Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon
The working monastery southeast of Ayutthaya island, with a chedi you can climb and rows of saffron-draped Buddhas around it. ฿20 for foreign visitors, open 08:00 to 17:00.
This lot is dominated by the big historic-park temples, brick ruins and chedis you can walk between in a day, plus a few working shrines where people still come to pray. Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon takes the top spot, though Prasat Nakhon Luang out toward Phachi is the quiet one I'd make time for.
The working monastery southeast of Ayutthaya island, with a chedi you can climb and rows of saffron-draped Buddhas around it. ฿20 for foreign visitors, open 08:00 to 17:00.
Ancient Ayutthaya temple famed for its iconic Buddha head cradled within the roots of a banyan tree.
A revered 14th-century temple on the Chao Phraya River, home to an enormous gilded sitting Buddha.
Where to stay
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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Majestic 17th-century Khmer-style temple ruins set along the Chao Phraya River in Ayutthaya.
A serene tribute temple in Phachi District, known for dragon sculptures, chicken figurines, and peaceful grounds.
The three royal chedis on the old palace grounds, the view on every Ayutthaya postcard. ฿80 for foreign visitors or part of the ฿300 seven-temple ticket, with free Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit next door.
Klook's best-reviewed Ayutthaya tours, with today's prices. Most cancel free up to 24 hours ahead.
A living Ayutthaya-era temple famed for its green stone Buddha and a rare forgiveness ceremony still practiced today.
A revered Ayutthaya shrine housing a massive gilded bronze Buddha statue, open daily for worship and sightseeing.
Ancient Buddhist temple in Ayutthaya featuring a massive reclining Buddha statue amid historic ruins.
A serene royal temple outside Ayutthaya with Khmer-influenced architecture and a genuine off-the-beaten-path atmosphere.