Ayutthaya UNESCO Temples Small Group : Full Day Tour From Bangkok

About this experience

Step back in time and discover the fascinating world of Ayutthaya, the former capital of Siam and now a UNESCO World Heritage site. This full-day tour takes you on a journey through the heart of Thailand’s rich history, as you explore majestic temple ruins, centuries-old Buddha statues, and the remains of a once-thriving kingdom. Accompanied by an English-speaking guide, you’ll visit some of the most iconic and photogenic sites within the Ayutthaya Historical Park, while learning about the city’s rise, golden age, and eventual fall. Founded in 1350, Ayutthaya quickly grew into one of the most powerful and cosmopolitan cities in the world. Merchants from Europe, Persia, China, and Japan all passed through its vibrant streets, and its golden-roofed temples and palaces once rivalled the finest in Asia. This immersive day trip offers a perfect blend of culture, history, and stunning architecture; a must for anyone curious about Thailand’s royal past.

What to expect

1. Stop 1 · 1h

   Bang Pa-In Royal Palace, also known as the Summer Palace, is a palace complex formerly used by the Thai kings. A number of impressive buildings can be found in the palace complex, built in very different architectural styles, some in classical Thai, some Chinese and some European design.

2. Stop 2 · 45min

   Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon was founded in the second half of the 14th century during the reign of King U Thong, first ruler of Ayutthaya. Highlight of the monastery is its very large imposing prang dominating the area. century. During the Burmese invasion of 1767 the temple was largely destroyed.

3. Stop 3 · 45min

   Wat Mahathat, also known as the Monastery of the Great Relic, is believed to have been built around the 14th century and was once residence to the Supreme Patriarch leader of the Thai Buddhist monks. The most popular tourist attraction of Wat Mahathat is a tree whose roots have grown around the head of the Buddha statue.

4. Stop 4 · 20min

   This famous temple is situated on the south of Wat Phra Si Sanphet. Its large bronze seated Buddha image or Phra Mongkhon Bophit is one of the largest bronze Buddha images in Thailand with its measures of 9.5 meters across the lap and a height of 12.5 meters. During the fall of Ayutthaya, the building and the image were badly destroyed by fire. The present Vihara and Buddha image have been reconstructed and renovated in the reign of King Rama V.

5. Stop 5 · 45min

   Used mainly for ceremonies that served to authenticate the king’s spiritual and moral authority, Wat Phra Si Sanphet was the official royal temple. No monks lived here and only people within the royal circle were allowed to enter. Destroying Wat Phra Si Sanphet and the Royal Palace was a priority of the invading Burmese. They melted down 160 kilos of gold from the Phra Buddha Chai Sri Sanphet image and set fire to everything else. The distinctive pagodas of Wat Phra Si Sanphet are one of the most famous sights in Ayutthaya.

6. Stop 6 · 45min

   Wat Chaiwatthanaram was built in 1630 by King Prasat Thong during the later period of Ayutthaya. It was built to commemorate his mother's hometown and to celebrate his coronation. The main prang is surrounded by many lesser prangs and towers in eight directions. Wat Chaiwatthanaram was a royal monastery. The King and its descendants would perform religious rites here. It was also a cremation site for members of the Royal family. With its Khmer-style buildings, Wat Chaiwatthanaram is one of the most impressive ancient temples in Ayutthaya.

Tour & ticket options

Options may have different inclusions and meeting points. Choose your option when booking on Viator.

Meeting & pickup

• Infront of Starbucks Bann Chart (Khaosan Road)
• Silom MRT Startion Exit 2 (On the side of Dusit Central Park, opposite Lumpini Park)

End point

• Infront of Starbucks Bann Chart (Khaosan Road)
• Silom MRT Startion Exit 2 (On the side of Dusit Central Park, opposite Lumpini Park)

Before you go

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• There is a strict dress code to enter Bang Pa-In Summer Palace. Shoulders and ankles need to be covered. No sleeveless shirts, shorts, ripped jeans, tight trousers, leggings, slippers, sandals, or revealing tops, otherwise you won't be allowed in.
• Bangkok’s traffic can be heavily congested. As our tours run on a group basis, we can wait a maximum of 10 minutes after the scheduled meeting time. After this grace period, the guide will begin the tour. If you cannot make it on time, please let us know before the tour starts. If possible, we’ll do our best to reschedule you for the next available time slot or day, though a rescheduling fee will apply. No refund will be provided in case of late arrival.
• Cancellations made at least 24 hours before the tour start time are eligible for a full refund. For cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance or in case of no-show, no refund will be issued.
• Our tours operate rain or shine, as tropical rain showers in Thailand usually don’t last long. If it rains heavily, we try to seek shelter and will continue as soon as the weather improves. During the rainy season, it’s a good idea to bring a raincoat or poncho. Please note cancellations due to weather are not eligible for a refund.
• The exact departure time from the meeting point will be sent to you via private message on the booking platform one day before the tour. Please check your email (including your junk/spam folder) carefully the day before your tour to avoid any delays or missed departures.
• For tours starting at 7:30 hrs, departure from the meeting point will be between 7:30 and 8:00 hrs, depending on the number of participants.
• For tours starting at 10:00 hrs, departure from the meeting point will be between 9:30 and 10:00 hrs, depending on the number of participants.

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.