When Thailand is mentioned in conversation images of turquoise water, palm trees, and sandy beaches often come to mind. Yet, for backpackers and luxury travelers willing to take in the charm of Bangkok, a stunning day trip awaits. As mentioned in “Top 3 Things to Do in Bangkok”, many tourists overlook Bangkok for more popular destinations across Thailand such as Chiang Mai or Koh Phi Phi. However, for under $1 USD visitors can access some of Thailand’s most stunning Khmer-style ruins.
Where? How Can I Get There?
Ayutthaya is Thailand’s answer to Cambodia’s Angkor Wat! With over a dozen historical sites located in this ancient capital, Ayutthaya is a stunning day-trip for anyone looking for a bit of adventure in Thailand. Located approximately 85 kilometers north of Bangkok, the journey provides visitors a glimpse into local Thai life with views of the countryside and smaller towns.
The easiest way to get to Ayutthaya is by train from Bangkok’s main station, Hua Lamphong. The station is located near Bangkok’s Chinatown and within walking distance of the Golden Buddha Temple.
The official address of the station is: ΰΈ£ΰΈΰΈΰΉΰΈ‘ΰΈ·ΰΈΰΈ Krung Thep Maha Nakhon
Trains to Ayutthaya for 2018/2019 run from 4:20 to 22:25 and run approximately every half-hour. For more information, visit the following link: https://www.train36.com/bangkok-ayutthaya-train.html
The best way to book your train ticket is to arrive at the station 30-45 minutes before you wish to depart. Upon entering the main railway terminal, you will see a ticket counter with several windows selling tickets for the day. Ticket vendors are able to recommend the next available route and suggest the best point-of-connection should you travel beyond Ayutthaya.
However, when booking train tickets in Thailand (and across many Southeast Asian countries), ensure you book the right ‘class’ of ticket. Three main types of tickets exist: Ordinary, Rapid, and Express (sometimes Special Express also exists). If booking an ordinary ticket (15 baht one-way!), you will be guaranteed a seat in a non-air-conditioned train compartment. A rapid ticket guarantees a seat from 45 – 65 baht (depending on sub-class) in a compartment of the train with a fan (but no A/C). It is also generally faster than ordinary trains. Bangkok to Ayutthaya on an ordinary train would take around 2 hours, but rapid trains take 1.5 hours. Express trains provide either a fan-cooled seat (165 baht one-way) or the option to have an air-conditioned reserved seat for 245 baht one-way. Express trains take about the same amount of time to reach Ayutthaya as rapid trains. Finally, special express provides the fastest way to Ayutthaya with air-conditioned carriages for upward of 300 baht one-way.
From personal experience, the train journey in an ordinary carriage is comfortable and at around $0.50 cent one-way, the price is unbeatable! Regardless of the class you select, I recommend bringing water and snacks for the train ride. To take in the views, try to board the train at least 30 minutes in advance to get a window seat.
Things to Do in Ayutthaya
Once you reach Ayutthaya, make your way from the train station to the river ferry. The small foot ferry terminal is located about 10 minutes from the station. For 5 baht, you can across the river into a city that feels other-wordly! By renting a bike or walking, the main ruin complex is accessible. When in Ayutthaya’s Historical Park, ensure that you allow ample time to walk around the park and experience ruins that were partially destroyed by the Burmese in the 1700’s. Despite many of the Buddha statues not having heads, a symbol of the Burmese’s unrelenting desire to control the city at any cost, many of the statues remain well-preserved.
Additional temple complexes are open to the public across the city. For instance, Wat Phra Mahathat, Wat Chai Wattanaram, Wat Yai Chaimongkol, and Wat Phuttai Sawan are all beautiful options to check out by foot, bike, or tuk tuk during a day or two in Ayutthaya!
Stampchaser Photography 