Ayutthaya Experience: Journey Through History with Khaosan Tour
Travel is not just about moving from place to place; it is about stepping into different times, cultures, and experiences. While Bangkok dazzles visitors with skyscrapers, neon lights, and bustling markets, just ninety kilometers north lies Ayutthaya, the former capital of Siam.
Founded in 1351 by King U-Thong (later King Ramathibodi I), Ayutthaya flourished for over four centuries. During its golden age, it became one of the wealthiest cities in Asia, a hub where merchants from Japan, China, India, Persia, and Europe traded goods. Its grand palaces and temples impressed foreign envoys, who often compared the city to the world’s most magnificent capitals.
Although devastated in 1767 during the Burmese–Siamese War, the ruins stand as powerful reminders of a glorious past. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ayutthaya now attracts travelers eager to explore Thailand’s roots and walk among the remains of an empire that once commanded respect across continents.
For travelers in Bangkok, a day trip to Ayutthaya is the perfect way to dive into Thai history without the need for overnight stays. Departing from Lampoo Ocean Travel, conveniently located between Khaosan Road and Rambuttri Road, visitors embark on a carefully curated journey covering the city’s most important temples and monuments, returning to Bangkok in the late afternoon.
Tour Schedule
Here’s a typical itinerary for the Ayutthaya day tour with Lampoo Ocean Travel:
07:00 – Pick-up from hotels or meeting points in Bangkok
07:30 – Depart Bangkok for Ayutthaya (approx. 1.5-hour drive)
09:00 – Visit Wat Phu Khao Thong (Golden Mount Temple)
09:45 – Explore the Ancient Palace and Wat Phra Si Sanphet
12:00 – Lunch at a local restaurant with classic Thai dishes
13:00 – Visit Wat Lokayasutha and its reclining Buddha
14:00 – Visit Wat Phra Mahathat, home of the famous Buddha head entwined in tree roots
15:00 – Depart Ayutthaya
16:30 – Return to Bangkok, drop-off near Khaosan Road or Rambuttri Road
The tour uses an air-conditioned van, and an English-speaking guide provides insights and historical context throughout the day. Routes and times may vary due to traffic, weather, or local conditions, but the itinerary ensures you see all key sites efficiently.
Morning Departure from Bangkok
The day begins with an early morning pick-up. Travelers staying near Khaosan Road or Rambuttri Road will find it convenient to reach Lampoo Ocean Travel, located between these two bustling streets. The agency’s central location makes joining the tour simple and stress-free.
By 07:30, the van departs Bangkok, leaving behind the city’s skyscrapers and traffic. During the drive, guests can enjoy the transition from urban density to the lush rice fields and rivers surrounding Ayutthaya. Guides share stories about Thai history, culture, and the rise of Ayutthaya, setting the stage for a day of exploration.
Wat Phu Khao Thong – The Golden Mount Temple
The first stop, Wat Phu Khao Thong, also known as the Golden Mount Temple, sits just outside Ayutthaya’s city island. Its layered history reflects centuries of conflict and resilience.
Originally built in 1357 for meditation, the site became a symbol of Siam’s changing fortunes. In 1569, following the Burmese capture of Ayutthaya, King Bayinnaung constructed a 50-meter chedi in Burmese style. Less than twenty years later, King Naresuan of Ayutthaya built a Thai-style chedi over the original structure, asserting independence and national pride.
Visitors can climb halfway up the chedi for sweeping views of rice paddies, rivers, and the city island in the distance. The perspective is both scenic and symbolic, overlooking lands that witnessed centuries of history.
Wat Phra Si Sanphet – Ayutthaya’s Royal Temple
Next, travelers explore Wat Phra Si Sanphet, the royal temple of the Ayutthaya kingdom. Unlike ordinary temples, it was reserved for royalty, hosting state ceremonies and religious functions without resident monks.
Part of the royal palace complex, the temple’s three large chedis enshrined the ashes of former kings. Walking among the ruins, visitors can imagine the scale of ceremonies once held here, with the brick foundations, courtyards, and towering stupas evoking grandeur even in decay.
Nearby, Wat Phra Mongkhon Bophit houses one of Thailand’s largest bronze Buddha statues, a stunning contrast to the ruins of Wat Phra Si Sanphet. The statue remains an active site of worship and offers insight into the continuity of religious life in Ayutthaya.
