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A visit to Thailand is incomplete without a stop in Bangkok, an ultramodern and authentic city in the same time.
The capital of Thailand offers unlimited possibilities for leisure and no matter how much time you spend here, it is never enough to discover all its secrets.
Bangkok is the gateway to Thailand and the starting point to other parts of the country, and if you get here, it would be a shame not to spend a few days in this city of contrasts.
In this article, we have gathered all the information you need to have a successful holiday in this fabulous city: transportation, airports and major attractions in or around the city.
Bangkok Airports
Most tourists enter Thailand through one of the 2 airports in Bangkok: Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and Don Mueang Airport (DMK).
How can you get from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Don Mueang Airport?
Bus number 554 connects the two airports, it is free and runs from 5 AM until midnight.
The bus departs from the Public Transportation Center where you will arrive with a free shuttle bus from Suvarnabhumi.
Bear in mind that you will need at least 2 hours to get from one airport to another.
Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)
It is the newest and largest airport in the city and most international flights arrive here.
We flew with Turkish Airlines from Istanbul and arrived at this airport.
How can you get from the airport to the city?
Bangkok Airport Rail Link
Suvarnabhumi Airport Rail Link connects the airport with Makkasan Station (near Petchaburi MRT Metro Station) and Phaya Thai Station (BTS Skytrain – the main public transportation system in the city).
The trip costs between 15 and 45 Bath, depending on the distance and the bus runs every 10-15 minutes.
Tickets can be purchased from the ticket machines located at the stations and can be paid using coins (1,5 or 10 Bath) or banknotes (20,50,100 or 500 Bath).
The train has a total of 8 stations and when you buy your ticket, you have to pick the name of the station which is your destination and the cost of the ticket will be calculated automatically.
Hours: 5:30 AM – 24:00
By taxi / Grab
Due to the fact that we traveled with a group of friends, we took the taxi from the airport and paid 200 Bath.
Since April 2018 Uber is no longer available in Thailand, but you can use the Grab app to order a taxi.
By bus
There is a bus that transports passengers free to the Public Transportation Center, from where you can take another bus to any area of the city.
Don Mueang Airport (DMK)
It is the city’s old airport and hosts low-cost companies in Thailand. We flew with AirAsia to Chiang Mai from here.
How can you get from the airport to the city?
By bus
Bus A1 (Airport Limo Bus Express) connects the airport to the Mo Chit Station. The bus leaves every 5 minutes and the ticket costs 30 Bath. Hours: 7 AM – 24:00
The second option is the Airport Limousine Bus Express which connects the airport to the Khao San Station and costs 150 Bath. Hours: 10 AM – 11:30 PM
From both stations (Mo Chit Bus and Khao San) you can reach the city center by metro or BTS Skytrain.
By taxi / Grab
We took the taxi to the airport and paid 220 Bath.
Where to stay in Bangkok?
After reading a lot about the best places to stay in Bangkok, we chose 4 neighborhoods that we thought were best suited: Khao San (the choice of solo travelers, cheap accommodation, famous for active nightlife and street-food, it is about a 30-minute walk from the Grand Palace or Golden Mount), Silom (a modern neighborhood, here is the Lumphini Park, you can get here by metro or Skytrain), Siam (a modern neighborhood with many malls, here is Jim Thompson`s House and Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World) and Sukhumvit.
Sukhumvit
We chose to stay in Sukhumvit, an ultra-modern neighborhood in the central area of the city that stretches along Sukhumvit Street.
It is very convenient to stay in this area due to the fact that the subway and Skytrain pass here. In addition, in the area, there are several shopping centers, markets, and restaurants with food from all over the world.
The neighborhood is also known for the active nightlife, clubs, and Skybars.
We stayed 3 nights in an apartment with a fabulous view of the skyscrapers in Sukhumvit.
For the last 2 nights in Bangkok, we stayed at The M Pool Villas Bangkok just 500 meters from the Skytrain, in a small bungalow with a private pool.
What kind of public transportation can you use in Bangkok?
There are many ways you can explore the capital of Thailand, but if you want to see how the locals live, you must definitely try public transportation.
We traveled by taxi, subway, tuk-tuk, boat and Sky train.
If you have an internet connection, you can easily calculate the route, by typing the final destination in the Google Maps application and choosing the journey by public transport. It helped us several times to combine the subway with the boat and Sky train.
