I was always undecided about Ayutthaya – my Thai friends weren't. “It's terrible,” some of them said without further explanation, while others continued: “It's not like it was after the floods [of 2011].”

Another common criticism? Ayutthaya, due to its convenient location near Bangkok, is overrun with tour groups, especially Chinese ones. Even if you love the ruins of Ayutthaya and other aspects of the local culture, it's impossible to truly enjoy them.

So, is a visit to Ayutthaya worthwhile? That depends. In any case, it's not as simple as my most critical Thai acquaintances claim, and a direct comparison between Ayutthaya and Angkor Wat isn't helpful either.

Ayutthaya: Expectations vs. Reality

If you think Ayutthaya is worth a visit, you probably already have clear expectations of the city – and what you don't. Let's start with an unvarnished truth: Ayutthaya is not like Bagan in Myanmar, Angkor Wat in Cambodia, or Prambanan in Indonesia. The "ancient" structures, many of which have only recently been restored or even completely rebuilt, are situated in the heart of a modern Thai city – with all the challenges that entails.

At the same time, the ruins of Ayutthaya are just as crowded as those that are undeniably more impressive – from a certain perspective, the worst of both worlds. Indeed, Ayutthaya is also relatively sprawling and offers attractions beyond the obvious sights. Paradoxically, perhaps the best way to truly appreciate this popular tourist destination is to spend a few days there.

Ways to visit Ayutthaya

Day trip from Bangkok

The easiest (though not necessarily the most scenic) way to explore Ayutthaya is on a day trip from Bangkok. Whether you focus on the most famous temples like Wat Mahathat and Wat Phra Si Sanphet or venture off the beaten track, you can simply take the train from Bangkok and enjoy the city for a day.

Overnight during Loy Krathong

Even if you wouldn't consider Ayutthaya worthwhile on a typical day, a visit during the Loy Krathong festival in November is an irresistible experience. There are few places more magical to admire the lanterns floating on the water, especially if you choose a hotel right on the river, such as Cattani's Riverside Home. In short, the Loy Krathong experience in Ayutthaya is simply fantastic!

On the way to Sukhothai

Ayutthaya is best understood within the context of other Thai capitals, particularly its predecessor city, Sukhothai. Whether you rent a car to drive from Bangkok to Sukhothai or use public transport, a stopover in Ayutthaya can be enlightening.

(Or elsewhere)

When asked if Ayutthaya is worth a visit, most people think of ancient temples and Thailand's unique history. However, what many don't know is that one of Ayutthaya's main attractions, the Bang Pa-in Palace, is clearly influenced by European styles, both historically and architecturally. There's even a Buddhist temple designed to resemble a Christian church!

In connection with Ang Thong

One of my favorite places in Thailand is Ang Thong, a city that remains unknown to many. The giant Buddha at Wat Muang is an absolute must-see, but difficult to reach from Bangkok. Getting there from Ayutthaya, however, is quite easy.

How much time is needed in Ayutthaya?

As I mentioned before, you might need more time in Ayutthaya than you think. If you want to experience even the slightest hope of a moment of enlightenment or even silence amidst Ayutthaya's most important temples, you should definitely stay overnight to be there early in the morning. Likewise, visiting the old city and the more modern Bang Pa-in Palace (not to mention Ang Thong) is probably not something that can be done in a day trip.

There's also the factor of time – even if you don't like Ayutthaya at first, your perspective can change over time and many years, if you have the opportunity and the desire. After my first visit almost ten years ago, I wasn't sure whether Ayutthaya was worth a visit. But with each visit, I like it a little more – my answer to the question "Is Ayutthaya worth a visit?" is becoming less of a "maybe" and more of a "yes".

Other frequently asked questions about visiting Ayutthaya

What is special about Ayutthaya?

Ayutthaya was the capital of Thailand before Bangkok and is home to numerous historical buildings from that era. Many aspects of modern life in Ayutthaya are also unique and interesting, as traditions originate from a time when Ayutthaya held far greater importance than it does today.

How can I explore Ayutthaya?

The best way to explore Ayutthaya is by car, whether a rental car or a motorbike. Alternatively, it's advisable to hire a taxi or tuk-tuk for each day, as many sights are too far apart to reach on foot. Public transport in Ayutthaya is not very reliable and difficult to use without speaking Thai.

Why should I visit Ayutthaya?

You should visit Ayutthaya if you are interested in the history of modern Thailand, especially if you have already explored the Bangkok districts of Thonburi and Rattanakosin or visited Sukhothai (the former capital). However, if you expect Ayutthaya to be comparable to Bagan, Angkor Wat, or even Sukhothai, you should not visit the city.

Conclusion

Is Ayutthaya worth a visit? On the one hand, the grandeur of the ruins that still rise from Thailand's former capital is undeniable. On the other hand, there is much criticism of the city and even the ruins themselves – and not just the fact that some were inexplicably rebuilt with Greco-Roman columns after a flood. Ultimately, your impression of Ayutthaya – should you decide to go – will depend heavily on the context of your trip. To ensure your next trip to Thailand is a complete success, let me handle the planning.