Ayutthaya: Ancient Ruins, River Rides, and Majestic Delights

Discover the ancient wonders of Ayutthaya, Thailand, on a family adventure like no other.

19 July 2023

Ayutthaya, located just north of Bangkok, is a fantastic destination for a family-friendly trip in Thailand. Known for its ancient ruins, the historic city offers a unique blend of history and adventure. Families can explore the ancient temples, rent bicycles to tour the sprawling archaeological park, and enjoy boat rides along the Chao Phraya River, making it a great destination to immerse in cultural experiences while creating lasting memories with your loved ones.

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Day trip plan

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Day

Exploring the Ancient City

  • Start your day marveling at the majestic Wat Mahathat, where the famous Buddha head entwined in tree roots will make you go "OMG, nature!"
  • Hop on a tuk-tuk and zip your way to Wat Phra Si Sanphet, the former royal temple that'll transport you back to the time of Ayutthaya's glory. Don't forget your camera to capture the awe-inspiring ruins!
  • -Take a break from the heat and head over to Ayothaya Floating Market for a tasty Thai feast. From pad Thai to mango sticky rice, your taste buds will scream "Sawasdee yum!"
  • After lunch, take a leisurely boat ride along the Chao Phraya River, where you can soak up the scenic views and spot some adorable river otters. Keep your eyes peeled, they're sneaky!
  • Make a stop at the Ayutthaya Elephant Palace & Royal Kraal, where you can meet these gentle giants up close. Feeding them bananas will earn you their trunk-slap of approval!
  • End your day with a magical sunset visit to Wat Chaiwatthanaram. As the sky turns hues of gold and orange, you might even catch a glimpse of ancient spirits whispering tales from the past. Spooky yet enchanting!

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The easiest way to get to Ayutthaya by plane is to fly into Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok and then take a taxi or minibus from there. The journey takes around 1.5 hours depending on traffic.

Car

The most convenient way to get to Ayutthaya by car is to hire a taxi or book a private transfer from Bangkok. The journey takes around 1.5 hours depending on traffic. It's best to avoid rush hour if possible.

Train

Ayutthaya has its own train station, so taking the train is a good option. There are regular services from Bangkok which take around 90 minutes. The station is located in the city center, making it convenient to get around.

Boat

Although there are no direct boat services to Ayutthaya, it is possible to take a river cruise from Bangkok to Bang Pa-In and then take a taxi or bus to Ayutthaya. This can be a scenic way to travel and takes around 3-4 hours depending on the cruise.

Bus

There are a number of buses that run from Bangkok to Ayutthaya. The best option is to take a bus from Mo Chit Bus Terminal as they run regularly throughout the day. The journey takes around 2 hours, depending on traffic.

Destination

Ayutthaya

Welcome to the city that'll make you say Ayutthayayayaya! This former royal capital is packed with ancient temples, tasty street food, and a lot of tuk-tuks.

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Number of days

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Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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