About the ride from Chiang Mai to Ayutthaya
After some amazing memories made in Chiang Mai, it’s time to continue your Thai journey. The next stop on your list is one of Thailand’s hidden gems, the ancient and carefully preserved Ayutthaya.
When traveling the 614 kilometer (382 mile) distance between Chiang Mai and Ayutthaya, you have two transfer options. You can choose between a bus and a train ride. The buses are faster and cheaper than the train, but the train offers a unique experience. The bus takes around 9 hours to arrive in Ayutthaya, and the train takes around 13 hours. You can choose between daytime and overnight trips. When it comes to the train, you can choose between first and the second class tickets.
Ayutthaya is a place like no other in Thailand. During the past few centuries, the city was a perfect crossroads of trading, thanks to its location between three rivers that flow into the sea. The special thing about Ayutthaya is that it’s a combination of an ancient and modern city, with many ruins and Buddhist temples all around town.
What to see when traveling from Chiang Mai to Ayutthaya
What you’ll be able to see on your journey between Chiang Mai and Ayutthaya depends on what time of day you leave. If you’re traveling on an overnight trip, you won’t be able to see much outside of your window, but you’ll be able to catch up on your sleep.
If you’re departing in the morning, you’ll have a chance to enjoy the beautiful, lush green scenery of Northern Thailand for a few hours. You’ll be riding next to a few national parks, such as Lan Sang, Mae Wa, Mae Ping, Doi Khun Tan, and a few more. This is the perfect way to say goodbye to the beautiful, green Chiang Mai Province. As you continue your journey, the green views will be swapped for the usual Thailand countryside scenery.
During your stay in Ayutthaya, you shouldn’t miss visiting Ayutthaya Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located in the center of the city. While you explore the site, you’ll imagine yourself in the ancient kingdom of Ayutthaya. If you’re interested in finding out more about Ayutthaya’s heritage, you can visit the Chao Sam Phraya National Museum, where many of the archaeological finds are exhibited. There are many other temples and sites scattered around the city.
Some of the most significant temples are Wat Chaiwatthanaram, Wat Lokaya Sutha (Temple of the Reclining Buddha), Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, Wat Phra Mahathat, Wat Yai Chai Mang Khon, and Wat Panan Choeng (Golden Buddha). If you want a unique experience of the temples, there are several boat tours available that will tour around the city and make stops at some of the mentioned locations.
Another popular tourist spot is the Royal Palace, Bang Pa-In, the former Summer Palace of the Thai monarchy. The palace is still used today for royal summer holidays.
Another unique thing about Ayutthaya is its diversity. The city has attracted people from all around the world for decades. Some of them came and never left. Thanks to this, the city has a Foreign Quarter, which is made of British, Dutch, French, and Portuguese quarters. Here, you’ll find a few catholic churches. In addition to that, the city also has a Muslim Quarter. Ayutthaya is an example of how people of different religions can live together in harmony.
How to get from Chiang Mai to Ayutthaya
Taking a bus
Taking a bus between Chiang Mai and Ayutthaya is very convenient and comfortable. There are two departures every day, one bus leaves in the morning, and the other one leaves in the evening, so you can choose between a daytime or an overnight trip, which is an excellent option if you want to save money on accommodation.
Buses are well equipped with toilets, A/C, comfortable seats, and WiFi. It will take around 9 hours to arrive at Ayutthaya, and there’s usually water, a snack and a meal provided by the operator. The bus will make a few rest stops during your journey.
Taking a train
Traveling on a train between Chiang Mai and Ayutthaya is a unique way to experience Thailand. When booking a train ticket, you can choose between first and the second class tickets. The trains are equipped with A/C and toilets on board.
If you choose to travel on a train, keep in mind that you must collect your ticket at the Chiang Mai B.I.S. travel office between 8:30 and 16:30. The office is closed on Sundays and public holidays. The tickets can also be delivered to your hotel, with an additional fee of 100 baht (around $3) per ticket, which you’ll pay directly to the delivery person.