The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Ayutthaya, Thailand in 2025
Your complete travel guide to Ayutthaya: explore Thailand's ancient capital
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Table of Contents
Ayutthaya, a city located about 80km north of Bangkok, is a treasure trove of history, culture and breathtaking ruins. Once the thriving capital of the Kingdom of Siam, Ayutthaya today stands as a testament to the rise and fall of ancient civilisations. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a window into Thailand’s past with its magnificent temples, towering Buddha statues and fascinating ruins that dot the landscape. Here, you’re guaranteed a journey back in time. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make the most of your trip to this ancient city.
1. How to Get to Ayutthaya
Ayutthaya is easily accessible from Bangkok by road or rail.
By Train: The train from Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong Station is one of the most scenic ways to reach Ayutthaya. The journey takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, and you’ll get to see the beautiful countryside drift past you. You can get your tickets on the day, but if you want to check times and schedules, try 12go.asia, who you can aso book tickes through.
By Bus: Buses to Ayutthaya leave regularly from Bangkok’s Mo Chit Station. The trip usually takes around 1.5 hours depending on traffic. Once at Mo Chit Terminal, head to the ticket counters inside the terminal. There are displays and signs in both Thai and English directing passengers to the ticket counters for buses to Ayutthaya. At the time of writing, buses to Ayutthaya leave approximately every 20-30 minutes, operating from early morning until late evening. It costs approximately 70 THB (around $2.00USD).
By Car: It’s a straightforward journey from Bangkok to Ayutthaya by car, with the journey taking approximately 1 – 1.5 hours. There are several parking areas in and around Ayutthaya, especially near major tourist sites. You can also hire a private driver for the day, who can wait for you while you explore and bring you back to Bangkok when you are ready.
2. Best Time to Visit Ayutthaya
The best time to visit Ayutthaya is between November and February when the weather is cooler and drier. March to May can be extremely hot, often reaching up to 40C, making sightseeing a pretty sweaty endeavour! The rainy season from June to October can bring sudden showers, but the landscape is lush and the tourist crowds are thinner.
3. Navigating Ayutthaya
Ayutthaya is situated on an island at the confluence of three rivers: the Chao Phraya, the Lopburi and the Pa Sak. Central Island is the heart of the historical park and where many of the most famous temple ruins, such as Wat Phra Si Sanphet and Wat Mahathat, are located. The area is relatively compact, and while it is possible to walk around the historic park, bikes or tuk-tuks are the most popular ways of getting around. If you want to see further afield than the historic park, a bike or tuk-tuk is needed.
Bike Hire in Ayutthaya
Renting a bike is one of the most popular ways to get around Ayutthaya. Many guesthouses and rental shops offer bicycles for about 50 THB per day. Ayutthaya is relatively flat and cycling allows you to see the park at your own pace.
Tuk Tuk Hire in Ayutthaya
For those who prefer not to bike, tuk-tuks are available for hire. You can hire one for a full day tour of the sites, which can be cost effective and convenient. The driver stays with you throughout the day, waiting as you explore each site. Be sure to negotiate the price beforehand. You’ll find tuk-tuks for hire at the train station, at the major temples and near markets.
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4. Things to Do & See in Ayutthaya
Wat Phra Si Sanphet
Wat Phra Si Sanphet was the grandest and most revered temple in the ancient city of Ayutthaya, situated within the royal palace grounds and serving as the private chapel for the royal family. Distinguished by its three magnificent chedis, which house the ashes of Ayutthayan kings, this temple symbolises the glory of the Ayutthaya Kingdom. Built in the 15th century, Wat Phra Si Sanphet was a model for Bangkok’s Wat Phra Kaew. Although the Burmese destroyed much of the temple in the 18th century, its remaining structures continue to awe. Its distinctive row of chedis is one of the most iconic images of the city.
Wat Mahathat
Wat Mahathat in Ayutthaya is one of Thailand’s most iconic historical sites, famous for the haunting image of a Buddha’s head entwined within the roots of a banyan tree. Established in the 14th century, it served as a major religious centre and housed relics of the Buddha. The temple’s central prang was once a majestic structure, though it now lies in ruins after the city’s destruction in 1767. Its ruins are an evocative, beautiful sight.
Wat Ratchaburana
Wat Ratchaburana stands out in Ayutthaya for its well-preserved prang, an example of early Ayutthayan architecture. It was founded in 1424 by King Borommarachathirat II on the cremation site of his two elder brothers. You can explore the crypt beneath the prang, which houses beautiful mural paintings and carvings that depict scenes from the Jataka tales -stories about the previous lives of the Buddha.
Wat Chaiwatthanaram
Wat Chaiwatthanaram is one of Ayutthaya’s most majestic structures, and one of the most visited. Located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, it was constructed in 1630 by King Prasat Thong as a memorial to his mother. This temple’s layout symbolises Buddhist cosmology, with the central prang representing Mount Meru, surrounded by four smaller prangs signifying the four continents. It’s a breathtaking sight at sunset, when the entire temple turns golden and is reflected in the water below.
Bang Pa-In Royal Palace
Bang Pa-In Royal Palace, also known as the Summer Palace, is a stately complex located south of Ayutthaya. Originally constructed in the 17th century and beautifully restored in the 19th century under King Chulalongkorn, the palace showcases Thai, Chinese and Gothic architectural styles. Set against a backdrop of lush, manicured gardens and quiet waterways, it’s a striking contrast to the grand, romantic ruins of Ayutthaya. The atmosphere is relaxed and peaceful, with much fewer crowds than Ayutthaya Historical Park.
5. Eating Out
You are spoilt for choice when it comes to eating out in Ayutthaya, with quaint, family run eateries lining the river, colourful street food stalls and wood-clad restaurants with hidden gardens. It’s a place where food is unpretentious, made with fresh, local ingredients. Don’t miss out on trying the city’s signature dish, Roti Sai Mai, often dubbed as Thai cotton candy. It’s made of thread-like strands of sugary goodness wrapped in a thin pancake. Down near the river, you’ll find Klong Srabua Boat Noodle, a traditional wood-fronted restaurant serving up delicious boat noodles. Originating from vendors who would sell them from boats along the canals of Thailand, hence the name, boat noodles are known for their intense, aromatic broth. The broth is typically dark and rich, flavoured with spices like cinnamon and star anise. Toppings include crispy pork skin, bean sprouts, morning glory (water spinach) and fresh herbs.
6. Tips for Visiting
Dress Appropriately
Any visit to Ayutthaya will most likely involve visiting temples, so please make sure to dress respectfully, covering shoulders and knees (both men and women) and removing shoes when entering temple buildings. Carrying a sarong or shawl with you saves you having to rent or buy them at each temple.
Stay Hydrated
The heat in Ayutthaya can be intense, especially around midday. The historic park is spread out and can be exposed when you’re travelling between sites. We’d recommend carrying a bottle of water with you.
Rent a Bike
In our opinion, biking is one of the best ways to explore Ayutthaya. It’s cost-effective and gives you the flexibility to stop wherever you want.
Things to Do
things to do