Water transport
Chao Phraya River Express Boat
It is a pleasant way to discover the less touristy areas of the city, where people live simply, but also the biggest attractions in the city.
There are 4 lines (one line without flag and 3 lines with flag: orange, yellow and green) and the price of a trip varies between 9 and 32 Bath, depending on the line and distance.
Boats run every 5-25 minutes and we advise you to check the timetable of each line online.
From here you can print the map.
There is also a Chao Phraya Tourist Boat, which runs daily every 30 minutes between 9 AM and 8:30 PM. A single trip costs 60 Bath and the all-day ticket costs 200 Bath. The boat has stops at many of the city’s attractions and all details are available on this website.
Khlong Saen Saep Boat
It is a means of transport used generally by the locals and tickets cost 10-20 Bath.
There are 2 lines available: Golden Mount Line and NIDA Line.
The schedule is available here.
We took such a boat from Golden Mount (Panfa Leelard Station) to Sapan Hua Chang Station where it is connected with the Skytrain (Ratchathewi Station).
The boat is connected to the Skytrain at Sapan Hua Chang (Ratchathewi – Sky train), Chit Lom Bridge (Chit Lom – Sky train), Wireless (Phloen Chit – Sky train) stations.
Chao Phraya Ferry Crossings
Ferries that cross the river can be taken from several points in the city, but the most commonly used by tourists is the one that crosses the river at Wat Arun Temple.
The ticket costs about 4 Bath and the ferry runs from 5-6 AM to 8-9 PM.
MRT Subway
Metro tickets are not valid for the Skytrain.
The metro currently has 2 lines (blue and purple) and runs with a frequency of 5-10 minutes daily between 6 AM and 24:00. The subway is connected to the BTS Skytrain at Sukhumvit MRT, Chatuchak MRT, Phahayolthin MRT and Silom MRT stations.
The ticket is valid for a single trip and the price varies depending on the distance (prices are displayed on the panel and are between 16 and 70 Bath).
Tickets can be purchased from the counter or from the ticket machines.
The ticket machines have a touch screen and you have to choose the station that is your destination and the ticket price will be calculated automatically (the ticket is valid only on the day you bought it and to the final destination, even if you have to change the subway line).
Payment can be made using coins (1,5 or 10 Bath) or banknotes (20,50 or 100 Bath).
The entrance ticket looks like a token and you will need it at both the entrance and exit of the subway.
The subway map and a fare simulator are available here.
BTS Skytrain
The Skytrain has 2 lines (light green and dark green) covering the central area of the city (Sukhumvit, Silom, and Sathorn districts) and Siam Square. It is a quick and pleasant way to travel through the city, as the train passes among the skyscrapers and the view is superb.
Hours: 6 AM – 24:00.
Ticket Cost: the ticket cost is calculated based on distance and a trip costs between 16 and 59 Bath (ticket is valid only on the day it was purchased).
Tickets can be purchased from the counter or from the ticket machines. If you are using the ticket machine, you have to choose your destination and the ticket price will be calculated automatically. Payment can be made using coins (1,5 or 10 Bath) or banknotes (20,50 or 100 Bath).
The Skytrain is connected with the transfer line from Suvarnabhumi Airport (Airport Rail Link) at Phaya Thai Station and the water transport system at Saphan Taksin Station.
The Skytrain is connected to the subway at the Asoke BTS, Daeng BTS, Mo Chit BTS, and Ha Yaek Lat Phrao BTS Stations.
The interactive Skytren map is available here.
Public buses in Bangkok
We have not traveled by bus at all, but those who are not staying near a station of the means of transport listed above will have to use public buses, which reach all parts of the city.
Tickets are bought directly on the bus (after everyone takes a seat, the bus conductor will collect the money from everybody, so be sure to have cash at hand).
Tickets cost around 10 – 25 Bath (depending on route and destination).
The buses stop only at the stations where there are people who want to get on or off, and you will have to signal to the driver if you are at the station or press the red button when you want to get off the bus.
Which SIM card to choose in Thailand?
We bought a SIM card with 599 Bath from AIS (AIS TRAVELER SIM). The package included unlimited internet for 15 days and 100 Bath credit. We made Hotspot on the phone and connected all the devices to the Internet.
What to visit in Bangkok?
