Ayutthaya is hot and spread out, which is why a guided day with transport works better than going alone: the guide links the five temples into one story of the old kingdom. At Wat Mahathat, crouch or kneel for the photo with the Buddha head in the roots so your head is not higher than the Buddha's. This guide covers the Ayutthaya Day Trip from Bangkok from the meeting point to the last stop — the mood, the route and the tips guides mention in passing.
By SB Excursions · Published 24 October 2026 · Updated 24 October 2026
Tour on this route: Ayutthaya Day Trip from Bangkok — From $25 per person, about 9 hours.
Which temples do we visit?
Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, Wat Mahathat, Wat Phra Si Sanphet with Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit, and Wat Chaiwatthanaram.
This guide also answers:
- How far is Ayutthaya from Bangkok?
What makes the Ayutthaya Day Trip from Bangkok worth your time
The group meets in the morning at a central point in Bangkok near a BTS or MRT station (hotel pickup is possible at extra cost) and drives about 1.5 hours north. The guide takes you through Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, Wat Mahathat, Wat Phra Si Sanphet with Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit and Wat Chaiwatthanaram, explaining the history of the kingdom on the way. There is a stop for lunch, and you are back in Bangkok after about 9 hours.
Route highlights at a glance
The standout moments of the Ayutthaya Day Trip from Bangkok.
- Buddha head in roots — At Wat Mahathat a stone Buddha head is held in the roots of a banyan tree, the best-known image of Ayutthaya.
- Wat Phra Si Sanphet — The three chedis of the royal temple of the old Grand Palace, next to the bronze Buddha of Phra Mongkhon Bophit.
- Wat Chaiwatthanaram — The Khmer-style towers on the river, built to represent the structure of the universe.
- UNESCO since 1991 — The capital of Siam for over 400 years, with a guide to tell the story of the kingdom.
How the day unfolds, step by step
The route in order; exact start times and what shifts by season are in the schedule.
- Meeting point in Bangkok — Meet the guide at a central point near a BTS or MRT station; hotel pickup is possible at extra cost.
- Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon — The 60-metre bell-shaped chedi and the reclining Buddha.
- Wat Mahathat — The Buddha head in the banyan roots and the ruins of the old royal monastery.
- Wat Phra Si Sanphet — The three chedis of the palace temple and the great bronze Buddha of Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit.
- Wat Chaiwatthanaram — The Khmer-style temple on the river; lunch stop on the way.
- Back to Bangkok — Drive back to the meeting point; about 9 hours in total.
Insider tips
The details a guide mentions on the day — worth knowing before it.
- Temple tickets are paid on the day: about 40-80 baht per temple, around 280 baht in total.
- Cover shoulders and knees for the temples.
- Lunch is not included; the group stops at a local restaurant.
- Bring water, a hat and sunscreen: there is little shade in the ruins.
- Hotel pickup in central Bangkok is possible at extra cost.
Best time of year
November to February is the most comfortable time for walking the ruins; from March to May it is very hot, so take water and a hat, and in the rainy season showers are usually short.
Whether it is worth the money and what the price covers is in why book it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which temples do we visit?
Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, Wat Mahathat, Wat Phra Si Sanphet with Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit, and Wat Chaiwatthanaram.
Where is the Buddha head in the tree?
At Wat Mahathat. Visitors are asked to crouch or kneel for photos so that their head is not higher than the Buddha's.
What should I wear?
Clothes that cover your shoulders and knees, and comfortable shoes for walking in the ruins. A hat and water are a good idea.
How far is Ayutthaya from Bangkok?
About 80 km, around 1.5 hours by road each way.