The Best Day Trips from Bangkok: Ancient City vs Ayutthaya

The best way to spend your day chock-full of pleasure is undoubtedly a day trip! Bangkok is the perfect city for a day trip since you can quickly get to Ancient City and Ayutthaya. Both places are incredible in their own way, attracting thousands of visitors. If you’re confused about which place to choose, read this blog to decide your destination for the best day trip!

1. About Ancient City & Ayutthaya

2. How to Get to Ancient City & Ayutthaya

3. What to See in Ancient City & Ayutthaya

1. About Ancient City & Ayutthaya

Ancient City

Ancient City, also known as Ancient Siam or Muang Boran, is one of the largest open-air museums in the world. This extensive museum covers over 200 acres, and its ground reflects the actual shape of Thai territory. It boasts 116 down-sized replicas of Thailand’s most famous buildings and monuments that are incredibly exquisite and delicate. Surprisingly, the location of each reproduction exactly matches its original geographic location. Aside from replicas, a floating market, an old town market, and beautiful gardens with tons of trees, flowers, fountains, and ponds await you. Ancient City lies around 40 km southeast of central Bangkok and is certainly the best day trip destination where you can spend time savoring the essence of Thai history and culture in a peaceful ambiance.

| Location: หมู่ที่ 7 296/1 Sukhumvit Rd, Bang Pu Mai, Mueang Samut Prakan District, Samut Prakan 10280, Thailand

| Opening Hours: 09:00 – 19:00

| Entrance Fee: Adult 700 Baht, Children 350 Baht

• Book Ancient City (Muang Boran) Discount Ticket (+ Erawan Museum option)

*If you have a work permit in Thailand, the entrance fee will be only 400 Baht.

Ayutthaya

Take a fantastic day trip to Ayutthaya, which has been officially designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its cultural significance. Moreover, it is only 85 km away from Bangkok. As Thailand’s former capital, it has been best known for being the most glorious as well as the most destroyed city in Thai history. Surrounded by the ruins, you can easily imagine the grandeur that was once the most prosperous kingdom of Ayutthaya before it was devastated by the Burmese army in 1767. Temples are scattered around and off the island. Three rivers surround the island, but you can easily cross the waterways by boat. Wandering through vast ancient ruin sites, you’ll feel humbled by the powerful spiritual beliefs that dwell in Ayutthaya.

| Location of Ayutthaya Information Center: หมู่ที่ 4 196 Khlong Tho Rd, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000, Thailand 

| Opening Hours: 08:30 – 18:30

| Entrance Fee: Depending on each temple (mostly 50 Baht but some are less or free of charge)

*Ayutthaya Tourist Center (+66 35 242 286)

**There’s no strict dress code.

2. How to Get to Ancient City & Ayutthaya

Ancient City

1. BTS (Skytrain) & Taxi/Grab: Take the BTS Skytrain to the Sukhumvit Line to Kheha Station (the last stop). From Kheha Station, you can take a taxi or Grab directly to the Ancient City, which is about a 10-15 minute drive (around 5-6 km).
2. Taxi/Grab: Take a taxi or Grab directly from central Bangkok to the Ancient City. The journey takes about 45-60 minutes, depending on traffic, and costs around 300-500 THB.
3. Bus: Take bus number 511 from the city center (e.g., from Victory Monument or near Khao San Road) towards Samut Prakan. Get off at the final stop and take a taxi or local songthaew to the Ancient City.

Ayutthaya

1. Train: Take the train from Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong Railway Station. Trains to Ayutthaya run frequently throughout the day, and the journey takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. Ticket prices vary depending on the class, starting from 15 THB for the third class to around 300 THB for the first class.
2. Bus: Take the bus from the Mo Chit Northern Bus Terminal to Ayutthaya. The ride takes around 2 hours, and tickets cost around 50-70 THB. 
3. Car or Taxi: The journey by car takes about 1-1.5 hours, depending on traffic, and costs around 1,000-1,500 THB one way. Make sure to agree on a price with the driver before you begin the trip.
4. Boat: Some tour companies offer a boat trip along the Chao Phraya River, taking you to Ayutthaya. The journey usually takes longer and can be more expensive, but it’s a unique experience for travelers.

