Day Trip to Ayutthaya Itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog

by Emily | posted in: Thailand | 0

Last updated on May 16th, 2026

Follow our Ayutthaya Travel Guide blog to see the best of these ancient ruins in a day. We will share on how to plan your Ayutthaya itinerary from Bangkok with all the important information.

Ayutthaya is a beautiful historical site that many tourists visit on day tours or day trip from Bangkok. On one of my trips to Thailand, I did a day trip to Ayutthaya from Bangkok. The Ayutthaya Historical Park is more spread out than it seems. If you’re planning your own day trip to Ayutthaya, it is advised to know what to do and see when visiting the attraction. It’s entirely possible to spend a whole day exploring the ruins and still not come close to running out of temples to see. With so many possibilities, it’s best to go prepared, knowing exactly what to see and how to get around.

Here is the complete Ayutthaya Travel Guide for you!

We have outlined everything you need to know about doing an Ayutthaya day trip from Bangkok, including how to get there, the best things to see once there, where to stay, planning the Ayutthaya itinerary, and more.

Ayutthaya – UNESCO World Heritage Site

The ancient city of Ayutthaya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located just an hour away from Bangkok. The incredible old city ruins make it a must-visit destination in Thailand. Its ruins will transport you back in time to a significant moment in the history of Myanmar-Thai kings in the 18th century.

Ayutthaya was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991.

When visiting Ayutthaya, travelers can wander around hundreds of stupas, prangs, and other amazing structures.

How to get to Ayutthaya from Bangkok

Since Ayutthaya is a popular travel spot from Bangkok, there are several ways to get to Ayutthaya. You can travel by train, bus, private transfer, or group tour, depending on your budget. The most popular option for an easy and inexpensive trip to Ayutthaya is by joining a group tour and taking a minivan from Mo Chit bus station.

Local Train: The most economical option is to take the train from Hualamphong Station, and the journey takes approximately 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can opt to take the train from Bang Sue Station, where the journey takes only approximately 1 hour. The train fare ranges from 15 to 60 baht for the third-class carriage, which does not have air conditioning.

Public Bus: Another affordable option is the bus, which is slightly faster than the train. Buses depart every half hour from Mo Chit Station and the journey takes about 90 minutes. The bus ticket price is approximately 60 THB per person.

Private Car or Van: This is the best option if you are traveling with a group of family or friends. Having a private car or minivan provides you with flexibility in terms of departure and return times, as well as where to go once you arrive in Ayutthaya.

Upon arrival in Ayutthaya, you can hire a tuk-tuk or rent a bicycle to explore the area. A tuk-tuk can be hired for a specific journey or for the day. The going rate is approximately 200-300 baht per hour per person. Please remember to bargain for the agreed rate to avoid an unhappy journey.

Tour To Ayutthaya

Group Tour: The most comfortable way to visit Ayutthaya is by joining a group tour, but it is also the most expensive option. Being driven around in an air-conditioned van, you can comfortably travel from Bangkok to Ayutthaya and visit various historical sites with a tour guide.

Popular Ayutthaya Tour Options:

Klook Exclusive: Ayutthaya Day Tour from Bangkok (Options To Choose)
KKDAY: Ayutthaya Temples One-Day Tour from Bangkok

The costs will vary depending on what is included and whether you choose a private or shared tour, with prices usually starting from 1,000 THB per person.

Ayutthaya Day Trip Itinerary from Bangkok

An Ayutthaya itinerary wouldn’t be complete without exploring the city’s beautiful temples. There are numerous stunning temples scattered throughout and around Ayutthaya. If you’re fascinated by Ayutthaya’s history and architecture, you could easily spend a week here exploring the city.

For a day trip to Ayutthaya, here’s what to do and see:

Arrived Ayutthaya in the morning
Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon
Wat Mahathat
Wat Phra Si Sanphet
Phra Mingkhon Bophit
Wat Lokkayasutha (Giant Reclining Buddha)
Back to Bangkok

If you have more time for your Ayutthaya itinerary, we also recommend visiting Wat Phu Khao Thong, Wat Phuttal Sawan, and Wat Chaiwatthanaram for more temple visits.

