Thailand is definitely one of the best holiday destinations in Southeast Asia. When visiting Thailand, it is highly recommended that you visit the ancient City of Ayutthaya. It is a popular destination for foreign tourists because it is not too far north of Bangkok and one can easily spend a day or two exploring the different historical, religious, and archaeological sites spread out through this island city surrounded by three rivers.
That is why, when we traveled to Bangkok last month, we made sure that we include a day tour to the historic City of Ayutthaya in our itinerary.
Ayutthaya is a UNESCO-inscribed city just an hour and half away from Bangkok, Thailand. It is Thailand's ancient capital, and once an important center of global diplomacy and commerce. As mentioned in UNESCO's website, "Ayutthaya is now an archaeological ruin, characterized by the remains of tall prang (reliquary towers) and Buddhist monasteries of monumental proportions, which give an idea of the city’s past size and the splendor of its architecture. The Historic City of Ayutthaya bears excellent witness to the period of development of a true national Thai art."
Ayutthaya Day Trip from Bangkok, Thailand 2023
To save on travel expenses, and for ease and convenience, we decided to avail a join-in day tour to Ayutthaya with Sunset River Cruise via Klook.com. The tour package includes round trip transportation from/to Bangkok in an air-conditioned vehicle with free WiFi on board, professional English-speaking guide, all entrances fees to the temples, boat ride tickets, bottled water, and insurance provided by the tour operator. This tour is quite good because you don't need to worry about how to get to Ayutthaya, the must-see places, where to eat, and all - because everything will be taken cared of by the tour guide. With this, let me share to you the things we did and the tourist spots and attractions we visited in Ayutthaya, Thailand.
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Things to Do, Tourist Spots and Attractions in Ayutthaya, Thailand
Bang Pa-In Royal Palace
Located along the Chao Phraya River in Bang Pa-in District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Thailand, Bang Pa-In Royal Palace is a palace complex formerly used by the Thai Kings. Also known as the Summer Palace, you can find here many beautiful and intricately designed Thai, Chinese, and European inspired buildings in many parts of the palace’s 19-hectare property.
First built in the 17th century, it was destroyed during the Siamese-Burmese war and was abandoned for almost a century. In the 1800’s, the palace was rebuilt during the reigns of Kings Rama IV and V. Most of the European style buildings that you can see today at the palace complex are from the 19th century which were added during King Rama V’s reign.
Not to be missed are the Thai pavilion that appears to be floating on the water, the orange-and-red-striped observatory tower that you can climb to get a bird’s eye view of the palace grounds, and the intricately designed Chinese-style Wehart Chamrun.
When visiting the royal palace, visitors should dress properly. Men and women should wear pants and shoulders should be covered. Sleeveless, shorts, mini skirts, tight or torn pants, sleeping or sports wear not allowed.
Ayutthaya Floating Market
For lunch, we visited Ayutthaya Floating Market. Upon arrival, our tour guide recommended some restaurants where we could have our lunch. After that, she brought us to the boat docking area where we rode a traditional wooden boat and experienced a 30-minute tour around the floating market.
After the boat ride, we had one hour of free time to roam around, check out the shops, and have lunch at the floating market. Considered as one of the largest tourist sites in Ayutthaya, it’s a great place to have a taste of local cuisines as well as to shop for some souvenirs and pasalubong to your families and friends back home.
Wat Mahathat
Wat Maha That or simply Wat Mahathat is a ruin of a royal temple that houses Buddha’s relics. Known as “the temple of the Great Relic” it was one of the most important temples in the Ayutthaya Kingdom. Many tourists come here to see the iconic head of a sandstone Buddha image entwined in the roots of a tree and to see the ruin structures of the old monastery. If you are in Ayutthaya or taken on a day trip here, don't miss visiting the Wat Mahathat.
Wat Phra Sri Sanphet
Wat Phra Sri Sanphet is considered as the holiest temple located on the site of the old Royal Palace in the Thailand’s ancient capital of Ayutthaya, Thailand. Situated within the old royal palace grounds, Wat Phra Sri Sanphet is the royal monastery. There were no residing monks, but the temple was used for royal ceremonies and for storing royal relics. Here, you can see the three chedis that are one of the most distinguishable landmarks of the Ayutthaya Historical Park, designated as a #UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991. The three chedis believed to keep the ashes of three Kings of Thailand as well as Buddha relics. But according to our tour guide, they are now empty because they were already transferred in the museum.
