🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
This plan starts where most people do — arriving in Ayutthaya in the late morning. Day one covers the old-town temples on the island plus Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, and finishes at Wat Chaiwatthanaram once the sun softens. Day two is easy-going: the Ayothaya Floating Market in the late morning, then a boat trip around the island to pay respects at a few temples before heading home. The pace is built so you're not worn out, with time left to sit, rest, and eat something good.
How to get there
From Bangkok you can take the train from Hua Lamphong or Bang Sue and get off at Ayutthaya station (third class costs only a few tens of baht), or a minivan/coach from Mo Chit gets you there quickly too. In town the temples are spread out, so we'd suggest renting a motorbike for around 200–300 THB a day or hiring a tuk-tuk by the hour — both far easier than walking.
Day 1
Old-Town Temples + Wat Chaiwatthanaram at Dusk
10:00
Arrive in Ayutthaya, drop your bags, then start at Wat MahathatWat Mahathat is where you'll find the famous 'Buddha head in the tree roots.' Entry is 10 THB for Thais, 50 THB for foreigners. To photograph the Buddha head you need to crouch so your head is lower than the image — a courtesy the temple asks visitors to respect.
11:15
Walk over to Wat Phra Si Sanphet nearbyThe three bell-shaped chedis in a row are the classic image of Ayutthaya. This was once a temple within the royal palace grounds. Open 08:30–16:30, entry 10 THB for Thais, 50 THB for foreigners. The midday sun is harsh, so bring a hat and water.
12:30
Lunch break — a famous boat-noodle shop in townAyutthaya is known for its rich, dark boat noodles. Popular spots like Mae Tuam boat noodles or the canalside shops have several stalls; small bowls cost only a few tens of baht, so ordering several is easy on the wallet.
14:00
Head to Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, off the island to the southeastThe Chai Mongkhon chedi is the tallest in Ayutthaya, and you can climb the stairs to the top. There's also a white reclining Buddha draped in a robe. Open 08:00–17:00, 20 THB for foreigners; Thais give a donation as they wish.
16:00
End the day at Wat Chaiwatthanaram once the sun softensThese Khmer-style prangs sit right by the river and look best in the late-afternoon light. Entry is 10 THB for Thais, 50 THB for foreigners. On Friday–Sunday nights the Fine Arts Department opens it for evening viewing until 21:00, beautifully lit.
18:30
Riverside dinner, then restThe riverside area in town has several restaurants with a nice atmosphere. Order grilled river prawns or some à la carte dishes and take it easy — save your energy for the next day.
Day 2
Ayothaya Floating Market + Boat Trip Around the Island
09:30
Explore the Ayothaya Floating MarketA newly built market in a retro style with over 300 shops. Open 09:00–18:00, free for Thais, 200 THB for foreigners. You can take a boat ride around the market, and there are Thai cultural shows three times a day (five times on weekends).
11:30
Snack your way through the market and pick up souvenirsThere's savory and sweet food plus old-style Thai desserts. Ayutthaya's roti sai mai (cotton-candy roti) is easy to find around here — it's the province's signature take-home treat.
13:00
Board a boat for a trip around the island to pay respects at templesThere are several boat piers in town. A small private boat around the island starts at about 800 THB per boat; the around-the-island option plus stops at three temples runs about 1,200 THB per boat. The route passes Wat Phanan Choeng (Luang Pho To) and several other riverside temples. The water is calm in the afternoon, so the ride is comfortable.
15:00
Get off the boat and find a riverside café to relaxAyutthaya has plenty of cafés along the river. Sip a coffee and watch the boats go by before you head back — an unhurried way to close out the trip.
16:30
Pack up and head back to BangkokIf you're taking the train back, check the schedule ahead of time since the evening trains get busy. Minivans from town also run until late evening.
Rough budget per person
- 1 night's stay — guesthouses from around 400–700 THB, riverside hotels 900–1,800 THB
- Temple entry fees — under 50 THB total for Thais across the whole trip; around 150–200 THB for foreigners
- Boat trip around the island — split it among the group; for 4 people, a 1,200 THB boat works out to 300 THB each
- Ayothaya Floating Market — free for Thais; set aside a few hundred baht for food inside
- Food for 2 days — street food and boat noodles, around 400–600 THB
Best time to visit
Ayutthaya is hot and sunny most of the year, and the late afternoon is the most comfortable time for temple-hopping — avoid walking around open-air temples between 12:00 and 15:00 if you can. The rainy season (June–October) leaves the temple grounds green and lush, but pack an umbrella. The cool season (November–February) has the nicest weather, though it's a bit busier.
🎟️Book the activities in your Ayutthaya trip ahead
Booking online ahead on Klook or GetYourGuide is usually cheaper than the gate and skips the queue. Pick only the experiences you actually want — prices and availability are shown live on each site.
🎟️ See all Ayutthaya tours & activities (Klook) Can you do it as a day trip?
You can, if your time is really tight. Cut it down to three old-town temples plus Wat Chaiwatthanaram in the evening and you'll still catch the main highlights — but you'll miss the floating market and the boat trip. If you'd rather take it slow, staying one night is well worth it, because you get the temples after dark and the riverside atmosphere in the morning that a day trip just can't reach.
