Craving ancient ruins and a glimpse into Thailand’s fascinating past? Ayutthaya Historical Park is like a living museum where you can immerse yourself in the majestic remnants of a once-powerful kingdom. This guide reveals the must-see temples of Ayutthaya, how to get from Bangkok to Ayutthaya, the best ways to explore Ayutthaya’s historical sites and the best places to eat.
A Quick Look at Ayutthaya
Country: Thailand
Population: 50.830
Language: Thai
Currency: Baht
Best Month to Visit: December
Must See: Wat Mahathat
Must Eat: Boat Noodles
How to get to Ayutthaya
Trian: The best and easiest way to get to Ayutthaya is by train. You can catch a train from Bangkok’s Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station (1h15m) or from Don Mueng train station (1h5m). You can book online and check the schedule from the 12go website or you can buy the tickets from the station. The trains are old and rickety but it is a great experience.
Bus/Mini Van: Bus and Mini Van services are available departing from the Mochit bus terminal (2h) and bookable online at the 12go website or you can purchase from the ticket hall at the station. Mini vans are a cheap and comfortable way to get around especially when travelling with a large group.
Getting Around Ayutthaya
Most of the attractions are within Ayutthaya city which is makes getting around quite easy. You have a number of options to get around and the choice will come down to how you would like to experience this beautiful city.
Tuk Tuk: You can hire a tuk tuk driver to drive you to a bunch of places and they will wait for you while you explore the sites. This is a classic and cheap way to get around Thailand and feel the breeze in your face and see all the action up close.
Hire a bike: Hiring a bicycle is the cheapest way of getting around Ayutthaya and gives you the freedom to explore at your own ace. The city has loads of bicycle lanes making it safe to hire a bike and hit the road.
Hire a scooter: Like a bicycle a scooter gives you the freedom to go wherever you want at your own pace. It is a little more expensive but the upside it’s faster and you don’t have to pedal!
Guided tour: You can take a guided tour around Ayutthaya where the guide will take you to all the most popular sites. You can even take them from Bangkok as a daytrip! This is perfect for people who are short on time but still want to visit Ayutthaya.
When is the best time to visit Ayutthaya?
Like most of Thailand you definitely want to visit during dry season between December and March for the best weather for exploring. But keep in mind it is also hot and dry during this period as well. The best month to visit is December where you will get the mildest weather. If you want to avoid the high tourist season and still get nice weather come in the shoulder season.
Where to stay?
Anywhere within the Ayutthaya island. There is accommodation options for all tastes and budgets. Depending on what you are after from quiet and relaxing places beside the river or being amongst the action near the city centre. We stayed at Baan Kong Homestay that is right across the road from the historical park, so you could walk to a lot of the main ruins as well as restaurants and the night market. The place had cute little traditional wooden houses that you stay in. The rooms were simple and clean, they also had bikes for hire for only 50 THB per day!
Things to do in Ayutthaya
Boat tour
One of the best ways to see Ayutthaya is from the water! There are a number of boat tours to choose from the main ones are: temple tour where the boat will take you to some iconic temples beside the river. And the sunset cruise that takes you on a full circuit around Ayutthaya stopping at Wat Chaiwatthanaram to watch the sun dip behind the temple. We did the sunset cruise and it was a really awesome experience we got to see local life along the rivers and pass many temples along the way. If you are lucky you can also see elephants that come down to the water for a drink and watching the sunset at Wat Chaiwatthanaram is a truly magical experience. You can find tour operators around town or many hotels will book for you as well.
Wat Yai Chaimongkhon
Located just outside the old city this beautiful temple and royal monetary is over 400 years old and was constructed to commemorate King Naresuan’s victory over the Burmese. The main Chedi is the largest in Ayutthaya and you can climb it for commanding views of the area and explore the beautiful temple grounds.
Opening hours: 08.00-18.00
Entrance fee: FREE
Wat Chaiwatthanaram
Wat Chaiwatthanaram, is one of the most striking and iconic temples in Ayutthaya. Built in 1630 by King Prasat Thongin in a stunning Khmer-style architecture, this royal temple sits on the banks of the Chao Phraya River showcases a large central prang surrounded by smaller ones, symbolizing Mount Meru. Come here for sunset for an unforgettable experience,
Opening hours: 08.00-18.30
Entrance fee: 50 THB
Wat Mahathat
Probably the most famous and Iconic temple in Ayutthaya, Wat Mahathat is an ancient royal temple that is most famous for the mysterious buddhas head that is entangled in the roots of a tree. This site is incredibly beautiful and also very busy as the buddhas head is considered sacred to Thai people. Get here early when it opens at 8am to have the place to yourself and wander through the ruins, marvel at the iconic Buddha head entwined in a banyan tree’s roots, and explore the remnants of ancient pagodas and sculptures.
