5 DayscentralFrom $200-300

5 Days Bangkok & Ayutthaya: Central Thailand Explorer

Combine Bangkok's electric energy with the ancient ruins of Ayutthaya in this 5-day Central Thailand itinerary. Explore world-class temples, feast on legendary street food, and step back in time at Thailand's former capital.

Overview

Days

Cities

$200-300

Min Budget

Highlights

Trip Highlights

Grand Palace

Chatuchak Market

Ayutthaya Historical Park

Wat Mahathat

Floating Market

Chinatown

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Arrive in Bangkok & Grand Palace Area

bangkok

Activities

Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew

500 ($15)2-3 hours

Arrive at opening (8:30 AM). The Emerald Buddha is Thailand's most sacred Buddha image. Dress modestly or rent clothing at the entrance.

Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha)

200 ($6)1.5 hours

Home to the 46-meter reclining Buddha. Also the birthplace of traditional Thai massage - treat yourself to one here (420 baht/hour).

Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)

100 ($3)1 hour

Cross the river by ferry (4 baht). Climb the steep central prang for spectacular river views.

Chao Phraya River Boat Tour

15-50 ($0.45-1.50) for public boat1-2 hours

Take the Chao Phraya Express Boat for a cheap river tour. The orange flag boat (15 baht) stops at all major piers.

Meals

Breakfast

Jok (rice porridge) from a street vendor near your hotel (40-60 baht)

Lunch

Pad Thai at Thipsamai near the Grand Palace area (60-100 baht)

Dinner

Riverside dinner at Eathai at Central Embassy or Supanniga Eating Room (300-600 baht)

Where to Stay

Boutique hotel in Banglamphu (1,500-3,000/night)

Airport Rail Link + BTS (45 baht) or taxi from airport (200-400 baht + tolls).

Markets & Modern Bangkok

bangkok

Activities

Chatuchak Weekend Market

Free entry3-4 hours

15,000+ stalls open Sat-Sun. Weekdays visit the smaller Or Tor Kor Market next door for premium Thai produce and food.

Jim Thompson House Museum

200 ($6)1 hour

Beautiful Thai silk merchant's house along a canal. Guided tours in English available every 20 minutes.

Siam Area Shopping & Street Food

Free (shopping extra)2-3 hours

Visit Siam Paragon, MBK Center, or Siam Discovery for air-conditioned shopping. Food courts offer great cheap eats (50-100 baht).

Chinatown (Yaowarat) Evening Food Tour

200-500 ($6-15) for food2-3 hours

Best after 6 PM when stalls open up. Must-try: grilled seafood on Soi Texas, rolled ice cream, and shark fin soup alternatives.

Meals

Breakfast

Toast and Thai iced tea at a local cafe (60-100 baht)

Lunch

Food court at MBK or Siam Paragon (50-150 baht per dish)

Dinner

Yaowarat street food crawl - budget 300-500 baht for a full feast

Where to Stay

Hotel in Siam or Sukhumvit area (1,500-3,500/night)

BTS Skytrain all day. 1-day pass: 140 baht. Rabbit card recommended.

Floating Market & Khao San Road

bangkok

Activities

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

200 ($6) boat + food4 hours (including transport)

Depart at 6-7 AM to beat crowds. Book a tour or hire a private taxi (1,500-2,000 baht return). Alternatively visit Amphawa on weekends.

Lumpini Park

Free1 hour

A peaceful escape from the city chaos. Look for the massive monitor lizards in the lake!

Khao San Road & Backpacker Area

Free (food/drinks extra)2-3 hours

Iconic backpacker street. Great for cheap food, pad thai carts, fresh fruit shakes (40-60 baht), and meeting fellow travelers.

Rooftop Bar Sunset

300-800 ($9-24) per cocktail1.5 hours

Sky Bar at Lebua State Tower or Vertigo at Banyan Tree. Arrive before sunset for the best views.

