Loading…
8 photos — swipe or tap to expand
Visit several highlights in only 2 days! Board a local train from Bangkok to Mahachai Market, one of Thailand’s largest seafood markets. Then experience the thrill of the train passing right through the Maeklong Railway Market. Visit the unique Wat Bang Kung, known for its chapel engulfed by a giant Bodhi tree, and explore the charming riverside Amphawa weekend market in the evening. On day two, continue to Ayutthaya, the former capital and UNESCO World Heritage site. Discover majestic temples s
Operated and fulfilled by partner operators via Viator.
From
$419.27
Booking opens on our partner's site, which handles payment, confirmation and support. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Affiliate disclosure
Visit several highlights in only 2 days! Board a local train from Bangkok to Mahachai Market, one of Thailand’s largest seafood markets. Then experience the thrill of the train passing right through the Maeklong Railway Market. Visit the unique Wat Bang Kung, known for its chapel engulfed by a giant Bodhi tree, and explore the charming riverside Amphawa weekend market in the evening. On day two, continue to Ayutthaya, the former capital and UNESCO World Heritage site. Discover majestic temples such as Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, Wat Mahathat, Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Wat Chaiwatthanaram, and the historic St. Joseph’s Church. Travel by private vehicle with an experienced local guide who will share insights and stories along the way. This 2-day tour is a perfect blend of culture, history, and local life! A great choice for those who want to visit must-see highlights outside Bangkok without the rush.
Visit several highlights in only 2 days! Board a local train from Bangkok to Mahachai Market, one of Thailand’s largest seafood markets. Then experience the thrill of the train passing right through the Maeklong Railway Market. Visit the unique Wat Bang Kung, known for its chapel engulfed by a giant Bodhi tree, and explore the charming riverside Amphawa weekend market in the evening. On day two, continue to Ayutthaya, the former capital and UNESCO World Heritage site. Discover majestic temples such as Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, Wat Mahathat, Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Wat Chaiwatthanaram, and the historic St. Joseph’s Church. Travel by private vehicle with an experienced local guide who will share insights and stories along the way. This 2-day tour is a perfect blend of culture, history, and local life! A great choice for those who want to visit must-see highlights outside Bangkok without the rush.
Travel Insurance for Thailand
SafetyWing covers medical expenses, trip cancellation, and adventure activities. Plans from $1.5/day.
1,182 pickup locations available
Pick-up from hotels in Bangkok is included. On the day of the tour, please be ready and waiting in your hotel lobby at the scheduled time, where our guide will meet you.
We start early with a hotel pick-up in Bangkok and drive to Wong Wian Yai train station, located on the western side of the Chao Phraya River in Thonburi. This charming, small station is off the radar for most tourists, making it the perfect place to begin your journey like a local. From here, we board a slow-moving commuter train to Mahachai, one of Thailand’s largest traditional seafood markets. The ride takes about 55 minutes and offers a unique window into everyday Thai life. Sit back on wooden benches under ceiling fans as the train winds its way out of Bangkok’s urban sprawl into the countryside. Along the way, you'll see a changing landscape of old wooden houses, lush rice fields, and sleepy local stations. Most passengers are locals going about their daily routines, so expect an authentic, non-touristy atmosphere. It’s a simple but fascinating experience that few visitors to Thailand get to enjoy.
The train ends its journey right in the heart of Mahachai, a town in Samut Sakhon Province, just southwest of Bangkok. Mahachai is famous for its vibrant seafood market, one of the largest and most traditional in Thailand, where fresh catches arrive daily from the nearby Gulf of Thailand. Walking through the lively market, you’ll see locals bargaining for everything from giant prawns to exotic shellfish, an unforgettable experience for all your senses! After exploring Mahachai, we continue by minivan to another highlight: the Mae Klong Railway Market. Here, you’ll witness the incredible sight of a train passing straight through the middle of a working market; stalls and umbrellas folding back just seconds before it rolls through!
The Mae Klong Railway Market dates back to 1905. Fishing has long been a main source of income for the local community, and the market became a key place for selling fresh catch and produce. When officials built a railway to help transport goods to other provinces, the market didn't disappear; instead, it adapted. To this day, vendors continue to sell their goods right on the tracks. Just moments before the train passes, they swiftly pull back their awnings and move their baskets and trays, only to resume business as usual once the train has passed. It’s a fascinating and truly unique sight: chaotic, impressive, and unmistakably Thai!
We’ll make a short stop at Wat Bang Kung, a historic riverside temple known for its small chapel entirely embraced by the roots of a giant banyan tree. This temple played a key role during the late Ayutthaya period as a military stronghold in the battle against Burmese forces. Today, it’s a deeply spiritual site and one of the province’s hidden gems. We also visit a charming local business where you can watch the traditional process of making coconut sugar, one of the region’s most famous products. These soft, golden candies have a rich, caramel-like flavor and are essential in Thai cuisine, used to enhance everything from desserts to curries.
Take the worry out of your departure to Ayutthaya and pre-book a private transfer to suit your group size (up to 9 people). Avoid the long lines for taxis at the hotel, and travel in the comfort of a Premium car or minivan.
From ฿167.73
This program offers a rare glimpse into Thailand’s Buddhist art history, focusing on the exquisite late Ayutthaya era. Explore the serene royal ruins of Prasat Nakhon Luang and the unique Gothic-Thai fusion at Wat Niwet. Admire the rare, intricate mural paintings at Wat Mai Prachumphon and the stunning traditional gilded lacquer art. A perfect journey for lovers of culture and spiritual artistry, topped off with lunch at a Michelin Guide restaurant.
