Visit Ayutthaya
Former capital of the Kingdom of Siam for more than four centuries, Ayutthaya now reveals a vast historical park listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Ruined temples, towering stupas and Buddha statues tell the story of this city's past splendour, founded in 1350.
Why visit Ayutthaya?
Ayutthaya served as the capital of the Kingdom of Siam for more than four centuries, before being destroyed by the Burmese army in 1767. Its historical park, listed by UNESCO since 1991, preserves the remains of temples and palaces that reflect the splendour of this former royal city.
Ayutthaya highlights
Six iconic sites for exploring the remains of the former Siamese capital.
Wat Mahathat
A temple famous for its Buddha head entwined in tree roots, one of the most photographed images anywhere in Thailand.
Wat Phra Si Sanphet
The grandest of Ayutthaya's temples, recognisable by its three great aligned chedis, built in the fifteenth century to enshrine royal ashes.
Wat Chaiwatthanaram
A riverside temple along the Chao Phraya, featuring a central Khmer-style prang surrounded by smaller chedis, especially striking at sunset.
Bang Pa-In Palace
A royal summer palace blending Thai, Chinese and European architecture, set within manicured gardens a few kilometres south of Ayutthaya.
Chao Sam Phraya Museum
A national museum displaying bronze Buddha images, bas-reliefs and archaeological treasures unearthed from excavations carried out across the former royal capital.
Cycling Through the Ruins
A favoured way to explore the historical park, cycling lets visitors link the temples scattered across the island at their own pace.
What to discover in Ayutthaya?
Founded in 1350 by King Ramathibodi I on an island formed at the confluence of three different rivers, Ayutthaya eventually became the capital of the Kingdom of Siam for more than four centuries, reaching a population of nearly a million at its peak and welcoming merchants, ambassadors and missionaries from both Europe and Asia. Destroyed by the Burmese army in 1767 after a siege lasting more than a year, the city was finally abandoned in favour of Bangkok, leaving behind an exceptional collection of ruins.
Ayutthaya's historical park, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1991, now brings together iconic temples and stupas, such as Wat Mahathat with its famous Buddha head entwined in tree roots, or Wat Phra Si Sanphet with its three great aligned chedis. Nearby, the Bang Pa-In summer palace and its gardens blending Thai, Chinese and European styles round out a pleasant guided day trip from Bangkok.
Practical information
Province
Ayutthaya (Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya)
Founded in
1350
UNESCO
Listed since 1991
Language
Thai
Currency
Thai baht (THB)
Time zone
UTC+7
Climate
Tropical, warm year-round, dry season from November to February
Best time to visit
November to February
Ayutthaya in pictures
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Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Ayutthaya?
The dry season, from November to February, offers milder temperatures and pleasant conditions for exploring the ruins on foot or by bike, without the intense heat of the summer months.
How do you get to Ayutthaya from Bangkok?
Ayutthaya is located about 80 kilometres north of Bangkok, reachable in one to two hours by train, bus or minivan, which makes it one of the most popular day trips from the capital.
How much time should you set aside for Ayutthaya?
A full day allows time to explore the main temples of the historical park, but staying overnight leaves more room to visit farther-flung sites and the nearby Bang Pa-In summer palace.
Do you need a guide to visit the historical park?
A guide is not required, but it helps explain the historical context of the ruins. Renting a bicycle or tuk-tuk also makes it easy to move freely between the different temples.
Is there a dress code for visiting the temples?
Yes, it is recommended to wear clothing covering the shoulders and knees when visiting temples still in active use, out of respect for the sacred character of these Buddhist sites.
Is Ayutthaya suitable for a family day trip?
Yes, the open-air ruins, easy bicycle rides between temples and the wide green grounds of the historical park make it an accessible outing that families travelling with children tend to enjoy.
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