Planning to take an Ayutthaya day tour from Bangkok? I did this journey twice and right here’s the whole lot you want to find out about visiting the temples!
Positioned nearly an hour’s drive from Bangkok, Ayutthaya is definitely accessible by practice, bus, or automotive, making it a really perfect day journey with out requiring intensive 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 find out how to take nice images 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 who’s 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 an amazing curiosity in historical past, structure, or cultural heritage so the day journey from Ayutthaya was worthwhile for me. Plus, that is actually a pictures spot in Thailand!
Right here’s the whole lot you want to find out about doing a day journey from Bangkok to Ayutthaya.
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Ayutthaya day journey: is it value 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 for those who go for a guided tour with transportation included.
Should you do it alone, anticipate to journey to Ayutthaya from Bangkok for about 2 hours. This text may even present detailed directions on taking public transportation.
Except for the logistics, Ayutthaya is value visiting for those who love historical past and tradition. Exploring these temples gives a deeper understanding of Buddhist tradition and its function in Thai society.
Ayutthaya was the second capital of the Siamese Kingdom and flourished from the 14th to the 18th centuries. Town was identified for its grandeur and architectural prowess, internet hosting quite a few magnificent temples and palaces.
Another excuse to go to Ayutthaya Temple is that it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Website, full of huge ruins of temples and mansions that present how stunning and progressive 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 best amenities and companies to verify everybody stays protected.
However, as with all journey, it’s good to comply with these common security guidelines when doing an Ayutthaya Day Tour from Bangkok:
- Watch out for Scams: Be cautious of widespread vacationer scams similar to tuk-tuk drivers insisting on taking you to particular outlets or eating places for commissions. All the time agree on the worth earlier than beginning any service.
- Hold Valuables Safe: Whereas violent crime is uncommon, petty theft like pickpocketing can happen, particularly in crowded areas. Hold 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 necessary.
- Respect Native Customs: Exhibiting respect at spiritual websites is important. Costume modestly when visiting temples, overlaying shoulders and knees, and take away footwear 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 motorbike 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’s 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 kind of giant, 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!
Nonetheless, the information explanations had been sufficient. Observe that I additionally did a personal tour (with my household) so the information is targeted on our group alone.
I noticed many tour teams of as much as 25 folks, and it appeared like everybody was simply strolling in every single place they wished with out a route.
Listed below are some issues to do within the Ayutthaya Historic Complicated:
Wat Phra Si Sanphet: the most important temple in Ayutthaya, identified for its three distinctive chedis
As soon as the holiest temple on the location of the outdated Royal Palace in Ayutthaya, Wat Phra Si Sanphet options three distinctive chedis, which had 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 giant chedis, probably the most iconic a part of Wat Phra Si Sanphet. They had been constructed to accommodate 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 necessary royal and spiritual place earlier than it was destroyed in 1767.
It was identified for its central prang, a shrine tower. Probably the most well-known function of the temple is the Buddha’s head, which is twisted up in tree roots.
Right here, I did a photograph hunt the place we tried to seize the Buddha’s head from distinctive angles that emphasize its mystical look.
Wat Ratchaburana: identified for its wonderful stucco work and crypts containing historical 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 authentic 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 ambiance and complicated artwork!
Wat Chaiwatthanaram: an imposing temple on the riverbank, inbuilt a basic Khmer model
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 river boat tour provided however I didn’t do it since I wish to spend extra time strolling. It normally takes 1-3 hours and you may select the time of the day to go on the cruise.
I like to recommend early morning or sundown since it may get actually sizzling! Costs begin from 200-500 baht ($5-$14). There may be additionally a personal boat tour for $54.
Wat Lokayasutharam: identified for its giant reclining Buddha picture, measuring 42 meters in size
The massive Buddha statue at Wat Lokayasutharam makes it simple to inform that it was constructed within the early Ayutthaya time.
Probably the greatest issues concerning the spot is the 42-meter-long Buddha that’s mendacity down.
Like many historical temples in Ayutthaya, the precise origins and the individual accountable for the development of Wat Lokayasutharam stay considerably obscure.
This temple is legendary for the tall chedi that King U-Thong inbuilt 1357 for the monks who had been ordained in Sri Lanka. Thailand’s navy previous is linked to this temple in a giant approach!
As somebody who’s deep into yoga and meditation, I did a meditation session right here by myself though I heard which you could be a part of the monks for a meditation – I’m not positive how true it’s!
What I beloved probably the most about this space was the house stuffed with rows of Buddha statues. You’ve most likely encountered this picture in lots of posts about Ayutthaya, so it’s nice for pictures!
Finest Ayutthaya Tour from Bangkok
Since I went right here with my household (group of 8 folks), 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 imagine 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 journey as a result of we went out in Bangkok the earlier night time. So I didn’t see if this route was scenic. The journey was actually quick too because it was a personal 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 like about this tour is that the information additionally lets us keep in a single spot for an extended time in comparison with different massive group excursions that’s all the time speeding.
