Three iconic Thai experiences in one unforgettable day: watch a train roll right through a market, glide along the lively canals of Damnoen Saduak, and wander among the majestic temple ruins of ancient Ayutthaya.
Maeklong Railway Market is one of Thailand’s most unique sights, where fresh produce, seafood, and local goods are sold right on the train tracks. Established in the early 1900s, the market grew up around the railway line that connected the town to Bangkok. Several times a day, the sound of an approaching train sends vendors into action, swiftly folding back awnings and pulling goods away from the rails, only to set them back in place moments after the train passes. It’s a fascinating blend of everyday life and precise timing that has become an enduring local tradition.
From here, the journey continues to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, the most famous of its kind in Thailand. Built in the 19th century during the reign of King Rama IV, the network of canals was originally dug to boost trade and transport in the area.
Nowadays, the market is a lively place where boats cluster along the waterways and the riverbanks bustle with stalls offering a variety of local snacks, fresh fruits, and handcrafted goods and souvenirs.
Damnoen Saduak is undeniably touristy these days, and while it may not feel fully authentic anymore, it remains one of the best places to experience a floating market.
Then we continue to Ayutthaya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you will visit three of its most celebrated temples.
Founded in 1350, Ayutthaya grew into one of the world’s great trading hubs, welcoming merchants from Asia and later Europe, and becoming a vibrant crossroads of cultures. At its peak, the city had over a million inhabitants, and French envoys of King Louis XIV even compared its size and splendor to Paris.
Although the Burmese destroyed the city in 1767, the evocative ruins still reflect the grandeur of this once-magnificent kingdom. Recognized by UNESCO since 1991, Ayutthaya remains one of Thailand’s most fascinating cultural treasures.
At Wat Phanan Choeng Worawihan, marvel at the majestic 19-meter seated Buddha, dating back to 1334. This deeply revered image remains one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the region.
Next, explore Wat Mahathat, where the iconic Buddha head entwined in the roots of a banyan tree creates one of Ayutthaya’s most unforgettable images. Once the spiritual heart of the city, it still captivates visitors with its serene beauty.
The journey concludes at Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, the former royal temple within the ancient palace grounds. Its three elegant chedis rise proudly, symbolizing the grandeur and golden era of Ayutthaya.
This full-day journey offers a perfect blend of lively local markets, scenic waterways, and fascinating history.
Meeting point:
We provide hotel pick-up only from accommodations located on/near Khao San Road and on Siam Square.
If you are not an actual guest at one of the hotels in our pick-up area, the designated meeting point will be our office on Chao Khamrop Road in Chinatown. Our office in Chinatown is just a short 5-minute walk from Wat Mangkon MRT (metro) station.
For the exact location of our WanderSiam office on Google Maps, please click HERE.
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41 Comments
5
Great tour!
Today we did the tour with guide Surina and driver Eak, and the tour was great!!
Extra compliments to Surina because she made it even more special. The extra tips she gave, how she took care of us and the inexhaustible energy and kindness throughout the day were incredible.
She even took us to the ancient recling Buddha at Ayutthaya, which was an extra because normally it’s not included in the tour program.
If you are considering doing the tour, it is 100% worth your money and ask for Surina to make it unforgettable! 🙂
Kob khun krab!
Emmanuel & Vreni
5
Amazing day with amazing people!
I’ve been to 40 countries, and our guides Siri and Kan, and driver Frank were some of the best I’ve had. They made our Bangkok railway and floating market and Ayuthaya temple tour so fun! Everything ran smoothly, and everyone had a great, pleasant attitude. Our guides took great care of us, took great pictures, were super knowledgeable and personable with great senses of humor. Their love for their jobs was obvious. It was a very long, but great day full of laughs and lots of learning thanks to them!
5
Very Enriching Tour!
This tour was such an enriching experience! Our guides Siri and Kan were extremely knowledgeable and very attentive to our needs throughout the tour. Our driver Frank was safe and attentive as well. We learned so much about the Thai culture and Buddhism in general. We learned so much about the history of Ayutthya and Bangkok, the dynasties and the wars and conflicts that have taken place within the regions. The markets were fun and vibrant and our guides even gave us some insight on what items were selling for the best prices. They also were great photographers, making sure that we were capturing each special moment 🙂 although the schedule is pretty full, I never felt rushed throughout. Highly recommend!
5
💛💛💛💛
La guía turística fue la mejor compañía que pude haber tenido, no sólo es amable y amistosa, si no también me explico la historia de cada templo y lugar que visitamos, me ayudó a tomar hermosas fotos y me proporciono todo lo que necesite super recomendada Serry la mejor 🙌 y el conductor del auto me trajo y me llevó a salvo… todo el tiempo manejando correctamente, siempre puntual en los puntos de recogida y muy muy amable, increíble experiencia ✨️✨️✨️
5
Old city/floating market in Thailand
I really enjoyed this trip! Thanya was an excellent tour guide. She took me to the specific places of where to take great pictures (she’s an awesome photographer). She always had a smile on her face, she was always very attentive with me, and she told me many great stories and history of the country. The driver was so kind and friendly as well. I always felt safe while he was driving (never got distracted or speeding up). I highly recommend this tour and tour guide!