Thailand, will always be very dear to my heart. While it was one of the first places I backpacked alone! As I think about my next solo adventure Thailand speaks out to me! It is truly a hub to access additional flights to neighbouring countries! Not to mention it is such an easy way to find cheap flights out of there.

Today’s post, I share some photos of the beautiful Ayutthaya, Thailand. I am also going to discuss a bit how to plan a day trip with two options. Booking with your hostel/ experience guide or independently. Thus, this post will break down how you can do a cycling tour or take it by foot like I did!

I highly recommend spending a full day here, but 5 hours will do fine as well. With trains departing every hour from both Bangkok and Ayutthaya, I will leave the exact timing of this trip down to you, but I would suggest giving yourself a minimum of five hours in Ayutthaya as there are some amazing sights to see! When, I tell you that you will get absolutely lost on this trip believe and the place is fantastic.

Must See’s on a Day Trip to Ayutthaya

There is loads to do in Ayutthaya, and most of the key sites are fairly close together. To be honest, if you rented a bike you could easily see everything quickly. But, i liked to sit down and observe the environment and really take it all in.

Here is a general map of the place:

For those who like a bit more structure: I’ve listed the tops see’s.

I am not aiming to give a full historical background to Ayutthaya in this article, just a list of the best places to visit.

If you want more background on the city: I’ve posted a brief description at the bottom.

All of the temples below costed 50฿ = $2.12 entry fee unless otherwise listed. The prices may have changed since I last went so be sure to double check.

1) Wat Maha That (Buddha’s Head in Tree Roots)

This temple is famous for having the head of a Buddha statue that has been consumed by a tree. No-one really knows how it ended up here, and it's just one of those mysteries of how the head was left behind after the city was raided and its destruction by the Burmese army in 1767. Legend, has it that the head was left behind and a tree started growing around it.

2) Wat Ratchaburana

3) Wat Thammikarat (Temple of the Roosters & Giant Buddha)

4) Wat Phra Si Sanphet (The Most Important Temple)

I thoroughly enjoyed just getting lost here.

5) Wat Phra Ram (Tranquil Gardens)

6) Wat Lokkayasutharam

Overall…

The experience here was immeasurable, the history behind the ruins are of course sad but to see a piece of history still standing today was such an honour and experience. I reccomend you go. Below you will find any photos i didnt get to post as of yet, and further down you will find “How to get to Ayutthaya from Bangkok” 🙂

Bangkok to Ayutthaya Train Ticket

• Tickets are easy to book. Go to the ticket booths at Hua Lamphong station, the cashiers speak good English, and will spin round their computer screen to show you your booking, so you can confirm it is correct. 
• There is two booths. Go to the one on the left. One booth sells advance tickets and the other day tickets. Be sure to go to the one selling day tickets.
• Tickets cost 15฿ = .64 CAD per person. Yes you read that righttttt ! .
• You will be issued with a 3rd class ticket. There is no other option for this train and the train ride is great!
• You will not be issued with a seat as your journey is too short.
• The cashier will tell you which platform to go to.

If you are not confident enough to just turn up at the station and order a ticket, you can book in advance using the fantastic site 12Go.Asia.

I used 12Go.Asia to book transport right across Southeast Asia, from sleeper trains along the coast. I used this website religiously throughout Thailand, and it worked fine. It is quick, efficient and it takes out the worry of booking at the station.

If you’ve made it this far, I love you and thank you for the continued support. I can wait to take you on my next adventure. With Love, xoxo