One of the best day trips from Bangkok — or better yet, a place to spend a night away from the chaos of the capital. The former capital of the Siamese Kingdom and, at its peak, arguably one of the largest cities in the world.
Today, Ayutthaya is a peaceful city full of historic temples, palaces and ruins. It lies roughly 80 kilometres north of Bangkok and is easily reachable by train, boat or car — making it an ideal escape from the city.
Our guide covers the best Ayutthaya Thailand attractions, practical tips, and essential information for travellers.
This article is part of a multi-part series, drawn from nearly two years of living and travelling in Thailand.
For general practical tips on travelling in Thailand, see:
For tips on individual cities, destinations and highlights, browse the dedicated guides:
- Phuket
- Chiang Mai & Surroundings
- Chiang Rai & Surroundings
- Pai
- Mae Hong Son
Why Visit Ayutthaya’s Temples
Ayutthaya was founded by a Thai king in 1351 and grew into the political, commercial and cultural heart of Southeast Asia. At its height, it was home to up to a million inhabitants and ranked among the wealthiest and most beautiful cities in the world.
In 1767, however, the Burmese army razed it to the ground. The vast ruins of ancient Ayutthaya have survived, and it is precisely these that give the place its extraordinary character. Today the city proudly holds UNESCO World Heritage status.
Top Ayutthaya Temples and Must-See Attractions
The historic core of the city is essentially one giant archaeological park — the Ayutthaya Historical Park. Ruins of dozens of temples, the remains of palaces and ancient streets form a fascinating mosaic you can spend hours exploring at a leisurely pace.
Admission to most temples is free; only the largest ones charge between 20 and 50 THB per person.
Wat Mahathat
One of the most visited temples and one of the most iconic symbols of Ayutthaya — and indeed of Thailand as a whole.
The star attraction is the stone Buddha head entwined in the roots of a banyan tree.
The temple once served as the city’s main religious centre. Today little remains but the perimeter walls, part of the main pagoda, several stupas and fragments of statues — yet the site still carries a remarkable sense of power.
The best time to visit is early morning or just before sunset.
Wat Ratchaburana
Right next door to Wat Mahathat, and personally my favourite in the entire complex. You can climb the imposing main pagoda for sweeping views across the city.
During excavations, golden artefacts, figurines and precious manuscripts were discovered in its underground chambers. Some of them are now on display at the National Museum in Ayutthaya.
Wat Phra Si Sanphet
The holiest and largest temple in Ayutthaya. It stood within the royal palace grounds and served as the inspiration for the famous Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok.
Its three slender chedis (stupas) rise in perfect symmetry and are among the most photogenic spots in the city.
Wat Lokayasutharam
This temple is dominated by a colossal reclining Buddha statue — 37 metres long and 8 metres high. The figure represents the Buddha at the moment of reaching nirvana. It sits in a quieter corner of the city, making it an ideal spot to rest after a full day of exploration.
Wat Chaiwatthanaram
A stunning temple complex on the western bank of the Chao Phraya River, set slightly apart from the other main temples and palaces. It was built by King Prasat Thong in the 17th century, modelled on the Khmer architecture of Angkor.
Ayutthaya Floating Market
Originally a fairly authentic floating market, these days it’s primarily a tourist attraction. That said, it still offers a pleasant atmosphere and a colourful mix of food and souvenirs. Vendors sell from boats as well as wooden stalls along the canals.
Experiences Not to Miss in Ayutthaya
A Boat Cruise on the River
Ayutthaya sits at the confluence of three rivers — the Chao Phraya, Pa Sak and Lopburi — and the view of the city from the water is something else entirely. On a two-hour cruise you’ll drift past several temples and stop at a selection of them. Evening sunset cruises are especially popular, when the whole city is mirrored on the water and the temples gradually light up.
You can book a cruise on the spot, but if you’re after a more luxurious experience, it’s worth reserving online in advance.
Exploring by Bicycle
Many guesthouses and hotels offer bikes to rent for free or for a small fee. The flat terrain means you can comfortably visit most of the attractions in a single day. Bike racks and water stalls are dotted around the main sites, making cycling the most enjoyable way to discover Ayutthaya.
Cafés and Great Food
Thailand’s café scene is hard to beat in general, and Ayutthaya is surprisingly well stocked with excellent spots. Slow down, try things, and soak up the spirit of the place.
Recommended cafés:
- REACH Coffee slowbar
- Coffeenity Specialty Coffee bar & Roaster
- Coffee Station Ayutthaya
- Jacket Home Cafe
There are also plenty of great restaurants — I had a wonderful meal at Pannana Cafe and Eatery, right on the riverbank.
The Night Market and Evening Atmosphere
Every evening, the Ayutthaya Night Market springs to life along the main street, selling food, clothing and small souvenirs. The smell of grilled prawns, pad thai and sweet pancakes will draw you in from a distance. It’s largely geared towards tourists, but most of them are Thai — and Thais don’t mess around when it comes to good food, so you’re in safe hands.
