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Thailand Travel Guide Tri-City Itinerary [Bangkok – Ayutthaya – Damnoen Saduak]

Contributed by: Hazy Haz Tigue

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TRANSPORTATION:

MANILA – BANGKOK – MANILA
via FLIGHT
AIRFARE: PHP 2942.10
Inclusive:
✔️Roundtrip Cebu Pacific Airfare Ticket
✔️15 KG Baggage Allowance (MNL – BKK)
✔️20 KG Baggage Allowance (BKK – MNL)
TRAVEL TAX: PHP 1620
TIP: Book your flight as early as possible, watch out for promo fares. Booked mine last year.

[READ TRAVEL HACK: Download the SkyScanner App to check the lowest fares]

ACCOMMODATION:

1. Happio Place

(Near Khaosan Road)
BUDGET: 700 BAHT per night (2 Nights)
PROS:
✔️Good Location
✔️Near Bars and Resto
✔️Walking Distance near Khao San Road
✔️Near Chao Phraya River
Book Now | Agoda Book Now | Booking.com

2. Sabai Sabai Sukhumvit Hotel

BUDGET: 1100 BAHT per night (1 Night)
PROS:
✔️Near Ramkamhaeng Station Airport Train Link
TIP: There are a lot of affordable hotels and hostels in Bangkok. Book as early as possible to take advantage of the early booking discount. Thailand Travel Guide Tri-City Itinerary
Book Now | Agoda Book Now | Booking.com
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ACTIVITIES:
Please check photos for detailed information, make sure to read the captions.

DAY 1 (Bangkok)

📍Grand Palace
Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha)
Chakri Maha Prasat (Foreigner with a Thai Hat)
📍Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha)
📍Khao San Road

DAY 2 (Ayutthaya)

📍Ayutthaya Elephant Village
📍Wat Maha That (Monastery of the Great Relic)
📍Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon (Great Monastery of Auspicious Victory)
📍Enjoy BKK Bistro (Bangkok)

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DAY 3 (Damnoen Saduak)

📍Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
📍Chatuchak Week End Market (Bangkok)

ENTRANCES & FEES:

299 BAHT – Thai Sim Card
500 BAHT – Grand Palace (includes Wat Phra Kaew and Chakri Maha Prasat)
100 BAHT – Wat Pho Thailand Travel Guide Tri-City Itinerary
700 BAHT / person – Elephant Ride
50 BAHT – Wat Maha That
20 BAHT – Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon
1000 BAHT / person – Floating Motor Boat (Private)
1000 BAHT / person – 2hrs Floating Market plus Temple Tour
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“Welcome to Bangkok, the City of Angels!”
Upon arrival, proceed to the immigration for entry registration. Filipinos will be granted 30 days visa upon arrival.

“The sunrise in Mo Chit.”
A more than a 3-hour flight from Manila, we boarded the plane at 9:00 PM and landed at 11:45 PM in Thailand local time. There is an hour time difference between Manila (GMT +8) and Thailand (GMT +7). Luckily, I have my sister and cousins working in Thailand. We spent one night at their flat.

“BTS (Train) Ticket Vending Machine.”

From Mo Chit Station, we took the BTS ride going to Ratchathewi Station (station near Khao San Road).
Then from Ratchathewi Station, we took a metered taxi ride going to our hostel.
FARES:
💳BTS Ticket
💵 37 BAHT one-way ride per person
Taxi Fare
70 – 100 BAHT (Going to Hostel)

“The Happio Place.”
We arrived at our hostel earlier than the check-in time. The staff allowed us to check-in early without additional cost. Thailand Travel Guide Tri-City Itinerary
The location is very good, walking distance in local stores, bars, and resto, also in ferry stations and near Khao San Road.
[BOOK HERE – Agoda] [BOOK HERE – Booking]

“The Phra Arthit Ferry Station.”
From our hostel, it is 5 minutes walk going to the Phra Arthit ferry station. We crossed the Chao Phraya River via the express boat, this is the easiest and cheapest gateway going to the Grand Palace.

