Ayutthaya Historical Park protects the ruins of the old Siamese capital, 71 km from Bangkok by rail. Most of the famous temples charge a small entrance fee, and one combined ticket covers six of them. Below are the temples to see, the tickets, and how to get there and get around.
Ayutthaya: Ancient Capital and UNESCO World Heritage Site
Today the ruins of Ayutthaya's temples, its towers (called prang) and its large Buddha images are the reason to visit. UNESCO added the site to its World Heritage List in 1991.
You can visit on a day trip from Bangkok. If you want to see the main temples without rushing, plan a full day or stay one night.
Historical Background
Ayutthaya was the second capital of Siam. The ruins you see today are what remained after the city was destroyed.
Key Historical Dates
- 1350: Ayutthaya is founded.
- 1767: The Burmese army razes the city.
- 1991: The Historic City of Ayutthaya is added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Tickets and Opening Hours
The main temples open daily from about 08:00 (some sources say 08:30) until about 18:00. Some sites close earlier, so check the closing time at the ticket window. Six of the main temples charge foreign visitors 50 THB each.
| Temple | Fee for foreigners | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wat Mahathat | 50 THB | In the combined ticket |
| Wat Phra Si Sanphet | 50 THB | In the combined ticket |
| Wat Ratchaburana | 50 THB | In the combined ticket |
| Wat Chaiwatthanaram | 50 THB | In the combined ticket |
| Wat Phra Ram | 50 THB | In the combined ticket |
| Wat Maheyong | 50 THB | In the combined ticket |
| Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon | 20 THB | Separate ticket |
| Wat Na Phra Men | 20 THB | Separate ticket |
| Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit | 20 THB | Separate ticket |
| Wat Lokayasutharam | Free | Reclining Buddha |
These fees were checked in September 2026. Sources do not all agree on the 20 THB temples, so confirm the fee at the temple entrance.
The 220 THB Combined Ticket
A combined ticket for 220 THB covers the six temples that charge 50 THB: Wat Mahathat, Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Wat Ratchaburana, Wat Chaiwatthanaram, Wat Phra Ram and Wat Maheyong. It is valid for 30 days, so you can use it over more than one visit.
You buy it with cash at the ticket window of any of the six temples. It is worth buying if you plan to visit four or more of the six.
Top Temple Ruins to Visit
Wat Mahathat
Wat Mahathat is one of the best-known temples in the park. Entrance is 50 THB, or it is included in the combined ticket. Come early in the morning, when it is cooler.
Wat Phra Si Sanphet and Wat Ratchaburana
Both temples are in the combined ticket, or 50 THB each on their own. Many visitors see them in the same morning as Wat Mahathat.
Wat Chaiwatthanaram
The central prang of Wat Chaiwatthanaram is about 35 m tall, which makes it one of the most striking sights in Ayutthaya. Entrance is 50 THB, or it is included in the combined ticket. Late afternoon, before closing time, is a pleasant time to visit.
Wat Lokayasutharam
This temple is known for its reclining Buddha, which is about 42 m long. It is free to visit.
Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit
This hall holds a Buddha image almost 12 m high. The entrance fee is listed at 20 THB, and it is not part of the combined ticket.
Bang Pa-In Palace
Bang Pa-In Palace is on the way from Bangkok to Ayutthaya. Entrance is 100 THB. It is easiest to add to your day if you travel by car.
Suggested Itineraries
Half Day
- Wat Mahathat, early in the morning.
- Wat Ratchaburana.
- Wat Phra Si Sanphet.
- Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit (20 THB).
- Wat Lokayasutharam and its reclining Buddha (free).
This plan includes three of the six combined-ticket temples, so single tickets at 50 THB each cost less than the 220 THB combined ticket.
Full Day
- Start at Wat Mahathat and Wat Ratchaburana in the cool morning hours.
- Continue to Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Wat Phra Ram and Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit.
- Take a break for lunch and rest out of the midday sun.
- In the afternoon, add Wat Lokayasutharam, Wat Maheyong or Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon.
- Finish at Wat Chaiwatthanaram before closing time.
This plan includes at least five of the six combined-ticket temples, so the 220 THB combined ticket saves money.
Getting to Ayutthaya from Bangkok
Ayutthaya is 71 km from Bangkok by rail. For every option in detail, read our guide on how to get from Bangkok to Ayutthaya.
| Option | Travel time | Approximate price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local 3rd-class train from Hua Lamphong | About 1 hour 45 minutes | About 15–20 THB | The lowest cost |
| Express or rapid train from Krung Thep Aphiwat | About 1 hour | Check with the State Railway of Thailand | A faster train with a reserved seat |
| Bangkok Connex from Krung Thep Aphiwat | Just over 1 hour | Promotional fare until 31 October 2026 (reported at 50 THB at most) | An air-conditioned, low-cost ride |
| Minivan from the Mo Chit van terminal | About 1–1.5 hours | Check at the terminal | Travellers staying near Mo Chit |
| Smile Taxi private car | Depends on traffic | 1,500 THB per sedan from Bangkok (fixed, per vehicle) | Door-to-door travel, families and groups |
Third-party prices and times were checked in September 2026. Confirm them with the operator before you travel.
