Wat Mahathat & Buddha Head
Historical Park 1.5 hrs
Witness the iconic Buddha head entwined in tree roots, a symbol of Ayutthaya's mystique.
Where to stay
Hotels in Ayutthaya
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At a glance
Climate
Tropical
Languages
Thai and English
Local currency
THB
(THB)
Local time
(GMT+7)
Ideal trip length
1–2 days
Cost level
2 of 5 · our research
Suggested area to stay
Historical Park Area
Tap water
Bottled water recommended
Tipping
Not expected, but appreciated for good service.
What this place is for
History
95 · Outstanding
Culture
90 · Outstanding
Food
90 · Outstanding
Family
70 · Good
Our own 0–100 ratings for this one destination. They describe a city; they are not a league table of cities.
Food to try
Boat Noodles (Kuay Teow Reua)
Roti Sai Mai (Ayutthaya Crepe)
River Prawns
Tom Yum Goong
When to visit Ayutthaya
How good each month is here, on this destination's own scale. It compares months within this city, never one city against another.
Best months: January, December
Busiest: Nov-Feb
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Jan90
Cool, dry, sunny
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Feb85
Warm, dry, sunny
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Mar70
Hot, dry, sunny
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Apr60
Very hot, humid
-
May65
Hot, start of rain
-
Jun70
Warm, rainy
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Jul70
Warm, rainy
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Aug70
Warm, rainy
-
Sept65
Warm, heavy rain
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Oct75
Warm, less rain
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Nov85
Pleasant, dry
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Dec90
Cool, dry, sunny
Things to do in Ayutthaya
7 places worth your time, grouped by when they are at their best.
Showing 7 of 7 places ·
Best in the morning
4 places
Ayutthaya Historical Park
Central Ayutthaya 4 hrs
Wander through the sprawling ruins of the ancient capital, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Bicycle Exploration
Historical Park 3 hrs
Rent a bicycle to leisurely explore the temple ruins and surrounding areas.
Bang Pa-In Royal Palace
Bang Pa-In 2.5 hrs
Visit the beautiful summer palace with a blend of Thai, Chinese, and European architectural styles.
Best in the afternoon
2 places
Wat Chaiwatthanaram
West Bank 1.5 hrs
Explore the majestic Khmer-style temple, especially stunning at sunset.
Boat Trip around Ayutthaya Island
Riverfront 2 hrs
Enjoy a scenic longtail boat ride, viewing temples and local life from the river.
Any time of day
1 place
Ayutthaya Floating Market
East Ayutthaya 2 hrs
Experience a vibrant market atmosphere with local food, crafts, and traditional performances.
Ayutthaya itineraries
For couples
2 Days in Ayutthaya — Romance
Discover ancient wonders and serene riverside charm with your beloved in Thailand's historic heart.
Embark on a romantic journey through Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of Siam, where majestic ruins and tranquil rivers set a breathtaking backdrop for couples. This itinerary blends cultural immersion with intimate experiences, from exploring iconic temples hand-in-hand to enjoying sunset river cruises and exquisite riverside dining. Perfect for pairs seeking a blend of history, beauty, and shared moments.
2 Days
10 Stops
See the full plan
Culture and history
3 Days in Ayutthaya — Culture & History
Uncover the ancient grandeur and spiritual heart of Thailand's former capital.
This 3-day itinerary is a deep dive into the historical and cultural treasures of Ayutthaya, perfect for history buffs and those seeking a profound connection with Thailand's past. Explore magnificent temple ruins, ancient Buddha statues, and learn about the city's significant role as a powerful Siamese kingdom.
3 Days
13 Stops
See the full plan
First-timer highlights
3 Days in Ayutthaya — First-Timer Highlights
Uncover the ancient wonders and vibrant culture of Thailand's former capital.
This 3-day itinerary is perfect for first-time visitors eager to explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ayutthaya. Delve into magnificent temple ruins, experience local markets, and discover the rich history of a once-glorious kingdom, offering a blend of ancient marvels and authentic Thai experiences.
3 Days
15 Stops
See the full plan
Food and drink
2 Days in Ayutthaya — Food & Wine
A culinary and cultural journey through Thailand's ancient capital.
This 2-day itinerary invites food lovers and culture enthusiasts to explore the historical wonders and vibrant culinary scene of Ayutthaya. From bustling floating markets to hands-on cooking classes and elegant riverside dining, you'll savor the authentic flavors of Thailand while discovering the grandeur of its ancient capital.
2 Days
8 Stops
See the full plan
With the family
3 Days in Ayutthaya — Family with Kids
Uncover ancient wonders and create lasting family memories in Thailand's historic heart.
This 3-day itinerary is crafted for families with children, blending Ayutthaya's magnificent historical sites with engaging activities like elephant interactions and boat trips. Explore ancient temples, learn about Thai history, and enjoy local treats, all at a comfortable pace designed for all ages. It’s a perfect blend of education, adventure, and cultural immersion for your family.
3 Days
12 Stops
See the full plan
Practical ratings
Our own ratings and key insights for this destination.
Near Ayutthaya
Straight-line distance from the centre of Ayutthaya.
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Getaways from Ayutthaya
Places people from Ayutthaya travel to, from our own travel research.
Bangkok
Thailand
Pattaya
Thailand
Chiang Mai
Thailand
Phuket
Thailand
Krabi
Thailand
Koh Samui
Thailand
Hua Hin
Thailand
Vientiane
Laos
Luang Prabang
Laos
Siem Reap
Cambodia