Planning to take an Ayutthaya day tour from Bangkok? I did this journey twice and right here’s all the things you’ll want to find out about visiting the temples!
Positioned nearly an hour’s drive from Bangkok, Ayutthaya is well accessible by prepare, bus, or automotive, making it a super day journey with out requiring in depth journey.
My first go to to Ayutthaya was in 2011, a part of my backpacking route in Asia.
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On the time, I didn’t know easy methods to take nice photographs but so when my household determined so as to add this to our Thailand journey itinerary, I agreed to go to once more to take higher footage.
Because the journey blogger in my household, I’m all the time the one assigned to plan journeys (by default, they don’t even ask me), so I used to be form of hesitant to go since I’ve already been.
I’ve a terrific curiosity in historical past, structure, or cultural heritage so the day journey from Ayutthaya was worthwhile for me. Plus, that is actually a images spot in Thailand!
Right here’s all the things you’ll want to find out about doing a day journey from Bangkok to Ayutthaya.
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Ayutthaya day journey: is it price it?
ABSOLUTELY! The drive from Bangkok to Ayutthaya is simply an hour (with out visitors), so it’s not a problem to do that day journey. That’s in case you go for a guided tour with transportation included.
In the event you do it alone, anticipate to journey to Ayutthaya from Bangkok for about 2 hours. This text can even present detailed directions on taking public transportation.
Apart from the logistics, Ayutthaya is price visiting in case you love historical past and tradition. Exploring these temples presents a deeper understanding of Buddhist tradition and its position in Thai society.
Ayutthaya was the second capital of the Siamese Kingdom and flourished from the 14th to the 18th centuries.
Town was recognized for its grandeur and architectural prowess, internet hosting quite a few magnificent temples and palaces.
One more reason to go to Ayutthaya Temple is that it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Website, full of enormous ruins of temples and mansions that present how stunning and revolutionary the structure was up to now.
The temples in Ayutthaya have distinctive designs that mix elements from conventional Thai, Indian, Sri Lankan, and Khmer types.
Is Ayutthaya protected?
Sure, it’s! Ayutthaya, like most vacationer spots in Thailand, is used to having vacationers come and has the suitable services and companies to verify everybody stays protected.
However, as with every journey, it’s good to comply with these basic security guidelines when doing an Ayutthaya Day Tour from Bangkok:
- Watch out for Scams: Be cautious of widespread vacationer scams reminiscent of tuk-tuk drivers insisting on taking you to particular retailers or eating places for commissions. At all times agree on the worth earlier than beginning any service.
- Maintain Valuables Safe: Whereas violent crime is uncommon, petty theft like pickpocketing can happen, particularly in crowded areas. Maintain your belongings safe and be aware of your environment.
- Keep Hydrated and Shielded from the Solar: The warmth in Ayutthaya may be intense, particularly round noon. Staying hydrated and utilizing solar safety to keep away from heatstroke and sunburn is essential.
- Respect Native Customs: Exhibiting respect at non secular websites is crucial. Costume modestly when visiting temples, protecting shoulders and knees, and take away sneakers the place required.
- Journey Insurance coverage: It’s all the time a good suggestion to have journey insurance coverage that covers well being points and theft, providing you with an additional layer of safety.
- Highway Security: If renting a motorcycle or scooter, all the time put on a helmet and be cautious of the native visitors, which may be extra chaotic than you could be used to.
Total, there may be nothing to fret about security in Ayutthaya, even if you’re touring alone.
Ayutthaya Day Tour from Bangkok Expertise: temples to go to
The temple advanced is sort of massive, however you will get a free map on the entrance that will help you navigate. As I did this with a guided tour, I didn’t take these maps, and I remorse it!
Nevertheless, the information explanations have been sufficient. I additionally did a non-public tour (with my household), so the information centered on our group alone.
I noticed many tour teams of as much as 25 individuals, and it appeared everybody was strolling all over the place they needed with out a route.
Listed here are some issues to do within the Ayutthaya Historic Complicated:
Wat Phra Si Sanphet: the biggest temple in Ayutthaya, recognized for its three distinctive chedis
As soon as the holiest temple on the positioning of the previous Royal Palace in Ayutthaya, Wat Phra Si Sanphet options three distinctive chedis, which have been constructed to enshrine the ashes of three Ayutthayan kings.
Its structure impressed the design of Bangkok’s Wat Phra Kaew.
Don’t miss the three massive chedis, essentially the most iconic a part of Wat Phra Si Sanphet. They have been constructed to deal with the ashes of three Ayutthayan kings.
The temple additionally options numerous Buddha photographs and smaller chedis.
Wat Mahathat: well-known for the Buddha’s head entwined throughout the roots of a tree
Wat Mahathat is a well-known temple in the midst of Ayutthaya constructed within the late 1400s. It was an essential royal and non secular place earlier than it was destroyed in 1767.
