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View all Bangkok toursAyutthaya Ancient Temples Day Trip from Bangkok with Thai Lunch
Step back 700 years on a full-day guided trip to Ayutthaya, Thailand's ancient royal capital. Visit four UNESCO-listed temples, enjoy a local Thai buffet lunch, and return to Bangkok with hotel pickup included on selected options.
Highlights
- Visit 4 UNESCO World Heritage temples in the ancient capital of Ayutthaya
- See the iconic Buddha head entwined in tree roots at Wat Mahathat
- Explore Wat Phra Sri Sanphet — the royal temple at the heart of the old palace complex
- Authentic Thai buffet lunch at a local restaurant included
- Air-conditioned van or mini coach transportation throughout
- Expert English-speaking local guide with deep historical knowledge
- Hotel pickup available on selected options
- 4.7★ rating from over 10,800 verified reviews on GetYourGuide
Choose from 4 available options
English Tour without Lunch and Entrance Ticket
River City Bangkok Meeting Point
The Old Siam Plaza Meeting Point
Samsen Meeting Point
Full description
Just 80km north of Bangkok, the ancient city of Ayutthaya was once one of the largest and most powerful cities in Asia — a thriving royal capital that dazzled foreign diplomats and traders from around the world. Today, its crumbling prangs, headless Buddha statues, and vast temple grounds are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most moving historical destinations in Southeast Asia.
On this guided day trip, a knowledgeable local guide leads you through four of Ayutthaya's most iconic sites:
Wat Phra Sri Sanphet — the heart of the ancient royal palace complex, with its three famous chedis standing tall against the sky. This was the holiest temple in the kingdom, used exclusively by the royal family.
Wat Mahathat — where you'll find the famous image of a Buddha head entwined in the roots of a Bodhi tree, one of the most photographed sights in Thailand.
Wat Ratchaburana — built by King Borom Rachathirat II to honour his brothers who died in an elephant duel; the prang here still contains original frescoes.
Wat Phra Ram — constructed on the cremation site of King Ramathibodi I, the founder of Ayutthaya.
Between temple visits, you'll stop for an authentic Thai buffet lunch at a local restaurant, giving you time to rest and savour the flavours of central Thailand. The guide provides historical context throughout, turning ruins into vivid stories.
Transportation is by air-conditioned van or mini coach, keeping you comfortable on the two-hour journey each way. The day ends with drop-off at MBK Mall in Bangkok, conveniently located near the BTS Skytrain.
Tour Itinerary
The schedule below is a suggested plan and can be adjusted to suit your preferences.
Hotel Pickup or Meeting Point Departure
Pickup from your Bangkok hotel or meet at River City Bangkok / Old Siam Plaza. Transfer to Ayutthaya by air-conditioned van (approx. 1.5–2 hours).
Wat Phra Sri Sanphet
Begin at the grandest temple of the ancient royal palace complex. Three restored chedis contain the ashes of Ayutthayan kings. Once home to a 16-metre gold-plated standing Buddha.
Wat Mahathat
Discover the famous Buddha head wrapped in Bodhi tree roots — one of the most iconic images in all of Thailand. This temple once housed the Buddha's holy relic.
Wat Ratchaburana & Wat Phra Ram
Visit two more royal temples with towering Khmer-style prangs. Hear the story of the king who built Ratchaburana in memory of his brothers who died in a royal elephant duel.
Thai Buffet Lunch
Enjoy a generous Thai buffet lunch at a local restaurant near the historical park. Rest and recharge before the return journey.
Return to Bangkok
Board the air-conditioned van back to Bangkok. Drop-off at MBK Mall — perfectly placed for the BTS Skytrain back to your hotel.
Detailed Itinerary
Full-day trip from Bangkok to Ayutthaya. Departs 07:00–08:00 depending on hotel location. Visits 4 temples in approximately 3.5 hours with guide commentary. Buffet lunch included on standard options. Returns to Bangkok by approximately 15:00–17:00 with drop-off at MBK Mall.
Includes
- English-speaking local guide
- Entrance fees to all 4 temples (on standard options)
- Authentic Thai buffet lunch at local restaurant (on standard options)
- Air-conditioned transportation
- Hotel pickup (on selected options)
- Drop-off at MBK Mall, Bangkok
Excludes
- Personal expenses and shopping
- Tips for guide and driver (appreciated)
- Entrance fees and lunch not included on English Tour Only option
Important information
Meeting point
Hotel pickup available, or meet at River City Bangkok / The Old Siam Plaza depending on option chosen. Drop-off at MBK Mall, Bangkok.
Know before you go
- Free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the activity starts