Ayutthaya, Thailand: travel guide
Ruined temples and palaces of the old Siamese capital, north of Bangkok
Ancient Siam's grand capital — UNESCO World Heritage ruins of temples and palaces scattered among canals and rice paddies.
About Ayutthaya
Ayutthaya was the capital of the Siamese kingdom for several centuries, and its ruins make one of the easiest and most rewarding day trips from Bangkok. The old city sits on an island at the meeting of three rivers, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Prang towers, crumbling brick walls and headless Buddha statues are spread across the historical park. Wat Mahathat is known for a Buddha head entwined in tree roots, while Wat Chaiwatthanaram stands beside the river. Many people explore by bicycle or tuk-tuk, and boat tours run around the island at sunset.
Ayutthaya suits history lovers and day trippers. The cooler months from November to February are the most comfortable for exploring the ruins.
- Country
- Thailand
- Currency
- THB
- Time zone
- Asia/Bangkok
- Nearest airport
- DMK
- Typical trip
- 1-2 days
Last updated
Top places to visit in Ayutthaya
Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon
temple · 4.7 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Huge chedi and rows of reclining Buddha statues, built to commemorate a royal elephant duel.
Wat Mahathat Ayutthaya
temple · 4.7 rating · about 1.3 h · check the fee at the gate
Home of the famous Buddha head entwined in banyan tree roots. The most atmospheric Ayutthaya ruin.
Wat Chaiwatthanaram
temple · 4.7 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Grand 17th-century Khmer-style temple on the Chao Phraya riverbank — spectacular at sunset.
Wat Phra Si Sanphet
temple · 4.7 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Former royal chapel with three iconic chedis holding ashes of early Ayutthaya kings.
Bang Pa-In Royal Palace
Heritage · 4.5 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
Royal summer retreat with Thai, Chinese and European-style pavilions on a river island.
Elephant Kraal Ayutthaya
Heritage · 3.8 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
Restored 400-year-old teak stockade used to corral wild elephants. Only one remaining in Thailand.
Chao Sam Phraya National Museum
Museum · 4.6 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Houses gold treasures recovered from Wat Ratchaburana's crypt, including royal regalia.
Wat Ratchaburana
temple · 4.7 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
Early 15th-century 35-metre prang with original Ayutthaya murals visible inside the crypt.
Ayutthaya Night Market
Market · 4.3 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Evening market near the ruins serving traditional Thai dishes. Boat noodles are essential.
Wat Maheyong
temple · 4.8 rating · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Atmospheric elephant-base chedi ruin used for meditation retreats.
Wat Phanan Choeng
temple · 4.7 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
Riverside temple with a revered 19 m golden seated Buddha from 1325.
Ayothaya Floating Market
floating-market · 3.9 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Recreated floating market with canal boats, food stalls and shows.
Things to do
- Ayutthaya Historical Park Bicycle Tour Cultural · 4 h · from THB 620 per person
- Ayutthaya Sunset River Cruise Sightseeing · 1.5 h · from THB 690 per person
- Ayutthaya Day Trip from Bangkok Sightseeing · 9 h · from THB 960 per person
- Ayutthaya Temple Tuk-Tuk Tour Sightseeing · 4 h · from THB 520 per person
- Wat Chaiwatthanaram Sunset & Costume Photoshoot Cultural · 2.5 h · from THB 410 per person
- Ayutthaya Island Boat Tour Sightseeing · 2 h · from THB 340 per person
- Ayothaya Floating Market & Food Walk Food · 2 h · from THB 280 per person
- Wat Mahathat & Ayutthaya Temples Guided Walk Cultural · 3.5 h · from THB 520 per person
Day trips and tours
- Ayutthaya Temples by Bicycle 7 h · from THB 480
