Capital of Siam from 1351 to 1767, Ayutthaya lines up ruined temples, a Buddha head wrapped in tree roots and UNESCO-listed chedis, 80 km north of Bangkok. Here's how to visit it in 1 day or by staying overnight.
Ayutthaya at a glance
Status
UNESCO 1991
Distance Bangkok
80 km
Ideal stay
1 to 2 days
Budget / day
€20-90
Train ride
~1h30
Founded
1351
Current climate
Best season
In brief
A day trip from Bangkok
Most travelers visit Ayutthaya as a day trip. Count 6 to 8 hours on site to see the major temples without rushing.
A bicycle is the best way to visit
The historical park is flat and compact. A 50 ฿ daily rental is enough to link the main wats.
Leave early to beat the heat
The site has very little shade. Arrive before 9am, break at noon, resume late afternoon.
Proper dress in active temples
Shoulders and knees covered for Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit and temples still in worship. Shoes off.
Sunset at Wat Chaiwatthanaram
By the river, it's the best evening photo spot. Arrive around 5:30pm.
Must-see
The temple of the famous Buddha head wrapped in the roots of a banyan tree.
By the river, the most photogenic temple at sunset.
The three aligned royal chedis, emblem of the ancient city.
Central prang you can climb, with a crypt holding original frescoes.
Open-air 42m reclining Buddha, draped in an orange cloth.
Vast hall housing one of the country's largest bronze Buddhas.
Large chedi surrounded by draped Buddhas and another reclining Buddha.
Royal treasures and objects recovered from the temple crypts.
Isolated white chedi to the northwest, climb it for rice-field views.
Waterside market reconstruction, handy for sampling local street food.
Choose your district
The most common option. Ayutthaya is easily done in a day, sleeping in Bangkok. No hotel to book on site.
★ Recommended
In the heart of the park, walking or cycling distance from the major temples. Simple guesthouses and cafes. From €12/night.
Near temples
Along the Chao Phraya and Pa Sak. Guesthouses with water terraces, quiet at night. From €18/night.
River view
Handy for those arriving by train. Local restos and night markets. From €10/night.
Budget
Getting around
Train from Bangkok
From Hua Lamphong or Krung Thep Aphiwat station. Slow, cheap 3rd class, faster express.
Minivan (rot tu)
Departs from Mo Chit and Victory Monument. Faster than the train, drops near the historical island.
Bicycle on site
The best way to link the temples. Flat, compact park, rentals everywhere downtown.
Tuk-tuk for the day
To chain temples without pedaling in the heat. Negotiate a half-day or full-day rate.
Climate & crowds
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Dec
Cool season
Nov to Feb · 25-32°C, clear skies · Ideal — the best time to cycle among the ruins
Hot season
March to May · 34-40°C, little shade · Tough — shadeless site, visit early morning
Monsoon
June to Oct · Showers, flood risk · Fair — greener temples, bring a rain jacket
How much
Backpacker
€20
per day
Comfort
€55
per day
Premium
€90
per day
Our tested itinerary
Day-by-day program.
Around
20 km away · Royal summer palace
1h away · The monkey town
1h30 away · The capital
FAQ
Marie Laurent ✓
·Southeast Asia specialist
Last updated: June 6, 2026.