It was recognized for its central prang, a shrine tower. Essentially the most well-known characteristic of the temple is the Buddha’s head, which is snarled in tree roots.
Wat Ratchaburana: recognized for its effective stucco work and crypts containing historic relics
Wat Ratchaburana was constructed by King Borommarachathirat II in 1424 on the graves of his two older brothers. It’s well-known for its well-preserved prang and crypts, which used to carry priceless objects.
I went down into the crypt to see unique work from the fifteenth century that present scenes from the Jataka tales, that are concerning the Buddha’s previous lives.
It’s not as busy as different areas, so take your time and benefit from the calm environment and complex artwork!
Wat Chaiwatthanaram: an impressive temple on the riverbank, in-built a traditional Khmer fashion
King Prasat Thong constructed Wat Chaiwatthanaram in 1630. It’s a stunning instance of a Khmer-style constructing.
Its form represents the Buddhist view of the universe, with Mount Meru within the center and the seas round it.
There was a riverboat tour supplied, however I didn’t do it since I needed to spend extra time strolling. It often takes 1-3 hours, and you’ll select the time of the day to go on the cruise.
I like to recommend early morning or sundown since it will possibly get actually sizzling! Costs begin from 200-500 baht ($5-$14). There’s additionally a non-public boat tour for $54.
Wat Lokayasutharam: recognized for its massive reclining Buddha picture, measuring 42 meters in size
The massive Buddha statue at Wat Lokayasutharam makes it straightforward to inform that it was constructed within the early Ayutthaya time.
The most effective issues concerning the spot is the 42-meter-long Buddha that’s mendacity down.
Like many historic temples in Ayutthaya, the precise origins and the individual liable for the development of Wat Lokayasutharam stay considerably obscure.
I didn’t perceive this a part of the tour totally as a result of the origins of it have been unclear, so it’s finest to do additional studying.
(If I’ve the time to learn extra about this Buddha, I’ll replace this!)
Finest Ayutthaya Tour from Bangkok
Since I went right here with my household (group of 8 individuals), we opted for personal a day journey to Ayutthaya from Bangkok.
The motive force picked us up at our resort with an excellent spacious van (I consider it was a Nissan Urvan). On the best way to Ayutthaya, we stopped for breakfast that we paid on our personal.
To be sincere, I used to be asleep the entire trip as a result of we went out in Bangkok the earlier night time. So I didn’t see if this route was scenic. The trip was actually quick too because it was a non-public drive.
The personal automotive additionally has a tour information included so we actually didn’t have to consider something however comply with the information.
What I really like about this tour is that the information additionally lets us keep in a single spot for an extended time in comparison with different huge group excursions that’s all the time speeding.
We visited at the least 12 completely different historic websites and the information has defined the historic info very effectively. My difficulty with this tour is that it was SO HOT.
I needed to take away my cover-ups throughout the stroll however no one actually stated something and I wasn’t carrying revealing clothes. As you’ll be able to see within the photographs, my outfit was roughly “conservative.”
The tour additionally contains all entrance charges to the websites and temples. If you’re visiting them by yourself and individually, it’s a must to pay for separate entrance tickets which is round $2-$6 USD.
Extra fashionable temples are likely to have greater entrance charges. After the tour, we have been handled to a scrumptious Thai lunch (included within the tour value) then drove again to Bangkok.
The best way to get to Ayutthaya from Bangkok
Ayutthaya is about 73 KM (45 miles) from Bangkok and these are the modes of transport accessible for this route:
Bangkok to Ayutthaya by prepare
If you’d like a scenic trip from Bangkok to Ayutthaya, you’ll be able to take the prepare and it’s very inexpensive.
You’ll be able to catch the prepare from Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong Railway Station.
Out of your resort, you’ll be able to take the MRT (Metro) to Hua Lamphong MRT Station, which is instantly related to the railway station. Alternatively, a taxi or a tuk-tuk can take you on to the station.
The prepare runs each hour, and you should purchase tickets on the station.
This route is frequent, so there isn’t any must pre-book in case you determine to do a last-minute Ayutthaya Day Tour from Bangkok.
The prepare journey takes about 2 hours (estimate), however the length relies on the category and seat. A primary-class seat prices round $9, whereas the bottom class prices barely a greenback.
The prepare stops at Ayutthaya Railway Station. Acquire your belongings and alight when the prepare reaches the station.
From Ayutthaya station, you’ll be able to take a tuk-tuk, a motorbike taxi, or hire a bicycle to get to the temples. The trip to the historic park space, the place most temples are situated, is about 10-Quarter-hour.
Bus from Bangkok to Ayutthaya
Buses are quicker than trains and are fairly snug, often outfitted with air con. You’ll be able to take the bus to Ayutthaya from Bangkok’s Mo Chit Bus Terminal.
