Ayutthaya Day Trip from Bangkok: Thailand’s Ancient Capital
If you are looking for the best day trips from Bangkok, I recommend checking out Thailand’s ancient capital, Ayutthaya. Most tours that offer an Ayutthaya day trip includes a stop at Bang Pa In Palace then visit Wat Mahathat, the historic city of Ayutthaya, Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, and Wat Chaiwatthanaram.
I booked a day trip to Ayutthaya from Bangkok just to get a little glimpse of historical sites outside the big city and it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site I can check off my list. In this post, I’ll share everything about our trip to Thailand’s ancient capital.
**This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or banners throughout the page, whether it be TripAdvisor, Booking.com. Agoda.com, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support!
Ayutthaya was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991. Ayutthaya is recognized by UNESCO for its cultural value and well-preserved ruins of the former capital of the Kingdom of Siam.
The site is protected and has an impressive collection of ancient temples, monasteries, and statues. Today, UNESCO helps preserve this iconic site for all visitors to enjoy.
Why Visit Ayutthaya
An Ayutthaya day trip from Bangkok is a must for any traveler visiting Thailand. Visiting Ayutthaya offers a glimpse into Thailand’s rich history and offers visitors a different cultural and historical experience.
Just 1.5 hours from Bangkok, Ayutthaya Historical Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has ancient temples, ruins, and a giant reclining Buddha statue.
Ayutthaya Day Tours from Bangkok
Sure you can drive the 1.5 hours from Bangkok to Ayutthaya and explore the ruins on your own, but what do you really get out of it? I recommend booking an Ayutthaya day tour from Bangkok.
By booking a day trip to Ayutthaya from Bangkok, you get a knowledgeable guide who explains the history and significance of the sites plus you get transported in an air condition van.
I booked this Ayutthaya Historical Park Full Day Tour from Bangkok.
The tour included an air conditioned vehicle, a bottle of water, a guide, hotel pick up within a certain area, and entrance fees.
After the tour, I definitely recommend it to my readers. It was a full day of exploration and seeing ancient temple ruins outside of Bangkok.
Here is the tour we booked:
✅ UNESCO’s Ayutthaya Historical Park: Full-Day Tour from Bangkok
If you like options, here are some other Ayutthaya tours:
✅ Private Excursion to Ayutthaya with Boat Tour
✅ Private Excursion to Floating Market and Ayutthaya World Heritage
Ayutthaya Itinerary
Just so you know what to expect during your Ayutthaya day trip from Bangkok, I’ve outlined our Ayutthaya itinerary. Or if you are visiting the ancient ruins on your own, don’t miss out on these sites.
Bang Pa-In Royal Palace
Bang Pa-In Royal Palace also known as the Summer Palace is a must-visit destination from Bangkok and lucky enough it was included in our Ayutthaya Day Trip.
The Bang Pa-In Royal Palace was formerly used by the Thai Kings. The palace grounds showcase a lovely blend of Thai, Chinese, and European architecture all set in a beautiful park.
The Aisawan-Dhipaya-Asana Pavilion set in the middle of the pond was my favorite landmark at Bang Pa-In Royal Palace.
Wat Yai Chaimongkhon
After visiting Bang Pa-In Royal Palace and as an intro to the Historic City of Ayutthaya, our first stop was Wat Yai Chaimongkhon.
When we first arrived at Wat Yai Chaimongkhon, I instantly noticed the giant chedi or Buddhist stupas.
At the site, the information board said that Wat Yai Chaimongkhon was initially built by King U-Thong in 1900 B.E. to accommodate monks.
In the center of Wat Yai Chaimongkhon is a giant Stupa, you can walk up. There is also a reclining Buddha and many statues of Buddha scattered throughout the temple.
Wat Mahathat
Wat Mahathat is one of the most iconic and must visit temples in Thailand. Wat Mahathat is known for the Buddha head that is entwined in the tree roots, ruins, and relics.
Wat Mahathat is one of the oldest temples in Ayutthaya and according to our guide, royal ceremonies were held at this temple.
Buddha Head in the Tree Roots
One of the most iconic scenes at Ayutthaya is the Buddha Head that is wrapped in the roots of a Bodhi tree.
According to the sign posted at the site, the Buddha head was a part of a Buddha statue that fell off the main body and landed on the ground. Over time the Buddha head became trapped in the growing roots.
There are many theories as to why or how the Buddha Head at Ayutthaya is where it is. Our guide told us that it was possibly taken by Burmese during the Burmese-Siamese War and dropped or set at the location.
Wat Phra Sri Sanphet
Wat Phra Sri Sanphet was a Royal Palace prior to becoming a monastery during the reign of King Ramathibodi I. During the peak of Ayutthaya, Wat Phra Sri Sanphet was the largest temple.
Wat Phra Sri Sanphet is known for the three Chedis that dominate the complex. While walking around the three Chedis are in constant view, making it a a photographers dream!
Wat Phra Sri Sanphet is one of Thailand’s top-rated historical attractions and was a highlight especially while exploring UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Thailand.
Reclining Buddha Sai Yat
From its head to its toes, the Giant Reclining Buddha is 42 meters in length. The official name of the reclining Buddha he is Phra Buddha Sai Yat and it’s well worth a brief stop when visiting Ayutthaya from Bangkok.
Conclusion
An Ayutthaya day trip from Bangkok is a must-do for anyone exploring Thailand, especially if you are spending time in Bangkok. Ayutthaya is known for its ancient temples and rich history. The biggest bonus is that it’s just outside of Bangkok.
I recommend a guided tour to Ayutthaya but if you are traveling solo, it’s easy to visit this UNESCO site. If you are looking to visit historical sites near Bangkok, add a visit to Ayutthaya to your Thailand itinerary.
Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store. 📸
Plan Your Trip: 🗺️✈️🇹🇭
Booking Accommodations ⛺️ 🛖
For booking recommendations on the best deals and locations, check out Agoda or Booking.com
Activities and Tours 🏖 🚁
Find fun activities and things to do through Tripadvisor. If you are looking for tours and day trips, Viator and Get Your Guide have a lot of great options.
In need of a car rental? 🚗 🚘
I recommend checking with Rental Cars.
You May Also Like
Things to do in Manila: History, Food, and Experiences
2-Day Kuala Lumpur Itinerary: Best Highlights and Must Eats!
