Thailand Road Trip from Bangkok Airport

This 8-day Thailand road trip from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport takes you deep into the Central Plains and the northeastern Isaan region, famous for its magnificent Khmer ruins.

We’ll explore the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Ayutthaya and Phimai, discover the unique charm of Lopburi with its playful monkeys, and venture to the more remote yet equally stunning Prasat Muang Tam and Prasat Ta Muean Thom. I have left finally the last two days in Bangkok city, after dropping off the car at the airport (no need of a car in the Thai capital)

But let’s dive straight into it

Day 1: Arrival in Bangkok & Ancient Wonders of Ayutthaya

After grabbing my rental car – a smooth process, thankfully – I set off for Ayutthaya, a UNESCO World Heritage site and Thailand’s former capital. It’s only about an 80-kilometer drive, so it didn’t take long to swap the airport buzz for ancient tranquility.

And this is what you will find in Ayutthaya, a peaceful and chilled out town that you can visit also by bicycle, usually available for rent at your accommodation.

My first stop was the iconic Wat Mahathat, famous for the Buddha head entwined in tree roots. It’s truly a sight to behold, and I spent ages just soaking in the atmosphere, imagining what this place must have been like centuries ago.

Then, it was off to Wat Phra Si Sanphet, the most important temple in the Royal Palace complex. The three towering chedis are just magnificent, and walking among them felt like stepping back in time. After a day of exploring, I checked into my hotel in Ayutthaya, ready for more historical adventures tomorrow!

My suggested accommodation in Ayutthaya: Baan Luang Harn

Day 2: Deep Dive into Ayutthaya’s Grandeur

Ayutthaya has so much to offer, so I dedicated a full second day to exploring its main sites. I started my morning at Wat Chaiwatthanaram, a truly grand temple with a Khmer-style prang (tower) that reminded me a bit of Angkor Wat. The riverside setting is just beautiful, and I loved wandering through its ruins, picturing the ceremonies that once took place here.

Next up was Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, known for its massive reclining Buddha and the impressive chedi that you can actually climb for some fantastic views of the surrounding area. It’s a great spot for photos and a bit of a workout!

In the afternoon, I decided to explore some of the local markets, grabbing some delicious street food and soaking in the everyday life of Ayutthaya. It’s amazing how history and modern life blend seamlessly here. Another incredible day in this ancient city.

There are plenty of beautiful cafes around the inner part of the city where you car relax in the aircon and taste some amazing cafes. This was a must break in out intense two days in Ayutthaya

Day 3: Monkeying Around in Lopburi

Day 3 was all about the monkeys! I drove about 60 kilometers from Ayutthaya to Lopburi, a city famous for its playful (and sometimes mischievous) macaques. My first stop was Phra Prang Sam Yot, often called the Monkey Temple.

It’s an ancient Khmer temple, but honestly, the real stars here are the hundreds of monkeys that have made it their home. They’re everywhere – climbing on the ruins, scampering across wires, and even trying to snatch snacks! It was quite an experience, and definitely something you don’t see every day.

Just a warning, leave everything in your bag and make sure it’s closed. These macaques are famous for stealing sun glasses, water bottles and any sparking object you may have. Interestingly enough, the only “safe” place is inside the small temple, where the macaques are not allowed

After my monkey encounter, I visited King Narai’s Palace, a beautiful historical site that offers a glimpse into Thailand’s royal past. It’s a much calmer atmosphere than the Monkey Temple, and I enjoyed wandering through the well-preserved grounds and museums.

Lopburi is a unique city, and spending a day here was a fun and memorable detour on my road trip. Don’t miss also the super genuine local market in the city centre that runs till 2-3pm. It’s a great spot also to find some food.

My suggested accommodation in Lopburi: Farsai Homestay

Day 4: Journey to Phimai & Ancient Khmer Grandeur

Another great day, another great adventure, with a longer drive than usual, about 280 kilometers from Lopburi northeast towards Phimai. The roads were great, making for a comfortable journey through the Thai countryside.

My destination was the magnificent Phimai Historical Park, another incredible example of Khmer architecture right here in Thailand. It’s often compared to Angkor Wat, and you can definitely see why – the intricate carvings, the grand scale, and the sense of history are just breathtaking.

I spent the entire afternoon exploring the temple complex, marveling at the detailed bas-reliefs and the impressive central prang. It’s much less crowded than some of the more famous sites, which made the experience even more special.