Take a tour of the temples
The official religion of Thailand is Theravada Buddhism, and the first thing you should do in Bangkok is a tour of the impressive temples – a journey to discover their spiritual world and a step towards learning about the Thai culture.
Thai temples are called wat.
To visit most of the temples, you will need to cover your knees and shoulders , otherwise, you will not be allowed to enter.
Grand Palace
It is a complex located in the heart of the city consisting of several highly ornate temples, the golden chedi Phra Siratana, the miniature model of the Anhkor Wat in Combodgea and 2 statues of the mythical creatures Yaksha guarding the entrance.
Once the official residence of the king, the palace is today the most visited attraction in the city. The most important temple in the complex is Wat Phra Kaew, which houses the famous statue of the Emerald Buddha.
The complex is very large, and it took us half a day to visit it.
Hours: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM.
Entrance tickets: 500 Baht
How do you get to the Grand Palace?
The Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Prayoon and Wat Arun are in the same area, within walking distance of each other, and if you arrive here at the time when the temples open, you will be able to visit all 4 in a day.
- By boat (Chao Phraya River Express Boat) – the orange flag line to Tha Thien Pier (Number 8) or Ta Chang Pier (Number 9).
- By Chao Phraya Tourist Boat to Tha Thien Pier (N8).
- By MRT Subway: Sanam Chai station – Sanam Chai Road exit.
- By taxi or Tuk-tuk.
Wat Pho – Temple of the Reclining Buddha
It is located near the Great Palace and it is famous for the 46-meter-long statue of the reclining Buddha.
The whole complex is interesting, and you will need about 2 hours to visit it.
Hours: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM.
Admission tickets: 200 Baht (water bottle included).
Wat Arun Ratchavararam – Temple of Dawn
The temple with a unique architecture is located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River and you can get here in a short walk from Wat Pho Temple and then crossing the Chao Phraya River by ferry for 3.5 Bath
Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM.
Entrance tickets: 100 Baht
Wat Prayoon/ Wat Prayurawongsawat
Close to Wat Arun Temple, about 20 minutes’ walk away, is the Wat Prayoon Temple. In the complex, there are several buildings and a path decorated with small porcelain Skulls, which you will walk barefoot while reflecting on the fragility of life.
Another way to get here is by boat to Saphan Phut Pier Station, from here you cross the Memorial Bridge.
Hours: 9 AM – 6 PM.
Admission is free.
Wat Saket – The Golden Mount
The Golden Mountain is worth a visit for the 360-degree panoramic view of the city and for the most beautiful sunset in the city.
Climbing the mountain (318 steps) is very pleasant and upstairs you will be surprised by the tranquility around – an oasis of peace in the middle of such a busy city where only the bells sound and monks prayers will accompany you on your journey to discover their spiritual world.
The temple is not as crowded as the other temples we listed above, which makes visiting this temple a special cultural experience.
If you have enough time, after visiting the golden Chedi on the mountain, take a stroll through the mountain base and visit the nearby Loha Prasat temple.
Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
Entrance tickets: 50 Baht
How can you get to the temple?
Wat Saket and Loha Prasat are located in the same area and you can visit them both on the same day.
We were in the Grand Palace area when we decided to go to Wat Saket and opted for a Tuk-Tuk, although it can be reached on foot in about 25 minutes.
On departure, we took the boat on the canal Khlong Saen Saep from Panfa Leelard station – Golden Mount Line to Sapan Hua Chang station where it is connected with the Sky train (Ratchathewi Station).
The boat runs between 6:30 AM and 8 PM and the ticket costs 10-20 Bath (you can choose to travel in both directions by boat).
How was the boat trip?
We used the Google Maps app to get to the station, and we went through a market and narrow paths between wooden walls, we really thought the GPS was wrong and that road goes nowhere, but after a few minutes, we arrived at the station.
There were many locals and 2 couples who seemed to be tourists. There was no ticket office, just a person who asked us where we were going and asked us to wait and join the group.
After we got on the boat and sat down, the conductor came to us and sold us the tickets. The conductor also announced the names of the following stations for those who wish to go down to prepare.
We advise you to be careful about how you get on and off the boat because the boarding is made in a hurry.
The boat went through the less touristy areas of the city, where people live in modest houses and it was an interesting experience to see this side of Bangkok.
After getting off the boat, we followed the group of people in front of us and arrived in a few minutes at Ratchathewi station.
