Day Trip from Bangkok to Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya, pronounced "Ah-you-tie-ah", is an ancient capital and modern city in the Central Plains of Thailand, 85 km north of Bangkok. It is the Capital City of the Province of this name. The city is scattered with ancient ruins and beautiful temples. It was so exciting just thinking about what the city must have looked like in the 17th Century. I was walking in the footsteps of royalty and peasants in this magnificent place. The city has so much to see, so if you can stay the night, if not plan a whole day visiting Ayutthaya.

To get to the train station in Bangkok to Ayutthaya:
Take the MRT to the Hua Lamphong stop. Exit the MRT and follow the signs for Hua Lamphong train station. You will exit right at the train station. 

Each train has a designated ticket booth, I advise to ask the information desk, as you enter the station, what number ticket booth to purchase your ticket. Go to that booth and ask for a one way ticket to Ayutthaya. It should be about 20 BAT for a 3rd class ticket. This doesn't have AC, but the wind is nice. Be sure to ask what train track to go to from the clerk. There is a small convenient store inside the great hall to pick up any last minute waters or snacks you may want for the 2 hour plus ride. I picked up some water and snacks for the trip and glad I did.

Once on the train I asked a fellow westerner if they were headed in the same direction as me, just to be sure I was on the correct train, and we became quick friends. That's the fun part about traveling is meeting new people. My new friends and I decided because I only had 4 hours to explore the temples we would share a tuktuk. 

Once we arrived at the Ayutthaya stop we were greeted by many Tuk Tuk drivers and given a map of all the temples and attractions. We negotiated a price at 800BAT (about $22) for 3 people for 4 hours. We told him the places we wanted to go and he suggested a few more of the must see places. It was great! He waited at every stop for us and even dropped us off at a nice place for lunch on the river. He brought us back to the train station just in time to catch the train back to Bangkok.


Once at the train station in Ayutthaya purchase your ticket back to Bangkok and they will tell you what track to be on. Once again chat with some westerners to pass the time because the train may be late.

Once back in Bangkok catch the MRT back to your hotel or hostel.My day trip cost $20, including food, admission into each temple, water and transportation (train and tuktuk).

I do suggest that ladies if you are wearing a tank top to bring a shawl or scarf to cover your shoulders. Out of respect, they ask you to dress modestly. I wore shorts and a tank top and draped a scarf over my shoulders.

Here is a list of the must see temples:
Wat Phra Mahathat
Wat Phra Si Sanphet / The Grand Palace
Wat Chaiwattaranaram
Wat Buddhaisawan