Exploring Ayutthaya: A Day Trip from Bangkok

2 July 20236 July 2023 Richard Barrow 0 Comments

The ancient city of Ayutthaya, located just a short train ride from Bangkok, makes for an easy day trip. In this post, I will provide you with all the details of my recent visit.

Ayutthaya was the capital of Siam from 1351 to 1767. It was a major center of trade and commerce, and it was home to a large population of people. The city was destroyed by the Burmese in 1767, but it has since been rebuilt and is now a popular tourist destination.

To get to Bang Pa-In, take Rapid No. 111 from Krung Thep Aphiwat Station at 7:30am. The ticket prices are 20 Baht for 3rd Class and 44 Baht for 2nd Class. Both classes provide open windows and fans. The journey typically takes around 54 minutes.

You should arrive at Bang Pa-In Station at 8:24am. In front of the station there are motorcycle taxis that will take you to the nearby Summer Palace for 20 Baht. It’s only about four minutes away.

Bang Pa-In Summer Palace was built in the 17th century as a summer retreat but was largely abandoned for many years following the fall of Ayutthaya in 1767. It was restored by King Rama IV in the mid-19th century. It features a mix of Thai, Chinese, and European influences.

Adjacent to the palace, you’ll find an extraordinary Buddhist temple known as Wat Niwet Thammaprawat. To access it, you must take a cable car, as the temple is on an island. What sets this temple apart is its Gothic-style architecture, stained-glass windows and gargoyles.

To return to the station, turn right out of the car park and walk a few minutes to the nearby 7-11. From there, you can take a motorcycle to the station for 20 Baht or a Tuk Tuk for 30 Baht. It’s best to buy refreshments at the 7-11 before heading to the station.

You have around two hours in Bang Pa-In. The next train is Ordinary No. 201 that leaves at 11:14am. The ticket price for the short 13-minute journey to Ayutthaya is only 3 Baht. This train goes from Hua Lamphong Station and seems to be more popular with foreign tourists.

You will arrive at Ayutthaya Station at 11:27am. There’s an air-conditioned restaurant on the platform if you want to have an early lunch or just a coffee.

Before you leave the station, take a photo of the trains back to Bangkok. You will probably be here around 5 hours. So aim for the 4:37pm or the 6:38pm trains which will cost you 15-20 Baht. If you want air-conditioned comfort, then catch No. 8 at 6:06pm. But it’s 341 Baht.

In front of the station, ignore the Tuk Tuk touts as they will cheat you. Opposite the station there’s a lane that leads down to the river. Here you will find Tuk Tuk’s that will show you around for 200 Baht an hour. Or rent a bicycle for 60 Baht for the day.

This is the map of Ayutthaya they will give you. Three to four hours on a bicycle is probably enough if it’s a hot day. Highlights include Wat Mahathat, Wat Ratchaburana, and Wat Phra Sri Sanphet. If you want more, then go to Wat Yai Chai Mongkon and Wat Phanan Chaeng.

Here are the highlights of Ayutthaya Historical Park, as recommended by the Tuk Tuk drivers: I would suggest skipping the elephant riding and the floating market, but the rest are definitely worth visiting.

At the bottom of the lane from the station, there is a boat that can take you across the river for 15 Baht, which is a better option than using the road bridge. However, you might want to consider renting a bicycle on the other side instead of taking it on the boat.

Most places in Ayutthaya Historical Park will cost you 50 Baht each. It’s best not to try and do too much as some are very similar. I would say around four stops would be enough.

There are many places to eat in Ayutthaya, but this restaurant is famous for river prawns. Click for map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/R8zTUehchBgXSPDB7?g_st=ic