If you’re not sure where to go after getting off the boat, you can use Google Maps again which works great in Bangkok and will be a good friend if you use public transportation.
Loha Prasat – Wat Ratchanatdaram Worawihan
The temple is located near the Wat Saket temple and has a special architecture and it also called the metal castle.
At the ground floor of the temple, the supporting columns form a labyrinth leading to the spiral stairs that go up to the temple terrace.
Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
Admission tickets: Admission is free, but those who wish can make a small donation.
Sri Mariamman / Maha Uma Devi
It is a very colorful Hindu temple.
Because the temple opened before the others, we started the day with a visit to this temple. Before entering the temple, you must take your shoes off and inside you are not allowed to take pictures.
Hours: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM.
Admission tickets: admission is free.
How do you get here?
The temple is a 20-minute walk from Sam Yan Metro Station (blue line) and 8 minutes from BTS Skytrain Surasak Station.
We took a taxi because it was the fastest option.
Other temples in Bangkok
The temples in the list above are a recommendation for all Bangkok visitors, and for those who want to see more temples, we recommend the following:
Wat Traimit – The Temple of the Golden Buddha
The temple is known for hosting the largest gold statue of the Buddha (3 meters high and 5.5 tons weight).
If you visit the museum in the complex you will find out the impressive history of this statue. (To be protected, the statue was covered with stucco, to pass as a normal, worthless statue. The fact that the statue is made of gold was discovered only 200 years later, while trying to transport the statue from Ayutthaya to Bangkok, the material with which the statue was covered accidentally broke, revealing the precious statue inside).
Hours: 8 AM – 5 PM
Admission to the complex is free, the ticket to visit the temple where the statue is displayed costs 40 Bath and admission to the museum costs 100 Bath.
How do you get here?
The temple is located in Chinatown and you can get here by metro (Hua Lamphong station), Chaophraya River Express Boat (Ratchawong Pier), taxi or tuk-tuk.
Wat Suthat
It is one of the largest temples in the city and it is about a 20-minute walk from the Grand Palace. The entrance costs 20 Bath and the temple is open between 8 AM and 9 PM.
Wat Benchamabophit – The Marble Temple
The architecture of the temple is one of the most beautiful in the city. The temple is open between 8 AM and 5:30 PM, the ticket costs 50 Bath and you can reach the temple by taxi or tuk-tuk.
Wat Mangkon Kamalawat – Wat Leng Noei Yi
It is a Chinese Buddhist temple, located in the Chinese neighborhood. The temple is decorated in classical Chinese style, with several flowers, animals and dragons.
You can get here by subway (Hua Lamphong Station), Chaophraya River Express Boat (Ratchawong Pier), taxi or tuk-tuk.
Other attractions in Bangkok
Sky Bars
Drinking a colorful cocktail while enjoying an amazing view of the city is the finest way you can spend your evening in Bangkok.
There are a lot of Sky Bars in Bangkok and most of them offer a 360-degree view of the city. The most famous bars in the city are the following: Sky Bar, the Dome at Lebua State Tower (it appeared in the movie – The Hangover), Octave Rooftop Bar at the Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit, Vertigo and Moon Bar at Banyan Tree Hotel and Park Society at So Sofitel.
Octave Rooftop Bar at Marriott Sukhumvit Hotel
Octave Rooftop Bar was our choice, as it was situated very close to the hotel we were staying at.
The Sky bar has 3 levels:
- At the first level, the music is quieter, and it is a suitable place for those who want to have dinner or have a conversation, the chairs are modern and comfortable.
- At the second level, there is a bar in a 360-degree terrace, the tables here are higher and have bar chairs.
- At the third level, there is a party atmosphere, here is actually the roof of the hotel with a 360-degree spectacular view.
We chose to stay at level 3 because the view from there is absolutely fantastic.
Hours: daily between 5 PM and 2 AM.
How do you get here?
Take the BTS Skytrain to Thong Lo Station (about 5 minutes’ walk).
Jim Thompson House Museum
The Museum can only be visited within a guided tour. The house with authentic Thai architecture belonged to the American architect and businessman Jim Thompson. He was also a collector of Thai art objects and the collection is displayed in the museum.
Jim Thompson founded the Thai Silk Company in 1948. The company had a huge success in the silk industry and their products are being sold even today.
Jim Thompson mysteriously disappeared in 1960 during a trip to Malaysia and his body was never found. After his disappearance, his house was transformed into a museum and became one of the top attractions of the city.
