From Sukhumvit Hostel to Ayutthaya

I started my journey at Udom Suk BTS. I rode the train north all the way to Mo Chit, then transferred to the MRT at Chatuchak Park. Below is a snapped photo at the ticket office there, my first marker of the day. From Chatuchak Park MRT, I rode toward the Bang Sue Junction.

The train ticket to Ayutthaya costs just 15 THB (3rd class seat, fan only), making it one of the cheapest day trips you can do from Bangkok.

Inside the Train

The train itself was part of the adventure. I snapped a photo of the old carriage interior, with ceiling fans instead of air-conditioning, a detail that felt perfectly in tune with slow travel.

Along the train ride, I leaned out in one of the of the open doorway, timing a half-face selfie as the train crossed a river near Bang Pa-in. Warm wind, the blur of countryside, and the calm rhythm of the ride set the tone for the day.

First Stops: Wat Ratchaburana & Wat Mahathat

Ayutthaya’s train station sits just across the river from the historical park. From the station, I booked a Grab motorbike and purchased the combined temple ticket (220 THB for foreigners). My first stop was Wat Ratchaburana, where the restored prang stands tall against the sky. Not far away, Wat Mahathat greeted me with its iconic Buddha head entwined in banyan roots, one of Ayutthaya’s most photographed sights.

Lunch Break: Chicken Noodle Soup

By midday, the heat and walking worked up my appetite. I ducked into a small eatery nearby, recognizable only by its bold signboards advertising “CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP” and “PAD THAI.” Simple food, yet exactly what a traveler needs before continuing.

Wat Phra Ram and Wat Phra Si Sanphet

Taking a shaded path around a large pond, I arrived at Wat Phra Ram. I lingered here, sitting under a tree to rest and admire the ruins.

Second Food Stop

In the afternoon, I tried another corner eatery beside Palek Boat Noodle Shop right across Wat Mahathat this time, ordering chicken Pad Thai. It wasn’t just a meal, but a chance to recharge before heading into the evening.

Evening unwinds and returns rhythms.

Surroundings drifted into dusk and locals were busy setting up a night market near the eatery. Another Grab ride brought me back to the station just in time to catch the last train home. The fan-cooled carriage, 15 baht again, felt like a lullaby back into Bangkok’s night.

Practical Tips & Expenses

Here’s a breakdown for backpackers planning the same trip:
• MRT Sukhumvit to Chatuchak Park – 45 THB
• Train to Ayutthaya (3rd class) – 20 THB
• Temple Combined Ticket (Foreigner) – 220 THB
• Meals (Pad Thai, Chicken Noodle Soup, snacks) – 120–150 THB
• Grab / local transport in Ayutthaya – ~100–150 THB
• Total Day Trip Cost: Around 550–600 THB (~15–17 USD)

💡 Tip: Bring a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water, walking in Ayutthaya under the afternoon sun can be draining.

You can also check my Chulalongkorn to Chinatown walkathon or a side trip to Samut Sakhon & Samut Songkram