Ayutthaya Travel Guide Tips: It’s possible to pre-book a tour to Ayutthaya before arriving in Bangkok – Click here for book your Day Trip to Ayutthaya.

Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon

Our first stop on the Ayutthaya itinerary was the incredible Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon. The temple is impressive with its towering stupa, golden statues, and rows of Buddha statues in the walkway surrounding the temple. The two huge statues are situated outside the main building of the temple. It was constructed after King Naresuan defeated a Burmese crown prince during a battle on elephants at the end of the 16th century.

Interestingly, Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon is still active, and monks reside there. Local people visit this Wat to pay respects to Buddha and King Naresuan.

The main chedi has a platform that you can climb with 50 steep steps to reach the top.

Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon - Climb to the top

Many devotees would drop coins inside a hole to fulfill their wishes. Additionally, the view of the temple complex from the top is very beautiful.

Don’t miss visiting the reclining Buddha located in the northeast. It’s a large statue of the Reclining Buddha wrapped in yellow cloth, facing east towards the rising sun. Monks from the onsite monastery were milling around among the tourists.

Wat Mahathat

Wat Mahathat is a must-see on everyone’s Ayutthaya itinerary, thanks to its picturesque Buddha head entwined in the roots of a banyan tree. This temple is one of the most visited in Ayutthaya and one of the most famous in Thailand.

The main attraction at Wat Mahathat is a large Buddha head entwined in the roots of a banyan tree. The head has fallen into place and has been embraced and grown around by the tree over the years. When taking photos of the Buddha head, it is important to be respectful and get down low.

The temple grounds are vast with many beautiful corners featuring Buddha statues and prangs. Unfortunately, many of the Buddha statues have missing heads, and restoration is beyond possible for these relics.

Wat Phra Si Sanphet

Wat Phra Si Sanphet is a remarkable sight to see. It is the largest temple in Ayutthaya and is located within the former royal palace. The three distinctive stupas in the center of Wat Phra Si Sanphet make it one of the most iconic temples in Ayutthaya. It was once considered the most beautiful complex in the city and served as the inspiration for Wat Phra Kaew, also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.

The temple grounds are quite spacious and feature multiple stupas. It can get very hot, and there is limited shade from midday onward, so be prepared. Additionally, you can also visit Phra Mingkhon Bophit, located next door, which famous for the huge sitting Buddha statue inside it.

Wat Lokkayasutha (Giant Reclining Buddha)

Compared to other temples and sites in ancient Ayutthaya, this place is less popular with tourists but we recommend including it in your Ayutthaya itinerary if you have enough time. It’s a little off the tourist trail but definitely worth the short detour.

Wat Lokayasutharam in Ayutthaya is home to a beautiful 42-meter long and 8-meter tall statue of a reclining Buddha. The giant reclining Buddha is an impressive sight! You can take pictures with it and explore the rest of the archaeological site.

Free Entry, Open All Hours.

Where to Stay When Visiting Ayutthaya from Bangkok

There is no shortage of accommodation in Bangkok. Backpacker hostels, hotels, resorts, and guest houses abound all over the city. Prices vary though, depending on the location, service, and facilities. Here are my recommendations for where to stay in when visiting Ayutthaya from Bangkok.

Luxury: We highly recommend the Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel and Towers. It is a great luxury hotel situated along the Chao Praya River. The rooms are super comfortable with fantastic views overlooking the river for your Bangkok gateway.

High-Range: The Novotel Bangkok on Siam Square is close to many shopping malls with great facilities. Getting around in Bangkok is easy with BTS Siam Paragon is located next to the property. A great pick for shoppers in Bangkok.

For budget travelers, In a Box Hostel is a popular pick for a short stopover in the city. The location is superb and just a step away from the Phaya Thai BTS Station and Phaya Thai Airport railway link.

Already have a hotel booked? To search for the best accommodations at the best prices, I suggest checking out Booking.com or Agoda.com for the best price.

Ayutthaya Travel Guide Tips

When planning your Ayutthaya itinerary, it’s important to understand the best ways to get there and how to visit the historical sites. The attractions in Ayutthaya are spread out, and the last thing you want is to have to walk long distances in hot and humid weather. If you are arriving in Ayutthaya as part of a group tour, then you won’t need to worry about this.