We got off in Tha Chang station, walked inside the Tha Chang market and followed the flow of people going to the Grand Palace. Thailand Travel Guide Tri-City Itinerary
FARES:
Ferry Ride
Phra Arthit Station – Tha Chang Station
15 BAHT one-way ride per person

“The Grand Palace.”

Your visit to Bangkok will not be completed, without the glimpse of the home of the royal family, The Grand Palace. Lies in the center of Bangkok, the architectural structure will amaze you and gives you a hindsight of how rich the culture is and gives you a commemorating view of the Thai history. It’s one of the best places to visit here in Thailand.
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“The Grand Palace Entrance Fee.”
Getting inside the Grand Palace is actually free, you can go inside the palace without paying anything. However, if you would like to access the beautiful view of the Palaces and Halls you need to pay 500 BAHT per person to have a full access on the unrestricted places inside the home of the royal family.

ENTRANCE FEE:
Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew, and Chakri Maha Prasat
500 BAHT per person

“Proper Attire in Visiting Grand Palace.”
Visiting the Grand Palace and Temples in Thailand requires proper clothing. To avoid extra expenses, make sure to wear proper clothes, no sleeveless, no shorts, no skirt above the knee, no sandals and slippers. Sometimes, you will be required to take off your shoes going inside the temples. Above all, RESPECT Thai traditions and cultures. Thailand Travel Guide Tri-City Itinerary

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“Grand Palace Architectural Designs.”

Grand Palace is undoubtedly famous because of its sophisticated architectural designs showcasing the craftsmanship and mastery in the art of the Thai people. An Instagram-worthy wall, where you can pose and take pictures. Just one of the many sides and views in Grand Palace.

“Temple of the Emerald Buddha.”
Known as the Wat Phra Kaew for Thai locals, this temple lies inside the Grand Palace. Video and picture taking is not allowed inside, as this served as one of the sacred Buddhist temples in Thailand. You need to take off your shoes if you have plans for going inside the temple. Thailand Travel Guide Tri-City Itinerary
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“Chakri Maha Prasat.”
A western architecture creation dubbed as the “Foreigner with a Thai Hat” that serves as the function hall for royal events and gatherings.

“Wat Pho.”
Lies next to the Grand Palace is the Wat Pho, famously known as the “Temple of the Emerald Buddha“.
10-15 minutes walk from the Grand Palace where you can see the 46 meters long figure of Buddha.
Just follow the long stretch of the Grand Palace white wall instead of riding Tuktuk. Again, proper clothing is observed.
ENTRANCE FEE:
Wat Pho
100 BAHT per person (includes free water)

“Wat Pho Gallery.”
Beside Wat Pho temple is a mini gallery where you can see miniatures, buddhas and gong. Also, you can offer and light incense for wishes.

“The Grand Palace Miniature.”

You can spot a cute miniature of the Grand Palace found inside the Wat Pho Gallery.

Thailand Travel Guide | TriCity Itinerary | Bangkok - Ayutthaya - Damnoen Saduak - https://twobudgettravelers.com — Photo by Hazy Haz Tigue

“Khao San Road.”
A one-kilometer long strip located in downtown Bangkok best described as the “center of the backpacking universe”.

This place is a haven for backpackers looking for budget hostels and mid-range hotels. The road features the nightlife in Bangkok where you can find different bars and clubs to hop in. The best place to have a taste of Thai’s local food where you can find different local restaurants. Finding your travel needs, where you can find a lot of travel agencies and money changers. Thailand Travel Guide Tri-City Itinerary
Overall, I highly recommend staying in or near Khao San Road.

READ: 15 Cheapest and Best Hostels in Bangkok, Thailand

“Getting in Ayutthaya.”
From Happio Place, we took a metered taxi ride going to the Mo Chit Bus Terminal Station.

Mo Chit Bus Terminal Station serves as the gateway going to different places from Northern, Central, Eastern and Southern Thailand. From here, we took the minivan going to Ayutthaya. Ayutthaya is approximately one and a half hour drive away from Bangkok.
FARE:

Mini Van

Mo Chit Bus Terminal – Ayutthaya

60 BAHT one-way ride per person

“Exploring Ayutthaya.”

When we arrived in the City of Ayutthaya, we rented a Tuktuk to roam us around the city.

