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What Can You See In Ayutthaya In One Day?

At one point the world’s most populous and prosperous city, Ayutthaya is now a rich collection of temples and complex ruins. The Burmese came in 1767 to invade the city, burning much of the city down to the ground.

From Bangkok, there are several options for travel, we took the train, which is by far the cheapest option. But be aware, that there are two train types: 2nd class with AC – 245-345 Baht; and the 3rd class without AC – 20 baht. There are regular trains, so you don’t have to wait long at all – just time it right to factor in the 2.5 hours travel time to your destination.

Photo credit: Tanan Paengluang

Get in
From Hua Lamphong (Bangkok Station)
Regularly, nearly every hour | Bangkok > Ayutthaya (non-AC, 3rd class)
2hrs 30mins
79km
20 Baht

Get out
From Ayutthaya Station
Regularly, nearly every hour | Ayutthaya > Bangkok (non-AC, 3rd class)
2hrs 30mins
79km
20 Baht

Alternative Modes of Transport

Coach
From Mo Chit Northern Bus Terminal
Bangkok > Ayutthaya (AC, 1st class)
2hrs 30mins
79km
56 Baht

Minivan
From Victory Monument
Bangkok > Ayutthaya (AC, 2nd class)
2hrs 30mins
79km
60 Baht

Boat
From Chao Praya River
Bangkok > Ayutthaya
 Can take up to a full day of travel
79km
More expensive

Once you arrive, several options are available to get you around the city. The cheapest (though not necessarily the most practical) is the bicycle. It costs a mere 40 Baht for a full day – but as many of the sites are miles apart, the hot weather and blistering sun doesn’t make it a comfortable ride.

The most practical, in my opinion, is the motorbike. You can rent one just at the front of the train station, it costs 200 Baht (two people can ride, so you split the cost – 100 Baht each). The rental is valid for the day, until 7PM, allowing you plenty of time to explore. You just need to make sure the tank is full when you return the motorbike.

Here’s are the main sites to visit and how to see Ayutthaya in one day.

Wat Phanan Choeng

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This is an active temple that has been cherished by the people over the centuries – the main reason it remains standing and very well-maintained. Here, a massive image of The Buddha is housed, in a hall at the rear of the building. Pilgrims will worship here at various times of the day – to watch the novices dress The Buddha in silk. Here’s a photo showing the size of the statue, with novices standing on top for size comparison.

 Wat Phanan Choeng
Free for Thai Nationals / 20 Baht for Foreigners

 

Wat Chaiwattanaram

This site is the furthest from the train station – around 10Km away. The ruins here are a beautiful deep red colour and cover a large area. Statues line the walls, eroded away through the centuries, missing heads, limbs and truly demonstrating the passage of time.

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 Wat Chaiwattanaram
10 Baht for Thai Nationals / 50 Baht for Foreigners

Photo credit: Tanan Paengluang

 

Wat Lokayasutharam

A massive image of The Buddha in the reclining position can be found here. The ruins are in an open park, but the statue of The Buddha remains intact and dressed daily in fresh, new silks. This is likely the happiest image of The Buddha I have seen – reminding us all of peace and harmony.

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 Wat Lokayasutharam
Free for everyone

Photo credit: Tanan Paengluang

 

Wat Mahathat

The most famous site of Ayutthaya, where nature shows her will to reclaim what’s hers. The trees seem to swallow up an image of The Buddha – though, don’t be fooled by its apparent size in photographs. The statue head is small, underwhelmingly small. Although, it’s still something of beauty to behold.

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 Wat Mahathat
10 Baht for Thai Nationals / 50 Baht for Foreigners

Photo credit: Tanan Paengluang

Photo credit: Tanan Paengluang

 

Elephant Camp

There is an elephant camp, it seems (from the outside) that the majestic creatures are well-looked after. Here, tourists can ride the elephants, hand feed them and take pictures with them. There’s an elephant show as well.

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 Elephant Camp
 50 Baht for the show / 40 Baht to hand feed the elephants / 40 Baht per person to take a photo with them

Photo credit: Tanan Paengluang

 

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