Meals

Breakfast

Mango sticky rice and fruit from a market stall (60-100 baht)

Lunch

Floating market food - grilled seafood and noodles from boats (50-150 baht)

Dinner

Khao San Road pad thai and beer (100-200 baht)

Where to Stay

Hotel in Banglamphu or Riverside (1,500-3,000/night)

Taxi/minivan to floating market. BTS/MRT + tuk-tuk for the rest of the day.

Day Trip to Ayutthaya

ayutthaya

Activities

Train to Ayutthaya

15-345 ($0.45-10) depending on class1.5-2 hours

Take the train from Bangkok Hua Lamphong station. Third class is just 15 baht! Trains depart roughly every hour.

Wat Mahathat (Buddha Head in Tree Roots)

50 ($1.50)1 hour

Home to the iconic Buddha head entwined in tree roots. Crouch down for your photo to show respect (be lower than the Buddha head).

Wat Chaiwatthanaram

50 ($1.50)1 hour

The most photogenic temple in Ayutthaya, especially at sunset. Khmer-style architecture along the Chao Phraya River.

Ayutthaya Historical Park by Bicycle

50-100 ($1.50-3) bike rental3-4 hours

Rent a bicycle near the train station (50 baht/day). The park is flat and perfect for cycling between ruins. Buy a combo ticket (220 baht) for 6 temples.

Wat Phra Si Sanphet

50 ($1.50)45 minutes

The three iconic chedis (bell-shaped stupas) are the symbol of Ayutthaya. Former royal temple of the ancient kingdom.

Meals

Breakfast

Quick breakfast before catching the train (grab something at Hua Lamphong station)

Lunch

Roti Sai Mai (Ayutthaya's famous cotton candy crepes) and boat noodles (50-100 baht)

Dinner

Riverside restaurant in Ayutthaya or back in Bangkok (200-400 baht)

Where to Stay

Classic Kameo Hotel Ayutthaya or return to Bangkok (1,200-2,500/night)

Train from Bangkok Hua Lamphong: 15-345 baht (1.5-2 hours). Return by minivan: 70-100 baht from Ayutthaya bus station.

Bangkok Wellness & Farewell Shopping

bangkok

Activities

Thai Cooking Class

1,000-2,500 ($30-75)3-4 hours

Morning classes often include a market visit. Silom Thai Cooking School or Bangkok Bold are popular choices.

Traditional Thai Massage

400-800 ($12-24)2 hours

Health Land is an excellent mid-range chain. For luxury, try the spa at Oriental Hotel.

Last-Minute Shopping at Terminal 21

Free entry2 hours

Each floor is themed after a different city. Great food court on the top floor with meals from 35 baht.

Farewell Dinner Cruise on the Chao Phraya

1,200-2,500 ($36-75)2 hours

Several operators offer dinner cruises past illuminated temples. Book through your hotel or Klook for discounts.

Meals

Breakfast

Hotel breakfast or local coffee shop with Thai toast (80-150 baht)

Lunch

Cooking class lunch (included) or Terminal 21 food court (35-80 baht)

Dinner

Dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya River (included in cruise price)

Where to Stay

Hotel in Sukhumvit area (1,500-3,000/night)

BTS/MRT for daytime. Taxi to airport: 200-400 baht + tolls. Or Airport Rail Link from Phaya Thai.

Transport Between Cities

bangkokayutthaya

train

1.5-2 hours

15-345

bus

1.5-2 hours

50-70

taxi

1-1.5 hours

1,500-2,000

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Packing Tips

Comfortable walking shoes

Light breathable clothing

Sunscreen and hat

Temple-appropriate clothing (cover shoulders and knees)

Small daypack for day trips

Reusable water bottle

Insect repellent for Ayutthaya

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does 5 days in Thailand cost?

A 5-day trip to Thailand costs approximately $200-300 on a budget, $500-800 for mid-range travel, and $1,200-2,000 for a luxury experience. This includes accommodation, food, transport, and activities.

What is the best time to visit central Thailand?

The best time to visit central Thailand is November to February. This period offers the most favorable weather and fewer crowds.

Is 5 days enough for Thailand?

Yes, 5 days is a great amount of time to explore multiple destinations. This itinerary covers bangkok, ayutthaya with a well-planned day-by-day schedule.