Guide to Biking Ayutthaya: Day-Trip Tour Route

Biking around the UNESCO world heritage site of Ayutthaya was a huge highlight of our trip. Ayutthaya is a hidden gem just an hour north of Bangkok. We first learned about this destination from a friend who recommended it and said it was one of their favorite activities they did on their trip to Thailand.

If you don’t want to think much about it and just join a group tour, here are a few ideas to make it a bit easier:

But if you do want to go it alone, like we did, it’s totally doable and we’re here to help!

TL;DR: here is our recommended bike route:

Why Ayutthaya?

So, why Ayutthaya? Well, this ancient city, a mere hour’s ride, or 55 miles, from Bangkok, is a UNESCO World Heritage site that’s bound to leave you awestruck. Its rich history and charm make it an ideal side quest or an anchor in your trip to Thailand. We highly recommend you make the time for it!

Getting to Ayutthaya

Before you embark on this journey, some prep work is in order. First, you’ll need to figure out your transportation, including train schedules, to and from Bangkok. And don’t worry; it’s quite straightforward.

Option 1: Train

First up, we have the classic train journey. This is what we chose. Start your adventure at Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong Railway Station, also known as the Bangkok Train Station. Check the train schedules ahead of time to pick a convenient departure time. While you can buy tickets on the spot, booking in advance is a wise move. There are different classes available, so choose one that suits your style and budget.

The train ride itself is a treat, offering scenic views of the lush countryside and the serene Chao Phraya River. After a comfortable 1 to 1.5-hour journey (depending on the type of train), you’ll arrive at Ayutthaya Railway Station, conveniently located near the city center. Plus, it’s a stone’s throw away from the bike rental shops, making it super easy to start your two-wheeled exploration.

Option 2: Bus

If you’re looking for flexibility, the bus is another great option. Head over to Bangkok’s Northern Bus Terminal, also known as Mo Chit Bus Terminal. Buses to Ayutthaya run frequently throughout the day, so you have plenty of choices. Grab your ticket either at the terminal or through online platforms. For peace of mind, booking ahead is a smart move, especially during peak seasons.

The bus journey takes roughly 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic conditions. While traveling, enjoy the sights outside your window as you make your way to Ayutthaya. The buses come in various classes, including standard and VIP options for added comfort. Once you arrive at Ayutthaya Bus Terminal, you’ll need to arrange transportation to the city center and the bike rental shops.

Renting Bikes

One of the most convenient options is to rent bikes near Ayutthaya Railway Station or in Old Town. Many bike rental shops are clustered in this area, making it easy for travelers arriving by train to find and rent bicycles.

If you’re staying overnight at a guesthouse or hostel in Ayutthaya, they often provide bike rental services to their guests. This can be a convenient choice if you prefer renting from your accommodation.

Bike rentals generally range around 100 baht per day, and most of the bikes available are fixies (with fixed gears). But the topography of the region is generally flat so you shouldn’t have trouble with these.

Entering Ayutthaya

Once you get off the train, you’ll need to cross the river on a ferry boat. Crossing is very affordable at 10 baht per person.

Across the river is the Old Town, with many hostels and cafes. You’ll want to fuel up in the morning to prepare for your big bike ride.

There aren’t that many options to eat in Ayutthaya (it’s no Bangkok), but for all that biking and temple-hopping, you’ll need to fuel. There are plenty of spots in town. In the morning, we found a charming little spot called Celebb Rotea near where we got our rental bikes for breakfast, and picked up sandwiches in a coffee shop on our way home.

When you get there and you get your bikes, you’ll want to review your route. Whatever path you take is up to you, but here is what we did and it turned out to be a perfect tour for us:

Our Recommended Route

1. Wat Ratchaburana

• Location: Amphoe Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Chang Wat Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000, Thailand
• Hours: 8 AM to 5 PM
• Entry: 50 Baht

Wat Ratchaburana is an ideal place to start as its one of the closest to the old city. It also gives you a nice overview of what to expect for the day and sets the perfect tone.

