Ancient capital city with magnificent temple ruins and Buddhist history

The offer data was updated on October 21, 2026.

About Ayutthaya

For 417 years (1350–1767), Ayutthaya was one of the world's largest cities, the cosmopolitan capital of the Siamese kingdom with a population comparable to that of London and Paris. Today, the ruins of this kingdom lie on an island surrounded by three rivers. The brick foundations and headless Buddha statues stand in stark contrast to the modern Thai city that grew up around them. The UNESCO World Heritage Site encompasses the central island and several surrounding areas.

A bike tour through the ruins is the most memorable experience in Ayutthaya. The famous Buddha head of Wat Mahathat, entwined with tree roots, is the most photographed spot, but the sheer scale of Wat Phra Si Sanphet (three enormous chedis that served as a royal temple) and the reclining Buddha of Wat Lokayasutharam offer a better sense of the kingdom's former ambition. The evening boat trip along the illuminated ruins is well worth the 200 baht entrance fee.

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Visitor information

Avoid: August – October (risk of flooding)

Weather in Ayutthaya by month: Rainfall, temperatures and humidity

Peak season: November – February

Trains from Krung Thep Aphiwat station take 50–80 minutes and cost about 20 baht, the air-conditioned Bangkok Connex takes 1 hour 15 minutes for 50 baht, and regular trains from Hua Lamphong station take 1 hour 35–2 hours for 15–20 baht. Minivans run from Mo Chit station in Bangkok (about 1.5 hours). A day trip by car from Bangkok is straightforward.

  • • Bicycle rental (the best way to visit ruins)
  • • Tuk-tuks (negotiate half-day price)

    • Where to stay in Ayutthaya

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    Things to do in Ayutthaya

    Ayutthaya offers 264 carefully selected locations in 8 categories. Choose from 41 hotels and resorts for your stay. Discover 65 restaurants and eateries. Visit 56 temples and cultural sites. Book from 30 activities and tours.

    Browse the categories below or scroll down to see the top deals in each category. Every offer includes Google reviews from verified visitors, pricing information, and, where available, direct booking links.

    Book in advance in Ayutthaya

    The highest-rated tours offered by Klook in Ayutthaya, at today's prices. Most can be cancelled free of charge up to 24 hours in advance.

  • Over 100,000 bookings for the Ayutthaya tour: Summer Palace, Floating Market & Temples (4.8 out of 5 stars, 8,784 reviews, from US$38.65)
  • Over 2,000 bookings for the private day tour to Ayutthaya and Amphawa, 4.7 (136 reviews), from US$38.49
  • Over 200 bookings for the Bangkok-Ayutthaya full-day tour with tuk-tuk and cafe visit (5.0 out of 5 stars, 24 reviews, from US$35.95).

    • The best hotels in Ayutthaya

    My hotel selection in Ayutthaya, in every price category, is based on Google's hotel classification. My top 10 hotels are displayed first, followed by the highest-rated ones. Each button takes you directly to the hotel's page on Booking.com, where you've already entered your travel dates.

  • #1 Mid-Range · 4 Stars · The Cavalli Casa Resort 4.5 (2,971 reviews) · A well-equipped resort near the historical sites of Ayutthaya with rooms featuring balconies, free breakfast, and free Wi-Fi. Check prices
  • Affordable · 2-star Tamarind Guesthouse Ayutthaya 4.8 (358 reviews) Check prices

    • Hotels & Resorts

    Krungsri River Hotel

    The Cavalli Casa Resort

    SALA Ayutthaya Boutique Hotel

    Kantary Hotel Ayutthaya

    Restaurants & Food

    Grand Chaopraya

    Baan Mai Rim Num AYUTTHAYA

    Ruan Thai Kung Pao

    The summer house

    Temples and Culture

    Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon

    Wat Mahathat

    Wat Phanan Choeng Worawihan

    Wat Chaiwatthanaram

    Markets & Shopping

    Ayothaya Floating Market

    Ayutthaya City Park

    Chao Phrom Market

    Big C Supercenter Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya

    Activities & Tours

    Sriyuthaya Lion Park

    Chet Sao Noi National Park

    Sarika Waterfall

    Wang Ta Krai Waterfall

    Nightlife & Bars

    River bar - Ayutthaya

    Groove Ayutthaya: Bar & Restaurant

    steel bar

    Toys from Ayutthaya

    Wellness & Spas

    The Senses Spa

    THANN Wellness Destination

    Chiwaplang Massage Ayutthaya

    Ayutthaya Home Spa & Massage

    Arrival in Ayutthaya and onward travel

    Arrival

  • Bangkok – Ayutthaya: Fastest long-distance train, 3rd class, 50–80 min. Cheapest regional train, approx. 15–20 ฿. Compare all 6 options.

    • Further from Ayutthaya

  • Ayutthaya – Bangkok: Fastest long-distance train (approx. 1 hour), Cheapest regional train (approx. 15–20 ฿). Compare all 5 options.

    • Live departures from Bangkok to Ayutthaya on the 12GoEvery route in Thailand compared

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    Frequently asked questions about Ayutthaya

    Yes, and most visitors do. The train journey from Bangkok takes about 1.5 hours (15–65 baht, depending on the class). The main ruins can be seen by bicycle in 4–5 hours. An overnight stay allows you to take part in the evening boat trip and explore the less crowded temples at your leisure. However, a day trip is also perfectly sufficient.

    Entrance to each temple costs 80 baht for foreigners. A combined ticket for seven major temples costs 300 baht. Bicycle rental costs approximately 60–100 baht per day. A third-class train ticket from Bangkok costs about 20 baht. A budget-friendly day trip, including transportation and lunch, can cost under 500 baht.

    Ayutthaya (1350–1767) was larger, wealthier, and shows Khmer architectural influences. Sukhothai (1238–1438) is considered the first Thai kingdom and is characterized by a more elegant, tranquil style. Ayutthaya is 80 km from Bangkok. Sukhothai is 440 km north, near Phitsanulok. Most visitors take a day trip to Ayutthaya, while Sukhothai requires at least an overnight stay.

    The city lies at the confluence of three rivers and is particularly prone to seasonal flooding from August to October. The devastating floods of 2011 submerged large parts of the historic park. Check current conditions if you plan to visit towards the end of the rainy season. November to February is the safest and most pleasant time to visit.

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