NOTE: Please don’t take my title seriously. Para may konteng humor lang
Ayutthaya or Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya is a city in Thailand. About two (2) hours train ride from Bangkok. It used to be an international trading port in the Kingdom of Siam, and its capital. Burmese attacked the city in 1767 and its ruins today became the Ayutthaya Historical Park (dzaaa! May history history pa. Para kunwari brayt). There are around sixteen (16) park sites in Ayutthaya. I was able to visit a few during my two (2) visits in Thailand with my friends (Bon and Roxy). Moreover, I met up with a Thai friend, Yada, and I was able to spend a night in Ayutthaya.
The first time I went to Ayutthaya was with Bon. I read few blogs about Thailand and Ayutthaya, studied their railway and bus system, and scanned through google map numerous times. However, on the day that we were about to head to the train station, we got lost. Yes. We were supposed to ride the train in Hua Lamphong Station. We ended up at Bang Sue Station. I can’t even recall how we got there. On my second visit in Thailand, this time with Roxy, I knew better. And during my third visit, I didn’t have to think of anything. Yada was my tour guide.
So, how to get to Ayutthaya? The best way to reach Ayutthaya is via train, or if you are a rich kid, you can rent your own car which will take you just an hour from Bangkok. But I will give you details on commuting the train. Start your Ayutthaya trip in Hua Lamphong Train Station, not the Bang Sue Station. Train schedule is always available at google or google map. However, it can change when you arrive at the station. Tickets are cheap, that is if you preferred 3rd class and a fan. Since this trip was a budgeted one, we were okay with the 3rd class. It only cost us about 50 THB. Getting to Ayutthaya will take for about 2 hours with few stops. Food were also available inside the train (same lang dito sa Pinas na may naglalako sa loob ng train). Going back to Bangkok, you will also depart in Ayutthaya Station and arrive in Hua Lamphong.
Upon reaching Ayutthaya station, maps and brochures are available as well. Just a warning, when you go out the station, tuktuk drivers will swarm you offering rides. They will offer 1, 500 to 2, 000 THB for a day tour. You can rent the tuktuk and the driver will also bring you to a restaurant (of their choice) for lunch. If they offer you a higher rate, you can haggle. If you’re good at it, maybe you can get 1, 000 THB for the whole day. If you worry about language barrier, don’t, because they have printouts of the temples and parks you can visit. All you have to do is point and point. They will just allow you to visit 5 to 6 parks, depending on the distance of the temples you chose.
The tuktuk rental may be a little bit expensive compared to the one we spent in Chiang Rai, but that’s another story. However, it will be worth it – visit on historical sites, and authentic Thai food. I will not include the expenses we had for our food because that would depend on the restaurant and the food you will order. Speaking of food, when you are in Ayutthaya, you must try the Roti Sai Mai. It’s not hard to find because it is very visible in the streets of Ayutthaya. In addition, during your Ayutthaya tour, PLEASE BRING WATER. DRINK LOTS OF WATER. The weather is somewhat the same with our weather, however there are few shades in the parks, so it felt like it’s hotter.
I was able to spend a night in Ayutthaya with Yada, and another must-thing-to-do is visit their night market. If you are into shopping and food trip. Just a warning, souvenirs are bit expensive in the night market. Aside from food and souvenirs, there are other things you can see in the night market. They have street musicians, plays, and costume rentals. During our overnight stay we booked a room in Stockhome Hostel. I can’t give you the rate of the hostel at that time because Yada paid for it. But I believed that it would cost you a 1, 000 PHP, more or less.
Another tip, don’t wear shorts or sleeveless. Or you can bring sarong. Some temples do not allow wearing shorts. And some temples have free entrance fee. The entrance fee are free for Thai, but with charges for foreigners. Although we, Filipinos look like Thai, let’s just be honest. Wag scammer.
Ayutthaya is somewhere between cheap and expensive. Depende yan sa diskarte mo. Since it is in the list of Must-visit in Thailand, they tend to be expensive. As I have mention, nasa diskarte yan.
Well, which is better? Day tour or spending a night in Ayutthaya. In my opinion and experience, an overnight stay is better. Or maybe you can spend more days in Ayutthaya, because there are a lot of places to explore. Okay guys, I hope this was helpful, and I hope you’ll have fun when you visit Ayutthaya.
TRAVELS and SCRUBS 
Incredible place, thanks for sharing 🙂 stay safe and greetings from Portugal, PedroL
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You’re welcome. Take care as well.
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thanks 🙂 PedroL
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