Where to Stay in Ayutthaya
Most accommodation is clustered around the historical park and the river. You’ll find everything from budget hostels and guesthouses to design hotels with temple views.
Higher-End Hotels
Ideal if you want everything within walking distance.
- Syama Residence and Café – beautiful modern Thai-style accommodation with river views
- Cattani’s Riverside Home – private villas with river views
- Kunst Ayutthaya – a very stylish hotel close to the centre
Mid-Range Options
You can sleep comfortably in Ayutthaya for well under €20 per night. Just watch out for weekends and Thai public holidays when prices spike.
- Ban Boonchu – traditional accommodation in the historic centre
- Self check-in apartment by Baiput Hometel – simple but clean rooms right in the historic heart of the city
- Your Home AYUTTHAYA – a welcoming guesthouse with a good breakfast
Budget Options
Best suited to solo travellers. These are mostly dorm-style and priced per person.
- Room Story Hostel
- Baan Are Gong Riverside Homestay – simple rooms with a shared bathroom at a very good price
- Siri Guesthouse
Practical Information for Travellers
How to Get from Bangkok to Ayutthaya
The quickest way is by car or private transfer, but personally I’d recommend going by local train or by boat. If you’re short on time, a well-organised day trip works perfectly too.
By Train
With the opening of Bangkok’s new main station, getting to Ayutthaya by rail has become a little more complicated. Local trains still depart from the old Hua Lamphong station, while express long-distance trains now leave from the new Krung Thep Aphiwat terminal.
My personal recommendation is to take a local stopping train, in an old third-class carriage with wooden benches. This is where you’ll get a real taste of old-school Asia. The journey takes just under two hours and a ticket costs around 20 THB.
Local trains from Hua Lamphong station depart at the following times (correct as of 2025): 04:15, 05:05, 9:30, 11:15, 11:30, 12:55, 14:10, 16:30, 17:00, 17:30, and 18:20.
You can also board at Don Mueang Airport station — note that this is a stop on the old line, reached by descending the stairs from the airport footbridge.
Of course, you can also take one of the express trains heading north. The fastest journey takes around 50 minutes. Check timetables and tickets at Thailand Trains.
Ayutthaya also makes a convenient stop on the train journey to or from Chiang Mai — all day and overnight trains call here.
By Minivan or Bus
Public buses and minivans run from the Northern Bus Terminal – Mo Chit 2. Just ask around when you arrive — something will be departing almost whenever you show up.
An easier option is a minivan from Victory Monument station. The journey takes around an hour and a half.
By Taxi or Private Transfer
The most comfortable and straightforward option, though you’ll pay more for it. Use either a taxi booked through an app, or better yet a pre-arranged private transfer. Prices start at around 800 THB one way.
One warning: don’t try to get to Ayutthaya by tuk-tuk. Seriously, it’s not a good idea. Take one look at Google Maps to see the motorway you’d be travelling on…
By Boat
The slow boat takes around 5 hours and gives you a completely different perspective on the outskirts of Bangkok. It’s a tourist service, with tickets priced at roughly €55 per person — you can book online.
Getting Around Ayutthaya
- Bicycle: The best way to see the city. Rental costs around 50 THB per day, and many guesthouses lend bikes for free.
- Scooter: Great if you’re planning to visit more distant temples. Rental is around 200–300 THB per day.
- Tuk-tuk: Handy for shorter distances or evening transfers. Always agree on a price before you get in.
Temple Etiquette
When visiting, make sure your shoulders and knees are covered. Always remove your shoes before entering a shrine, and don’t touch Buddha statues. Show respect even when taking photos.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I spend in Ayutthaya?
A day trip from Bangkok is enough for most people. That said, I’d strongly recommend staying at least one night, ideally two. Evenings and early mornings have a completely different atmosphere from the busy midday rush — and you’ll have the sites largely to yourself once the day-trippers head back to the capital.
Can I visit Ayutthaya independently, or is a guided tour better?
Ayutthaya is very easy to explore on your own. Temple entrances are well signposted and most maps are available for free at information centres. If you’d like deeper historical context, local guides can be hired at the temple entrances for around 300–500 THB.
What should I wear to visit the temples?
Shoulders and knees should be covered. In the heat, lightweight cotton clothing works well — or bring a scarf to throw over your shoulders. Shoes must be removed before entering shrines.
Can I get around Ayutthaya on foot?
Yes, but distances between some temples can be greater than they appear on a map. Renting a bike or scooter is the ideal solution, with the occasional tuk-tuk ride thrown in.
Is Ayutthaya safe?
Yes — the city is considered one of the safest in Thailand. In the evenings, stick to the main streets and parks in the centre. Crime rates here are very low.
What are the opening hours for the attractions?
Most temples are open daily from 8:00 to 18:00.
Can I pay by card in Ayutthaya?
At larger restaurants and hotels, yes. At markets and food stalls, cash is king. ATMs are available on almost every corner.
