As mentioned in a previous posting, Ayutthaya is the former capital of Thailand and place that should not be missed. Traveling from between the former and current capital is super simple, taking no more than 2.5 hours, depending which method of transport you choose.
By Car
There are various routes to take via car from Bangkok, each taking no more than an hour and a half. The following are available routes to embark on.
- Highway #1 → Highway #32 → Highway #309
- Highway #304 or Highway #302 → Highway #306 → Highway #3111 → Highway #3263
- Highway #306 → Highway #347 → Highway #3309
- Expressway #9 → Highway #1 → Highway #3469
By Bus
The bus is an economical choice with a 50 Baht charge for an hour and a half to two hours in comfortable air conditioning. They run frequently every 20 minutes from Bangkok’s Northern Bus Terminal starting around 4:30am to 7:15pm.
By Train
This is by far the best ride for adventure seekers and nature lovers as it is the most scenic and rugged way to reach Ayutthaya from Bangkok. It is also the cheapest route! Ranging from an hour and a half (express) to two hours and a half (ordinary), prices start around 15 Baht for third class to 66 Baht for first class. Trains leave from Bangkok’s Hualamphong Train Station all day (around every 20 minutes depending on time) from 4:20am to 23:40pm. The train drops off passengers near a ferry dock to reach the city. These short ferry rides depart every few minutes and only charge 4 Baht. (Please be aware that prices for the train and ferry could have increased).
By Minibus or Van
A convenient and expensive way to travel between cities is by a minibus or van. They depart from Victory Monument square (Bangkok) costing 70 Baht to 100 Baht. The ride takes an hour to an hour an a half. Besides price, the other downside is space, especially if you have luggage with you.
By Boat
Another trip for adventure seekers, the journey by boat can take a full day to reach Ayutthaya. This trip is not usually made by locals so there isn’t a set schedule. All bookings must be made in advance. Traveling this route by boat is recommended because it reflects the history of the Ayutthaya Kingdom when the Chao Phraya River served as a channel of transportation in trading with foreign countries.
Photo by Lauren
