Thailand, Ayutthaya - Wat Mahathat

Our route

Bangkok - Ayutthaya - Krabi - Bangkok

Thailand map

Transportation

BANGKOK

 

AYUTTHAYA

  • BKK to Ayutthaya train - Train Thailand 1hr, 20฿ - from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station (Bang Sue Grand Station)
  • 5hrs tuk-tuk tour with guide - 1500฿

 

KRABI

  • we fly BKK - Krabi - BKK with NokAir -1hr, 100USD
  • we use GRAB App for most of the rides - easy and very cheap
  • longtail boat from Ao Nang Mue to Railay Beach (return) - 200฿
  • Four Islands Tour for 4 people, 4,5hrs - 2500฿
Thailand, Krabi - Khlong Muang Beach

Travel essentials

  • travel dates: 6 - 20 Nov and 25-26 Nov 2025
  • accommodation: Pho Place Bangkok (4 nights + 2 nights + 2 nights)  and Diamond Beach Resort in Krabi (8 nights)
  • currency: Thai bath (THB = ฿)

 

TIPS:

  • all passengers must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card - free, there are kiosks on the airport, but easier to do it before travel
  • always agree the price before taking tuk-tuk ride
  • do NOT drink tap water
  • most places use cash only (in 7/11 you can pay card with purchases over 200฿)
  • take off your shoes and dress modest when visiting temples (long sleeves and knee length skirt)
  • in Grand Palace woman must wear long sleeves and knee length skirt and men must wear long trousers (not sarong) - you can buy it on site for 250฿
  • get as many foot massages as you can - they are cheap and amazing!
  • use GRAB for local transportation - super easy and cheap
  • we store our luggage for free in Pho Place Hotel when we went to Krabi and to Bhutan - traveling with hand language is so much easier

Some prices

At the time of our travel: 100 THB (Thai bath = ฿) = 2,7 euro = 11,42 zł (PLN)

 

BANGKOK

  • hop on/off boat - all day ticket - 112,50฿
  • foot massage 30 min - 160฿
  • Wat Arun ticket - 200฿
  • Wat Pho ticket - 300฿
  • dinner with drinks for 4 people - 650฿
  • big beer - 100฿
  • small boat tour at the floating markets 1hr - 100฿
  • street food fried chicken - 20฿
  • metro ticket to the BKK Airport - 65฿
  • Grand Palace ticket - 500฿
  • men trousers at Grand Palace - 250฿

 

AYUTTHAYA

  • local train BKK to Ayutthaya - 20฿
  • 5hrs tuk-tuk tour with guide - 1500฿
  • mango shake - 40฿
  • local train Ayutthaya to BKK - 20฿

 

KRABI

  • taxi Krabi Airport to Ao Nang Mue - 350฿
  • lunch with drinks for 3 people - 400฿
  • longtail boat from Ao Nang Mue to Railay Beach (return) - 200฿
  • taxi Ao Nang to Ao Nang Mue - 130฿
  • 1hr massage - 450฿
  • breakfast for 4 people - 650฿
  • coconut - 60฿
  • beer - 45฿
  • ticket to the Hat Nopparat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park - 200฿
  • Four Islands Tour for 4 people, 4,5hrs - 2500฿
  • taxi z Tubkeak Beach to Ao Nang Mue - 270฿
  • food for elephants - 300฿
  • kayak rental at Mirror Lake - 500฿
  • taxi from Mirror Lake to Ao Nang Mue - 300฿
Thailand, Krabi - Chicken

Favourites

BANGKOK:

 

AYUTTHAYA:

  • Wat Phra Si Sanphet - the former royal palace and is famous for its three large chedis
  • Wat Mahathat - the famous Buddha head entwined in the roots of a tree
  • Wat Ratchaburana - impressive chedi and stunning murals
  • Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon - rows of Buddhas line
  • Wat Phra Ram - impressive towering prangs
  • Wat Chai Watthanaram - on the banks of the Chao Phraya River
  • Wat Chaiwatthanaram - off the island

 

KRABI:

  • Four Island Trip - Tuk Island, Chicken Island, Poda Island and Phra Nanag Cave
  • Tubkaek Beach
  • Krabi Elephant Shelter - home to rescued elephants
  • Klongmuang Beach 
  • Ao Nang Beach - evening beer and shopping
  • Mirror Lake - a stunning natural lake with crystal-clear water and lush foliage

Our favourite local food

Thailand, Krabi - Chicken

Thailand, Krabi - Chicken

 

To be seen next time

BANGKOK:

