7 Best Ayutthaya Tours From Bangkok to Join in 2024

If you’re in Bangkok and itching for an adventure that’s a bit off the beaten path, Ayutthaya is where you should be heading next. And joining one of the best Ayutthaya tours from Bangkok is an excellent idea – Let me tell you more.

Just a short trip from Bangkok, Ayutthaya is home to ancient temples, palaces, and historical landmarks that will take your breath away.

Whether you’re a history lover or just looking to see something new, I’ve rounded up the 7 best tours that’ll make your trip to Ayutthaya unforgettable.

So when planning your Bangkok itinerary, make sure to add a day for a trip to Ayutthaya, you won’t regret it.

Want to know more? Let’s start this complete guide with the best temples and the Ayutthaya tours from Bangkok, which I’m confident will be helpful to you before going!

Best Ayutthaya Tours – Overview

I understand that you may not have the time to go through the whole guide, so let me save you some precious minutes. Here is the absolute best day trip to Ayutthaya you can join:

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How to Get to Ayutthaya?

Traveling to Ayutthaya from Bangkok is easy and you have a few options available. You can catch a train from Don Mueang or Bangkok Central Station Station, which is both affordable and scenic, taking about 1 hour.

Buses are another option, leaving from Mochit Terminal, which takes a bit longer, 1 to 1.5 hours.

Personally, when I visited Ayutthaya, I joined a day trip from Bangkok, and it was comfortable and I had a tour guide with me the whole day, which made everything much more convenient, and I recommend you do the same.

Is Ayutthaya Worth Visiting?

Absolutely, visiting Ayutthaya is a must-do for anyone traveling to Thailand. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Ayutthaya was once the capital of the Kingdom of Siam and is now home to a wealth of historical attractions.

How Long Do You Need in Ayutthaya?

Ideally, you plan at least half a day to visit Ayutthaya. This will give you enough time to see the main highlights, such as Wat Phra Si Sanphet and Wat Ratchaburana.

Also, you’ll want to book a full-day trip to see as much as possible and enjoy a delicious Thai lunch.

Ayutthaya Historical Park Entrance Fee

Talking about price, it’s worth considering the entrance fee to the different temples in Ayutthaya. The historical park is free to access and visit, but the entrance fee for each temple varies from 40 to 100 THB ($1.10 to $2.90) per person.

For instance, Wat Chai Watthanaram and Wat Mahathat, famous for its Buddha head in the tree, cost 50THB to get in.

7 Temples to Visit on a Day Trip to Ayutthaya

On any Bangkok to Ayutthaya day trip, other than the Royal Palace, there are temples that you should be visiting. And you’ll find no shortage of beautiful Buddhist temples to explore. Here are some of the best ones to add to your itinerary:

Wat Chai Watthanaram

Wat Chai Watthanaram is one of the most impressive Ayutthaya temples. The temple was built in the 17th century by King Prasat Thong, and it served as his funeral temple after his death.

The temple is located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, and it features a striking Khmer-style architecture.

The main prang, or tower, is surrounded by four smaller prangs, and the whole complex is surrounded by a series of porticoes and courtyards. Today, Wat Chai Watthanaram is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Ayutthaya, and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Entrance Fee: 50THB per person

Wat Phra Ram

Wat Phra Ram is named after the King Somdet Phra Borommaracha I, and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Ayutthaya, and it is known for its beautiful architecture and stunning sculptures.

The temple complex is made up of several buildings, including a main shrine, a Buddha statues hall, and a bell tower, and will somewhat remind you of the Grand Palace (Wat Phra Kaew) in Bangkok.

While it’s mostly made of ruins, it is still a fascinating place to visit, with 28 pagodas and many photo opportunities.

Entrance Fee: 50 Baht

Wat Phutthai Sawan

Known for its striking architecture and giant reclining Buddha, Wat Phutthai Sawan is one of the only temples that survived the Burmese attacks in 1766 and 1767.

The main hall of the temple is supported by a series of pillars, and the walls are decorated with colorful murals. Also, if you didn’t have the chance to visit Wat Pho while exploring Bangkok, then you’ll see a beautiful reclining Buddha here, which is a nice alternative.