The tour lasts about 40 minutes and it is available in several languages.
Hours: 9 AM – 6 PM
Admission: 200 Bath/adult, 100 Bath/child under 10 years.
How do you get here?
Take the BTS Skytrain to National Stadium or Siam Stations.
Lumphini Park
It is a very large and beautiful green park in the center of Bangkok, and it is surrounded by skyscrapers. It is the perfect place for relaxation, a picnic, a walk, jogging, or a boat trip on the lake.
How do you get here?
Take the BTS Skytrain to Sala Daeng Station.
By metro to Lumphini and Si Lom Stations.
Shopping centers and markets
If you are a shopping enthusiast, then you are in the right place, there are many modern malls in Bangkok.
Most shopping centers are open between 10 AM and 10 PM.
We stayed in Sukhumvit and went shopping in the 2 malls in the neighborhood: Terminal 21 and Ekamai Gateway.
Terminal 21 is located near Asok Station (Skytrain).
Each floor of Terminal 21 has a different theme with representative decorations for several areas around the globe (Istanbul, San Francisco, London, Paris, Rome, Tokyo, and the Caribbean) and it is worth a visit even if you do not plan to go shopping.
If you are ready to negotiate and buy from local producers, then visit the markets in the city.
There are many markets in Bangkok, but the most popular is the Chatuchak Weekend Market, which is open on Friday (6 PM – midnight), Saturday (9 AM – 6 PM) and Sunday (9 AM – 6 PM). The market is close to the Mo Chit (BTS Skytrain) and Chatuchak Park (subway) Stations.
The Sampeng Pass Market in Chinatown is open daily between 9 AM and 6 PM. It is a very colorful market with countless stalls selling Thai clothes, decorations, fruits or food.
There are also several night markets which are generally open from 5 PM until midnight, we visited the ArtBox night market, which was located near the hotel.
What to visit near Bangkok?
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
There are several floating markets near Bangkok and visiting them is a unique experience, which is why one of these markets must also be in your itinerary.
The most important markets are:
- Amphawa Floating Market (Friday – Sunday 11 AM – 9:30 PM).
- Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market (Saturday and Sunday 8 AM – 5 PM).
- Tha Kha Floating Market (Saturday and Sunday 6 AM – 3 PM).
- Bang Nam Pheung Floating Market (Friday – Sunday 8 AM – 2 PM).
- Taling Chan Floating Market (Saturday and Sunday 8 AM – 5 PM).
- Bangkhla Floating Market (Saturday and Sunday 8 AM – 6 PM).
- Bangnoi Floating Market (Saturday and Sunday 6 AM – 6 PM).
We stayed from Monday to Friday in Bangkok, when most markets were closed.
The Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is open daily between 7 AM and 5 PM, making it a popular choice among tourists.
The market is situated 100 km from Bangkok, and after reading more reviews about this market, we decided that the best way to visit it is with an organized tour of Bangkok. We took the tour from click2gothailand because they had the best price (490 Bath) and very good reviews.
We took a tour of Bangkok which included visiting the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and the Maeklong Train Market.
Maeklong Train Market
Maeklong Train Market is a market located on the railway, and every time the train passes, people withdraw their stalls to let it pass.
As soon as you enter the market, you will be hit by an explosion of flavors, tastes, and colors and it will be difficult to leave without buying something.
We walked about 40 minutes through the market and then we headed towards the floating market.
Damnoen Saduak
Visiting one floating market is indeed a very special experience.
Included in the ticket price was a ride on the long tail boat that does not pass through the middle of the market, and those wishing to take a small tour of the market by a small boat had to buy the ticket separately.
The guide warned us that some people are asking for a huge price for this boat tour and led us to the place where we took the tours at a fair price of 150 Bath for a 30-minute tour.
After the boat tour, we wandered for an hour through the market and in the end, we did the cruise included in the ticket price.
Erawan National Park
Erawan Park in Kanchanaburi Region (about 190 km from Bangkok) is one of the most beautiful places we have visited in Thailand.
The main attraction of the park is the Erawan waterfall that has 7 levels. Each level of the waterfall has a name and the waterfall at level 7 is called Erawan (its name comes from the fact that it resembles the elephant with 3 heads in Hindu mythology).
We are used to the mountain trails and we did not find the route difficult at all.
