π Updated 21 Jun 2026
This trip is planned around driving yourself, because the sights in both provinces are spread out and public transport is a hassle to chain together. Leave Bangkok early, take Highway 340 straight into Suphan Buri first, knock out the old markets and the well-known temples on day one, then stay overnight in Suphan Buri town. On day two, loop back down toward Ayutthaya and cover the old city before heading home.
Before you set off
Highway 340 between Ban Sali and Suphan Buri has road-widening construction in stretches right now, so always open a map and check traffic before you go. If you see a long band of red, you can bypass it via the Sali interchange instead, which stays clear.
Day one - Suphan Buri, old markets along the Tha Chin River
Suphan Buri is known for old riverside markets that people still actually live in, not newly staged tourist sets. On the first day we cover Sam Chuk Market in the late morning, stop by Wat Pa Lelai, then finish at Kao Hong Market in the afternoon.
Suphan Buri, the old-market side
Book the activities in your Suphan Buri trip ahead
Booking online ahead on Klook or GetYourGuide is usually cheaper than the gate and skips the queue. Pick only the experiences you actually want β prices and availability are shown live on each site.
Eats you shouldn't miss in Suphan Buri's old markets
Sam Chuk Market is heaven for anyone who loves to eat. We've ordered these by what locals and reviews mention most often, so you can just follow along instead of backtracking.
Duck noodles and braised five-spice duck in Sam Chuk Market
Braised five-spice duck and duck noodles are the market's signature dishes, with several long-running stalls lined up along the walkway. The broth is fragrant with five-spice and the duck is tender.
Traditional coffee and old-style sweets
A traditional coffee shop in an old wooden building, brewed fresh and eaten with pa thong ko (Chinese doughnut sticks) or Thai sweets. It's a classic scene at the hundred-year-old market that people stop to photograph.
Tha Chin River snakehead fish
Suphan Buri sits on the Tha Chin River, so fresh freshwater fish is on the menu. Riverside restaurants serve grilled snakehead and pla chon lui suan (snakehead with herbs and greens), a hearty meal worth trying at least once.
Suphan salee sponge cake
Salee, a light and fluffy sponge cake, is the province's signature take-home treat. You can buy it both in the markets and at souvenir shops in town, and it travels home easily.
Snacks in Kao Hong Market
Kao Hong Market has traditional Thai sweets, rice wrapped in lotus leaf, and snacks made by the local community. Prices are easy on the wallet and it's a good spot to graze in the afternoon.
Day two - Ayutthaya, the World Heritage old city
On the morning of day two, check out and drive down toward Ayutthaya. It's about 60 km from Suphan Buri town to the Ayutthaya city island, roughly an hour. Cover the key temples in the World Heritage historical park, then finish with some souvenirs before heading back.
Ayutthaya, the city island and riverside
Make the most of Ayutthaya - know before you go
- The temples on the city island are within walking distance β Wat Mahathat, Wat Ratchaburana and Wat Phra Si Sanphet are close together, so you can park once and walk between them.
- Entry fees are charged per temple β the major temples in the historical park each charge separately, but a combined ticket is also sold. If you plan to hit several temples, the combined ticket works out cheaper.
- Visit Wat Chaiwatthanaram in the evening β the light is nicer and there are fewer people than at midday. If you want to do a Thai-costume photo shoot, you can book a costume-rental shop ahead.
- Dress respectfully β these are historical sites and sacred places, so skip spaghetti straps and overly short shorts.
You can trim it to a single day
If you only have one day, pick one or the other. Suphan Buri focuses on the old markets and Wat Pa Lelai, while Ayutthaya focuses on the temples on the city island. Cramming both provinces into one day feels too rushed to really soak up the atmosphere.
Extra stops if you have more time
If you stretch it to three days, or want to break up the drive, these two provinces have plenty more spots worth a stop. Pick whatever suits your style.
Bueng Chawak Chaloem Phrakiat
In Doem Bang Nang Buat district, with a freshwater and saltwater fish tunnel and a crocodile zone. Good for kids and takes about half a day.
Banharn-Jaemsai Tower
An observation tower in the middle of Suphan Buri town, over 120 meters tall. Take the lift up for views over the city in every direction.
Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon
A large chedi and a reclining Buddha in Ayutthaya. A popular stop to pray for blessings, just off the city island and not far away.
Want a place to stay in Suphan Buri town for this overnight stop
See the Top 10 Suphan Buri hotels β