In addition to its religious significance, Wat Phutthai Sawan is also an important archaeological site, and you can’t miss it on your Ayutthaya itinerary.

Entrance Fee: Free

Wat Mahathat

Wat Mahathat is one temple with a rich history and you can’t miss it on your day trip to Ayutthaya from Bangkok. Originally built by King Boromaraja I in 1370-88, it is home to the famous “Buddha head in tree roots” statue.

It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Ayutthaya, and that’s the one I liked the most when I visited Ayutthaya.

Entrance Fee: 50THB per person

Wat Thammikarat

Wat Thammikarat is known for its beautiful architecture and stunning scenery. Built in the 14th century before the foundation of the former capital, the temple was once the tallest building in Ayutthaya.

It is said that the temple was built to honor the king’s favorite elephant. Today, Wat Thammikarat is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Ayutthaya.

You can explore the temple grounds, view the beautiful murals and statues, and take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.

Entrance Fee: Free

Wat Lokayasutharam

The Wat Lokayasutharam temple in Ayutthaya is known for its beautiful architecture and stunning scenery. The temple was built in the 14th century before the foundation of the former capital, and it is said that the temple was built to honor the king’s favorite elephant.

Today, you can visit it with a private guide and photograph the stunning giant reclining Buddha as well as other significant temples on a day trip.

Entrance Fee: Free

Wat Phra Si Sanphet

Wat Phra Si Sanphet is one of the most significant temples in Ayutthaya and played a major role in the historic city’s past. Built in 1492 CE, it was used as an example for the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Wat Phra Kaew, Bangkok.

A massive Buddha statue was made during the reign of Ramathibodi II. The Phra Sri Sanphetdayan Buddha image is 16 meters tall and covered with 143 kg of gold.

This statue was kept in a big meeting room until 1767. That year, the kingdom of Ayutthaya was taken over by the Burmese army, who then took all the gold off the statue by melting it.

The royal monastery is located within the Royal Palace grounds, and thus no monk is permitted to live there. The temple, on the other hand, was used to perform rituals for the royal court, such as the oath-taking ceremony.

All in all, when taking a day trip to Ayutthaya, you can’t miss Wat Phra Si Sanphet.

Entrance Fee: 50THB per person

7 Best Ayutthaya Tours From Bangkok

There’s no doubt that Ayutthaya is one of the most unique and fascinating places in Thailand. With its ancient temples, the summer palace, and other historical landmarks, it’s a must-see for any visitor to the country.

If you’re looking to explore Ayutthaya with an expert guide, then these 7 day tours with ancient ruins are the best you can join on your trip itinerary around Thailand. And there’s so much history to learn!

Ayutthaya Day Trip from Bangkok With Summer Palace and Market Visit

⭐ Rating: 4.8/5
✔️ Reviews: 7,000+
🕗 Duration: 8 Hours
🚌 Where to Book: Klook

This tour offers a personalized adventure into the heart of Ayutthaya, letting you pick your journey depending on your interests.

Whether you’re keen on exploring the historical landmarks, snapping the perfect Instagram shot, or enjoying a day out with the family, there’s an itinerary just for you.

The highlight for many is the Summer Palace, where the blend of Thai, Chinese, and Gothic architecture is simply stunning. The tour isn’t just about sightseeing; it’s about experiencing the local culture, too.

If you decide on the Instagrammable tour, you’ll visit local markets, sip coffee in picturesque cafes, and if you choose the evening tour, enjoy a magical sunset boat trip. What sets this tour apart is the freedom to explore at your own pace.

Of course, apart from that, you’ll visit several ruins at the Ayutthaya Historical Park and appreciate the area’s past splendor from centuries past.

Thanks to the tour guides, every stop is filled with fun and learning, and you’ll love your day trip from Bangkok to Ayutthaya.

The catch? This is a popular day tour, and you’ll want to book now before they sell out!

Ayutthaya Temples Small-Group Trip with Lunch

⭐ Rating: 4.7/5
✔️ Reviews: 3,000+
🕗 Duration: 8 Hours
🚌 Where to Book: GetYourGuide

This small-group day trip to Ayutthaya will take you around the most interesting temple ruins of Ayutthaya from Wat Phra Sri Sanphet to Wat Maha and more.