I really felt like I had time to appreciate the engineering of this ancient civilization. After a full day of exploration, I settled into my accommodation in Phimai, ready for more historical discoveries tomorrow

My suggested accommodation in Phimai: Moon River Resort Phimai

Day 5: Serenity at Prasat Muang Tam

After the grandeur of Phimai, day 5 was a shorter drive, about 100 kilometers, to Prasat Muang Tam. This place is a hidden gem, a beautifully restored Khmer sanctuary that feels incredibly peaceful.

It’s smaller than Phimai, but its charm lies in its perfect symmetry, the elegant ponds filled with lotus flowers, and the intricate carvings that tell ancient stories. I loved just sitting by the ponds, taking in the tranquility and the reflection of the temple in the water.

It’s a fantastic spot to just wander, take photos, and really connect with the history without the crowds. I spent a good part of the day here, just soaking it all in.

The area around Prasat Muang Tam is also very rural and authentic, offering a glimpse into local Thai life. I found an amazing accommodation called Hotel de l’amour SHA PLUS for the night, ready for another temple adventure the day after.

My suggested accommodation in the Prasat Muang Tam area: Hotel de l’amour SHA PLUS

Day 6: The Remote Majesty of Prasat Ta Muean Thom

I dedicated day 6 to one of Thailand’s most remote and impressive Khmer temples, Prasat Ta Muean Thom. It was about a 50-kilometer drive (one way) from where I was staying near Prasat Muang Tam, right on the Cambodian border. The journey itself was part of the experience, driving through beautiful, untouched countryside.

Prasat Ta Muean Thom is truly magnificent, a large complex with multiple structures, including a long causeway and a main sanctuary. What makes it so special is its isolated location and the feeling of discovering something truly ancient and significant.

It’s less restored than some other sites, which adds to its raw, historical appeal. I spent hours exploring, imagining the pilgrims and kings who once walked these grounds. It’s a powerful place, and definitely worth the effort to get there.

Just a warning, this temple area is claimed by both the Thai and Cambodian government and it has happened in the past (2009-2011) that things got very nasty. You can still find both Thai and Cambodia army around, watching every single step you do. I had to leave my passport to the police before entering the area, which was ok at the end, but I did not feel as confortable, I must say.

After a full day of exploration, I drove back to my accommodation near Prasat Muang Tam, feeling incredibly fortunate to have witnessed such a hidden wonder.

Day 7: From Ancient Ruins to City Lights – Return to Bangkok

After days immersed in ancient history, it was time to head back to the bustling capital. I had the longest drive of the trip, about 380 kilometers from the Prasat Muang Tam area back to Bangkok. I made sure to start early to avoid the worst of the city traffic. The highways were excellent, making the journey very easy going.

Upon arriving at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), I returned my rental car. I must say that it felt a bit strange to give it back after all our adventures. The Isaan region is usually bypassed completly by most travellers and I felt a bit more like an explorer than a tourist, especially when visiting Prasat Ta Muean Thom (I was the only person on site).

From the airport, I hopped on the Airport Rail Link, a super convenient train that took me right into the heart of Bangkok. I checked into my hotel in the city center, the Sindhorn Midtown Hotel, Vignette Collection, ready to dive into the vibrant energy of Bangkok for my final day. The contrast between the peaceful ruins and the lively city was striking, and I loved it.

My suggested accommodation in Bangkok: Sindhorn Midtown Hotel, Vignette Collection

Day 8: Bangkok City Exploration & Departure

My last day in Thailand was dedicated to soaking up the incredible energy of Bangkok. With no car to worry about, I relied on the city’s public transport – the BTS Skytrain and MRT subway – to get around. I started my morning with a visit to the magnificent Grand Palace and the sacred Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha). The intricate details and sheer scale of these structures are just mind-blowing, and it’s a must-see for anyone visiting Bangkok.

Next, I took a ferry across the Chao Phraya River to Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn). The riverside view of its iconic prang is stunning, especially with the morning light hitting its porcelain-decorated spires.

In the afternoon, I decided to experience the famous Chatuchak Weekend Market. Even if you’re not there on a weekend, there are still plenty of shops open nearby. It’s a sensory overload in the best way possible – endless stalls selling everything from clothes to food to souvenirs. I grabbed some last-minute gifts and enjoyed some delicious street food.

As the day drew to a close, I made my way back to Suvarnabhumi Airport, reflecting on an incredible 8-day journey. From the ancient ruins of Ayutthaya and the remote Khmer temples to the vibrant streets of Bangkok, this road trip offered a truly diverse and unforgettable experience of Thailand. It was the perfect blend of history, culture, and adventure, and I couldn’t wait to go back.

My final tip, beside the BTS Skytrain and MRT subway, try to use also the khlong (water canal) transportation system. Just jump on one of the long boats and follow the canal as you would follow a metro network, another unique experience of this unique city.

Itinerary Timeline