The Grand Palace and Wat Pho
- 8:30RattanakosinSight
- 11:30RattanakosinSight
- 15:30ThonburiSight
This five-day trip covers Bangkok's central temples, Chinatown lanes, Siam district, major markets, and the ruins of Ayutthaya. The first two days stay in Rattanakosin and Yaowarat to cover riverfront sites and street markets with short travel between them. Days three and four shift to Pathum Wan and Chatuchak for museums, shrines, parks, and weekend stalls. The final day takes the group north to Ayutthaya after the city areas are complete.
Five days covers the main temples, markets, and one day trip to Ayutthaya when days are planned tightly. Use river boats and BTS to cut travel time between areas.
Tickets are purchased at the gate with no advance reservations available. Arrive before 9 am and use the combined ticket for Wat Pho on the same day.
Trains to Ayutthaya leave from Krung Thep Aphiwat (Bang Sue) Central Terminal and take about 1.5 hours; minivans from Mo Chit are an alternative. Rent a bike or hire a tuk-tuk to get between the ruins.
Hire a longtail boat at the pier for 200 to 300 baht per hour and skip organized tours. Start before 8 am on a weekday to avoid crowds and higher vendor prices.