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The historic city of Ayutthaya was once the ancient capital of Siam. It was partially destroyed in the 18th century, but several stunning temples and ruins still remain, which make it well worthwhile for a day trip from Bangkok. The Ayutthaya Temples are very impressive and the historical park is any photographer’s dream.
How to get to Ayutthaya Temples From Bangkok:
Ayutthaya is roughly 85km (52 miles) away from Bangkok.
Bangkok to Ayutthaya Taxi:
The fastest and easiest way to get there is by car and the journey will take a little less than 1.5 hours. It’s very important to note that if you take a taxi to Ayutthaya, make sure you book it round trip because it’s close to impossible to find a taxi back to Bangkok. A round-trip taxi fare (including waiting time for the driver) will cost between $40 to $50.
Bangkok to Ayutthaya Train:
for a cheaper option, there are trains that go to Ayutthaya regularly. The journey will take around 2 hours and trains leave from Hua Lamphong Station. You don’t need to book ahead of time, so just buy your ticket on the spot. More info here: Seat 61.
Bangkok to Ayutthaya Bus:
there are several buses that head to Ayutthaya regularly. They leave from the Northern Bus Terminal and the journey takes around 1 to 2 hours depending on the number of stops the bus has to make.
Weather – When to Visit Ayutthaya Temples
The weather in Ayutthaya Temples is warm year-round. The warmest months are April, May, and June when the sun can be scorching hot. The best time to visit Ayutthaya Temples is from December to February with little to no chance of rain during those months. For more travel weather info:Â Best Time to Visit Thailand.
Ayutthaya Temples Entrance Fee
Ayutthaya Temples are made of 9 different sites, some of which you can enter for free and others that have a small entrance fee of 50 Baht ($1.5): Wat Phra Si Sanphet (fee: 50 baht), Viharn Phra Mongkol Bopit (fee: free), Wat Mahathat (fee: 50 baht), Wat Ratchaburana (fee: 50 baht), Wiharn at Wat Thammikarat (fee: free), Wat Suwan Dararam, Wat Phra Ram (fee: 50 baht), Phra Chedi Suriyothai (fee: free), Wat Borom Phuttharam (fee: free).
My favorites were Wat Phra Si Sanphet (the holiest & most famous site) and Wat Phra Ram.
Ayutthaya Ruins Dress Code
Ayutthaya temples don’t have a strict dress code like most other temples in Thailand. They are treated more as historic sites rather than active temples. I was wearing a sundress with sandals. I didn’t have problems accessing any of the temples. Of course like any other holy site, it’s best not to dress too provocatively.
Thailand temples dress code tips: Most other temples in Thailand require your knees and shoulders to be covered (both males and females). You can still wear shorts or a dress, but just have a long scarf with you to wrap around your waist. Almost all the temples have street markets at the door where you can buy one for a $3 to $5.
What Are the Best Temples in Ayutthaya Thailand?
1. Wat Chaiwatthanaram
2. Wat Phra Ram
3. Wat Phra Si Sanphet
4. Wat Phra Mahathat
5. Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon
6. Wat Lokayasutharam
7. Wat Phanan Choeng
8. Wat Ratchaburana
9. Wat Na Phra Men
10. Wat Thammikarat
11. Wat Suwan Dararam
Photos Of Ayutthaya Temples