The trail can be hiked both ways in about 2 hours, but if you want to enjoy the scenery or swim, you will need at least 3 hours.
There are several beautiful natural pools along the way, and if you want to swim, don’t forget to take your swimsuit.
If you intend to spend more days in the park, you will find in the area many accommodation options and other attractions:
- Elephants World is a sanctuary where you can interact in a pleasant and ethical way with these huge animals (you feed them, you walk with them and take a bath in the river).
- Sai Yok Yai National Park is a place of impressive natural beauty and the park’s star is the Sai Yok Yai Waterfall.
- Chaloem Rattanakosin National Park is another park where you have the chance to hike interesting trails, the biggest attraction in the park is the Tham Than Lod Noi cave.
- Khuean Srinagarindra National Park is located near Erawan National Park, here are several caves and the Huay Mae Khamin Waterfall.
- The Bridge on the River Kwai (Death Railway Bridge) is also called the death bridge because of the large number of war prisoners who died during the construction of the railway.
- Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum – the 500-meter pass was hand-cut into stone, and the museum is dedicated to people who have lost their lives by working hard here.
- Wat Tham Sua Temple is a temple with unique architecture.
How was our visit?
We took a day trip from Bangkok.
Lunch was included in the tour price and we served it at one of the restaurants inside the park, next to the parking lot (you are not allowed to take food beyond the first level of the waterfall).
Hours: 8 AM – 4:30 PM
Entry ticket: 300 Bath
When you buy the entry tickets, you will have to leave 20 Bath deposits for each plastic bottle you take with you, the money you will receive back at the exit of the park (if you bring the plastic bottles back and do not throw them through the forest), we really appreciated the way they found to make sure the park stays clean.
How can you get to Erawan National Park?
With a private tour of Bangkok or Kanchanaburi.
By bus or train from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi and from there by bus or Songtaew (shared taxi), more details are available here.
Ayutthaya
Ayutthaya is approximately 75 km north of Bangkok. The ruins of the ancient city of Ayutthaya show the former grandeur of the city when it was considered the largest city in the world.
Thailand’s official name has long been Siam, and Ayutthaya was the capital of the Siam empire. The ruins of temples that can be visited today are what remained of the city after the invasion of the Burmese army in 1767, an attack that led to the collapse of the empire.
How can you get to Ayutthaya?
By train from Bangkok
We chose to take the train and we were glad we made this decision because this is how we saw a part of Thailand that remained authentic and the trip itself was enjoyable. Although the train did not have air conditioning the temperature was pleasant.
It is also the cheapest option, the tickets for the second-class train for the trip between Bangkok and Ayutthaya cost between 230-345 Bath and the ticket for the 3rd class 20 Bath (the first class exists in Thailand only on night trains).
The train leaves from Bangkok’s Hualamphong station (you can get there by metro) and the journey takes between 1.5 and 2 hours. The train leaves once an hour between 4:20 AM and 10 PM, and the tickets can be bought directly at the train station.
In Ayutthaya Railway Station, there is a very nice restaurant where you can drink or eat something while you wait for the train.
The night train running between Bangkok and Chiang Mai can also be taken from Ayutthaya.
By minibus from Bangkok
The minibus station is near the BTS Skytrain Mo Chit Station and the ticket costs about 100 Bath.
With an organized tour of Bangkok
Although it is the most expensive option, it has its advantages: you will be accompanied by a guide and find interesting stories about the history of the city, your transport between temples will be assured, lunch is included, you will be taken directly from the hotel and have the chance to combine the tour with a cruise on the Chao Phraya River.
Tickets cost around $ 60.
How can you travel through Ayutthaya?
To get from the Ayutthaya train station to the temples you will have to cross the river by ferry or take one of the other means of transport available at the train station (tuk-tuk, minibus, bus).
If you are only staying for one day in Ayutthaya, don’t forget to check before leaving the station at what time the last train leaves for Bangkok and be careful not to miss it.
With the tuk-tuk
Once you arrive at Ayutthaya train station you will see lots of colorful tuk-tuks waiting for tourists.
You can choose between a tour of the main temples for about 300 Bath/hour (or negotiate a price for the tour of the temples you want to see) or take the tuk-tuk to one of the temples (60-100 Bath) and from there continue your tour with another tuk-tuk.
The tuk tuks have up to 6 seats and are also a good choice for groups of friends.
