Ayutthaya Temples & River Cruise: Bangkok Day Trip with Lunch

Summary

Temple ruins, river breeze & local stories from Bangkok to Ayutthaya

You’ll wander through ancient Ayutthaya temples with a local guide, touch centuries-old bricks, and share laughs over lunch on a Chao Phraya River cruise back to Bangkok. Expect quiet moments among ruins, spicy curries on board, and glimpses of city life along the riverbanks—ending your day with memories that linger longer than you’d think.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the way the old bricks at Wat Mahathat seemed to hold the morning heat — not hot, just warm against my palm. Our guide, Noi, pointed out where the central prang used to stand before it collapsed. There were birds everywhere. I tried to imagine what this place looked like when it was the heart of Ayutthaya Kingdom, but honestly, it’s hard to picture with all the roots and broken Buddha heads. Someone in our group asked about the famous Buddha head in the tree — Noi smiled and said even locals still come here just to see that.

We wandered through Wat Phra Si Sanphet next, which is apparently the model for Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok. The three chedis lined up under a sky that kept threatening rain but never quite delivered — just that heavy, humid feeling. I remember a faint smell of incense near Phra Mongkhon Bophit and a kid selling lotus flowers by the gate. Lunch came later on the riverboat; I can’t say I expected much from a buffet, but there was this spicy green curry that made me sweat (in a good way). The view from the boat as we drifted back toward Bangkok — temples giving way to high-rises — felt kind of surreal.

Noi told us stories about Siamese kings and pointed out Wat Arun as we passed by on the Chao Phraya River cruise. It’s funny how quiet it gets on the water compared to city traffic. I caught myself zoning out watching sunlight flicker off gold rooftops near the Grand Palace. At some point someone spotted ICONSIAM mall and joked about swapping temple hopping for shopping (tempting, honestly). By then my feet were tired but I still wanted one more look at those old stones back in Ayutthaya — there’s something about them that stays with you after you leave.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Ayutthaya temples and river cruise

• Visit Wat Mahathat temple
• Explore Wat Phra Si Sanphet temple
• See bronze Buddha at Wat Phra Mongkhon Bophit
• Visit Wat Lokayasutharam temple
• Cruise and lunch on Chao Phraya River
• Pass Temple of the Dawn by boat
• Pass Grand Palace by boat
• Pass ICONSIAM shopping complex by boat

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Bangkok to Ayutthaya?

The tour is a full-day trip including travel time between Bangkok and Ayutthaya plus the river cruise back.

Is lunch included during the Ayutthaya temples & river cruise tour?

Yes, a Thai and international buffet lunch is served onboard during the river cruise.

Are hotel pickups available for this tour?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included if you select that option when booking.

Which temples do we visit in Ayutthaya?

The tour visits Wat Mahathat, Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Phra Mongkhon Bophit, and Wat Lokayasutharam.

Is this tour suitable for children or people with limited mobility?

The tour is wheelchair accessible and infants can join in prams or on an adult’s lap.

What should I wear when visiting temples in Ayutthaya?

You should wear long pants (not tight or torn) and tops with sleeves; dress code is required for temple entry.

Does the river cruise pass by major landmarks?

The boat passes Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), Grand Palace, and ICONSIAM along the Chao Phraya River.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off if selected at booking, all entry fees for temples in Ayutthaya, an air-conditioned vehicle for travel from Bangkok to Ayutthaya, an English-speaking local guide who shares stories along the way, plus a Thai & international lunch buffet served while cruising down the Chao Phraya River back toward Bangkok.