Ayutthaya
Ayutthaya by Bus: A Guide to Thailand’s Historic Capital
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Ayutthaya Information
Ayutthaya is a modern city and an ancient Thai capital located 85 km north of Bangkok in the central plains. What’s special about the city is the rich history that is engraved in every part of it. There are various ways to get to the ancient city. Unfortunately, you can’t get there directly by plane, but you can take a flight to Bangkok’s Don Muang airport and take a train to Ayutthaya from the Don Muang Train Station. Trains to Ayutthaya depart from many destinations like Phitsanulok, Surin, Nong Khai, Ubon Ratchathani and Hualamphong Train Station in Bangkok. If you prefer, there are buses and minivans available to Ayutthaya from Chiang Mai and Bangkok.
Exploring Ayutthaya: Thailand’s Historic Capital
Why Visit Ayutthaya?
Thailand's former capital, Ayutthaya is a beautiful ancient city that is perfect for a day trip to further explore the amazing Thai culture and deep history. It was founded in 1350 and was formerly the trading capital of Asia, due to its ideal location between India, the Malay Archipelago, and China. In 1700, Ayutthaya was considered the largest city in the world and in 1991 it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's definitely a must-see.
Today, Ayutthaya stands as one of Southeast Asia's most significant historical destinations. The city's riverside setting and well-preserved temple ruins create a striking landscape that draws history enthusiasts, cultural travelers, and photographers from around the world. Whether you're interested in ancient architecture, spiritual exploration, or simply understanding Thailand's rich past, Ayutthaya offers an unforgettable experience.
Getting to Ayutthaya
Ayutthaya is accessible from Bangkok and other major Thai cities by multiple transport options. The journey is straightforward, making it easy to plan a visit from your current location in Thailand.
Transport Options to Ayutthaya
You can reach Ayutthaya by bus, minivan, or private transfer depending on your preferences and travel style. Each option offers different levels of comfort and flexibility. Direct services run regularly throughout the day, so you can choose a departure time that suits your itinerary.
If you're traveling from Bangkok, services are frequent and take a reasonable amount of time, allowing for easy planning. Minivans offer a balance between cost and comfort, while private transfers provide door-to-door convenience. Buses are often the most economical choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Booking Your Journey
When booking your transport to Ayutthaya, check availability for your preferred travel dates. We offer several routes different routes to this destination, so compare options to find the journey that best fits your schedule and budget. Prices start from our online fares, depending on your transport type and service provider.
Book in advance to secure your preferred departure time, especially during peak travel seasons. Our booking platform shows real-time availability and allows you to compare operators and prices side by side.
Exploring Ayutthaya's History and Culture
Once you arrive in Ayutthaya, the city's historical attractions are the main draw. The temple ruins and archaeological sites give you a tangible sense of the city's former grandeur as a major trading hub and royal center.
Must-See Sites in Ayutthaya
The city is home to numerous ancient temples and palaces scattered across islands formed by the convergence of three rivers. These sites showcase traditional Thai and Khmer architectural styles. Many visitors rent bicycles or hire boats to explore the ruins at their own pace, taking in the atmosphere and learning about each site's historical significance.
The riverside setting makes Ayutthaya particularly picturesque. Many travelers choose to visit during early morning or late afternoon when the light is softer and temperatures are cooler, making exploration more comfortable.
Best Times to Visit
Plan your trip during Thailand's cooler months if possible, as Ayutthaya can be very hot and humid during the rainy season. The cool season runs from November to February, offering the most pleasant conditions for sightseeing and walking around the ruins.
Practical Information for Your Ayutthaya Trip
A day trip to Ayutthaya is feasible if you depart early and arrange return transport for the evening. However, many travelers prefer spending at least one night to explore at a more relaxed pace and experience the city after dark.
Pack sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water, as there's limited shade at many of the outdoor archaeological sites. Comfortable walking shoes are essential, and modest clothing is respectful when visiting temples.
If you're combining your Ayutthaya visit with travel to other Thai destinations, consider planning a longer itinerary. The city's strategic location makes it a natural stop when traveling between major regional hubs.
