Enjoy a day of exploring the “Lost Kingdom” of Ayutthaya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with stunning temples and ancient palaces. You will be free to explore at your own pace, taking in the Buddha statues and towering prangs until it’s time to meet your driver for a seamless return journey.
Ayutthaya, once Thailand’s capital, is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to the ruins of a kingdom. The remnants of palaces and tall prangs of temples stand starkly against the landscape, giving the site an otherworldly appeal. Travelers can explore incredible Buddhist temples within walking distance of the center of the site, including Wat Mahathat, Wat Phra Si Sanphet, and Wat Ratchaburana. Wat Mahattat is the oldest temple in the city and features a memorable interpretation of Buddha as a tree root. Other iconic temples are about a 40-minute walk from the center of Ayutthaya for travelers interested in additional sites.
Founded in 1350, Ayutthaya was the second capital of the Siamese Kingdom, which flourished until it was destroyed by the Burmese in the 18th century. Before its fall, Ayutthaya was one of the world’s largest and most cosmopolitan cities. Today, it’s a 289 hectare archaeological site recognized by UNESCO. At the 15th century Wat Ratburana, you’ll find a Khmer-style prang, and stairs leading down to a secret crypt with unrestored images of Buddha on the walls. At Wat Mahathat, the next temple over, you’ll find the iconic Buddha head stuck in the roots of a Banyan Tree - one of the most famous Thai images. The largest temple at Ayutthaya is Wat Phra Si Sanphet, otherwise known as ‘the Grand Palace’, which is best known for its three large chedis. Wat Lokaya Satha is another favourite for its 42-meter-long reclining Buddha Statue. Wat Chai Wattenaran, on the other hand, goes for quantity, with 120 Buddha statues throughout the grounds.
Ayutthaya Historical Park features several stunning temple ruins including Wat Mahathat (famous for the Buddha head in tree roots), Wat Phra Si Sanphet (the former royal temple), and Wat Chaiwatthanaram. Your 5-hour exploration gives you plenty of time to visit these UNESCO World Heritage sites. Your driver can recommend an optimal route based on your interests, though they won't provide guided commentary inside the sites.
The journey from Bangkok to Ayutthaya typically takes 1-1.5 hours each way, depending on traffic conditions. This comfortable drive in a private vehicle allows you to enjoy the Thai countryside without the hassle of public transportation. Your professional driver knows the most efficient routes to maximize your 5 hours of exploration time in Ayutthaya.
November to February offers the most pleasant weather for exploring Ayutthaya, with cooler temperatures and minimal rainfall. March to May can be extremely hot, while June to October brings monsoon rains. Since most temples are outdoors with limited shade, the cooler months allow more comfortable sightseeing during your 5-hour visit.
Yes, modest attire is required for temple visits in Ayutthaya. Wear clothes that cover your shoulders and knees. Consider bringing a light scarf or sarong to cover up if needed. Comfortable, closed walking shoes are recommended as you'll be exploring ruins and uneven surfaces during your 5-hour visit.
Several restaurants and food stalls are available near the main attractions in Ayutthaya. Your driver can recommend local spots to try Thai specialties like boat noodles or roti sai mai (Ayutthaya's famous candy floss wrapped in roti). You can ask your driver to incorporate a lunch break into your 5-hour exploration schedule.
Yes, bicycle rentals are widely available in Ayutthaya and cycling is a popular way to explore the historical park. If you're interested, your driver can take you to a reliable rental shop. This option allows you to cover more ground during your 5-hour visit while enjoying the sites at your own pace.
Pack sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and plenty of water as Ayutthaya has limited shade. Bring cash for entrance fees (around 50 THB per temple), food, and souvenirs. A portable fan can help during hot months. Consider having a small backpack with essentials like a camera and portable phone charger for your 5-hour exploration.
Day trips offer travelers private round-trip transportation to popular sightseeing locations. One of our professional drivers will pick you up in a luxurious, climate-controlled car, take you to the site of interest, and wait for you while you explore before driving you back to your hotel.
Yes! You’re free to choose the pickup and drop-off times that work best for you. However, the time spent at the destination is fixed and cannot be changed.
Each sightseeing stop has a recommended duration that includes plenty of time to explore. However, it is possible to customize the time spent at each sightseeing stop at a later stage in the booking process to best fit your unique schedule.
Your Daytrip driver will wait for you nearby for the duration of your exploration, meaning you’ll never have to wait for your return trip transportation to arrive. Your comfort and convenience are our top priorities, and we aim to close out your day trip with a return on your schedule.
The price of a day trip does not include any entrance tickets, guided tours, or meals you may partake in at your destination. The price covers round-trip transportation in a luxury vehicle with a professional driver who can provide local insights en route.
Day trip bookings can be canceled up to 24 hours before your trip for a full refund, no strings attached. While the destination and stops are predetermined, it is possible to change your pick-up point, whether it is at your hotel or some other location within the city.