November to February (cool and dry season)
$20-50 USD
Thai (limited English in tourist areas)
Thai Baht (THB)
Overview
About Ayutthaya
Ayutthaya, formally known as Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, was the capital of the Kingdom of Siam for 417 years and is today one of Thailand's most significant archaeological destinations. Founded in 1350 by King Ramathibodi I, the city once rivalled the great European capitals in size and grandeur — by the early 1700s it had a population exceeding one million, making it one of the largest cities on earth at a time when London counted fewer than 100,000 residents. Situated at the confluence of three rivers — the Chao Phraya, the Pa Sak, and the Lopburi — the city was effectively an island, connected by a network of canals that earned it the nickname 'Venice of the East.'
The Ayutthaya Historical Park, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991, preserves the ruins of the old city across an area of roughly 289 hectares. Its most photographed sight is the Buddha head entwined in the roots of a banyan tree at Wat Mahathat, a haunting image that resulted from centuries of natural growth engulfing a stone head left among the rubble after the Burmese sacked the city in 1767. That destruction was so comprehensive — temples burned, statues decapitated, libraries torched — that the Siamese court abandoned Ayutthaya entirely and established a new capital downriver at what became Bangkok.
Beyond Wat Mahathat, key temple ruins include Wat Phra Si Sanphet, whose three iconic chedis once held the ashes of Ayutthayan kings; Wat Chai Watthanaram, built in Khmer style to commemorate King Prasat Thong's victory over Cambodia; and Wat Lokayasutharam, home to a striking 42-metre reclining Buddha. The city's cosmopolitan history is visible in the Japanese Village (Mu Ban Yipun), where 17th-century samurai traders and mercenaries settled and served as royal bodyguards, and the Portuguese Settlement, one of the earliest European trading posts in Southeast Asia, established around 1511.
Bang Pa-In Royal Palace, located a short drive south of the old city, showcases a remarkable blend of Thai, Chinese, Gothic, and Victorian architecture built as a summer retreat for the Thai monarchy. Ayutthaya is easily reached from Bangkok — roughly 80 kilometres north — by train, minivan, or boat, making it one of Thailand's most popular day-trip destinations. However, staying overnight allows visitors to experience the temples illuminated after dark and to cycle the quiet island roads at dawn before the tour buses arrive.
Accommodation
Where to Stay in Ayutthaya
Experiences
Things to Do in Ayutthaya
Wat Mahathat and the Buddha Head in Tree Roots
Explore the atmospheric ruins of one of Ayutthaya's most important temples, founded in 1374. The site's iconic feature is a sandstone Buddha head entwined in the roots of a banyan tree — a haunting remnant of the 1767 Burmese destruction that has become Thailand's most photographed archaeological image.
Wat Phra Si Sanphet
The holiest temple of the Ayutthayan royal court, recognisable by its three magnificent bell-shaped chedis that once contained the ashes of three Ayutthayan kings. Located within the grounds of the former Royal Palace, the temple was the equivalent of Bangkok's Wat Phra Kaew.
Wat Chai Watthanaram
A stunning Khmer-style temple built in 1630 by King Prasat Thong to commemorate his victory over Cambodia. The central prang and surrounding smaller towers are particularly photogenic at sunset when illuminated against the sky, situated dramatically on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River.
Wat Lokayasutharam (Giant Reclining Buddha)
Home to Ayutthaya's most impressive single Buddha image — a 42-metre-long reclining Buddha carved from brick and stucco. The open-air statue lies among the remains of an otherwise largely destroyed monastery, with its serene expression visible from a considerable distance.
Wat Ratchaburana
A 15th-century temple with a remarkably intact central prang that visitors can descend into via steep stairs to see original frescoes in the crypt chambers below. The temple was built by King Borommaracha II in 1424 at the cremation site of his two older brothers who killed each other in a duel for the throne.
Wat Yai Chaimongkon
One of Ayutthaya's best-preserved and most active temples, featuring a massive chedi built in 1592 to celebrate King Naresuan's victory over the Burmese in single elephant-back combat. The temple remains a working monastery and is popular with Thai worshippers, with rows of Buddha statues draped in saffron robes.
Bang Pa-In Royal Palace
A remarkable summer palace complex 20 kilometres south of Ayutthaya featuring an eccentric mix of Thai, Chinese, Gothic, and Victorian architecture built across manicured grounds and lakes. The Chinese-style Wehat Chamrun Pavilion and the Italianate Aisawan Thiphya-Art floating pavilion are particular highlights.
Bicycle Tour of Ayutthaya Historical Park
Cycle the flat roads of Ayutthaya's historical island, covering 6-8 major temple ruins at your own pace. Bicycle rentals are available from guesthouses and shops near the train station for as little as 50 THB per day, and the compact layout makes cycling the most enjoyable way to explore.
Practical Info
Ayutthaya Travel Tips
Airport
BKK (Bangkok, 80 km south)
Timezone
UTC+7
Currency
Thai Baht (THB)
Population
55,000 (city proper)
Information
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of year to visit Ayutthaya?
How do I get to Ayutthaya from Bangkok?
Can I visit Ayutthaya as a day trip from Bangkok?
What is the entrance fee for Ayutthaya Historical Park?
What is the best way to get around Ayutthaya?
Why are so many Buddha statues in Ayutthaya headless?
Is Ayutthaya worth visiting if I have already seen Bangkok's temples?
What should I wear when visiting Ayutthaya's temples?
Ready to explore Ayutthaya?
View all hotels, activities, and detailed information on our full Ayutthaya destination page.
Explore Ayutthaya