And with everything included from entrance fees to an expert guide and even lunch, you can’t go wrong.

On this day trip, you’ll get to explore four of Ayutthaya’s most significant temples, blending cultural immersion with historical exploration.

Kick off your adventure at Wat Lokayasutha, famous for its impressive reclining Buddha statue that sets the tone for the day’s discoveries.

Next on the itinerary is Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, standing on the grounds of the former royal palace, offering a rare peek into the ceremonial complexities of ancient Thai royalty.

The journey continues to Wat Mahathat, home to the iconic image of a Buddha head entwined within the embrace of tree roots—a powerful symbol of nature.

After soaking in the historical sites, you’ll pause for a refreshing lunch at a local restaurant, savoring authentic Thai flavors that reflect the region’s culinary heritage.

Of course, other than an expert guide, transportation from Bangkok is included, and this is one great bonus!

Ayutthaya & Ayothaya Floating Market Day Trip

⭐ Rating: 4.6/5
✔️ Reviews: 3,000+
🕗 Duration: 8 Hours
🚌 Where to Book: GetYouqrGuide

Take a journey back in time with this day trip to Ayutthaya with a boat ride that you’ll never forget, and visit the main temples in the city.

Make your first stop to Wat Lokayasutharam before seeing the temple’s incredible giant reclining Buddha image at Wat Phra Sri Sanphet. Continue on to Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, which is considered one of the most important popular temples in Ayutthaya.

Then, continue to Viharn Pra Mongkolborpit for a look at the bronze Buddha statue in the “subduing Mara” style. It’s one of Thailand’s biggest representations of Buddha and measures 12.45 meters (40.8 feet) tall.

After that, visit Wat Mahathat Ayutthaya, which was once home to the Buddha’s holy relic and is regarded as one of the oldest and most significant temples in Ayutthaya’s history.

Finally, end your trip at Wat Chaiwattanaram, which is both beautiful and grand. Wander around the vast grounds of this intriguing architectural style influenced by the Angkor Wat site in Cambodia as you admire its tremendous size.

After a day of exploration, you’ll return home to Bangkok via train.

With the entrance fees included, as well as transportation from Bangkok and an expert guide the whole day, it’s one of the day trips from Bangkok you won’t easily forget.

Ancient Ayutthaya Tour: Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, Royal Palace

⭐ Rating: 4.2/5
✔️ Reviews: 1,000+
🕗 Duration: 8 Hours
🚌 Where to Book: Klook

If you don’t mind spending the day with other people and are traveling on a budget, then this is the Ayutthaya day trip to go for.

For a reasonable price, you will get to spend the day around ancient Ayutthaya and its popular spots, from the Buddha Head banyan tree to the night market to the temples and more!

In addition, you will have a delicious lunch at the local floating market, and that is great if you’re willing to save time and money on your trip to Thailand.

If all the above convinced you but you’re not a fan of spending the day with strangers, the same itinerary can be booked as a private ancient Ayutthaya trip, which I couldn’t recommend enough!

From Bangkok: Ayutthaya Full-Day Trip with Driver

⭐ Rating: 4.6/5
✔️ Reviews: 400+
🕗 Duration: 9 Hours
🚌 Where to Book: GetYourGuide

If you’re on the hunt for a private Ayutthaya day trip with everything included and your own driver and tour guide all the way from Bangkok, then read this.

This full-day tour of ancient Ayutthaya takes you back in time to explore the former capital of Siam’s city center, and you’ll get to visit the Bang Pa-In Summer Palace, Wat Mahathat, and Viharn Pra Mongkolborpit.

Stop at Bang Pa-in Palace, a 17th-century royal complex that was originally established in around 1688 that is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

After that, continue to Wat Mahathat, which was built before the Ayutthaya Period in the 14th century.

Visit Wat Phrasrisanphet, which was formerly a royal monastery, and see the face of Buddha sculpted on a banyan tree. Viharn Pra Mongkolborpit is the final stop, where you can visit magnificent bronze Buddha statues.

