ATV Riding in Ayutthaya: Ancient Temples and Countryside

Operate your own ATV through Ayutthaya's ruins and rural landscape

This full-day tour in Ayutthaya combines a two-hour ATV ride through the countryside with visits to five temples by tuk-tuk, including Wat Mahathat with its famous Buddha head in tree roots and Wat Chaiwatthanaram on the Chao Phraya riverbank. Hotel pickup, an English-speaking guide, admission tickets and a stop at the floating market are included; lunch is available as an add-on at checkout.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Ayutthaya's temples and adventure

• Pick up from hotel in Ayutthaya
• Visit Ayutthaya Elephant Village
• Explore Ayutthaya Floating Market
• Start ATV adventure at Sun Leisure ATV Palace
• Visit Wat Samana Kottharam by ATV
• Visit Wat Kudi Dao by ATV
• Visit Wat Dusitharam by ATV
• Visit Wat Maheyong by ATV
• Return ATV and switch to tuk-tuk
• Visit Wat Mahathat by tuk-tuk
• Visit Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon by tuk-tuk
• Visit Wat Chaiwatthanaram by tuk-tuk
• Return to hotel by tuk-tuk

The Experience

The day starts with pickup from your hotel in Ayutthaya, then moves to the Ayutthaya Elephant Village for a look at the working elephants that have shaped Thai history. From there you head to the floating market, where vendors sell from boats along the waterways — you navigate the channels and watch the bartering happen in real time. This is where the pace shifts: you move to Sun Leisure ATV Palace, gear up, and ride your own ATV for two hours through the lush countryside surrounding the city.

During the ATV ride, you visit four temples from the saddle: Wat Samana Kottharam, an ancient Buddhist site with well-preserved structures from the Ayutthaya Kingdom era; Wat Kudi Dao, renovated by King Thai Sa in 1711; Wat Dusitharam, erected during the Ayutthaya period and valued for its religious importance; and Wat Maheyong, ancient monastery ruins in the eastern area. You are riding the route, not watching it pass — the temples appear as you navigate the off-road terrain. After you return the ATV and leave the palace, the guide takes you by local tuk-tuk to the remaining major sites.

Wat Mahathat comes next, the 14th-century temple famous for the Buddha head entwined in tree roots, a photograph most visitors to Ayutthaya want. The complex holds prangs, stupas and intricate sculptures that show the artistic reach of the kingdom. Then you move to Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, built in the 14th century to mark a victorious battle, where a towering chedi dominates the skyline and rows of seated Buddha images line the grounds. You can climb to the top for views across the landscape. The final stop is Wat Chaiwatthanaram on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, a 17th-century royal temple blending Khmer and Ayutthayan styles, with prangs, chedis and galleries overlooking the water. The guide returns you to your hotel by tuk-tuk when the tour ends.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off by local tuk-tuk.
• English-speaking guide for the full day.
• two-hour ATV ride through the countryside.
• admission tickets to Wat Samana Kottharam, Wat Kudi Dao, Wat Dusitharam, Wat Maheyong, Wat Mahathat, Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon and Wat Chaiwatthanaram.
• visit to the Ayutthaya Elephant Village and the floating market.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Sightseeing Chiang Mai

Is this one for you?You operate the ATV yourself for two hours, so this suits anyone who wants to move through the landscape under their own control rather than watch it from a vehicle or a boat. The guide handles the route and the temple access, which means you get the riding and the history without building the day from scratch.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

1 verified traveler review

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What is the Ayutthaya Floating Market like, and how do I get through it?

The floating market is a lively scene of vendors selling from boats along the waterways — local products, handicrafts and Thai street food. You navigate the channels by boat and engage in the age-old tradition of bartering with the vendors you encounter.

How long is the ATV ride, and what temples do I pass on it?

The ATV ride lasts two hours and takes you through Ayutthaya's countryside, where you visit Wat Samana Kottharam, Wat Kudi Dao, Wat Dusitharam and Wat Maheyong — all significant historical and cultural sites from the Ayutthaya Kingdom era.

What makes Wat Mahathat famous?

Wat Mahathat, dating to the 14th century, is known for its iconic Buddha head entwined in the roots of a tree, a symbol of nature reclaiming ancient ruins. The temple complex also holds prangs, stupas and intricate sculptures reflecting the artistic heritage of Ayutthaya.

Can I climb Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, and what will I see?

Yes, you can climb to the top of the towering chedi at Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The temple grounds are lined with rows of seated Buddha images and reflect the historical and spiritual richness of the city.

What is included in the tour, and how long does it take?

The tour runs seven to eight hours and includes hotel pickup and drop-off by tuk-tuk, an English-speaking guide, a two-hour ATV ride, admission to all temples, and a visit to the floating market. Lunch is available as an optional add-on at checkout.

Where is Wat Chaiwatthanaram, and what is its style?

Wat Chaiwatthanaram sits on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River and was built in the 17th century as a royal temple. It blends Khmer and Ayutthayan architectural styles, featuring prangs, chedis and intricately adorned galleries with views of the river.