Ayutthaya Temples and Ayothaya Floating Market Day Trip from Bangkok

This group day trip runs from Asok in Bangkok to Ayutthaya, the Siamese capital from the 14th century until it fell in 1767. It covers three of the main temples and a lunch stop at Ayothaya Floating Market. Entry fees are included. You meet at 9:50am, and the van is back at about 5:30pm.

The Route

The drive north takes about two hours. First stop is Wat Yai Chaimongkhon, founded in 1357, with its tall chedi and long reclining Buddha. Then comes the floating market, a recreated canal market where you take a short boat ride before free time for lunch.

The afternoon covers Wat Phra Si Sanphet, the royal temple on the old palace grounds, with its three chedis in a row, and Wat Mahathat, where a stone Buddha head sits caught in the roots of a fig tree.

Watch out: Ayothaya is a purpose-built market for visitors, not a centuries-old working one. It makes a good lunch stop, but don’t expect a local morning market.

Who It Suits

It suits travellers who want the main Ayutthaya sights without a private driver, and who are happy to get to Asok on their own. If you would rather have a hotel pickup or a river cruise back, pick one of our other Ayutthaya day trips.

Insider Tip: At Wat Mahathat, crouch for any photo with the Buddha head. Signs ask visitors to keep their own heads lower than the Buddha’s.