Train and Minivan Details
Local 3rd-class trains still use Hua Lamphong station, with at least 11 trains a day in each direction.
Since 1 August 2026 the Bangkok Connex (BNEX) commuter train of the State Railway of Thailand has run from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal to Ayutthaya: 6 trains on weekdays (first at about 05:15) and 4 at weekends (first at about 09:05). Tickets are sold at the station only, with no online booking and no reserved seats. As of September 2026, the promotional fare is reported at no more than 50 THB until 31 October 2026; check the current fare with the State Railway of Thailand.
Minivans no longer leave from Victory Monument. They moved in November 2016 to the Mo Chit van terminal, opposite Mo Chit 2 (the Northern Bus Terminal). Sources do not agree on how far it is from BTS Mo Chit, so check the exact departure point before you go.
By Private Car with Smile Taxi Service
A private car takes you from your hotel or the airport to your hotel in Ayutthaya or to the first temple. Fares are fixed, per vehicle (not per person) and one way, with expressway tolls included.
| Route | Sedan | SUV | Van |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bangkok to Ayutthaya | 1,500 THB | 1,700 THB | 2,000 THB |
| Ayutthaya to Bangkok | 1,200 THB | 1,500 THB | 2,000 THB |
| Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) to or from Ayutthaya | 1,200 THB | 1,500 THB | 2,000 THB |
| Don Mueang Airport (DMK) to or from Ayutthaya | 1,100 THB | 1,400 THB | 1,800 THB |
A sedan takes up to 3 passengers and 2 bags, an SUV up to 5 passengers and 4 bags, and a van up to 7 passengers and 5 bags. The fare is the same for 1 passenger or a full car.
- Book a sedan from Bangkok to Ayutthaya, an SUV from Bangkok to Ayutthaya or a van from Bangkok to Ayutthaya.
- Book a sedan from Ayutthaya back to Bangkok.
- Book a sedan from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Ayutthaya or a sedan from Don Mueang Airport to Ayutthaya.
Airport pickups include 60 minutes of free waiting, counted from the actual landing time. A name sign at the arrivals gate costs 100 THB, on request. Extra stops on a transfer, such as Bang Pa-In Palace, cost 250 THB per hour. A child seat costs 100 THB, on request. Pickups in Bangkok west of the Chao Phraya river (the Thonburi side) cost 100–200 THB more. An English-speaking driver can be requested when you book, subject to availability.
You pay the driver in cash (THB) at the end of the trip. If you can only pay by card, message the team for a PayPal payment link; a 5% fee is added. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before pickup. After that, a cancellation or change costs 25% (less than 24 h), 35% (less than 12 h) or 50% (less than 2 h) of the price, and a no-show 100%, also when you pay the driver in cash (details). For a return trip, ask about the discount by message. For a day trip with the driver waiting, see our tours and day trips page or ask for a quote on WhatsApp or LINE. See all fares on the price list.
Getting Around the Park
| Option | Approximate price | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Bicycle | About 50 THB a day | Flexible, low-cost sightseeing |
| Scooter | About 200–300 THB a day | Experienced riders |
| Tuk-tuk | About 200 THB per hour, or about 1,200 THB a day | Hot days and small groups |
| Boat tour around the island | About 200 THB per person, about 2–3 hours | A different view of the old city |
These prices were checked in September 2026. Agree on the tuk-tuk price and the list of temples before you set off.
Practical Tips
- Dress code: cover your shoulders and knees, and take off your shoes before you enter temple buildings.
- Photos: keep your head lower than any Buddha image when you take photos.
- Heat: carry water, a hat and sunscreen, and see the outdoor ruins early or late in the day.
- Cash: the combined ticket is paid in cash, so carry enough Thai baht for tickets, bicycles and tuk-tuks.
- Bangkok Connex: seats are first come, first served and cannot be booked, and the launch train was full. Leave extra time, or take the ordinary train or a car.
- Emergency numbers: Tourist Police 1155, police 191, ambulance 1669, fire 199.
FAQ
Which temples does the 220 THB combined ticket cover? Wat Mahathat, Wat Ratchaburana, Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Wat Phra Ram, Wat Chaiwatthanaram and Wat Maheyong. It is valid for 30 days and sold for cash at any of the six ticket windows.
How big is the reclining Buddha at Wat Lokayasutharam? It is about 42 m long, and the temple is free to visit.
What is the lowest-cost way from Bangkok to Ayutthaya? The local 3rd-class train from Hua Lamphong, for about 15–20 THB. It takes about 1 hour 45 minutes.
How much is a private taxi from Bangkok to Ayutthaya? With Smile Taxi Service, the fixed fare is 1,500 THB for a sedan, 1,700 THB for an SUV and 2,000 THB for a van, per vehicle, one way, with expressway tolls included.
When was Ayutthaya founded and destroyed? It was founded in 1350 and razed by the Burmese army in 1767. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991.
To visit Ayutthaya without changing trains or vans, book your private transfer or message us on WhatsApp or LINE.