Additionally, it’s important to dress respectfully when visiting these sites. This means covering your shoulders and knees, regardless of your gender. A scarf or sarong to cover your shoulders is good option. Opt for loose, long clothing, which will be more comfortable in the heat and humidity.

Active temples are typically free to enter, but major temples may require an entrance fee of 50 baht by foreign travelers. You can also purchase a temple pass if you plan to visit several temples during your trip.

Overall: A Trip to Ayutthaya

There you have it, the Ayutthaya itinerary! We truly hope this Ayutthaya travel guide blog is helpful to plan for your upcoming trip. From the modern capital city to the ancient capital town, Ayutthaya is very much worth the visit. Still, it depends on your personal interests. Hopefully, we’ve proven that Ayutthaya is worth a visit while you’re in Ayutthaya.

Lastly, if you are visiting Bangkok, we have more useful information as well as some bonus travel tips in below Bangkok travel blog for your holiday.

Traveling to Bangkok for food? Here is the best food listed to help you decide where and what to eat in Bangkok.

Planning a beach holiday to Phuket? Get to know more before planning your trip to Phuket.

Kyoto Station Guide: Transportation, Dining, Shopping

by Emily | posted in: Kansai Japan | 0

Last updated on May 16th, 2026

We’ve gathered helpful information in this Kyoto Station guide, covering transportation, dining, accommodations, shopping, and more!

Kyoto is a city with a long history spanning over 1,000 years. Its primary train station, connected to travelers from both local and around the world. Designed by acclaimed architect Hara Hiroshi, the beautiful Kyoto Station boasts a futuristic and modern design, making it one of the largest buildings in Japan.

Kyoto Station (京都駅, Kyōto-eki) serves as a vital connection point for travelers. It is the city’s most important transportation hub. For visitors to Kyoto, the JR Kyoto station is a must-visit and offering visitors a wide range of experiences. It is not only the busiest stations, it is also home to various restaurant, cafes, department stores, a theater, and boutique stores within the station, keeping visitors occupied for hours.

Here, we share the Kyoto Station Guide – from getting around, things to do, where to stay, and even tips on where to find the best food in Kyoto Station!

Kyoto Station Orientation

The Kyoto Station complex is incredibly large and features numerous shops and eateries, all interconnected either underground or in buildings directly adjacent to the station. Generally, the station is divided into two sides: the north and the south, each with entrances.

The north side of the Kyoto Station is known as the Karasuma side.

This side faces the Kyoto Tower, the city’s tallest structure and the Kyoto Bus terminal, connected to the downtown area. The Central Gate (also called Chuo Gate) that connects with the JR train lines is located on this side.

The south side of Kyoto Station is known as the Hachijo side, named after the adjacent Hachijo street.

This area is lined with various hotels and a shopping mall, Avanti. In this direction, you can also find the Shinkansen platforms and the Kintetsu Kyoto Station.

Inside Kyoto Station

To connect the north and south sides of the Kyoto Station building, there are two main routes that travelers can use.

The first route is the pedestrian walkway on the second floor that runs from the Isetan department store and past the West Gate for the JR Lines, all the way to the Shinkansen tracks and Kintetsu Kyoto Station. Alternatively, you can use the underground passage linked with the Shinkansen tracks, the JR Lines, and Kyoto Subway Station, and finally end at the Porta underground shopping complex.

Coin lockers are also available throughout the station if you wish to leave heavy luggage behind when getting around Kyoto.

How To Get to Kyoto Station

There are various transportation options available from Kansai International Airport, Tokyo, Osaka, and other locations to reach Kyoto Station.

To reach Kyoto Station from Kansai International Airport (KIX), you have two main options. The first option is to take the Haruka Limited Express, which takes around 1.5 hours. The second option is to take the Kansai Limousine Bus, with the drop-off point in front of Hotel Keihan Kyoto Grande on the Hachijoguchi Exit.

Book your Kansai Limosine Bus from Klook

For travel from Tokyo to Kyoto Station, the quickest route is to take the Tokaido Shinkansen (bullet train), which takes approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes. Trains depart from Tokyo every 10 minutes between 6:00 and 21:00, offering flexible travel options throughout the week.

