Photo Via TripCanvas

If you see this, we encourage you to forgo this activity and choose other activities instead. We guarantee your Ayutthaya experience will still be as authentic and exciting as ever! 🙂

Excited? We are! We fully enjoyed our time at Ayutthaya (it was our favourite day out of all the time we spent on our trip to Bangkok in June 2019 to be honest!).

Luckily it’s just a 1-hour drive from Bangkok so please get out of Bangkok and start your exploration at Thailand’s former capital city!

Opt In Image
Sign up to win fantastic prizes from our partners

Sign up now if you want us to send you an email whenever our partners have something to share with everyone!
FREE air tickets, free stays, free tours or free gifts!

Coming soon! Exclusively on TripCanvas

PLEASE NOTE: All the above information is correct at the date of publication. If you come across any changes or updates, please let us know and we will update the information accordingly. Thank you!
Tell us

Advertise with us