By bicycle
The temples are located quite close to each other, and one of the most enjoyable and cheapest ways to tour them is by bicycle (if not extremely hot). The cost of renting a bicycle is about 50 Bath / day.
What to visit in Ayutthaya?
Ayutthaya is located where 3 rivers (Chao Phraya, Lopburi, and Pa Sak) meet forming an island, most of the temples are on this island.
The train station is located outside the island and you can get on the island by ferry or by car, minibus, tuk-tuk.
How was our day?
Since we were on a day trip to Ayutthaya, we wanted to see most of the temples in the city and took the train in the morning from Bangkok so we could reach Ayutthaya at the time when the temples open.
On the same side of the river where the station is located, there are 2 temples (Wat Yai Chai Mongkhol and Wat Phanan Choeng Worawihan) and we started the day with visiting them.
1-Wat Yai Chai Mongkhol
It is the first temple we visited and the temple we liked the most. It is one of the largest and best-preserved temples in Ayutthaya.
The gardens, statues, and views from the terrace are special.
Hours: 9 AM – 6 PM
Entry ticket: 20 Bath
2-Wat Phanan Choeng Worawihan
Wat Phanan Choeng Worawihan is less than 2 km from Wat Yai Chai Mongkhol and it is the second temple we have visited.
The temple is known for the 19-meter high statue of Buddha.
The location of the temple on the riverbank is exceptional, and after admiring the main attraction (the huge statue) we took a stroll through the complex as the area is very beautiful, with buildings with authentic Thai architecture.
There is also a small, beautifully decorated Chinese temple, containing the statue of the Chinese princess Lady Soi Dok Mak, in which memory the temple was erected.
Hours: 8 AM – 5 PM
Entry ticket: 20 Bath
From here, we went on the island, where most of the temples in Ayutthaya are located (Wat Mahathan, Wat Ratchaburana, Wat Trammikaarat, Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, Wat Phra Ram, Wat Lokayasutharam, and the Chao Sam Phraya National Museum).
Ayutthaya Historical Park
The ruins of the Wat Mahathan, Wat Ratchaburana, Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, Wat Mongkhom Bophit, and Wat Phra Ram temples are part of the Ayutthaya Historical Park and are within the same area so you can walk within a few minutes from one temple to the next.
The Chao Sam Phraya National Museum is also very close, here are exhibited artifacts of immense cultural value to the country that were found in these temples.
3-Wat Mahathan
Most tourists come here to photograph the Buddha’s head half-hidden among the roots of a tree.
Hours: 8 AM – 5 PM
Entry ticket: 50 Bath
4-Wat Ratchaburana
The temple is near Wat Mahathan and it is much better preserved than it. Wat Ratchaburana was built by King Borommarachathirat II in memory of his brothers who died while fighting for the throne.
Hours: 8 AM – 5 PM
Entry ticket: 50 Bath
5-Wat Phra Sri Sanphet
It is the largest temple in Ayutthaya Historical Park and was the most important temple during the Ayutthaya Empire.
Hours: 8 AM – 6 PM
Entry ticket: 50 Bath
Wat Mongkhom Bophit and Wat Phra Ram
Although the temples are very close to the temples we listed above, we didn’t have time to visit them.
Wat Mongkhom Bophit is a still-active temple and Wat Phra Ram dates from the 13th or 14th century.
6- Wat Thammikarat
The temple is located about 1 km from Wat Mahathan.
It is one of the most interesting temples in the city, consisting of the ruins of the old temple (with many statues depicting lions and roosters) and other new constructions.
Hours: 8 AM – 6 PM
Entry ticket: 50 Bath
7-Wat Lokayasutharam
The Buddha statue here is the biggest statue in the city, it is 8 meters high and 42 meters wide. Behind the statue are the ruins of the temple.
Near this temple, there are two other interesting temples, which can be visited for free: Wat Worachettharam and Wat Warapho (Wat Wang Rakhang).
Other attractions in Ayutthaya:
- Chao Sam Phraya National Museum
- Ayodha Floating Market
- The Krirk Yoonpan Toy Museum
- The boat museum
- Bang Sai Royal Folk Art and Crafts Center
- Wat Chai Watthanaram
- Wat Suwandararam
Visiting Bangkok is a unique cultural experience, and a single boat trip will be enough to discover a bit of authentic and ultra-modern Thailand.
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