Bangkok to Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya is about 50 miles (80 km) North of Bangkok. You reach Ayutthaya by rail, road, and even boat, or simply take a private car tour and let them organise everything.

Train from Bangkok to Ayutthaya:

• Time: Over 2 hours

Taking the train from Hua Lamphong Railway Station (Bangkok Railway Station) is the most recommended and cheapest way to get to Ayutthaya. The journey is scenic, but the trip takes the longest to complete. 

If you are spending the night in the Historical Park, consider taking the train one way. It’s a great way to travel to Ayutthaya if you aren’t in a hurry. (Trains in Thailand can be delayed).

Driving to Ayutthaya:

• Time: 75 min

Once you are out of Bangkok, the route to Ayutthaya is fairly straightforward. Most Thai people you see along the way will not understand English, however, if you need to confirm the way, simply ask ‘Ayutthaya way’, and they will point in the right direction.

(Some phone networks do not have good data options, so remember to download the route on your phone before you leave).

Taxi to Ayutthaya:

• Time: 75 min

Taking a taxi is the most convenient way to reach Ayutthaya. Remember to agree on a price before you begin the trip. If possible, request your hotel to arrange a taxi for you.

Bangkok to Ayutthaya by Mini-van:

• Time: About 1.5 hours

Minivans from Bangkok’s Mo Chit Bus Terminal leave for Ayutthaya every 20-30 minutes. They are cleaner and more comfortable than public busses. The driver of the mini-van won’t move until its full – so on a quiet day, you might have to wait for sometime. (This is rarely the case though).

Bangkok to Ayutthaya by Bus:

• Time: Under 2 hours

Public buses depart every 20 min from Bangkok’s Northern Bus Terminal (Moh Chit). Buses make a number of stops (more than mini-vans) along the way and therefore take up to 2 hours to reach.

Bangkok to Ayutthaya by Boat:

You can even take an overnight cruise from Bangkok to Ayutthaya. Bookings have to be made in advance.

Dress Code for Ayutthaya

Dress appropriately. Remember that you will be spending time in and around temples. (Even though most Ayutthaya temples are in ruins, they are still used as places of worship by Buddhist monks).  

Best time to visit: Mid December

December is Ayutthaya’s festive season. Fireworks light up Ayutthaya’s sky to commemorate the city’s listing as a UNESCO World Heritage Site on 13^th December 1991.

The weather is also just right to explore the ruins.

Day Trip or Overnight Stay in Ayutthaya?

Most visitors plan to explore the Historical Park over a day trip. The thing, however, is that when you get here, you realise that one day is barely enough to see a few Ayutthaya temples. Ayutthaya Historical Park is huge. The journey from Bangkok to Ayutthaya and back, in itself, can take over 3 hours, leaving you with limited time.

We feel that two full days are enough to explore Ayutthaya Historical Park. If you are interested in history, you’ll require even more time.