Ayutthaya Day Trip from Bangkok: The Complete Guide

Ayutthaya served as the capital of the Kingdom of Siam from 1351 to 1767, when it was sacked and burned by Burmese forces. What remains is one of Southeast Asia's most extraordinary collections of ancient ruins — now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an easy train ride from Bangkok. The most efficient way to visit is to take the 6:20am train from Bangkok's Hua Lamphong station (฿15, 1 hour 20 minutes) and hire a bicycle at the station (฿50–100 per day) — most of the key sites are clustered within a 10-minute cycle of each other on the island surrounded by rivers. The unmissable sights are: Wat Mahathat, where a serene Buddha head is encased in the roots of a fig tree; Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, the royal temple with three iconic chedis; Wat Ratchaburana; and the enormous reclining Buddha at Wat Lokayasutharam. For sunset, cross the river to Wat Chaiwatthanaram — the view of its Khmer-style prang reflected in the river at golden hour is among Thailand's great sights. Return on the late afternoon train (around 5–6pm) to be back in Bangkok by 7:30pm. Entry to most temples is ฿50 each or ฿220 for a combined pass.