Wat Lokaya Sutha
Located near the old Royal Palace is the Wat Lokaya Sutha, also known as “the temple of the Earth.” It is a 42-meter reclining Buddha that is usually draped in orange cloth - depending on the season. As with many other temples and monasteries in Ayutthaya, Wat Lokaya Sutha was also destroyed by the Burmese invaders during the Burmese–Siamese War from 1765 to 1767, and this is what remained after. There is a small altar beside the reclining Buddha where visitors pray and make offerings.
Sunset River Cruise
Wrapping up our Ayutthaya Day Tour with a leisurely boat ride along the river and soaked with the amazing views of sunset and of the magnificent temple ruins and structures. It's also a good way to see local houses along the river and see how the locals live their everyday lives. The boat ride lasted for about an hour. We truly enjoyed it! What an awesome cruise experience to end our Ayutthaya tour!
Night Market in Ayutthaya
But wait... After the river cruise, we had a few minutes of free time to check out the night market in Ayutthaya. Here, we got to taste some local treats and drinks before heading back to Bangkok.
Ayutthaya Day Tour Itinerary:
08:30 AM - Meet up at Century Mall (BTS Victory Monument station)
09:30 AM - Arrival in Ayutthaya
10:00 AM - Visit Bang Pa-In Summer Palace
12:00 NN - Travel to Ayutthaya Floating Market for lunch (own expense)
01:00 PM - Explore Ayutthaya Floating Market
02:00 PM - Visit Wat Mahathat, Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Wat Lokayasutharam
05:00 PM - Enjoy a scenic sunset boat ride
06:00 PM - Stop by a night market for food and snacks (own expense)
06:30 PM - Depart from Ayutthaya
08:00 PM - Arrival in Bangkok (BTS Victory Monument station)
Ayutthaya Join-in Day Tour:
For ease and convenience and to avoid scammers in Bangkok, I highly suggest that you join a group tour offered by Klook.com. With a join-in packaged tour, you can save on travel expenses, as well as be guided by a professional tour guide. Aside from English, the tour is also available in Chinese, Korean and Japanese languages.
Other Tours in Ayutthaya:
- Colors of Ayutthaya Biking Tour
- Ayutthaya Grand Pearl River Cruise Tour
- Ayutthaya City Culture Biking Tour
- Ancient Ayutthaya Tour
- Ayutthaya Food Tour
- 2D1N Ayutthaya Private Trip from Bangkok
- Ancient Ayutthaya Private Day Tour
If you want to explore Ayutthaya on your own, you may also consider renting a private car. This is ideal for groups who wants to explore and tour at their own time and convenience. This lets you take control of your own time and plan your own itinerary. You can choose a car with a capacity of up to 3 persons or a van with a capacity of up to 10 persons. You can also add a tour guide to your private car charter. How cool is that?
Cheap Flights to Bangkok, Thailand
To search for cheap flights to Bangkok, I highly recommend booking via Traveloka.com - one of Southeast Asia's leading travel booking sites. I've been using it in my travels for more than 2 years now and I can assure you that you'll always get the best deals, promos and discounts on flights!
Hotels in Ayutthaya
If you wish to stay for a night or two in Ayutthaya, you can book in one of its many hotels and hostels that fits your budget and needs. Save as much as 50% off on published room rates when you book in advance online! Be sure to book way in advance.
Travel Tips and Reminders
- When visiting a temple, the basic rule is to cover your shoulders and knees for both men and women.
- Weather in Ayutthaya, Thailand is hot and humid. It is suggested that you wear light and breathable clothes. Also, don't forget to bring an umbrella or raincoat for occasional rain showers and thunderstorms. Always check the weather forecast before your trip.
- For this tour, you will be walk a lot in exploring the temples and the palace. It is best to wear comfortable footwear.
- Always abide by the rules in the temples and places of worship you're visiting.
- To save on travel expenses, join a group or join-in tour to Ayutthaya. Click here to see available tours from Bangkok to Ayutthaya.
- For cheap flights to Bangkok, book it way in advance. Airfare tends to be pricey when your desired travel dates come nearer. It is best if you book it 3 to 5 months in advance. You could get more discounts by using Traveloka's weekly promo codes. Always check the "On-Going Promos" tab on their website or in the app to avail more discounts.
- To stay connected to the internet while in Thailand, be sure to rent a pocket WiFi or buy a local SIM card.
- To help you plan your trip, you may also read my post BANGKOK TRAVEL GUIDE 2018 with a ₱10,000 DIY Itinerary and Budget.
ALSO READ: Damnoen Saduak Floating Market Day Tour from Bangkok
This trip to Ayutthaya, Thailand was made possible by Traveloka and Klook Travel.
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