  • Chatuchak Weekend Market – Thailand’s largest market
  • Wat Saket and Golden Mount – Temple with views over Bangkok
  • Wat Ratchanatdaram – Bangkok’s Iron Palace
  • Bangkok National Museum – Gain insight into Thailand’s history
  • Wat Intharawihan – 32-metre high standing golden Buddha
  • Benjakitti Forest Park and Lumpini Park – Walks in green surroundings
  • Wat Benchamabophit – Royal Temple with Italian marble - on the back of the coin
  • Damnoen Saduak Floating Market  - being the most picturesque (and popular)
  • Erawan Shrine - very popular Hindu/Buddhist shrine
  • Erawan Museum - fairly crazy museum with a three-headed elephant on the roof.
  • Dusit Palace -  the king’s residence is accessible to the public, but the European-inspired Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall can at least be admired from the outside (through the gates)

Our itinerary

Day 1 - Bangkok

  • we enjoyed transiting the city on the hop on/off boat on the Chao Phraya River 
  • we visited Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) where we were blessed by the Buddhist Monk 
  • we visited Wat Pho (Temple of Reclining Budda) 
  • we watched the sunset on the river
  • we enjoyed the craziness of Koh San Road (The Backpackers  Getto) 
  • we loved a crazy ride home on the night streets of Bangkok in a tuk tuk

Day 2 - Ayutthaya 

  • took a local train to old capital city of Ayutthaya a UNESCO World Heritage Site, former capital of the Siam kingdom of Thailand
  • enjoyed a tuk-tuk guided tour around its archaeological ruins, ancient temples, and palaces (not all 400!)
  • among all the temples visited we loved the most: Wat Phra Si Sanphet (the former royal palace and is famous for its three large chedis), Wat Mahathat (the famous Buddha head entwined in the roots of a tree), Wat Ratchaburana (impressive chedi and stunning murals), Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon (rows of Buddhas line), Wat Phra Ram (impressive towering prangs), Wat Chai Watthanaram (on the banks of the Chao Phraya River) and Wat Chaiwatthanaram (off the island)
  • we took a local train back (another 1hr trip for 20Bath = less than 3 zt. or 1CAD!)
  • we explored the famous Bangkok Red Light District followed by exciting tuk-tuk race home

Day 3 - Bangkok

  • we visited Song Khlong Floating Market where we enjoyed a delicious traditional breakfast 
  • joined local ladies in sewing mourning brooches for late Queen 
  • walked to Taling Chan Floating Market for more local snacks (delicious!) and traditional music (not so much to our taste)
  • moved to Khong Lat Mayom Floating Market for more food (delicious!) and shopping 
  • took a long tail boat for the cruise along canals 
  • visited Wat Traimit with Golden Buddha - weighting 5.5 tons, hidden for centuries by a layer of plaster until it was accidentally discovered in 1955 when the covering cracked during a relocation, revealing the solid gold underneath
  • visited Talat Noi - a historic neighbourhood blending old-world charm with modern creativity, featuring colorful street art, hip coffee shops and traditional shophouses

Day 4 - Krabi 

  • we took a early morning flight from Bangkok to Krabi 
  • spent the day by the pool in our new accommodation
  • explored Ao Nam Mao town

Day 5 - Krabi

  • we took a traditional long tail boat to Railay Beach 
  • enjoyed a full beach day - swimming in the sea, soaking the sun and drinking delicious mango shakes (with rum!) 

Day 6 - Krabi

  • enjoyed Ao Nang Beach and the shopping along the promenade
  • Davis avoided “death by a coconut” 
  • visited monkeys at the Monkey Trail - beautiful wooden boardwalk at the bottom of the limestone cliff
  • enjoyed Ao Nang Night Market

Day 7 - Krabi

  • lazy day: pool, beach and more delicious food

Day 8 - Krabi 

  • we hired a private long-tail boat to explore Hat Nopparat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park
  • visited stunning Tub Islands (also known as Koh Tap) famous for its "Talay Waek" or "Divided Sea," a sandbar that connects it to nearby islands at low tide
  • seen Chicken Island, or Koh Kai - a small limestone island famous for its chicken-shaped rock formation and crystal-clear waters
  • explored Poda Island, a small, uninhabited island known for its white sandy beaches, clear turquoise waters, and dramatic limestone cliffs
  • visited Phra Nang Cave, also known as the "Princess Cave," - a major attraction where locals and visitors leave offerings for safe sea journeys

Day 9 - Krabi 

  • we spent a day at the wonderful Tubkaek beach

Day 10 - Krabi 

  • we visited the Krabi Elephant Sanctuary - an ethical elephant sanctuary that spans over 85 acres providing a second home for 6 rescued elephants who were being subjected to excruciatingly painful conditions in forestry operations and riding camps
  • enjoyed swimming and sunbathing at Klongmuang Beach 
  • went for a night shopping excursion and people watching at Aø Nang Beach