From ฿153.04
Step back in time on a fascinating day trip from Bangkok to the historic city of Ayutthaya, once the glorious capital of the Kingdom of Siam and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This immersive tour reveals the rich cultural heritage, majestic temples, and royal landmarks that defined Thailand’s golden age. Your journey begins at the elegant Bang Pa-In Royal Palace, a stunning riverside complex where Thai, European, and Chinese architectural styles blend beautifully. Wander through peaceful gard
Booking opens on our partner's site · we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
From
฿419.27
In the evening, your guide will take you to the charming Amphawa Floating Market, held only on weekends. While much of the market is on land along the canal, the lively atmosphere and wooden houses make it a memorable experience. Amphawa is especially loved by Thai locals for its authentic vibe and the wide variety of delicious dishes. Tonight, we’ll enjoy dinner at one of the restaurants at the market, great food with a view! Amphawa also has a unique natural highlight: fireflies. This evening, we’ll take a relaxing boat cruise along the river, where you may be lucky enough to spot fireflies flickering among the lamphu trees, like twinkling lights in the night. A magical end to a wonderful day.
Rise early this morning for a meaningful experience: witness the daily alms round, a sacred Buddhist tradition where monks quietly walk through the streets to receive food offerings from local residents. Known as ‘tak bat’, this centuries-old ritual is a deeply rooted part of Thai culture and spiritual life. In Thai Buddhism, giving food to monks is not considered charity, nor do the monks beg. Instead, it's a respectful act that allows laypeople to make merit (tam bun), a key concept in Buddhist belief that positively influences one's karma and future life. You’re welcome to participate in the ceremony, local people warmly welcome it, and your guide will explain the significance and steps of this beautiful tradition.
Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, just outside Ayutthaya’s historic island, is one of the city’s most striking temples. Founded in the late 14th century during King U-Thong’s reign, it was later renamed after King Naresuan built the towering 60-meter chedi to commemorate his victory over the Burmese. Though partially destroyed during the 1767 invasion, the temple still impresses with its majestic bell-shaped pagoda, serene rows of Buddha statues, and a large reclining Buddha. The site exudes peacefulness and offers countless photo opportunities, making it a favorite for both history lovers and casual visitors alike. Climb the steps of the chedi for sweeping views of the temple grounds, or walk around the peaceful courtyard to soak in its timeless atmosphere. It’s a must-see on any visit to Ayutthaya.
Wat Mahathat was one of the most important temples in the Ayutthaya Kingdom, serving as the spiritual and political heart of the capital. It once housed sacred Buddha relics and was the seat of the Supreme Patriarch, making it the center of Thai Buddhism. Located near the Royal Palace, it played a key role in royal ceremonies, such as the Kathin robe offering. Though largely in ruins today, its atmosphere remains powerful. The temple’s most iconic feature is the mysterious stone Buddha head nestled in the roots of a Banyan tree, one of the most photographed and intriguing images in Ayutthaya. Visitors can stroll through crumbling chedis, ancient walls, and weathered Buddha images, all echoing centuries of devotion and history.
Wat Phra Si Sanphet was the most important and grandest temple in the Ayutthaya Kingdom. Located within the Royal Palace complex, it served exclusively as the royal chapel, much like the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok today. Unlike other monasteries, it had no resident monks and was reserved solely for royal ceremonies, including religious rituals conducted by Ayutthaya’s kings and their families. At its height, the temple complex featured a majestic assembly hall, gilded Buddha images, and dozens of beautifully decorated structures. The highlight of the temple was a 16-meter high standing Buddha covered in over 150 kilograms of gold, which was tragically melted down when the Burmese army invaded Ayutthaya in 1767. Much of the temple was destroyed during this attack, but the three iconic bell-shaped stupas, containing the ashes of three Ayutthaya kings, still stand proudly today. These massive chedis are among the most photographed structures in the historical park.
Wat Chaiwatthanaram is one of the most striking and iconic temples in Ayutthaya, set along the banks of the Chao Phraya River. Built in 1630 by King Prasat Thong, this majestic structure was inspired by the grandeur of Khmer temple architecture from Angkor. The temple layout symbolically represents the Buddhist and Hindu view of the universe, with the towering central prang representing Mount Meru, the center of the universe, and surrounding smaller chedis symbolizing the continents and oceans. Wat Chaiwatthanaram was one of the grandest royal temples of the Ayutthaya Kingdom, serving both religious and ceremonial purposes. The temple was constructed not only to gain spiritual merit but also as a heartfelt tribute to King Prasat Thong’s mother. Despite suffering significant damage during the Burmese invasion of 1767, the temple has been partially restored and remains a breathtaking example of Ayutthaya's architectural brilliance.
St. Joseph’s Church is one of Thailand’s oldest Catholic churches and a symbol of early European influence in the former Siamese capital. It was founded in 1666 by a French missionary, during the reign of King Narai the Great. The Ayutthaya Kingdom at the time maintained diplomatic and trade relations with several Western countries, and King Narai was known for his openness toward foreign religions and cultures. In 1767, when the Burmese invaded and sacked Ayutthaya, the church was severely damaged. It remained in ruins until the 19th century, when it was rebuilt. The current Neo-Classical yellow façade was constructed in the 1880s, and although it has been renovated several times since, it has preserved its European-style charm with arched windows, high ceilings, and a bell tower. Today, the church is still active and holds mass every weekend, serving a small Catholic community in the area. Its serene setting by the river and historical depth make it a hidden gem in Ayutthaya.
From ฿65