This wat stands out for its stunning prang (tower) and intricate Khmer-style architecture. The tower is climbable, offering panoramic views of Ayutthaya. The temple was built to house the ashes of two royal brothers who died fighting each other for the throne. You can even go inside the crypt, which is small (be warned if you have claustrophobia!), but covered in beautiful paintings!

2. Wat Maha That

• Location: Tha Wasukri, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000, Thailand
• Hours: 8 AM to 5 PM
• Entry: 50 Baht

Right across the street from Wat Ratchaburana is Wat Maha That. We recommend this one second due to its proximity (and you can bike along a really nice park to get to the next one!)

Wat Mahathat is famous for the iconic Buddha head entangled in the roots of a tree. It’s a symbol of the passage of time and nature’s reclamation of man-made structures. This temple was a major religious center and the seat of the Supreme Patriarch of Buddhism during the Ayutthaya period.

3. Wat Phra Si Sanphet

• Location: Pratuchai, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000, Thailand
• Hours: 8 AM to 5 PM
• Entry: 50 Baht

Next, bike west to the restored Wat Phra Si Sanphet. Wat Phra Si Sanphet was the holiest temple during Ayutthaya’s era as the capital of Thailand. It served as the royal temple and housed the renowned Emerald Buddha statue.

Explore the temple grounds, which feature impressive chedis (stupas) that stand as a testament to the architectural brilliance of the time. The well-preserved stupas and the serene atmosphere make it a photographer’s paradise.

4. Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit

• Location: Phai Ling, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000, Thailand
• Hours: 8 AM to 6 PM
• Entry: 20 Baht

Right next to Wat Phra Si Sanphet is this more modern sanctuary which houses one of Thailand’s largest Buddha statues! It really is impressive!

5. Wat Phra Ram

• Location: Pratu Chai Sub-district, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000, Thailand
• Hours: 8:30 AM to 5 PM
• Entry: 50 Baht

Next, check out the nearby Wat Phra Ram.

This wat features picturesque ancient ruins surrounded by a lush garden. It’s an ideal place for a leisurely stroll and exploration. The tranquil environment and well-preserved ruins make it a serene and educational stop on your bike ride adventure.

6. Wat Lokkayasutha

• Location: Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000, Thailand
• Hours: 8 AM to 6 PM
• Entry: Free

If you’re feeling adventerous, and have the time, next check out Wat Lokkayasutha. Wat Lokkayasutha is home to a massive reclining Buddha statue, measuring 37 meters in length and 8 meters in height. It’s one of the largest reclining Buddhas in Ayutthaya.

There are also a few small shops and bathrooms here. We got ice cream.

7. Wat Chai Watthanaram

• Location: Ban Pom, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000, Thailand
• Hours: 8 AM to 6 PM
• Entry: 50 Baht

Going south now, you’ll have to cross the river to get to Wat Chaiwatthanaram. This is not one to miss to make sure you have time for it! It is stunning!

Wat Chaiwatthanaram is beautifully situated on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, creating a serene and picturesque setting. Marvel at the Khmer-style architecture with multiple prangs and a central prang surrounded by smaller ones. The reflections in the river create a stunning visual effect.

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What to bring

It can be brutally hot in this region, and this is especially an issue when biking in the hot sun all day. I would highly recommend you bring:

• sunglasses
• sunscreen
• travel water bottle
• cover-up to dress appropriately in the temples

I ended up wearing shorts but brought a sarong to wrap a skirt before going into any of the monuments. Oh, and wear sneakers or sport sandals like Tevas!

Embracing the Adventure

This whole trip felt like a real adventure, from navigating the bustling train station in Bangkok to crossing into this beautiful, ancient part of the world. Exploring the temples and learning about their histories added depth and meaning to our journey. And figuring it out ourselves was a part of the fun!

(P.S. you can also steal some inspiration from these guided tours which conveniently tend to post their itineraries… 🤫🤫 Many of them also visit the nearby floating markets, but sadly we didn’t have time to do so.)

We also recommend The Planet Edit guide to Ayutthaya cycling for additional info.