- Ayutthaya Sunset River Cruise & Temple Lights 3.5 h · from THB 550
Where to stay in Ayutthaya
- Island Area about THB 1,800 per night
Ancient capital with riverside accommodation
Hotels
- Centara Ayutthaya 4-star · THB 2,200 to THB 4,200 per night
- Iudia on the River 4-star · THB 2,500 to THB 5,500 per night
- Baan Thai House 4-star · THB 1,600 to THB 3,400 per night
- The Cavalli Casa Resort 4-star · THB 2,200 to THB 4,800 per night
- Kantary Hotel, Ayutthaya 4-star · THB 2,200 to THB 4,200 per night
- Sala Ayutthaya... Niwas Ayutthaya 4-star · THB 2,000 to THB 4,200 per night
Where to eat
- Baan Ta Ko Rai Thai · about THB 375 per person
- Ruan Thai Kung Pao Thai, Seafood · about THB 375 per person
- Baan Ton Sai Thai · about THB 375 per person
- Here Kae Pork Satay Thai, Barbecue · about THB 120 per person
- Pa Lek Boat Noodles Thai, Noodles · about THB 60 per person
- Pranom Shredded Chicken Noodles Thai, Noodles · about THB 120 per person
- Joong Borikan Thai · about THB 375 per person
- Roti Sai Mai Abeedeen-Pranom Sangaroon Thai, Desserts · about THB 120 per person
Getting to Ayutthaya
Airport: Ayutthaya (Don Mueang Intl) (DMK)
How visitors arrive in Ayutthaya
- Train from Bangkok By train from Bangkok · common
Trains from Bangkok run through the day to Ayutthaya station on the east bank, then a bridge or ferry crosses to the island. Source: en.wikivoyage.org
- Bus or minibus from Bangkok By road from Bangkok · common
Buses and minibuses leave from Bangkok's Northern Bus Terminal; others connect from the Southern Bus Terminal. Source: en.wikivoyage.org
- River cruise from Bangkok By ferry from Bangkok · possible
Cruise boats go up the Chao Phraya from Bangkok, must be booked ahead and take most of a day. Source: en.wikivoyage.org
From the airport to the centre
- Train from Don Mueang unconfirmed
The Bangkok Connex all-stops train from Don Mueang airport runs to Ayutthaya; seats are unreserved. Source: en.wikivoyage.org
From the railway station to the centre
- Ferry or bridge to the island
The train station is on the east bank, not on the island; cross by the footbridge to the south or the ferry from the main road. Source: en.wikivoyage.org
Getting around
- Bicycle main way to get around
Bicycles can be rented in Ayutthaya, and the paved paths make cycling a practical way to link the temple ruins.
- Motorbike Rental useful for some trips
Motorbikes and scooters can be rented in town for covering the spread-out temple sites.
- Tuktuk
Tuk-tuks can be hired for a tour of the ruins, and drivers will often wait at each stop; agree the arrangement beforehand.
- Walking
Safety and scams to avoid
Generic tourist overcharge
Major tourist zones
Tourists are quoted significantly above local price.
How to avoid it: Verify prices upfront. Use registered taxis/apps.
Best time to visit Ayutthaya
- Jan 33°C
- Feb 36°C
- Mar 38°C
- Apr 37°C
- May 35°C
- Jun 34°C
- Jul 34°C
- Aug 33°C
- Sep 33°C
- Oct 33°C
- Nov 31°C
- Dec 31°C
More in Thailand
Frequently asked questions about Ayutthaya
- How many days do you need in Ayutthaya?
- A typical trip to Ayutthaya is 1-2 days.
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Ayutthaya?
- The highest-rated places in our Ayutthaya guide are Wat Maheyong, Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, Wat Mahathat Ayutthaya, Wat Chaiwatthanaram, Wat Phra Si Sanphet.
- Where should I stay in Ayutthaya?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Ayutthaya: Island Area.
- How do I get around Ayutthaya?
- Ways to get around Ayutthaya covered in our guide: Bicycle, Motorbike rental, Tuk-tuk, Walking.
- What scams should I watch out for in Ayutthaya?
- Scams reported to us for Ayutthaya include Generic tourist overcharge. Each is explained in the guide, with how to avoid it.
- What is the weather like in Ayutthaya?
- Average daytime highs in Ayutthaya run from 31°C in Nov to 38°C in Mar.
- Which airport is nearest to Ayutthaya?
- The nearest airport to Ayutthaya has the code DMK.