Ayutthaya Thailand Travel Guide: Attractions, Activities & Travel Tips for 2025

Ayutthaya is strategically positioned in central Thailand's Chao Phraya River valley. It is a special island location where three rivers meet, which are the Chao Phraya, Lopburi, and Pa Sak rivers. Such a natural outpost position made it the ideal early capital of the Kingdom of Siam (the 14th to 18th centuries). Nowadays, it surprises the visitors with beautiful waterways and fertile plains and proximity to both Bangkok (80km south) and northern Thailand attractions. The historical park covers 289 sq km, making temple-hopping easy and enjoyable for a day trip.

Ayutthaya has a tropical savanna climate, which means it is hot and humid all year. However, November to February is the best time to visit Thailand to explore Ayutthaya, when the weather is ideal with less rainfall and comfortable temperatures.

Getting to Ayutthaya is very easy by Train, Bus and even standard taxis.

• By Train: The most convenient and accessible approach to arrive at Ayutthaya is by train, starting at Bang Sue Grand Station in Bangkok and takes 1.5- 2 hours.
• By Bus: You can take an air-conditioned bus in Bangkok at the Mo Chit Bus Terminal every 20 minutes, and it takes a little over 1 hour.
• By Private Car: To travel to Ayutthaya, drive down Highway 1 (Phahonyothin Road), and it should take 1-1.5 hours. 
• Day Tour: Ayutthaya can be a great day tour if you have limited time. Most travellers choose to take organised day tours out of Bangkok, which are inclusive of transportation and guide fees and entry fees, and cost 1,5002,500 THB per passenger.

To get around within the Ayutthaya attractions, you can hire out a bicycle or a tuk-tuk or even a motorbike. The most common way is to rent a cycle and a bike costing between 50-300 THB per day. Further, the local tuk-tuk drivers take a half-day (4-6 hours) tour at 800-1,200 THB, including 8-10 major attractions.

1. Wat Phra Mahathat

Wat Phra Mahathat is one of the most photographed spots in Ayutthaya and is among the 14th-century temples in Thailand. The Grand Central Prang (tower) was 46 meters tall before being destroyed by the Burmese in 1767.

• Entry fee: 50 THB  
• Opening Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM daily

2. Wat Chaiwatthanaram

Built in 1630, this temple showcases classic Khmer architecture with a central prang surrounded by eight smaller towers. Its riverside position has provided it with a beautiful view of the sunset and log reflection photography around evening time, particularly between 5:30-6:30 PM.

• Entry fee: 50 THB  
• Opening Hours: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM daily

3. Wat Phra Si Sanphet

Former holiest temple within Royal Palace grounds, equivalent to Bangkok's Wat Phra Kaew temple complex. It is located on the grounds of the former Royal Palace, and the royal heritage is reflected in three massive chedis (stupas) where the ashes of Ayutthaya monarchs are interred. The Royal Chapel, where were carried on coronation services and great state functions. It is among the finest attractions in Ayutthaya.

• Entry fee: 50 THB  
• Opening Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM daily

4. Ayutthaya Historical Park

This core area represents a high density of ruins in a small area. A single-day pass (220 THB) will give admission to six main temple locations and is a great value for exploring fully. It comprises Wat Phra Mahathat, Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Wat Ratchaburana, Wat Mahathat, Wat Thammikarat, and Wat Phra Ram. Exploring this park is among the best activities to do in Ayutthaya. 

• Entry Fee: 220 THB
• Operating Hours: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM

You don’t need to worry about accommodations in Ayutthaya, as there are ample staying options available. The budget guesthouses (500 to 1,000 THB), such as Ayutthaya Guest House and Baan Thai House, include clean rooms with the rental of bikes and tour services. The mid-priced hotels like Kameo Hotel and Sala are 1,500-3,000 THB and offer excellent views and easy access to all attractions.

Its location beside rivers provides a wide range of freshwater fish dishes and traditional Thai cuisine. The local restaurants of Ayutthaya offer Roti Sai Mai(cotton candy in thin pancakes), boat noodles, grilled river prawns and pad thai. There will also be night markets and riverside cafes suitable for having dinner after visiting the temple.

• The best times to photograph temples in Ayutthaya are early morning (6:30-8:00 AM) and late afternoon (4:30-6:00 PM), when the lighting is greatest.
• At Wat Phra Mahathat, sit lower than the Buddha head and don’t point your feet toward it.
• Cover shoulders and knees in all the temple locations.
• One must take off their shoes before entering any existing ruins of temples.
• Ask for the permission of local worshippers or monks always before photographing them.
• Although cards are acceptable in Ayutthaya, it is recommended to bring cash in case of small purchases and local markets.

Ayutthaya in Thailand provides a more real look into the royl history of Thailand without the masses of large tourist attractions. It is close to Bangkok and ideal to go on a day trip. Ayutthaya is an easy day trip with so much to see, including a UNESCO World Heritage site, history, and beautiful photo spots. For a hassle-free travel experience, plan your next Ayutthaya trip with Pickyourtrail by checking out the best Thailand tour Packages.