All in all, this day tour is definitely one of the best you can take if you want to discover the real, authentic side of Ayutthaya.

Ayutthaya Historical Park Day Trip from Bangkok

⭐ Rating: 4.6/5
✔️ Reviews: 1,000+
🕗 Duration: 10 Hours
🚌 Where to Book: GetYourGuide

On this small-group tour to Ayutthaya from Bangkok, you’ll journey back in time to learn about the city’s fascinating history. Plus, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to take photos of the popular temples and palaces!

After getting to Ayutthaya historical park, spend several hours exploring fascinating ancient religious monuments such as Wat Mahathat, where a decapitated Buddha head rests between ancient tree roots. Then, follow your guide to Wat Mongkol Borpit, which is known for its big reclining Buddha statue.

As you go on a memorable journey with your knowledgeable guide, learn about Thai Buddhist history, construction, and religion. Discover Wat Phra Sri Sanpetch, the most sacred and significant complex of Thailand’s ancient capital city.

Finally, visit Wat Chaiwatthanaram, which is renowned for its towering stone chedis. This location was one of the main reasons why Ayutthaya was given UNESCO status in 1991.

Historical Ayutthaya Temples Tour From Bangkok

⭐ Rating: 5/5
✔️ Reviews: 10+
🕗 Duration: 9.5 Hours
🚌 Where to Book: Klook

Ayutthaya is one of Thailand’s most popular tourist destinations for those seeking history and culture, and there’s no better way than this 9.5-hour organized tour to discover the ancient city and its temples.

The Historical Ayutthaya Temples Tour is a great option for those looking to learn more about the city’s history and see some of its most famous temples.

The tour includes stops at Wat Mahathat, Wat Ratchaburana and Wat Phra Si Sanphet, among others. Your guide will share stories and facts about each site, making the tour both informative and enjoyable.

Finally, what I like is that it’s a private tour and you’ll get to enjoy the day with your local guide for yourself. And all the expenses are covered, from admission fees to parking to food. What else do you need?

Ayutthaya Tours from Bangkok – FAQ

Now that you know all the best temples and tours to Ayutthaya from Bangkok, let’s answer some frequent questions that first-timers often have, and that I’m sure will be helpful for you too.

What is the Best Time to visit Ayutthaya?

The best time to visit is between November and February. This is when the weather is coolest and driest. However, Ayutthaya can be quite crowded during this period.

If you want to avoid the crowds, March to May or September to October are good times to visit.

The weather during these months is still pleasant, and you’ll have a better chance of enjoying the city’s sights without fighting the crowds. No matter when you choose to visit Ayutthaya, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience.

How to Choose a Tour to Ayutthaya?

When it comes to deciding which tour to take, there are a few things to consider. The first is how long you want to spend in the city. If you’re pressed for time, then a one-day tour is the best option.

The second thing to consider is what you want to see on your tour. There are a number of different options, and each one has its own highlights. For example, if you’re interested in history, then you might want to take a tour of the ancient temples.

On the other hand, if you’re more interested in the culture, then a tour of the local market might be a better option.

Finally, you’ll need to decide how much you’re willing to spend on your tour. There are a number of different price points, so you should be able to find something that fits your budget.

That being said, most day trips are pretty cheap and include transportation and lunch.

Should You Book a Day Trip to Ayutthaya Tour?

Generally, an Ayutthaya day trip can range in price, but they typically cost more than putting together your own transportation and sightseeing plans. However, the convenience of having everything organized for you is worth the extra cost.

Finally, think about what kind of traveler you are. If you prefer to have everything planned and organized in advance, a day trip may be the better option.

But if you’re the type who likes to go with the flow and explore on your own, going by yourself from Bangkok to Ayutthaya could be more up your alley.

Final Thoughts

Wrapping up, each of these 7 tours from Bangkok to Ayutthaya brings something unique to the table. From cruising down rivers to biking through ancient ruins, there’s a perfect fit for every type of traveler.

Remember, it’s not just about ticking off sights; it’s about soaking in the stories and the atmosphere that make Ayutthaya such a special place.

Thanks for reading until the end, and feel free to let me know here below if you have any questions about Ayutthaya as a whole!