Mood · AyutthayaHistorical · spiritual · photogenic · quiet
Ayutthaya
Siam's capital from 1350 to 1767, UNESCO World Heritage, two hours from Bangkok.
In the 17th century, Ayutthaya was larger than London, Paris, and Amsterdam combined. In 1767, Burmese armies destroyed everything the city had built. What remains are ruins that, in a way intact temples cannot, convey something about impermanence and grandeur at the same time. Below you will see how best to experience these ruins.
Country
Thailand
Region
Ayutthaya Province, Central Plains
Currency
Thai Baht (THB)
Language
Thai (limited English)
Timezone
7 hours later than Amsterdam
Best time
Nov, Feb (coolest)
Arrival
Train from Bangkok (2h)
Per day
€30, €80 p.p.
Safety
Very safe
Who it suits
- History buffs and cultural travellers combining Bangkok with a day or two in the city centre
- Photographers: sunrise at the temples is one of the most special moments in Thailand
- Anyone visiting Bangkok: Ayutthaya is the ideal day trip or overnight stay
- Travellers on the Bangkok, Chiang Mai route looking for a historical stopover
Less suited if…
- Beachgoers with no interest in history: Ayutthaya offers no beach or nature
- Travellers doing only Bangkok with 2-3 days in total: in that case, I would stay in the city
Mood · AyutthayaThe temples at sunrise are the reason you set your alarm for 5:30.
Don't miss
Highlights
The things to plan your day around.
Photo: Photo Dharma (Wikimedia, CC BY 2.0)Wat Mahathat: the head in the tree roots
Ayutthaya's most iconic image: a stone Buddha head in the roots of a ficus tree
Photo: Diego Delso (Wikimedia, CC BY-SA 3.0)Wat Phra Si Sanphet: the three Chedis
Ayutthaya's best preserved ruin: three perfect chedis in a row
Mood · AyutthayaCycling through the Historical Park
Rent a bike for 50 THB and discover sixteen temples at your own pace
Mood · AyutthayaBoat trip on the Chao Phraya
The historical park from the water: another dimension of the city
Mood · AyutthayaElephant Home Sanctuary
Ethical contact with elephants: walking, feeding, no riding
💡 Local tip
Hire a bicycle at your guesthouse or the station (50 THB/day) and create your own route. The temples are located between 500 metres and 2 km apart: perfect for cycling.
Mood · AyutthayaEat
Where to actually eat
No tourist traps.
Mood · AyutthayaMalakor Restaurant
The place to go for authentic Thai cuisine in Ayutthaya: popular with Thais
← swipe for more →
⚠️ Avoid this mistake
Do not only visit during the day. The early morning (before 7:30) and the sunset make the temples feel completely different. Those who only do a midday cycle through the park miss the best of Ayutthaya.
Every guide says: hire a bicycle. They are all right.
See
Ayutthaya must-sees
Photo: KOSIN SUKHUM (Wikimedia, CC BY-SA 4.0)Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon
The large chedi outside the island: less crowded, just as imposing
Mood · AyutthayaChao Sam Phraya National Museum
The best museum in Ayutthaya: gold, statues and royal treasures
Photo: Adam Jones (Wikimedia, CC BY-SA 2.0)Lopburi, the monkey city (day trip)
1 hour from Ayutthaya: a city taken over by long-tailed macaques
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg (Wikimedia, CC BY 4.0)Sunrise at the Temples
Ayutthaya's most photogenic hours: most temples are empty before 7:00
↗️ The extra effort is worth it
Cycle to Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon outside the park in the evening. It is less visited, just as beautiful, and you can climb the large chedi for a panoramic view.
Discover
Everything on the map
Filter by what you're after.
Mood · AyutthayaThe head in the tree roots is iconic, but the surrounding park is equally impressive.
Out and about
Best day trips
Out of the city within an hour.
Photo: Dominic Nelson (Wikimedia, CC BY-SA 4.0)Lopburi: The Monkey City
~1 hour by train~75 km by train · Monkeys inhabiting Khmer temples
Lopburi is the only city in Thailand where monkey colonies inhabit 17th-century Khmer temples. Macaques can be found on roofs, in shops, and around the Prang Sam Yot temple. Go early, hold your bag tightly, and do not wear jewellery. Trains depart every hour from Ayutthaya. Half a day is enough.
View day trips (opens in a new tab)
Photo: Fernando Garcia (Wikimedia, CC BY 3.0)Bangkok
~2 hours by train~80 km by train · The capital that has it all
Bangkok is the logical starting or ending point for Ayutthaya. The train connection is frequent and cheap. If you are doing Ayutthaya as a day trip from Bangkok, take the early train (7:45 from Thonburi) and return before dinner. If you are using Ayutthaya as a starting point, Bangkok is two hours away for a city day trip.
View day trips (opens in a new tab)
Photo: Gary Todd (Wikimedia, publiek domein)Sukhothai Historical Park
~5 hours by bus~300 km by bus · Thailand's first kingdom ruins
Sukhothai was the first capital of Thailand (13th, 14th century): older than Ayutthaya and smaller, but UNESCO-protected and less visited. The historical park has more than thirty temples spread across a wide, flat area. Visit it as an extended route: Bangkok → Ayutthaya → Sukhothai → Chiang Mai.