Good thing, there were some travelers from Japan and Canada that we have met. I’ve approached them and ask to share the ride and split the fare on the tuk-tuk ride, and they agreed. We ended up exploring the city with them and meeting new friends. Thailand Travel Guide Tri-City Itinerary
FARES:
Tuktuk Ride
3 Destinations
Ayutthaya Elephant Village
Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon
Wat Mahat That
250 per person

“Ayutthaya Adventures.”
Whenever I travel out of the country, it is on my top priority to visit the places that allow me to see the ruins of the past, why? because I’m a big fan of history and culture. Ayutthaya City is one of those. Under the world heritage list of UNESCO, Historic City of Ayutthaya is listed as one of the historical sites in Thailand.

“Ayutthaya Elephant Village.”

According to the Thai history, riding an elephant in the ancient times were only for King and privileged royal visitors. The place offer packages for an elephant ride. It ranges from 1000 BAHT up to 2000 BAHT per ride depending on the length of time.
RIDE FEE:
Elephant Ride Fee
1400 for 2 people (30 minutes)
TIPS:
Local operators here are greedy for money. They will give you bracelets and charge you, also asking for compulsory tips. We only want to try riding an elephant for experience, however, with the experiences we had with the local operators here, I will NOT recommend this place.

“Riding An Elephant.”
Riding an elephant was a fun experience indeed, but after I have seen the animal cruelty in this elephant tourism in Thailand, I will no longer recommend to try it at all. Yes, it is true, there is a dark side of enjoying the ride. Elephants were being tortured and mistreated. Using bagging hooks and chains, elephants were forced to work.

Recommended KKday and Klook discounted offerings [Bangkok]:

KLOOK: 4G SIM Card (Klook Counter at BKK/DMK Airport Pick Up) for Thailand
KLOOK: 4G WiFi (TH Airport Pick Up) for Thailand
KLOOK: Thailand Floating Markets Day Trip
KLOOK: Bangkok Sky Dining Buffet
KLOOK: Art in Paradise Bangkok
KLOOK: Ayutthaya Day Trip with Sunset Boat Ride
KLOOK: Damnoen Saduak Floating Market Half Day Tour
KLOOK: Bangkok Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew Morning Tour

KKDAY: Day Tour from Bangkok: Maeklong Railway Market and Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
KKDAY: Bangkok Safari World Discounted Tickets
KKDAY: Half-Day Bangkok City and Temples Tour
KKDAY: Day Tour from Bangkok: Ayutthaya & River of Kings Cruise
KKDAY: Chao Phraya Princess River Cruise
KKDAY: Day Tour from Bangkok: Ayutthaya
KKDAY: Bangkok Temple Half-Day Tour
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THAILAND TRAVEL TIPS:

✔️It is highly recommended to buy a local sim card with internet for maps/directions. Thailand has a very good high-speed internet connection. Most of the Thai’s doesn’t know how to speak good English.
✔️Have a list of things to bring especially when going to an international country like Thailand.
✔️In visiting temples, make sure to wear proper clothing to avoid additional expenses. No shorts, no sandals, no skirt above the knee and above all respect their culture and traditions.
✔️Unlike Hong Kong, where most of the tourist places are walking distance within train stations, most of the tourist places in Thailand are not walking distance. Ride the trains and taxis for transportation convenience, always go for the metered taxi, if not metered just say NO and try to hire another ride. Flat rate starts at 35 BAHT, most of the taxi drivers that we had were very nice and honest. Bus rides are not recommended, most of the drivers don’t know how to speak in English unless you have addresses translated into Thai. Tuktuk (tricycle) rides can be negotiated, however, fares will depend on your destination, also its expensive compared with taxis. Thailand Travel Guide Tri-City Itinerary
✔️Beware of the SCAMS, when someone approaches you, be cautious, its much better if you buy your ticket on your own especially in visiting the Grand Palace and Temples.
✔️Geographically, Philippines and Thailand are almost the same, there are traffics during rush hours. Thailand traffics are tolerable compared the traffics in the Philippines.
✔️It is not about how many places you’ve been, but it is all about enjoying the places. Make your time count, explore the places.
✔️Blend in be a traveler, not a tourist. Try local food and local shops.