Ayutthaya
Ancient capital with magnificent temple ruins and Buddhist history
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About Ayutthaya
For 417 years (1350–1767), Ayutthaya was one of the largest cities in the world, a cosmopolitan capital of the Siamese kingdom with a population rivaling contemporary London and Paris. Today the ruins of that kingdom sit on an island formed by three rivers, the brick foundations and headless Buddha statues standing in quiet contrast to the modern Thai town that grew up around them. The UNESCO World Heritage Site covers the central island and several surrounding areas.
Cycling the ruins is the defining Ayutthaya experience. Wat Mahathat's famous Buddha head entwined in tree roots is the most photographed spot, but the scale of Wat Phra Si Sanphet (three enormous chedis that served as the royal temple) and the reclining Buddha at Wat Lokayasutharam give a better sense of the kingdom's ambition. The evening boat cruise around the illuminated ruins is worth the ฿200 ticket.
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – February
Avoid: August – October (flooding risk)
Avg. temperature
23°C – 36°C(73°F – 97°F)
Crowds
Peak: November – February
Getting there
Trains from Krung Thep Aphiwat take 50–80 minutes from about ฿20, the air-con Bangkok Connex 1h15 for ฿50, and ordinary trains from Hua Lamphong 1h35–2h for ฿15–20. Minivan from Bangkok's Mo Chit (~1.5 hrs). A day trip by car from Bangkok is easy.
Getting around
- •Bicycle rental (best way to see ruins)
- •Tuk-tuks (negotiate half-day rate)
- •Motorbike rental
- •Boat tours on the river
Where to stay in Ayutthaya
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Things to Do in Ayutthaya
Ayutthaya offers 264 curated places to explore across 8 categories. Choose from 41 hotels and resorts for your stay. Discover 65 restaurants and dining spots. Visit 56 temples and cultural landmarks. Book from 30 activities and tours.
Browse by category below or scroll down to see top-rated picks in each category. Every listing includes Google ratings from verified visitors, price ranges, and direct booking links where available.
Book ahead in Ayutthaya
The best-reviewed tours Klook sells in Ayutthaya, with today's prices. Most cancel free up to 24 hours ahead.
Where to stay
Best Hotels in Ayutthaya
My pick at each price level in Ayutthaya, going by Google's hotel class. Hotels from my ranked list of the 10 best come first, then the best-reviewed. Each button opens the hotel on Booking.com with your dates filled in.
#1Mid-range · 4-star
The Cavalli Casa Resort4.5 (2,971 reviews)
A well-appointed resort near Ayutthaya's historic sites, offering balcony rooms, complimentary breakfast, and free Wi-Fi.
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Hotels & Resorts
Krungsri River Hotel
The Cavalli Casa Resort
SALA Ayutthaya Boutique Hotel
Kantary Hotel Ayutthaya
Restaurants & Food
Grand Chaopraya
Baan Mai Rim Num AYUTTHAYA
Ruan Thai Kung Pao
The Summer House
Temples & Culture
Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon
Wat Mahathat
Wat Phanan Choeng Worawihan
Wat Chaiwatthanaram
Markets & Shopping
Ayothaya Floating Market
Ayutthaya City Park
Chao Phrom Market
Big C Supercenter Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya
Activities & Tours
Sriayuthaya Lion Park
Chet Sao Noi National Park
Sarika Waterfall
Wang Ta Krai Waterfall
Nightlife & Bars
River Bar - Ayutthaya
Groove Ayutthaya : Bar & Restaurant
Steel Bar
Toys Ayutthaya
Wellness & Spas
The Senses Spa
THANN Wellness Destination
Chiwaplang Massage Ayutthaya
Ayutthaya Home Spa & Massage
Getting to Ayutthaya and Onward
Live Bangkok → Ayutthaya departures on 12GoEvery route in Thailand, compared
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Frequently Asked Questions about Ayutthaya
Can you do Ayutthaya as a day trip from Bangkok?
Yes, and most visitors do. The train from Bangkok takes about 1.5 hours (฿15–65 depending on class). You can see the major ruins in 4–5 hours by bicycle. An overnight stay lets you catch the evening boat cruise and explore the less-visited temples at a relaxed pace, but a day trip works perfectly well.
How much does it cost to visit the Ayutthaya ruins?
Individual temple entry fees are ฿80 per major site for foreigners. A combined ticket covering seven major temples costs ฿300. Bicycle rental is about ฿60–100 a day. The train from Bangkok costs about ฿20 in third class. All up, a budget day trip can cost under ฿500 including transport and lunch.
What's the difference between Ayutthaya and Sukhothai?
Ayutthaya (1350–1767) was larger, wealthier, and shows Khmer influence in its architecture. Sukhothai (1238–1438) is considered the first Thai kingdom, with a more refined, serene style. Ayutthaya is 80 km from Bangkok. Sukhothai is 440 km north, near Phitsanulok. Most visitors do Ayutthaya as a day trip, while Sukhothai needs at least an overnight.
Does Ayutthaya flood?
The city sits at the confluence of three rivers and it's prone to seasonal flooding, particularly August through October. The devastating 2011 floods submerged much of the historical park. Check conditions if you're visiting during the late rainy season. November through February is the safest and most comfortable window.
Planning your trip to Ayutthaya?
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