The historic city of Ayutthaya is one of Thailand‘s top tourist destinations. The ruins of the former capital of the kingdom with the same name are now part of the Ayutthaya Historical Park, which was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991.
With a rich and fascinating history, Ayutthaya was once an important center for diplomacy and global trade. Today, it stands as an archaeological site, characterized by the remains of large prangs and monumental Buddhist monasteries that hint at the city’s vast size and the splendor of its architecture.
Founded in 1350, Ayutthaya was the second capital of the Kingdom of Siam. It thrived between the 14th and 18th centuries, becoming one of the largest and most cosmopolitan urban centers in the world, as well as a hub for diplomacy and international trade.
Ayutthaya was strategically located on an island surrounded by three rivers that connected the city to the sea. This location was chosen to protect the city from naval attacks and seasonal flooding, as it sat above the Gulf of Siam as it existed at the time.
The city was meticulously planned with a systematic urban grid, featuring roads, canals, and moats surrounding the major structures. Ayutthaya’s advanced water management system, which fully utilized the city’s river-bound position, was unique in the world and technologically groundbreaking for its time.
Despite constant conflicts with neighboring Burma, Ayutthaya remained a bustling center for regional trade, and its thriving metropolis was a blend of art, culture, and commerce.
Pai se encuentra al norte de Tailandia, muy cerca de Chiang Mai, en una zona montañosa, por lo que te contamos cuando es la mejor época para ir:
Travel Tip: Check out our article on the best time to visit Thailand for month-by-month climate information.
It’s essential to travel to Thailand with comprehensive insurance. We were among the first to offer the popular 5% IATI discount, and you can now get it with Heymondo Travel Insurance as well. You can find more information about both companies through the links provided above, or you can access the discount directly using the buttons below (in both cases, you’ll see the reduced final price on their website):
While many hotels, guesthouses, and restaurants in Thailand offer free Wi-Fi, some travelers prefer or need a constant connection. We’ve included details on obtaining a eSIM Thailand card with unlimited data (from Holafly) or with fixed data but cheaper (from Saily).
If you want to get it directly, here’s the link (with a discount) for both companies:
Most visitors travel to Ayutthaya by minivan from Bangkok, as it is the fastest option. However, buses and trains are also available, giving you different choices depending on your preference.
Wat Mahathat is perhaps the most famous temple in Ayutthaya, largely due to the iconic image of the Buddha’s head entwined in tree roots. Although the temple has become a favorite for tourists visiting Thailand, we wouldn’t say it’s the most beautiful temple in the area.
Nevertheless, it’s the most well-known, and its significance makes it worth a visit.
Wat Chaiwatthanaram is recognized by cultural historians as one of the most iconic examples of Buddhism’s influence on Thai society. It was the first temple built during the reign of King Prasat Thong, around 1630, in honor of his mother.
The temple features a 35-meter-high central pagoda in Khmer style, with four smaller pagodas on a rectangular platform. The temple’s name translates to “The Temple of the Long and Glorious Reign.”
Wat Phra Si Sanphet, likely built during the reign of King Trailok (in the middle Ayutthaya period), is marked by three distinctive chedis (stupas), which have become one of the emblems of Ayutthaya’s historical park.
The complex was located within the Royal Palace gardens and was used for royal ceremonies rather than housing monks.
The three chedis are believed to contain the ashes of three kings: King Trailok, King Borom Ratchathirat III, and King Rama Thibodi II, as well as Buddha relics.
Located southeast of Ayutthaya, Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon is a Buddhist temple with a history linked to the Khmer Ayodhya style, suggesting it was an important site before the rise of the Ayutthaya kingdom.
The temple is most famous for its 7-meter-long reclining Buddha, built during the reign of King Naresuan. It remains an active temple today, complete with a monastery and stupa.
The enormous reclining Buddha at Wat Lokayasutharam, known as Phra Bhuddhasaiyart, is one of the largest in Thailand, measuring 37 meters long and 7 meters high. Built from brick and cement, the Buddha is draped in a saffron-colored robe that stands out against its white surface. Its style suggests it was constructed in the early Ayutthaya period.
Buddha is draped in a saffron-colored robe that stands out against its white surface. Its style suggests it was constructed in the early Ayutthaya period.
Wat Phanan Choeng is another must-visit temple in Ayutthaya. It houses one of Thailand’s most revered Buddha images, the 19-meter-tall Phra Phanan Choeng. Built in 1324 and restored many times throughout its history, the temple is also notable for its walls, which are adorned with 84,000 Buddha images.
Wat Phu Khao Thong, or the “Golden Mountain Monastery,” was one of our favorite temples in Ayutthaya. It was the last temple we visited during our tuk-tuk tour. Located 2 km from the old city in the Phukhao Thong district, it stands 80 meters high, making it one of the tallest temples in Ayutthaya.
Since Ayutthaya is located near Thailand’s capital, many day trips are available from Bangkok. Here are a few options for you to consider:
Here are some accommodation options by price range (from budget-friendly to more expensive), so you can choose the one that best suits your budget:
To explore the city, renting a bicycle is a great option, giving you the freedom to roam around the old town. For visiting more distant temples, tuk-tuks are a convenient choice.
The tuk-tuks in Ayutthaya are unique—you won’t find their style anywhere else in Thailand. They have a distinctive fairing that resembles Darth Vader’s helmet, and they’re often painted in creative, original designs.
Click on the image and it will take you to a new Google Maps window with all the points of interest to travel around Ayutthaya.