Lunch – Traditional Thai Cuisine
Around noon, the tour pauses for lunch at a local restaurant. Guests enjoy classic Thai dishes, often featuring fresh river fish, stir-fried vegetables, curries, and seasonal fruits. This is also an opportunity to rest and reflect on the morning’s discoveries before the afternoon continues with more historic treasures.
Wat Lokayasutha – The Reclining Buddha
The afternoon begins at Wat Lokayasutha, known for its giant reclining Buddha, approximately 42 meters long and 8 meters high. Draped in bright orange cloth, the serene figure exudes calm amidst the temple ruins.
Unlike other reclining Buddhas enclosed in halls, this one lies outdoors, surrounded by crumbling walls and scattered chedis, symbolizing both impermanence and enduring faith. Visitors often pause for quiet reflection, taking in the peaceful atmosphere and photogenic views.
Wat Phra Mahathat – The Buddha Head in Tree Roots
The final major stop is Wat Phra Mahathat, built around 1374. Once a prominent temple housing relics of the Buddha, it now draws visitors worldwide for the Buddha head entwined in the roots of a Bodhi tree.
This unique sight—sandstone entwined by nature over centuries—symbolizes Ayutthaya’s resilience and the harmony between man-made structures and the natural world. Walking through the temple grounds, visitors encounter prangs, headless Buddha statues, and brick foundations, all of which reflect the city’s former glory and its enduring legacy.
Return to Bangkok
By mid-afternoon, the tour begins the drive back to Bangkok. Guests can relax in the air-conditioned van, sorting photos, chatting about highlights, or simply enjoying the passing scenery.
Arriving around 16:30, travelers are dropped off near Khaosan Road or Rambuttri Road, within easy reach of Lampoo Ocean Travel’s office. The timing allows participants to enjoy dinner, shopping, or evening strolls in Bangkok after a fulfilling day immersed in history.
Why Ayutthaya Captivates Travelers
Ayutthaya enchants visitors not only for its ruins but for the stories they tell. Once a cosmopolitan hub of trade and diplomacy, its temples and palaces reflect a fusion of Thai, Khmer, and Burmese architectural styles.
Visitors leave with:
Historical insight – Four centuries of royal power, wars, and culture.
Architectural beauty – Grand chedis, prangs, and Buddha statues that remain stunning even in ruin.
Cultural symbolism – Sites like the Buddha head in tree roots convey resilience and continuity.
Convenience – Just a short drive from Bangkok, perfect for a one-day trip.
Practical Tips for Travelers
Dress respectfully – Shoulders and knees should be covered at temples.
Stay hydrated – Carry water, especially during Thailand’s hot months.
Comfortable footwear – Essential for walking on uneven ruins and temple grounds.
Photography – Be mindful when photographing sacred Buddha images.
Shopping and souvenirs – Bargaining is polite; you are never obliged to buy.
Guides – Listen carefully to learn the fascinating history and legends of Ayutthaya.
Why Choose Lampoo Ocean Travel
Lampoo Ocean Travel stands out as a reliable, convenient choice for day trips from Bangkok. Its office, located between Khaosan Road and Rambuttri Road, makes it easy to join tours without lengthy transfers.
The company offers:
Air-conditioned vans for comfort
Knowledgeable English-speaking guides
Efficient scheduling that balances sightseeing and relaxation
Affordable pricing for all types of travelers
Lampoo Ocean Travel has earned the trust of international tourists for its professionalism, safety, and personal service.
Conclusion
The Ayutthaya Day Tour with Lampoo Ocean Travel is more than sightseeing—it is a journey into the heart of Siam’s history. From the towering chedi of Wat Phu Khao Thong to the iconic Buddha head in tree roots at Wat Phra Mahathat, the tour captures the city’s rise, glory, and resilience.
For travelers with limited time, it offers an enriching, accessible experience. Walking among the ruins is stepping into the footsteps of kings, monks, warriors, and traders who shaped the region for centuries. By the time you return to the lively streets of Khaosan and Rambuttri, you will carry with you a sense of awe for a kingdom that once stood at the crossroads of the world.