View day trips (opens in a new tab)Practical
Everything you need to know
Weather & best time
Ayutthaya has a distinct dry season (Nov, Feb) and a hot season (Mar, May). The rainy season (Jun, Oct) is the least busy and greenest time.
Jan
☀️
18-32°
Apr
🌤️
25-38°
Jul
🌧️
24-33°
Oct
🌦️
22-32°
What does a day cost?
Budget
€25 /dag
Guesthouse on the island, meals from the night market, bicycle for 50 THB/day, temples for 50 THB each.
Mid-range
€60 /dag
Riverside hotel, one floating restaurant, museum visits, and a cruise on the Chao Phraya.
Luxury
€150+ /dag
Boutique hotel with river views, private guide for the temples, elephant sanctuary, and private boat trip.
Good to know
Visa
Visa on arrival (NL: 30 days free)
Payment
Cash (THB); ATM at the train station
Plug
Type A/B/C · 220V
Transport
Bicycle (50 THB/day) or tuk-tuk
Tap water
Do not drink
Clothing
Cover shoulders and knees at temples
Mood · AyutthayaAyutthaya is not a day trip. It is a place that calls for one night.
Sleep
Pick your neighbourhood, not the stars
By travel style: book through our partners.
Stay near the Historical Park
Within cycling distance of the temples: ideal for an early morning start
River hotels Ayutthaya
Views over the Chao Phraya: the best location for the evening
Ayutthaya on a budget
Guesthouses and budget hotels on the island for the independent traveller
Before you go
Sorted before you set off
Worth booking ahead.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Is Ayutthaya a day trip or is it better to stay overnight?
Both are good. If you are on a day trip from Bangkok, an early train (6:30) easily gives you six hours in the park, which is enough for the main temples. If you want to photograph at sunrise and sunset or prefer a slower pace, stay overnight. This also allows you to catch the evening light at the temples and add Lopburi as a day trip.
What is the best way to get from Bangkok to Ayutthaya?
By train is the most pleasant and cheapest option: depart from Hua Lamphong or Bang Sue station (2 hours, 15-35 THB third class). It is also possible by bus (Mor Chit bus station, 1.5 hours). By car or taxi is faster but more expensive and less adventurous. From Ayutthaya station, take a tuk-tuk to the historical park.
Which temples should I not miss?
Priority 1: Wat Mahathat (the head in the roots), Wat Phra Si Sanphet (the three chedis) and Wat Ratchaburana (the best interior wall paintings, 50 THB extra). Priority 2: Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon outside the park (less crowded, very beautiful). If you only have two hours: Mahathat and Phra Si Sanphet.
How warm is it: is Ayutthaya visitable all year round?
Yes, all year round: the historical park is open in all seasons. November to February is the coolest (22-32°C) and most pleasant. March to May is the scorching season (34-40°C); bring a hat, water and start early. The rainy season (June, October) is cloudier and paths can sometimes be muddy, but the temples are less crowded and the greenery is at its most beautiful.
Is Ayutthaya suitable for children?
Yes, provided you plan well. Children love the ruins and the elephant sanctuary. Keep in mind there is a lot of sun and little shade in the historical park; bring a child's hat, SPF 50 and depart early. The cycling tour through the park is fun for children over 8 years old.
Wayloha editorial team · Editorial
Updated in June 2026
UNESCO World Heritage List · TAT Ayutthaya · Fine Arts Department Thailand · Chao Sam Phraya National Museum · Elephant Home Sanctuary · Ayutthaya Historical Study Centre · Amazing Thailand travel guide
Ayutthaya awaits
The city that was once larger than London now consists of ruins that are quieter than any museum. Arrive early. Hop on a bicycle. The temples are yours.
Plan your Ayutthaya visitMore in Thailand
More cities in Thailand
Bangkok
Bangkok travel guide: the best temples, street food spots, markets and day trips. Checked by the Wayloha editorial team. Includes seasonal tips and budget advice.
Read the guide →
Kanchanaburi
Kanchanaburi travel guide: the bridge over the Kwai, war cemetery, Erawan Waterfalls and floating bungalows. Checked by Wayloha editorial.
Read the guide →
Sukhothai
Sukhothai travel guide: the Historical Park, Wat Mahathat, Wat Sri Chum, Si Satchanalai and Loy Krathong. Checked by the Wayloha editorial team.
Read the guide →
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai travel guide: the best temples, elephant sanctuaries, cooking classes and day trips. Checked by the Wayloha editorial team. Including season tips and burning season warnings.
Read the guide →
Pai
Pai travel guide: Route 1095, Yun Lai Viewpoint, Tha Pai Hot Springs, Pai Canyon and Walking Street. Checked by the Wayloha editorial team.
Read the guide →
Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai travel guide: Wat Rong Khun (White Temple), Blue Temple, Golden Triangle and hill tribe treks. Tips on when to go, how to get around and where to stay.
Read the guide →Part of Thailand
New to Thailand?
Read our complete Thailand travel guide: regions, best time to go and practical tips before you plan your trip.