When traveling from Osaka to Kyoto Station, there are several transportation options available. Depending on the departure station, you can take the JR Rapid Train or the Tokaido Shinkansen.

Kyoto Station Guide Tips: There are more transportation options to Kyoto, read our documentation: How To Get To Kyoto From Kansai Airport, Osaka, Tokyo.

Kyoto Tourist Information Center

For first-timers in Kyoto, we suggest you visit the Tourist Information Center on the second floor of Kyoto Station upon your arrival. The multilingual staff is ready to help and can provide you with all the information you need, including train and convenient bus transportation within the city.

Kyoto Station Big Staircase

Kyoto Station is a fascinating and unique place to visit, especially at night! It is highly recommended to explore the station in the evening as there are many attractions to see.

There are 3 to 4 sections of escalators from the 1st floor up to the highest 11th floor. You can step out from the escalator at any time. It’s wonderful to look down or at the top of the station’s architecture while you are on the escalator or standing on the stairs.

Illuminated Grand Stairway at Kyoto Station — Grand Stairway at Kyoto Station

Start at the Central Gate and look for the escalators leading to the Kyoto Station Big Staircase. The staircase is adorned with illuminating lights and music during the evenings. It is truly impressive, consisting of 125 steps and over 15,000 LED lights. The message displayed on the staircase changes with the season, and it is illuminated from 3:00 pm to 10:00 pm.

After that, take the high ascending escalators, which ascend up to 12 levels, to reach the Kyoto Station Observation Deck. The observation deck is an open-air area located on the top floor of the station, providing a great free view over Kyoto. On either end of the observation deck, there is a Sky Garden.

Additionally, there is a Skyway located on the 11th floor, which spans 45 meters above the central hall, connecting the two ends at roof level. The Skyway is equipped with a light show that looks spectacular after dark.

Where To Stay in Kyoto Station

Kyoto Station serves as the city’s primary transportation hub, providing convenient access to transportation within the city and to other parts of Japan. Staying in the Kyoto Station area will allow for easy access to trains and buses, making it more convenient to travel to various destinations both within Kyoto and beyond.

Hotel Granvia Kyoto is a deluxe hotel with comfortable, tastefully designed rooms, some of which have superb views overlooking nearby Kyoto Tower and the city skyline. The hotel is directly in the Kyoto Station building, with its lobby connected to the station floor by an escalator. It is an unbeatable location for travelers looking for accommodation near Kyoto Station.

Stay at Kyoto Station South Exit

Kyoto Station Hotel located to the south of the Station (Hachijoguchi Exit):

Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo is conveniently situated right next to Kyoto Station, offering great value for the price. It is ideal for tourists looking to take the train to Osaka, Nara, and other places outside Kyoto.
Hotel Keihan Kyoto Grande is a modern hotel directly connected to the station by an underground tunnel. It is also located right beside the Avanti shopping mall, providing immediate access to the mall’s retail and restaurant facilities. Additionally, limousine buses for Kansai International Airport stop in front of the hotel building.
Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto Hachijoguchi is a modern hotel that has everything you need. A standard room is compact and includes a Japanese washroom.
For a budget option, consider Piece Hostel Kyoto. It is a beautifully designed hostel with clean rooms at a reasonable price and is strategically located less than 5 minutes’ walk from Kyoto Station.

Stay at Kyoto Station North Exit

Kyoto Station Hotel located to the north of the station (Kyoto Tower side Exit):

Kyoto Tower Hotel is a great option at this area. The Kyoto Tower is the tallest structure in Kyoto, with an observation deck at 100 m (320 ft) that provides a fantastic panoramic view over the city.
Hotel New Hankyu Kyoto is a four-star hotel located in the heart of the Kyoto Station area, right next to the train station. This makes it one of the best luxury hotels in Kyoto for easy access. The hotel offers modern and sophisticated rooms with all the amenities you need.
Hotel Hokke Club Kyoto is a fantastic mid-range hotel in the area. It offers clean and comfortable rooms as well as a traditional Japanese restaurant and cafe.

What To Eat in Kyoto Station

Beyond railway connections (the Shinkansen and the local lines all converge there), the station is home to a major shopping center and dozens of restaurants, ranging from fast and simple to quite fancy and good. It is the best place to grab a bite to eat after a long day of sightseeing, as the eateries cater to all kinds of foodies on differenr budget.