Opening hours: 08.00-18.30
Entrance fee: 50 THB
Wat Phra Si Sanphet
Wat Phra Si Sanphet, was the former royal temple of Ayutthaya and most important temple in the city, it served as the private chapel for the royal family and a venue for significant state ceremonies. The central trio of chedis, which were built in the lanka style inspired by Sri Lankan architecture.
Opening hours: 08.00-18.30
Entrance fee: 50 THB
Chao Sam Phraya National Museum
Discover the wonders of Ayutthaya’s golden age at the Chao Sam Phraya National Museum. This cultural gem houses an impressive collection of artifacts, including royal gold treasures unearthed from ancient temples like Wat Ratchaburana and Wat Mahathat. Explore exquisite Buddha statues, intricate jewellery, and historical relics that showcase the rich heritage and artistry of the Ayutthaya Kingdom.
Opening hours: 09.00-16.00 **Closed on Monday**
Entrance fee: 150 THB
Go to a Market
One of the best thing about Thailand is getting lost in the local markets weather you are eating some street food or hunting a bargain. There are a few markets dotted around Ayutthaya some better that the other some of these include:
Ayutthaya Floating Market: Located a little out of town this spot is usually included in group tours of Ayutthaya. This place is a tourist trap and is definitely not a floating market! avoid coming here the other markets are a million times better.
Ong Gaan Tolasap Night Market: Located in the heart of Ayutthaya along Bang Lan road this market is open daily and has loads of delicious street food on offer.
Wat Ratchaburana
Wat Ratchaburana, is a magnificent temple in Ayutthaya Historical Park. Built in the 15th century, this temple has the iconic Khmer-style prang and a crypt that once housed gold treasures. Explore the rich history and artistry of the Ayutthaya Kingdom as you wander through the ruins of this once-grand monastery. Don’t miss the chance to climb the prang for panoramic views and after go see the gold the treasures housed in the nearby Chao Sam Phraya National Museum.
Opening hours: 08.00-18.30
Entrance fee: 50 THB
Pa Dinso (Hidden Gem)
A hidden gem located just inside the grounds of the Ayutthaya University. Here you will find an old bridge that once was used to cross one of the old canals that criss crossed the city back in the day. The bridge is very picturesque and is covered in twisted gnarly roots a real photographers dream. There is also a really nice partly ruined temple Wat Boromphuttharam nearby that is also very beautiful. There are also many other bridges like this and ruined temples all over Ayutthaya that are free to enter. If you hire a bicyle you can ride around and discover some hidden gems of your own.
Where/What To Eat & Drink
Ayutthaya doesn’t get mentioned much when it come to places to find delicious Thai food but it has loads of food options and some must try regional dishes that are famous in the area.
Pa Lek Boat Noodle
Boat noodles are a classic Thai noodle soup and they were invented right here in Ayutthaya! And one of the best places to eat boat noodles in Ayutthaya is Pa Lek boat noodles, this is a local legend spot serving cheap delicious bowls of boat noodles where eating one bowl will lead to a giant stack in no time!
River Prawns
Another must try dish in Ayutthaya is river prawns. Theses giant succulent prawns are cut in half and barbequed to perfection and will come with spicy Thai seafood dipping sauce. Again you will find these places all over Ayutthaya but the best ones are found in the riverfront restaurants for the ultimate scenic experience.
Roti Sai Mai
Roti Sai Mai is another must eat dish that is famous in the region. Roti Sai Mai is like a sweet taco! you will receive a bunch of colourful pancake/ crepe like things as well as bags of sweet floss. You put the floss in the pancake, roll it up and eat! it’s very sweet and definitely one for the sweet tooth’s out there. You can find Roti Sai Mai for sale all over Ayutthaya but for the best Roti Sai Mai head out to U Thong Road (marked on the map) there are a couple of family run shops that are popular with Thai people and you can see them make the Roti Sai Mai fresh daily.
Malakor Kitchen and Cafe
Nice little cafe / restaurant in a traditional wooden house right across the road from the historical park. The food and drinks here are excellent and the place has a good vibe. This is a great place to come any time of day for a cold drink or a meal.
Next Stop:
- Ultimate Bangkok Chinatown food tour!
- Chachoengsao: Thailand’s most underrated province!
- Mae Kampong: Relax and unwind in the hills near Chiang Mai
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