Ayutthaya UNESCO Full-Day Tour from Bangkok
About this activity
Highlights
- Explore UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Visit Wat Chaiwatthanaram Temple
- Discover Wat Mahathat's Buddha head
- See ancient ruins and temples
- Enjoy traditional Thai lunch
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Round-trip transportation from Bangkok
- Guided tour of Ayutthaya Historical Park
- Lunch at a local Thai restaurant
- Personal expenses and gratuities
Itinerary
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Meeting point
Start Location
WanderSiam - Tour Operator, 459/1 Thanon Chaokhamrop, Khwaeng Pom Prap, Khet Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10100, Thailand
Important information
Know before you book
- This tour involves walking and may not be suitable for those with mobility issues.
- Please inform the operator of any dietary restrictions in advance.
- Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes and light clothing suitable for the weather.
- Bring a hat, sunscreen, and a camera to capture the sights.
- Ensure you have sufficient cash for personal expenses and gratuities.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Stroller Accessible
- Infants Required On Laps
Good to know
- 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.
- If you are not an actual guest at one of the hotels in our pick-up area, the designated meeting point will be our office on Chao Khamrop Road in Chinatown. Our office in Chinatown is just a short 5-minute walk from Wat Mangkon MRT (metro) station. IMPORTANT: The exact meeting/departure time will be informed in a private message via the booking platform the day before before the tour. Participants should be aware that pickups will begin up to 45 minutes before the scheduled tour start time. Please carefully check your email (including junk mail) the day before the tour.
- 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.
Traveler reviews
Amazing. Not to be missed.
This was a small tour - my husband, me and another. The vehicle was comfortable. Coconut, our tour guide was full of information for the King's Summer Palace. At times her English was a little difficult to understand but because it was a small tour we were able to ask questions and she was always eager to make sure we understood. Ayutthaya was amazing and Coco did a great job explaining the different styles and the dates the temples were built and more. Lunch was also good. We thoroughly enjoyed our day out with Coco.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 10/5 Stars — The Best Tour Experience We’ve Ever Had
This was a phenomenal tour and day!!! Our guide Wan was incredibly knowledgeable about every site we visited and the history of Thailand in general. She was also one of the kindest, most genuine people we have ever met. She brought each location to life with rich historical stories and context that made everything so much more meaningful than just sightseeing. What truly set this tour apart were the personal touches. Wan took us to local markets outside the ruins and hidden gems, pointed us toward the best snacks, and even treated us to some local sweets along the way. It felt less like a tour and more like exploring with a brilliant, warm-hearted friend who just happened to know everything. For anyone interested in learning about Ayutthaya, we cannot recommend this experience highly enough. This was, hands down, our favorite day of the entire trip.
10/10 experience in Ayutthaya
The whole tour was very smooth and enjoyable. Wan was a knowledgeable and kind guide, patiently sharing the history and significance of the sites. She also brought me to a small market to buy roti sai mai, a famous snack in Ayutthaya. The tour covers most of the major sites in Ayutthaya and the entry fees are not expensive. The driver was also very friendly and safe. This is my second time joining a Wandersiam tour, and couldn't recommend it enough!
Old Thailand Capital Ayutthaya Guided Tour
We had a great experience. Our guide Ken was very friendly, took time to explain everything and answer all of our questions. I would recommend it.
Cheerful and knowledgeable
Ken was a cheerful and knowledgeable guide! Great English and answered all our questions. I also enjoyed the small group and flexibility.