Exploring Wat Mahathat | Ayutthaya Day Trip from Bangkok

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For our second day in Thailand, we took a day with a day trip from Bangkok to the historic city of Ayutthaya to explore ancient temple ruins. Our first temple was Wat Mahathat, the most famous temple in Ayutthaya and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Wat Mahathat is best known for the iconic Buddha head in Banyan tree roots.

Although Ayutthaya is a short drive from Bangkok, the atmosphere felt completely different. Compared to the busy and lively street of the city, Ayutthaya was more relaxed and laid-back.

There’s an entrance fee to access the temple ruins.

A few meters from the entrance, you’ll find the popular Buddha head entwined in the banyan tree roots. Unfortunately, there was a long queue during our visit, so I wasn’t able to take a decent photo.

There are a number of Buddha statues within the area.

Also a number of stupas and old brick structures you can explore.

We originally planned to visit several more temples around Ayutthaya, but the extreme heat combined with traveling with a baby made us rethink our plans and cut the trip short.

Before heading back to Bangkok, we stopped by Abeedeen-Pranom Sangaroon, a family-run shop located opposite the Ayutthaya Hospital. The shop has been serving Roti Sai Mai, traditional cotton candy for more than 70 years. Roti Sai Mai is considered a must-try snacks in Ayutthaya.

While we didn’t get to fully experience the entire Ayutthaya Temple complex, it was still a good experience. If you are visiting Bangkok for the first time, Ayutthaya should be on your list.

Here’s the slow-paced Bangkok itinerary.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT AYUTTHAYA

The best time to visit Ayutthaya is during cold season and early mornings or late afternoon to avoid the midday sun.

WHAT ARE THE THINGS TO PACK TO BANGKOK, THAILAND

• Light and loose clothes

• Comfortable footwear

• Backpack

• Camera / gear

• Powerbank

• Universal Adaptor

• Tumbler

• Something to protect from the sun

• Portable fan

WHERE TO STAY IN BANGKOK, THAILAND

coming soon…

HOW TO GET TO AYUTTHAYA FROM BANGKOK

While we went to Ayutthay by car, the cheapest way to get to Ayutthaya from Bangkok is via train. Travel time is around 1.5 to 2 hours. There are two types of train to choose from. The ordinary train from Bangkok Hua Lamphong Railway Station or the long distance train service from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal. 

In Ayutthaya station, you can hire a tuk-tuk to the temple ruins.

Another option based on my research is to cross the river, by a passenger ferry near the station.

BANGKOK, THAILAND BUDGET AND ITINERARY

The estimated budget for an Ayutthaya day trip is around THB 1,000–1,500 per person. This includes transportation, entrance fees, as well as a budget for lunch and snacks. 

• Entrance Fee:

  • Adult: TBH 80

    NOTE: Prices may change without prior notice.

IMPORTANT THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN VISITING AYUTTHAYA

• Ayutthaya Historical Park Schedule:

  • Daily from 8:00AM to 06:30PM

• Abeedeen-Pranom Sangaroon Information

  • Address: 32/1 Mu 4, U Thong Road, Pratu Chai, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya.

  • Signature Dish: Roti sai mai (candy floss wrapped in roti).

• Planning to visit a temple? Make sure to follow the dress code. Shoulders and knees should be covered.

• Bangkok’s weather is hot and humid year-round. We visited in April and it was scorching that we were unable to fully explore some of the temple complexes.

• While major shops accepts credit cards, cash is still widely used.

• Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory in Thailand.

• Consider traffic when planning your itinerary, especially during rush hour.

• Be cautious of scams targeting tourist. This is common in Tuk-tuk tours.

• English is commonly spoken in tourist areas and major shopping district.

• Download essential travel apps such as: Google Translate, Google Maps, Grab before your trip.

• Rent a pocket Wi-Fi or eSim in advance. This way you’ll have internet connection as soon as you land.

• Bring a cap, umbrella or other sun protection, especially if you plan to spend time outdoors.

• Portable fan is a must when exploring Bangkok.

AYUTTHAYA TRAVEL TIPS

• Secure your passport

• Be sure to have a credit card for emergency

• Exploring Bangkok often involves a lot of walking, so wear comfortable shoes.

• Use Grab if you plan on riding a taxi to avoid stress and hassle negotiating with taxi drivers or potential scams.
  Unsure if the street food is clean, try those with queues or busy stalls.

• Weather in Bangkok is hot and humid, bring extra clothes or small towel in case you sweat.

• Need cash? local ATMs accepts international and co-branded ATM card. I personally tried GoTyme. Keep in mind that aside from the exchange rate, there will be a standard access fee.

• Instead of buying bottled water, bring your own reusable tumbler.

IMPORTANT TIPS FOR PARENTS TRAVELING TO BANGKOK, THAILAND WITH BABIES

• Bring a basic medicine kit recommended by your pediatrician, as familiar medicines may not always be available.

• While strollers are convenient in malls and highly developed areas within Bangkok, exploring other places can be challenging. Best to use a baby carrier instead.

• Portable fan is a necessity when traveling with a baby.

• For breastfeeding moms, don’t forget to bring a cover so you can do it anywhere convenient and comfortable.

• If your baby has started solids but is not yet eating table food, you can buy fresh fruits in local markets and malls.

• Most of the malls in Bangkok (the new ones) have a family-friendly facilities, including nursing rooms, diaper changing stations, and dedicated family restroom.

• Make hydration a priority. Bring plenty of water.

WHAT’S IN MY BAG?

If you want to know more about the cameras, gadgets and travel essentials I use, check out “MY GEAR”

See you on my next adventure…. Peace!