Kyoto Ramen Alley is located on the 10th floor. It houses seven different ramen shops from various regions of Japan, ranging from Hokkaido in the north to Kyushu in the south.

What to eat in Kyoto Station - Katsukura — Katsukura at Cube Gourmet Street Kyoto Station

Cube Gourmet Street is located on the 11th floor on the west side of the station, featuring nine restaurants offering different types of Japanese cuisine. My recommendation:

Katsukura is an extremely popular chain of tonkatsu restaurants based in Kyoto that is renowned for its tonkatsu. The deep-fried and breaded choice cuts of pork are served with rice, miso soup, and freshly shredded cabbage.
Tagoto is a Kyoto restaurant chain that specializes in soba buckwheat noodles, crispy tempura, and Kyoto’s own special variety of sushi.

Asty Square and Asty Road

Next, Asty operates the shopping and dining areas on the south side of the station. You will walk through this area if you are staying on the Hachiko side. The restaurants along Asty Road are located in the Kyoto Omotenashi Koji area. In this area, there are also many Japanese snack and confectionary shops clustered together.

Hoshino Coffee at Asty Road Kyoto Station

What to Eat at Kyoto Station’s Astry Square and Asty Road:

Matsuba: This restaurant is popular among locals and specializes in nishin soba, which is simmered herring served in a hot bowl of broth and soba.
Sushi no Musashi: It is a casual “conveyor belt” sushi bar that receives fresh fish from the Japan Sea coast.
Hoshino Coffee: This original coffee shop takes pride in serving hand drip coffee made from carefully selected top-quality beans.
Inoda Coffee: This coffee shop, based in Kyoto, has been roasting their Arabian Pearl coffee in-house for over 70 years.

Porta Dining

Porta Dining is situated on the north side of Kyoto Station. The underground complex offers a variety of affordable dining options, including Japanese food, cafes, sandwich shops, and a fast food outlet selling burgers and fries. Some of the food establishments include Starbucks Coffee, Doutor Coffee Shop, Monte Romano, Lotteria, and many others.

The Eat Paradise in Isetan and Isetan Department store also offer many good food options:

Wako: a restaurant specializing in tonkatsu, breaded pork cutlets.
Saryo Tsujiri: The original Tsujiri is a famous matcha tea and sweets shop in the Gion area of Kyoto.
Malebranche: a cafe serving luxury French-style desserts and sweets concocted from local ingredients.

There are still many eateries, cafes, and restaurants scattered all around Kyoto Station.

Shopping in Kyoto Station

Kyoto Station offers a variety of shopping options. Here are a few places where you can enjoy shopping in the area:

Isetan Department Store: This upscale department store spans across 13 floors and offers foreign exchange in 4 languages, free hotel delivery, a tax-free counter for tourists, and a cafe that serves the best matcha parfait.
Cube Shopping Mall: Located in the basement level, this mall features a wide array of sweets, delicacies, and local souvenirs, making it a great place to explore the different treats of Kyoto.
Porta Underground Shopping Mall: Situated directly beneath Kyoto Bus Station and connecting with Kyoto Subway Station, this mall houses stores selling men’s and ladies’ fashions, accessories, cosmetics, stationery, souvenirs, and books.
Kyoto Avanti: Located across from the south side of Kyoto Station, this building is home to the popular Uniqlo and GU stores.
Kyoto Yodobashi: Found across the North side of Kyoto Station, adjacent to Kyoto Tower, this building is occupied by the popular electronics chain store.
AEON Mall Kyoto: Situated about a 5-minute walk from the Hachijo Exit on the south side of Kyoto Station.

Overall: Kyoto Station Guide

All in all, we hope you have a clear understanding overall after reading our Kyoto Station Guide. The station can be overwhelming for first-time travelers, but it becomes easier to navigate once you are familiar with it. On your next trip to the historic city of Kyoto, you will surely enjoy your time in Kyoto Station. Have a great trip to Kyoto and don’t get lost in Kyoto Station!

Lastly, if you’re heading to Kyoto, feel free to also check out my Kyoto travel stories:

Looking for what to eat in Kyoto? Read more on our Kyoto Food Blog:

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