Day 11 - Krabi

  • went kayaking across the calm emerald waters of Mirror Lake, a natural pool surrounded by lush jungle
  • visited mangroves, rubber trees, and pineapple gardens

Day 12 - Krabi 

  • visited Krabi Town 
  • took the evening flight from Krabi to Bangkok 
  • went back to eat some amazing food in the Chinatown

Day 13 - Bangkok

  • visited Talat Noi ( also known as Talad Noi) one of Bangkok’s oldest neighbourhoods, now full of street art, hip cafes, and religious shrines
  • had a wonderful breakfast at Hong Sieng Kong cafe, set in a beautifully restored 200-year-old Chinese mansion  with rich history and stunning antiques
  • took a boat up the Chao Phraya River 
  • visited the Royal Palace the official residence of the Kings of Siam and Thailand
  • visited the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew), a highly sacred site within the Grand Palace complex
  • went to Khao San Road area for some street food and shopping
  • took a public boat along the narrow canals of old Bangkok

 Day 14 - Bangkok

  •  since it was our last day in Thailand enjoyed a relaxing day exploring any areas of the city we previously missed 
  • explored the small canals with the local Saen Saep Boat Service
  • took a boat on the Chitara River all the way south
  • walked the luxurious and overly lavish Siam Shopping Mall enjoying small purchases and some window shoppoing 

Recommended books and movies

Books:

  • The Beach by Alex Garland
  • Private Dancer by Stephen Leather
  • The Damage Done by Warren Fellows
  • The Scribe by David Young
  • Sightseeing by Rattawut Lapcharoensap
  • A Prayer before dawn: A Nightmare In Thailand by Billy Moore
  • Mai Pen Rai means never mind by Carol Hollinger
  • A history of Thailand by Chris Baker and Pasuk Phongpaichit
  • Fieldwork by Mischa Berlinski
  • Even Thai Girls Cry by J. F. Gump
  • Anna and the king of Siam by Margaret Landon
  • Thailand Confidential by Jerry Hopkins
  • Welcome to Hell: One Man’s Fight for Life Inside the Bangkok Hilton by Colin Martin
  • The bridge over the river Kwai by Pierre Boulle
  • Bangkok 8 by John Burdett
  • Bangkok Wakes to the Rain by Pitchaya Sudbanthad

Movies:

  • The Beach (2000)
  • The Hangover Part II (2011)
  • The Impossible (2012)
  • Bridge over the River Kwai (1957)
  • The Man with the Golden Gun (1974)

Key facts about Thailand (source: internet)

Thailand: The Land of Smiles, Temples, and Tropical Wonder

  • Capital: Bangkok  
  • Population: Around 71 million  
  • Area: 513,120 km²  
  • Official language: Thai  
  • Government: Constitutional monarchy  
  • Currency: Thai Baht (฿)  
  • Religion: ~94% Buddhist, with Muslim, Christian, and other minorities
  • Major cities: Chiang Mai, Phuket, Pattaya, Ayutthaya  
  • Main rivers: Chao Phraya, Mekong  

Historical overview:

  • formerly known as "Siam," the country changed its name to "Thailand" in 1939  
  • flourished under kingdoms like Sukhothai and Ayutthaya, leaving behind rich architectural and cultural heritage  
  • maintained independence during the colonial era, strengthening its national identity  
  • despite political shifts, it remains a global destination for tourism and cultural exploration
  • has experienced multiple coups and political shifts, yet remains culturally resilient  
  • today, Thailand is a parliamentary monarchy under King Vajiralongkorn

Geography & Climate:

  • borders: Myanmar 🇲🇲, Laos 🇱🇦, Cambodia 🇰🇭, Malaysia 🇲🇾  
  • landscapes: Northern mountains, central plains, southern beaches and islands  
  • climate: Tropical—hot and humid, with a rainy season from May to October

Top Destinations:

  • Bangkok: A vibrant capital of temples, nightlife, and floating markets  
  • Chiang Mai: Northern charm, elephant sanctuaries, and mountain retreats  
  • Phuket & Krabi: Beach paradises with limestone cliffs and island hopping  
  • Ayutthaya: Ancient ruins of the former Siamese capital  
  • Sukhothai: UNESCO-listed birthplace of Thai civilization  
  • Ko Phi Phi & Ko Tao: Diving, snorkeling, and postcard-perfect views

Fun Facts:

  • Thailand is known as the “Land of Smiles” for its warm hospitality  
  • home to Muay Thai, the national martial art  
  • Thai cuisine is world-famous—think pad thai, green curry, mango sticky rice  
  • The Thai calendar is based on the Buddhist Era, currently year 2568  
  • Songkran (Thai New Year) is celebrated with nationwide water fights