We visited at the very least 12 totally different historic websites and the information has defined the historic info very properly. My challenge 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 sporting revealing clothes. As you’ll be able to see within the images, 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 inclined to have increased entrance charges. After the tour, we had been handled to a scrumptious Thai lunch (included within the tour worth) then drove again to Bangkok.
Learn how to get to Ayutthaya from Bangkok
Ayutthaya is about 73 KM (45 miles) from Bangkok and these are the modes of transport obtainable for this route:
Bangkok to Ayutthaya by practice
If you would like a scenic journey from Bangkok to Ayutthaya, you’ll be able to take the practice and it’s very reasonably priced.
You may catch the practice 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 immediately related to the railway station. Alternatively, a taxi or a tuk-tuk can take you on to the station.
The practice runs each hour, and you should buy tickets on the station.
This route is frequent, so there isn’t a have to pre-book for those who resolve to do a last-minute Ayutthaya Day Tour from Bangkok.
The practice journey takes about 2 hours (estimate), however the period is determined by the category and seat. A primary-class seat prices round $9, whereas the bottom class prices barely a greenback.
The practice stops at Ayutthaya Railway Station. Accumulate your belongings and alight when the practice reaches the station.
From Ayutthaya station, you’ll be able to take a tuk-tuk, a motorbike taxi, or lease a bicycle to get to the temples. The journey 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 comfy, normally geared up with air-con. You may take the bus to Ayutthaya from Bangkok’s Mo Chit Bus Terminal.
Just like the practice, you don’t have to 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).
Shared transportation from Bangkok to Ayutthaya
In Bangkok, some minivans collect passengers and depart when it’s full. They’re normally quicker than the bus or practice however it may get cramped – beware if you’re tall as these vans are small.
These minivans are crammed simply and there isn’t plenty of wait time to fill the van since Bangkok-Ayutthaya is a well-known route.
You may catch the minivan to Ayutthaya on the Victory Monument. You may 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 guide a personal cruise. You may go to the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok to take this tour however it is going to be extra expensive.
The fare begins at 1,500 baht ($42). This can be a full-day expertise greatest for these returning to Bangkok after a day journey to Ayutthaya.
Some boat cruises additionally embody meals. If taking the boat to Ayutthaya, you should 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 lease 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 practice station or any main entry level into town.
How a lot time do you want in Ayutthaya?
This publish solely focuses on the Ayutthaya Temples and Historic websites, so many of the info right here is just for day journeys from Bangkok.
A day journey to Ayutthaya is ample as it isn’t removed from Bangkok (1 hour journey). With a full-day tour, you’ll be able to see the key highlights of Ayutthaya (8-9 hours).
If you’re significantly occupied with historical past, archaeology, or need a extra leisurely tempo, take into account spending one to 2 nights in Ayutthaya. With extra time, you’ll be able to:
- Discover Extra Extensively: Go to further temples and historic websites exterior the central island.
- Get pleasure from Native Life: Expertise the native markets, strive extra of the regional delicacies, and maybe even catch a cultural occasion or competition.
- Go to Museums: Spend time within the native museums just like the Chao Sam Phraya Nationwide Museum which gives insights into the artifacts discovered within the space.
- Calm down and Soak up: Have extra time to sit down and respect 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 interact in volunteer alternatives, staying longer than two days is usually recommended.
Ayutthaya gives a slower tempo and smaller-town really feel than Bangkok, offering a extra enjoyable atmosphere for these trying 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 advised us, will not be very strict relating to gown code in comparison with different temples in Thailand.
Nonetheless, having visited many temples within the nation, I am going to the protected facet and by no means ever put on shorts or quick attire.
A shawl or sarong shall be useful to cowl your shoulders, legs, and knees. Should you didn’t learn this earlier than your Ayutthaya day tour from Bangkok, you’ll be able to lease sarongs on the entrance of the temples (round $3).
Moreover, there’s a strict gown code in Bang Pa In District the place it’s a must to absolutely 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 should not allowed to put on shorts. To keep away from the trouble, simply put on gentle pants.
There are additionally sarongs for males which you could simply discover wherever in Thailand for lower than $5.
Are you able to go to Ayutthaya by yourself?
Sure, you’ll be able to. It’s positively the cheaper route and beneficial for backpackers or those that are touring slowly.
You could have a number of choices to get to Ayutthaya from Bangkok: practice, bus, minivan, or personal automotive. The practice is a well-liked selection for its steadiness of price, 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 lease a bicycle. I truthfully would have executed the bicycle rental by myself had I identified. 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 individual tempo – positively take into account the bicycle route!
You simply have to pay for the doorway charges individually which begins from $2-$6. Famopus temples have increased 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 executed the Ayutthaya-Bangkok route many occasions. The commute may be very simple and protected.
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