• Ayutthaya Tour by Grand Pearl Cruise (+ Lunch Buffet) – from Bangkok
• Ayutthaya 1 Day Tour by Coach and Cruise (+ Lunch) – from Bangkok

1. Guided Tours: Book guided tours from Bangkok to Ayutthaya in advance, which usually includes a hotel pick-up, an English-speaking tour guide, entrance fees, and lunch. You can easily book the tours via Trazy!

• Ayutthaya UNESCO Temples 1 Day Tour (+ Lunch) – from Bangkok
• Ayutthaya 1 Day Private Taxi Tour – from Bangkok
• Ayutthaya 5 Temples & Bang Pa-In Palace 1 Day Tour from Bangkok (Join-in/Private)

3. What to See in Ancient City & Ayutthaya

Ancient City

1) Dusit Maha Prasat Palace

In the early Rattanakosin era, Dusit Maha Prasat Palace was an audience hall, where national ceremonies were held. King Rama I built the palace in 1806 A.D. However, it was renovated during the reign of King Rama III and unfortunately lost the excellent quality of the original. Architects put a great deal of effort into replicating the beauty of the original and succeeded in restoring the unique appearance of the palace.

2) Sanphet Prasat Palace

The Sanphet Prasat Palace was the place for important state ceremonies. The Sanphet Prasat at Muang Boran was once used as a reception hall to welcome Queen Elizabeth II. 

3) Pavilion of the Enlightened 

The Pavilion of the Enlightened symbolizes the story of 500 monks from different cultural backgrounds who entered into Nirvana. The story of 500 enlightened monks tells that no matter who you are, or what cultural background you have, you can pass into Nirvana.  

4) Floating Market

The floating market at Muang Boran reflects the traditional life in Thailand. It shows how people used to trade and live around the river in the past. There are several restaurants where you can have lunch. However, remember that the restaurants in the floating market usually close at 4.00 pm.

Ayutthaya

1) Bang Pa-In Palace

Bang Pa-In Palace used to be a summer dwelling for Siamese royalty and their consorts. Initially built in 1632 under the reign of King Prasat Thong, this place comprises of several iconic buildings that are dotted around a large park.

2) Wat Mahathat Temple

Wat Mahathat was the royal ceremonial place for both religious and non-religious affairs before King Trailoknat replaced it with Wat Phra Si Sanphet. It became famous for the lone Buddha’s head, which is trapped by the roots of a banyan tree. 

3) Wat Na Phramen Temple

Inside Wat Na Phramen Temple, there’s a beautiful Buddha image, donned in regal attire. The main chapel boasts hand-carved wooden gable and baluster windows with a unique architectural feature of the Middle Ayutthaya Period (1488-1629). 

4) Wat Chaiwattanaram Temple

Wat Chaiwattanaram Temple, which is across the river, is one of the most elaborate temples in Ayutthaya. It was built to symbolize the universe in Buddhist and Hindu cosmology. Particularly, riding a boat to watch the magnificent sunset view at Wat Cahiwttanaram will present an unforgettable moment!

Get your discount tickets to Ancient City (Muang Boran) with the Erawan Museum option below:

• Ancient City (Muang Boran) Discount Ticket (+ Erawan Museum Option)

Those who are looking for exclusive Ayutthaya tours from Bangkok, check out the list below:

• Ayutthaya UNESCO Temples 1 Day Tour (+ Lunch) – from Bangkok
• Ayutthaya 1 Day Private Taxi Tour – from Bangkok
• Ayutthaya 5 Temples & Bang Pa-In Palace 1 Day Tour from Bangkok (Join-in/Private)
• Ayutthaya Tour by Grand Pearl Cruise (+ Lunch Buffet) – from Bangkok
• Ayutthaya 1 Day Tour by Coach and Cruise (+ Lunch) – from Bangkok

If you want to discover other amazing tours in Bangkok, read our blogs!

• The Best Damnoen Saduak Floating Markets Tours
• 5 Must-Go Day Trips to Central Thailand from Bangkok

Ancient City and Ayutthaya are both great destinations where you can find the real value of Thai culture and history. Moreover, it takes less than 2 hours from Bangkok so you don’t need to waste a lot of time on your way.

If you would like to discover what you can do around Bangkok, visit Trazy.com, Your Travel Shop for Asia! 

[Photo Credits]

Muang Boran Museum Official Website