Start Your Journey to Ayutthaya
Ready to explore this remarkable piece of Thai history? Check availability and book your transport to Ayutthaya today. Select your departure date, compare travel options, and secure your ticket to ensure a smooth journey to one of Southeast Asia's most important historical sites.
Surrounding Historical Landmarks
Wat Chaiwatthanaram
Wat Yai Chai Mang Khon
Ayutthaya Historical Park
Wat Lokaya Sutha
Frequently asked questions
Where is the pier that my ferry departing from?
Phuket Ferry :
We understand that pier details are important to our customers. That’s why we’ve made the information as clear as possible. Your departing pier address is clearly shown on your e-ticket, which we sent to your email. Additionally, go to our Pier Information page for the most comprehensive local pier information you can find anywhere. Finally, if you still need more information, contact our Customer Service Agents; we are happy to help.
Ferry Samui :
FWe understand that pier details are important to our customers. That’s why we’ve made the information as clear as possible. Your departing pier address is clearly shown on your e-ticket, which we sent to your email. Additionally, go to our Pier Information page for the most comprehensive local pier information you can find anywhere. Finally, if you still need more information, contact our Customer Service Agents, we are happy to help.
Bali Ferry :
We understand that pier details are important to our customers. That’s why we’ve made the information as clear as possible. Your departing pier address is clearly shown on your e-ticket, which we sent to your email. Additionally, go to our Departure Point Information page for the most comprehensive information you can find anywhere. Finally, if you still need more information, contact our Customer Service Agents, we are happy to help.
What are the tourist seasons ?
Phuket Ferry :
Phuket really just has two seasons, which are known as "high season" and "low season" (or "green season"). During the low season months (May- September), boat numbers are reduced. During the high season (October - April), boats to the surrounding islands are increased so you will have some more options.
Ferry Samui :
There are three distinct weather seasons on the tropical island of Koh Samui: the dry season (December until February), the hot season (March until August) and the rainy season (September until November).
Bali Ferry :
Bali actually has a variety of tourist periods, notably around the Balinese New Year, 15 December - 15 January, and 1 June - 30 September. During these high traffic periods, boats to the surrounding islands are increased so you will have some more options. The quieter periods are between 16 January - 30 April and 1 October - 14 December historically.
Will bad weather affect my travels?
Ferries are large and can usually operate in the rain, except in extremely bad weather. During storms or strong winds, the journey may take a little longer than usual.
Speedboats are more likely to be canceled than ferries. If a trip is canceled due to bad weather, you can choose to receive a refund or reschedule. Please note that refunds for bad weather are only issued if the ferry operator cancels the trip.
On rough days, we recommend bringing motion sickness medication and taking it about 20 minutes before boarding if you are prone to seasickness. Boat staff may also provide Dramamine upon request, but you will need to remain indoors during rough conditions. On sunny and calm days, the sun deck is open for passengers to enjoy the weather.
What's the boarding process on the day of my trip?
At the pier named on your ticket, look for the staff of the ferry operator listed on your ticket as well. Please present your e-ticket (QR code) from your phone or other device—they’ll provide you with a sticker and/or boarding pass and direct you to your boat. Most piers have staff available to help load your luggage. In Koh Samui, staff are usually stationed at booths near the boarding area; at other locations, they’re typically near the boats, wearing their company uniforms.
When will I receive my ticket confirmation?
After completing your online booking, your reservation will remain in “Pending” status until it is processed. Once confirmed, we will send your e-ticket via email. The process is usually very quick.
On the day of travel, please present your e-ticket to the ferry staff at the relevant booking counter. If you do not receive your confirmation within 24 hours, contact us immediately.
What are the baggage allowances?
Your ferry e-ticket includes ferry transport, baggage fees, and handling. The free baggage allowance per person is 20–25 kg, depending on the operator. If your baggage exceeds this limit, you can pay the extra fee directly to the ferry operator in cash.
To check the baggage allowance for your specific trip, please refer to the trip details for your selected route.
