It may sound surprising, as I have been coming to Thailand for over 15 years, but I actually just spent my first night alone in Ayutthaya.

Of course, this wasn't my first visit to Thailand's former capital, nor my first overnight stay there. In the past, however, I had always been accompanied by Thai friends, which was pleasant in some ways – they showed me the city from their perspective and made it much easier for me to find my way around – but also had its disadvantages.

Until recently, I didn't know the city well enough to put together my own itinerary for Ayutthaya. Having now explored the city extensively on my own, I can combine my previous experiences with my current knowledge and help you plan an unforgettable trip.

The problem with day trips to Ayutthaya

Let's be honest: Most travelers plan a day trip to Ayutthaya at most – I very rarely meet travelers who want to stay overnight. And to be honest: You can see a lot in Ayutthaya in just one day, especially if you arrive very early and have a driver who can take you everywhere you need to go.

There are several reasons for this. First, in my experience, being driven around between temples (and other sights) isn't the best way to truly experience Ayutthaya. Second, if you don't want to return to Bangkok after 10 p.m., you won't be able to stay in Ayutthaya until sunset—the most beautiful time there. If you are staying overnight, I highly recommend downloading a VPN app for Mac to ensure your privacy and security while browsing the internet after your eventful day in Ayutthaya.

Things to do in Ayutthaya

Rent a bicycle or a tuk-tuk

You can of course take a taxi from Bangkok (and let the driver chauffeur you around Ayutthaya), but I prefer to take the train and rent a bicycle from one of the stalls opposite the station. Alternatively, you could take one of the waiting tuk-tuks, but that's a bit too passive for me and prevents me from really experiencing the city.

Set a sensible course

When I travel from Bangkok to Ayutthaya, I usually start my journey in the east (that is, across the Chao Phraya River at Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon) and then cross the bridge into the city without necessarily visiting any other temples – at least not directly. (Later, I visit not only the central Wat Mahathat or Wat Phra Si Sanphet – although I like both places – but also Wat Phra Ram and Wat Lokaya Sutha, the reclining Buddha of Ayutthaya.)

Enjoy local delicacies

Instead, I cycle along U Thong Road, which offers several advantages. Firstly, there are countless shops selling Ayutthaya's local sweet, Roti Sai Mai – essentially Thai cotton candy. Secondly, I absolutely love eating seafood by the water, whether it's river prawns at the excellent Civilize Ayutthaya restaurant or at another local eatery.

Consider taking a boat trip at sunset.

Unless you're staying overnight in Ayutthaya, your time might be limited. Fortunately, that's not the case, so you can head straight north and admire the main temples bathed in the golden light of dusk. Afterward, you should definitely enjoy the sunset. The good news: Wat Chai Wattanaram, west of the city, just around another bend in the river, is the perfect spot for this. Even better: you can book a boat tour in Ayutthaya and experience the sunset from the water.

Take a trip to Ang Thong, Bang Pa-in or the Purple Temple

Another advantage of staying overnight in Ayutthaya? You can take day trips from there instead of making Ayutthaya itself the destination. My personal favorites are Bang Pa-in Palace south of Ayutthaya and Wat Muang Ang Thong with one of the tallest golden Buddha statues in Thailand. A third option is a visit to Wat Klang Khlong Watthana, the "purple" temple.

Accommodation in Ayutthaya

The selection of accommodations in Ayutthaya reflects the relatively low number of visitors. Most accommodations are guesthouses or private homes, such as in the village of Luang Chumni or in Ban Boonchu. While these accommodations are certainly comfortable – and many are very affordable – they are by no means luxurious.

And that's precisely the problem with hotels in Ayutthaya. With the exception of the Sala Ayutthaya (and perhaps the Baan Veanglhek, although that's highly unlikely), there are no truly luxurious options in Ayutthaya. This isn't a problem for me personally, but it deters many of my private clients, for whom a 4- or 5-star standard is practically essential.

Other frequently asked questions about visiting Ayutthaya

How much time do you need in Ayutthaya?

Ayutthaya is a popular destination for day trips from Bangkok, but in my opinion, it's best to stay overnight. This way, you can not only explore Ayutthaya's sights at your leisure but also enjoy the sunset (and, if you get up early the next morning, the sunrise), which are always fantastic.

Can I visit Ayutthaya in one day?

Ayutthaya can be visited in a day, especially if you arrive early in the morning and can stay until late in the evening. However, I recommend an overnight stay so you can focus less on time constraints and enjoy your visit more.

Is it acceptable to wear shorts in Ayutthaya?

Surprisingly, there seem to be hardly any dress codes in Ayutthaya, with the exception of Bang Pa-in Palace, which is located a few kilometers south of the city. On my last trip, I wore jeans, which proved extremely impractical for cycling. In hindsight, I wish I had worn shorts!

Conclusion

I hope this Ayutthaya itinerary has increased your excitement for your trip. Thailand's ancient capital, though steeped in centuries of history, is easier to explore than you might think – especially if you rent a bicycle and discover the city at your own pace. It's larger (and, to be honest, a bit rougher) than Sukhothai, but this makes it feel more authentic, particularly if you explore the city's hidden corners and alleyways away from the main attractions. Need help planning your Thailand trip, whether you're staying overnight or not? Then create your personalized itinerary today!