Just like the prepare, you don’t must pre-book the bus to Ayutthaya from Bangkok because it departs each 20 minutes. Simply arrive on the station and purchase your tickets (round $2).
In Bangkok, some minivans collect passengers and depart when it’s full. They’re often quicker than the bus or prepare however it will possibly get cramped – beware if you’re tall as these vans are small.
These minivans are crammed simply and there isn’t loads of wait time to fill the van since Bangkok-Ayutthaya is a well-known route.
You’ll be able to catch the minivan to Ayutthaya on the Victory Monument. You’ll be able to see minivans with the signal “Ayutthaya.” There are additionally minivans parked on the Mo Chit Bus Terminal.
This mode of transportation to Ayutthaya takes 1-1.5 hours (actually quick!) and the fare begins at 70 baht ($1.90) per individual.
Can I get a ship from Bangkok to Ayutthaya?
Boats from Bangkok to Ayutthaya are much less widespread however you’ll be able to ebook a non-public cruise. You’ll be able to go to the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok to take this tour however it is going to be extra pricey.
The fare begins at 1,500 baht ($42). This can be a full-day expertise finest for these returning to Bangkok after a day journey to Ayutthaya.
Some boat cruises additionally embody meals. If taking the boat to Ayutthaya, it’s essential to depart Bangkok as early as attainable to maximise the day (say round 6:00 AM).
As soon as in Ayutthaya, you’ll be able to hire a bicycle or a bike to get round, or you’ll be able to rent a tuk-tuk for the day. Charges for tuk-tuks may be negotiated on the prepare station or any main entry level into town.
How a lot time do you want in Ayutthaya?
This put up solely focuses on the Ayutthaya Temples and Historic websites, so a lot of the info right here is just for day journeys from Bangkok.
A day journey to Ayutthaya is adequate as it isn’t removed from Bangkok (1 hour trip). With a full-day tour, you’ll be able to see the most important highlights of Ayutthaya (8-9 hours).
If you’re notably serious about historical past, archaeology, or desire a extra leisurely tempo, think about spending one to 2 nights in Ayutthaya. With extra time, you’ll be able to:
- Discover Extra Extensively: Go to extra temples and historic websites exterior the central island.
- Take pleasure in Native Life: Expertise the native markets, attempt extra of the regional delicacies, and even perhaps catch a cultural occasion or competition.
- Go to Museums: Spend time within the native museums just like the Chao Sam Phraya Nationwide Museum which presents insights into the artifacts discovered within the space.
- Loosen up and Soak up: Have extra time to take a seat and admire the serene atmospheres at numerous temple websites with out feeling rushed.
For many who wish to dive deeply into the tradition, historical past, and surrounding nature or maybe have interaction in volunteer alternatives, staying longer than two days is usually recommended.
Ayutthaya presents a slower tempo and smaller-town really feel than Bangkok, offering a extra stress-free setting for these seeking to escape the hustle and bustle.
What to put on for the Ayutthaya day journey
Ayutthaya, as I’ve noticed, and because the tour information informed us, will not be very strict on the subject of costume code in comparison with different temples in Thailand.
Nevertheless, having visited many temples within the nation, I’m going to the protected facet and by no means ever put on shorts or brief clothes.
A shawl or sarong can be useful to cowl your shoulders, legs, and knees. In the event you didn’t learn this earlier than your Ayutthaya day tour from Bangkok, you’ll be able to hire sarongs on the entrance of the temples (round $3).
Moreover, there’s a strict costume code in Bang Pa In District the place it’s a must to totally cowl. You can also’t put on tight pants or leggings.
Can males put on shorts in Ayutthaya?
Sure, males can put on shorts in Ayutthaya, however there are some areas that even males are usually not allowed to put on shorts. To keep away from the effort, simply put on mild pants.
There are additionally sarongs for males which you can simply discover anyplace in Thailand for lower than $5.
Are you able to go to Ayutthaya by yourself?
Sure, you’ll be able to. It’s undoubtedly the cheaper route and really helpful for backpackers or those that are touring slowly.
You will have a number of choices to get to Ayutthaya from Bangkok: prepare, bus, minivan, or personal automotive. The prepare is a well-liked alternative for its steadiness of value, consolation, and genuine expertise.
As soon as you might be in Ayutthaya, you’ll be able to take a tuk tuk to the websites or hire a bicycle. I truthfully would have finished the bicycle rental alone had I recognized. I noticed some vacationers doing this and it regarded a lot enjoyable!
The temples are just about subsequent to one another so you’ll be able to simply go to at your personal tempo – undoubtedly think about the bicycle route!
You simply must pay for the doorway charges individually which begins from $2-$6. Famopus temples have greater entrance charges.
As I used to be on a guided tour, I actually can’t share the expertise of doing it by yourself however I’ve finished the Ayutthaya-Bangkok route many occasions. The commute could be very straightforward and protected.
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