อยุธยาThe ruined temples of Siam's old capital, a day trip north of Bangkok.
For more than 400 years, from 1350 to 1767, Ayutthaya was the capital of the Kingdom of Siam and one of the largest, richest cities in the world. Its temples, palaces and canals drew merchants from China, Persia, Japan and Europe. Today the city's ruins, scattered across an island formed by three rivers, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site: crumbling brick prangs, rows of headless Buddhas and a stone head cradled by banyan roots.
The historical park is compact enough to explore by bicycle, tuk-tuk or boat in a day. Go early, when the brick glows and the heat is gentle, and stay for sunset at Wat Chaiwatthanaram. Modern Ayutthaya is a relaxed provincial town with riverside restaurants, a busy night market and its own specialities: river prawns, boat noodles and roti sai mai.
Most visitors come as a day trip from Bangkok, but an overnight stay lets you see the ruins floodlit after dark and in the quiet early morning.
- Currency
- Thai baht (฿ · THB)
- UNESCO
- Historic City of Ayutthaya, listed 1991
- From Bangkok
- About 1.5 hours by train from Krung Thep Aphiwat or Hua Lamphong
- Getting around
- Bicycle, tuk-tuk, songthaew or river boat
- Best season
- November to February: cooler and dry
- Temple fees
- ฿50 per major temple, or a combined ticket
Top things to do in Ayutthaya.
22 places we chose and described by hand. Open any of them, with photos, hours and directions, in the catalogue below or in the app.
Places to visit
- Wat Mahathat Historical Park
The stone Buddha head cradled in banyan roots: Ayutthaya's most photographed sight.
- Wat Phra Si Sanphet Historical Park
Three bell-shaped chedis that were the royal temple of the old palace.
- Wat Ratchaburana Historical Park
A tall prang you can climb, with a crypt of ancient murals and gold treasures.
- Wat Chaiwatthanaram West bank
A Khmer-style riverside temple that glows at sunset.
- Wat Phra Ram Historical Park
A lakeside prang reflected in a pond, in a quiet park by the old palace.
- Wat Lokayasutharam Historical Park
A 37-metre reclining Buddha lying in the open air.
- Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon South-east
A working monastery with a great chedi and a large reclining Buddha.
- Wat Phanan Choeng South-east
A riverside temple older than the city, with a 19-metre golden Buddha.
- Bang Pa-In Royal Palace Bang Pa-In
A riverside summer palace mixing Thai, Chinese and European styles.
- Chao Sam Phraya National Museum Historical Park
Golden treasures and Buddha images from the crypts of Ayutthaya's temples.
Restaurants
- Riverside Grilled River Prawns Riverside
Giant grilled goong pao, sold by the kilo on the Pa Sak river.
- Boat Noodles at Wat Phra Ram Historical Park
Tiny bowls of rich, dark kuay teow ruea, eaten by the dozen.
- Roti Sai Mai Night market
Spun-sugar candy wrapped in a thin roti: Ayutthaya's street dessert.
- Hua Ro Night Market Hua Ro
An evening market of grills, noodles and snacks near the island.
Activities
- Cycling the Ruins Historical Park
Rent a bike and pedal between temples on quiet lanes.
- Sunset Boat Tour Around the Island Riverfront
A longtail ride past riverside temples as the light turns gold.
- Central Thai Cooking Class Ayutthaya town
Learn river-prawn dishes and curries in a riverside cooking school.
Hotels & stays
- Riverside Heritage Hotels Historical Park
Teak-house guesthouses and boutique hotels on the river, steps from the ruins.
- Luxury Riverside Resorts Riverside
Upscale resorts on the Chao Phraya with pools and river views.
- Budget Guesthouses Old city
Simple, friendly rooms near the train ferry with bikes for hire.
Shopping
- Ayothaya Floating Market South of the island
A re-created riverside market with food stalls and craft shops on a canal.
- Chao Phrom Market Ayutthaya town
The town's big daily market for produce, snacks and everyday goods.
Explore all 715 places in Ayutthaya.
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From the Thailand Guide app’s catalogue: OpenStreetMap places with traveller notes from Wikivoyage and photos from Wikimedia Commons. Photos marked “Representative” show the same kind of place, not this exact one. Neighbouring islands and day-trip areas may be included. “Open now” uses listed hours in Thailand time; confirm hours and access before travelling.
Best time to visit Ayutthaya.
The best time to visit Ayutthaya is November to February. Ayutthaya sits in the hot central plains. November to February is the most comfortable time, dry and a few degrees cooler. March to May is very hot, and the rainy season from June to October is humid with afternoon downpours; floods are possible in September and October.
Approximate long-term monthly averages in °C and millimetres of rain. These are planning notes, not a weather forecast.
Ayutthaya travel tips.
Temple etiquette
Cover shoulders and knees, remove shoes before entering halls, keep your head lower than monks and Buddha images, and never climb on or pose disrespectfully with statues.
Respect the Buddhas
Sitting beside a Buddha image or posing with the stone head at Wat Mahathat in a way that puts you higher than it is considered disrespectful. Crouch or kneel for photos.
Skip the elephant rides
Elephant rides are offered near the ruins. Animal-welfare groups advise against them; choose a sanctuary elsewhere.
Beat the heat
Shade is scarce in the ruins. Start at opening time, carry water, wear a hat and rest at midday.
Keep your cool (jai yen)
Staying calm and smiling solves most problems in Thailand; raised voices lose face for everyone.
Plan Ayutthaya on your phone.
Save places, see what is open now, check the weather and air quality, and browse all twenty guides in the free Thailand Guide app. Works offline.