Discover whether a DIY Ayutthaya Day Trip or a Guided Tour Package to Ayutthaya in Thailand suits your travel style. Explore transportation options, costs, and the benefits of each approach.
Ayutthaya
When planning your Thailand itinerary, Ayutthaya’s historical sites are on top of the list of places to visit in Thailand. This historical site is an absolute must-visit destination.
With its ancient temples, magnificent ruins, and rich cultural heritage, Ayutthaya offers a unique glimpse into Thailand’s glorious past.
Immerse yourself in the captivating atmosphere as you explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site, marvel at the intricate architecture, and learn about the fascinating history of this once-thriving capital. Ayutthaya is a true gem that will leave you in awe of its beauty and historical significance.
DIY vs. Tour Package
Transportation from Bangkok to Ayutthaya
DIY
There are multiple ways to get to Ayutthaya from Bangkok. Buses and trains are available that can get you directly to Ayutthaya.
By Bus or Van, depending on which area in Bangkok you are coming from, is a fast option to get to Ayutthaya. The ride is around 1.5-2 hours. Common routes depart from Mochit New Van Terminal in Chatuchak and arrives in a station near Wat Mahathat.
The van fare is around 150 THB (USD 4.20)
You can check out available routes and ticket prices online.
By Train, you can go to Bangkok Train Station and get down at Ayutthaya Station. This train journey will cost THB 12 ($0.34)
Tour Package
Tour operators typically set a meeting point. Regarding the tour arrangement I booked with Klook, the meet-up point is at Siam Paragon Mall at 09:00 AM.
All you have to do is log in 15 minutes before your departure time with the Klook staff, and you will be directed to the bus heading to Ayutthaya.
For the return trip to Bangkok, the drop-off location is ICONSIAM.
Going Around Ayutthaya
The three most popular sites within Ayutthaya are;
Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon
Wat Mahathat
Chai Watthanaram Temple
DIY
From the train station, you can start with Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, which is a 30-minute walk away. Tuktuks are available to get you from the station to the site.
Since the locations of the temples are quite far from each other, you may need a ride to go between these places. The amount you will spend on these rides depends on your negotiation with the driver.
Tour Package
This is the part you don’t have to worry about when booking a tour. The tour guide will go down with the tourists to explain the history and background of each location. After the informative discussion, the guide will set a time for you to explore the sites on your own, and meet up on the bus after the allotted time.
Cost
DIY
You have to plan which routes you are going to take if you are going with the DIY approach. You can seek information online for the ticket and transportation prices.
Tour Package
For arranged tours, the amount you need to pay is fixed, which is around THB 1,760.0 (USD 50.0). This allows you to predict how much you will spend.
The package includes transportation and tickets. In the case of Klook, the inclusions were;
- Roundtrip transfers from Bangkok to Ayutthaya
- Transportation within Ayutthaya
- Tour Guides
- Tickets to Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, Wat Mahathat, Chai Watthanaram Temple, and Bang Pa-In Summer Palace
- A stopover at Central Ayutthaya and the Ayutthaya Night Market
Conclusion
Can I Visit Ayutthaya on my own?
If you want a hands-on approach to exploring new destinations, and take your time exploring each temple, then the DIY route is for you. You may also need to do some research on the sites’ history to better appreciate them. Audio Guides for Ayutthaya are now available online for free. And talking to locals may give you a glimpse of their culture as well.
When to go for an Arranged Tour Package?
If you are the type of traveler who wants to sit back and not do much research during a trip, and would rather rely on the expertise of others, then booking an organized trip is a good option.
In our case, we learned so much from our guides and they shared facts that we wouldn’t have known if it wasn’t for their expertise. The guides provided invaluable insights regarding the history of the temples, their current state, and preservation methods to keep the temples standing.
Our guides also introduced us to the local culture and Ayutthaya cuisine by recommendation and by providing food samplers that are unique to Ayutthaya during the bus ride from Ayutthaya back to Bangkok.
Learn more insights here.
