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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Honeymoon in Damnoen Saduak Floating Market & Ayutthaya Tour
We were lucky that we had a private, not a group tour with a cheerful and friendly Siri guide and a Num driver. In one day, we were able to explore all the interesting sights outside Bangkok. We saw the train at train market twice and took a boat trip through the river market, and then we saw the whole of Ayutthaya. Thank you very much!