Ayutthaya
Ancient capital with magnificent temple ruins and Buddhist history
Listing data updated
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)
Rainy season
June – October
Avg. temperature
22°C – 38°C(72°F – 100°F)
Crowds
Peak: November – February
Getting there
Train from Bangkok Hua Lamphong (~1.5 hrs, very cheap). Minivan from Bangkok's Mo Chit (~1.5 hrs). 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
Things to Do in Ayutthaya
Ayutthaya offers 266 curated places to explore across 7 categories. Choose from 41 hotels and resorts for your stay. Discover 63 restaurants and dining spots. Visit 56 temples and cultural landmarks. Book from 33 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.
Hotels & Resorts
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Krungsri River Hotel
Airy quarters in a bright hotel featuring an Italian eatery with live music, plus bowling & a spa.
The Cavalli Casa Resort
Relaxed rooms with balconies in a laid-back hotel offering complimentary breakfast & Wi-Fi.
SALA Ayutthaya Boutique Hotel
Luxe quarters in a chic, riverside hotel offering an art gallery, free breakfast & a restaurant/bar.
Kantary Hotel Ayutthaya
A well-regarded hotel in Ayutthaya offering comfortable accommodation close to the ancient city's temples and ruins.
Restaurants & Food
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Baan Mai Rim Num AYUTTHAYA
Traditional seafood dishes are served family-style at this casual, open-air riverside eatery.
Ruan Thai Kung Pao
Riverside Thai seafood restaurant beside Wat Choeng Len, known for fresh giant river prawns and Michelin Guide recognition.
Grand Chaopraya
Michelin-recommended riverside Thai restaurant in Ayutthaya, known for fresh charcoal-grilled river prawns.
The Summer House
Chill riverside café with a garden terrace, whipping up local staples & French pastries.
Temples & Culture
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Wat Yai Chai Mongkol Worawihan
Restored Buddhist temple with stupas, plus a huge reclining Buddha & smaller seated ones in a row.
Wat Mahathat
Buddhist temple with ruins, colorful shrines & a famed Buddha head surrounded by tree roots.
Wat Phanan Choeng Worawihan
Built by the river in 1324, this ornate temple complex features an enormous, gilded sitting Buddha.
Wat Chaiwatthanaram
Striking restored ruins of a 17th-century royal Buddhist temple in a picturesque, riverside setting.
Markets & Shopping
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Ayothaya Floating Market
Visitors can walk or ride a boat around this hub of souvenir shops & eateries lining a waterway.
Ayutthaya City Park
500+ stores at a modern, indoor-outdoor shopping center with a convention hall & futsal arena.
Chao Phrom Market
Traditional market with vendors selling meat & vegetables, plus souvenir & street food stalls.
Big C Supercenter Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya
A large two-floor hypermarket in Bang Pa-in offering groceries, electronics, dining, and banking all under one roof.
Activities & Tours
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Sriayuthaya Lion Park
A well-kept zoo in Ayutthaya where visitors can feed and observe lions, giraffes, tigers, and more.
Chet Sao Noi National Park
A peaceful national park near Saraburi featuring a seven-tiered waterfall, forest trails, and natural swimming spots.
Sarika Waterfall
A nine-tiered natural waterfall in Nakhon Nayok Province with forest pools popular for swimming and day trips from Bangkok.
Wang Ta Krai Waterfall
A peaceful, multi-tiered stream waterfall near Nakhon Nayok, ideal for swimming, picnics, and relaxed nature walks.
Nightlife & Bars
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River Bar - Ayutthaya
Riverside bar and restaurant in Ayutthaya serving Thai food and cocktails with river views, open daily 11:00–23:00.
Groove Ayutthaya : Bar & Restaurant
A lively bar and restaurant in Bang Pa-in offering great food, music, and sports TV every evening from 6pm.
Steel Bar อยุธยา
A casual bar and live music venue in Ayutthaya's Khan Ham area, open nightly with food, drinks, and a lively crowd.
Toys Ayutthaya
A welcoming central Ayutthaya bar with live music, food, and a genuine local crowd.
Wellness & Spas
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The Senses Spa นวดและสปาความงาม อยุธยา
A well-regarded massage and beauty spa in Ayutthaya, open daily 10am–9pm for traditional Thai treatments.
THANN Wellness Destination
Refined quarters, some with private pools, in an upscale all-inclusive hotel offering a spa & a gym.
ชีวปลั่ง นวดเพื่อสุขภาพ
Highly regarded therapeutic massage spa in Ayutthaya, open daily 9am–10pm, perfect post-temple recovery.
Ayutthaya Home Spa & Massage อยุธยา โฮม นวดไทย & สปา
Authentic Thai massage and spa on Bang Ian Road, open daily for walk-ins and bookings.
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 is perfectly viable.
How much does it cost to visit the Ayutthaya ruins?
Individual temple entry fees are ฿50 per site for foreigners (Thai nationals pay ฿10). A one-day pass covering six major temples costs ฿220. Bicycle rental is ฿50/day. The train from Bangkok costs ฿15–65. 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; Sukhothai requires at least an overnight.
Does Ayutthaya flood?
The city sits at the confluence of three rivers and is prone to seasonal flooding, particularly August through October. The devastating 2011 floods submerged much of the historical park. Check conditions if visiting during the late rainy season. November through February is the safest and most comfortable window.