Getting Around Ayutthaya
No Metro, But a Bicycle Has You Covered

Ayutthaya's island is flat and compact, so cycling is the most popular and most enjoyable way to loop the temples. Rental runs about ฿50 a day from hotels, guesthouses and shops near Wat Mahathat. Riding from one temple to the next takes only a few minutes.

Tip: ride at dawn or late afternoon, since the midday sun is fierce and most temples have almost no shade. Carry water, a hat and sunscreen, check the tyres and brakes before you set off, and lock the bike each time you go in to look around.

Ayutthaya's tuk-tuks are unmistakable — long-nosed, frog-faced vehicles. They suit hot days, larger groups or a tight schedule, with the driver covering the key temples for you. The going rate is about ฿200–300 an hour, which splits well between a few people. You'll find them at the attractions and outside the railway station.

Be blunt with yourself and do the most important thing first: agree the total price and the number of temples before you get in, every time, because most have no meter. Ask your hotel what the going rate is so you have something to compare, and don't board until the price is settled.

If you want to range beyond the central temple cluster — to Bang Pa-In Palace, Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon or the floating market — a rented scooter is nimble and cheap. They rent from hotels and shops in town for around ฿200–300 a day, and suit confident riders.

A word of caution: always wear a helmet, carry your licence, and check the insurance. Some roads around town get busy and hot, so ride slowly, and watch for parking outside the temples on busy days. If you're not a confident rider, a tuk-tuk or hailing a car is safer.

Ayutthaya is an island ringed by three rivers (the Chao Phraya, Pa Sak and Lopburi), so there are small ferries crossing at several points for just a few baht a trip. The crossing tourists use most is by Ayutthaya railway station, which sits on the opposite bank from the island.

The classic move: get off the train at Ayutthaya station, walk to the ferry pier and cross onto the island, then continue by bicycle or tuk-tuk into the temple zone. It's cheap and atmospheric, the ferries run frequently through the day, and it pays to have small change ready.

The temples in the centre of the island are close enough that you can comfortably walk between them in good weather. Wat Mahathat, Wat Ratchaburana, and Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit with Wat Phra Si Sanphet are all within an easy stroll, and walking slowly lets you soak up the ruins.

The honest truth: the midday sun is fierce and there's almost no shade, so long walks at noon get hot and tiring — it's better at dawn or near dusk. For temples beyond walking range, such as Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon or Wat Chaiwatthanaram, cycle or take a tuk-tuk instead.

Besides the river ferry, there are boat tours that circle the island past the riverside temples like Wat Chaiwatthanaram, Wat Phutthaisawan and Wat Phanan Choeng — especially in the evening, when the light is lovely and some temples are lit. Book through riverside hotels or agencies in town.

A reality check: a boat tour isn't scheduled public transport — it's a sightseeing trip charged per outing, best paired with a day of cycling or a tuk-tuk circuit. See more riverside sights in our Ayutthaya attractions guide.

Grab works in Ayutthaya, but there are far fewer cars than in Bangkok. Sometimes you'll request a ride and no one accepts, or you'll wait ten minutes. It's handy in the rain, with heavy bags, or for far-out spots like Bang Pa-In. Don't plan the whole trip around Grab — always keep a tuk-tuk or rental as a fallback.

Unlike in mainland China, Google Maps works fully in Ayutthaya — the map, driving and cycling directions, and temple locations. Pin the temples you want before you set off, then use it for navigation while cycling or riding a scooter. It also helps to download an offline map in case of patchy signal.