Day Trip from Bangkok! Exploring Ayutthaya on Your Own

Ayutthaya, located north of Bangkok, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Many people might think "it seems difficult to go on your own," and consider joining a tour. However, traveling from Bangkok to Ayutthaya is actually quite simple and can be done by train. Here's a guide on how to get there and how to spend your time in Ayutthaya! ✨ ▪️How to Get from Bangkok to Ayutthaya There are several ways to travel from Bangkok to Ayutthaya: train, shared bus, taxi, or tour. All options take about 1.5 hours, but the cheapest way is by train. So, this time, we'll introduce the train access method! 📍Bang Sue Grand Station (Bangkok) 💰20 Baht (approximately 100 yen) If you're staying in Bangkok city, you can reach Bang Sue Grand Station in about 10–30 minutes. Use the MRT or take a taxi. Bang Sue Grand Station is a large station, similar to Tokyo Station, with various trains coming and going. Head to the ticket counter and purchase a ticket for Ayutthaya. After buying your ticket, check the train and platform indicated on it. There are clear signs, so you shouldn't get lost, but make sure to allow enough time for your journey. Once you're on the train, all you need to do is wait until you arrive in Ayutthaya. Seats are reserved, so you won't have to worry about standing, and you can enjoy a comfortable international train journey 🚃. ⚠️ Check the train schedule from Bangkok (Bang Sue Station) to Ayutthaya on the official website or Google Maps. ▪️How to Spend Your Time in Ayutthaya After arriving in Ayutthaya, renting a motorbike is highly recommended for those with a license! If you don't have a license, you can rent a bicycle or charter a tuk-tuk for the day. (Keep in mind that Thailand is very hot, so be prepared if you choose to use a bicycle 😂). Here's a summary of how I rented a motorbike. 📍Rental Shops (There are several shops right on the main street as you exit Ayutthaya Station) 💰Approximately 250 Baht There are plenty of rental shops, so you won't have trouble finding one. Once you exit Ayutthaya Station, you'll spot them easily. ⚠️ For those familiar with traveling abroad, walking towards the river and renting a motorbike on the other side is also a great option. You can cross the river using a local boat, and renting on the other side might make it easier to access various temples (and could be cheaper). After renting a motorbike, the shop staff will likely show you a map. Make sure to take a photo of it or keep it handy. With this map, you'll be able to navigate Ayutthaya effectively. The map shows that the main attractions are arranged in a circular layout, so you can enjoy Ayutthaya efficiently by going clockwise or counterclockwise! 🧚 Ayutthaya is a city surrounded by rivers, and you can cover 4–5 key spots in half a day. There are many "Wat ○○" (temples) ruins, each grand and awe-inspiring. However, since it's extremely hot outside, it's better to limit your visits to a few selected sites for a day trip (your stamina might not hold up 🥵). Additionally, each temple requires an entrance fee, so it's best to prioritize the ones you want to visit. ⭐️ Must-Visit Spots ⭐️ - Wat Phra Si Sanphet - Wat Mahathat - Wat Chaiwatthanaram - Ayutthaya Floating Market Since you'll be outdoors most of the time, make sure to take breaks as you explore ☺️