Ayutthaya, Thailand, is the former capital and a UNESCO World Heritage site located about 100 kilometers north of Bangkok. A drive takes approximately 1.5 hours. As Thailand’s longest-reigning capital, it possesses a rich history, and the essence of Buddhism is reflected throughout the city. Here, you can witness world-class ruins and solemn, beautiful temples, making it the perfect destination for an Ayutthaya day trip!
Common ways to travel from Bangkok to Ayutthaya include taking a bus, train, or a private day charter. To save time and ensure convenience, I chose an Ayutthaya day trip package from KKDay this time, which was both easy and cost-effective! KKDay offers several different combinations for an Ayutthaya day trip. Today, I’ll be sharing my experience based on the specific tour I joined.
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Meeting Point for the Ayutthaya Day Trip
The meeting point for this tour is in front of Don Don Donki at the MBK Center. I have to share a “lesson learned” from our experience here! The entrance to Don Don Donki is actually located on the second floor (you need to walk up the skywalk to see it). If you are taking the BTS, walking directly from the skybridge to the entrance is the most recommended way.
However, because we arrived by taxi, we were dropped off on the first floor. Since the mall hadn’t opened yet at the meeting time, we were quite stressed trying to find a way up to the second floor! If you arrive by taxi, look for the BTS station stairs to get to the second-floor skywalk, or enter the mall and tell the security guard you are meeting at the second-floor entrance; they should let you through.
Even though we arrived 20 minutes early, the “maze” made us almost late and left us exhausted. Fortunately, the guide added me on LINE and gave us directions. I suggest doing a bit of research on the exact meeting point before you set off for your Ayutthaya day trip!
Ayutthaya Day Trip Stop #1 | Bang Pa-In Royal Palace
The first stop of the Ayutthaya day trip is the Bang Pa-In Royal Palace. Used as a summer residence by Thai kings, it is often called the most beautiful royal palace in Thailand. The architecture is a blend of European, Thai, and Chinese styles, offering plenty of Instagrammable spots at every corner.
Dress Code for Bang Pa-In Royal Palace
A quick reminder: there is a strict dress code for entering Bang Pa-In Royal Palace. Revealing clothing is not allowed. Both men and women must avoid sleeveless tops or short pants. For women, short skirts are also prohibited. If you forget, there is a small shop on-site where you can buy appropriate clothing. A long skirt or trousers costs about 150 THB (approx. $4.2 USD).
How to Get Around Bang Pa-In Royal Palace
The guide will provide a map. You can choose to walk or rent a golf cart. Walking the entire loop while taking photos takes about an hour, but there is very little shade. For those sensitive to heat or traveling with elderly or young children, I recommend renting a golf cart. It costs 400 THB (approx. $11 USD) for the first hour and 100 THB (approx. $2.8 USD) for each additional hour. Note that you need an international driving permit to rent one.
The route is straightforward—just follow the loop on the map to see everything. We even encountered a giant monitor lizard during our walk, which was an interesting addition to our Ayutthaya day trip.
Ayutthaya Day Trip Stop #2 | Wat Niwet Thammaprawat
After exploring the summer palace, our second stop was Wat Niwet Thammaprawat. This Buddhist temple is located near Bang Pa-In Royal Palace. You can walk from the palace to the riverbank and take a charming, simple cable car across the water.
The temple is unique because its exterior resembles a Gothic Christian church, yet the interior houses a statue of Shakyamuni Buddha. The architectural contrast is strikingly beautiful.
Ayutthaya Day Trip Stop #3 | Kong Khong Market
Lunch was held at Kong Khong Market (Talat Kong Khong), a traditional local seafood market famous for its fresh and affordable shrimp. Prices range from about 300 to 500 THB (approx. $8.4 – $14 USD) per kilogram. As part of a tour, we were taken to a specific restaurant, but each table could order whatever they liked.
The menu consists mainly of Thai street food and snacks. Of course, you should try the seafood! Since it’s a market, hygiene is something to keep in mind; we stuck to cooked seafood, which tasted great and was very reasonably priced.
Ayutthaya Day Trip Stop #4 | Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, Wat Mahathat, Wat Chaiwatthanaram
Next, we headed to three of the most significant temples on any Ayutthaya day trip: Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, Wat Mahathat, and Wat Chaiwatthanaram.
Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon
Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon is a major landmark and one of the oldest buildings in Ayutthaya, built in 1357 to commemorate a victory over the Burmese army.
There are two main highlights here. First is the Reclining Buddha. Besides taking photos, legend has it that if you make a wish and manage to stick a coin to the Buddha’s sole, your wish will come true.
The second highlight is the main stupa, flanked by Buddha statues. After climbing up, you can see a deep well inside. It is said that if you drop a coin and it lands in the center hollow, your wish will be granted!
Wat Mahathat
Wat Mahathat was a royal temple that housed Buddha relics and hosted important ceremonies during the Ayutthaya Empire. Beyond its massive size, the most famous sight is the Buddha head entwined in banyan tree roots.
During the Burmese invasion, many Buddha statues were decapitated. One head fell under a tree and, over centuries, became surrounded by roots. When taking photos with the Buddha head, remember to sit or crouch so your head is not higher than the Buddha’s, as a sign of respect.
Since Lisa from Blackpink visited this temple, there are even signs indicating where she took her photos. Fans should definitely not miss those spots!
Wat Chaiwatthanaram
Wat Chaiwatthanaram is arguably the best-preserved temple ruin you’ll see on an Ayutthaya day trip. The grounds are expansive, and every corner is photogenic.
When booking the KKday Ayutthaya Day Tour, you can choose to add on a Thai costume experience (for less than $200 TWD / approx. $6.2 USD). If you do, this temple is where you’ll take the photos. The guide will first take you to a nearby costume shop. It’s crowded, but the staff is very efficient. They will pick colors and styles for you unless you have a specific preference. After changing, you head across the street to Wat Chaiwatthanaram for your shoot.
I highly recommend the add-on. While it doesn’t include professional hair, makeup, or photography, it is a cheap and fun way to get an exotic souvenir photo. Given how beautiful the architecture is at Wat Chaiwatthanaram, the results are quite satisfying.
Ayutthaya Day Trip Stop #5 | Rak Na Cafe Ayutthaya
The final stop was a trendy cafe—Rak Na Cafe Ayutthaya. Everyone gets one free drink, though the cafe also sells snacks if you’re hungry. Unfortunately, it was nearly sunset when we arrived and it got dark quickly, but the surrounding rice fields, thatched huts, and wooden bridges were still very photogenic. The evening breeze with a glass of Thai milk tea was a great way to cool down after a long day in the sun, making it the perfect end to our Ayutthaya day trip.
That concludes my review of the KKday Ayutthaya Day Tour. This was entirely self-funded and not a sponsored post! I was genuinely satisfied with it. For those who want to visit all the must-see spots in one day without worrying about transportation, this Ayutthaya day trip is a lifesaver. If you’re looking for a great day trip from Bangkok, definitely check it out.
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