Ayutthaya
Southeast Asia · Thailand
Did you know?
- Roti sai mai wraps candy floss inside flatbread.
- At Wat Phra Mahathat, a Buddha head is entwined in tree roots.
- This former second capital of Siam received UNESCO World Heritage status in 1991.
See also
Overview
Ayutthaya preserves the temple and palace ruins of a former Siamese capital. Cycle or walk between the ruins and look for local sweets and small bowls of boat noodles.
Languages: Thai
Why go?
Ayutthaya, 85 km north of Bangkok, was the second capital of Siam and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991. Its vast historical park features magnificent ruins of temples and palaces, including the famous Buddha head entwined in tree roots at Wat Phra Mahathat. A popular day trip from Bangkok, it also offers a chance to experience Thailand's rich history without the chaos of the capital.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting in
Ayutthaya is easily reachable from Bangkok by train, bus, or boat. The main railway station offers frequent services to/from Bangkok's Hua Lamphong station, with journeys taking about 1.5 hours. Buses and minivans also depart from Bangkok's Northern Bus Terminal (Mo Chit).
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting around
The best way to explore Ayutthaya's ruins is by bicycle, rented from guesthouses for around 50 baht/day. Tuk-tuks and songthaews are also available for short hops. Many sites are concentrated on the island, making walking feasible for some areas.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
When to go?
The cool season from November to February is the most comfortable time to visit, with less heat and rain. The Ayutthaya World Heritage Fair in December features light and sound shows. During the hot season (March-May) it can be scorching, while the rainy season (June-October) sees fewer crowds but occasional downpours.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Where to stay?
Most budget accommodation is concentrated on Soi Torgorsor and Soi 2, near Naresuan Road. Dorm beds start from 150 baht, and fan rooms from 200 baht. Popular guesthouses include BJ Guesthouse (fan doubles 160-200 baht) and Toto House (fan doubles from 150 baht). For more comfort, Baan Lotus offers air-con rooms from 600 baht.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Food and drink
Ayutthaya is famous for boat noodles (kuaytiao ruea) served at 10 baht per bowl, and roti sai mai (candy floss wrapped in flatbread) as a local dessert. Night markets like Hua Raw Market and the one in front of Chankasem offer cheap local meals (mains 45-100 baht). For a sit-down meal, Malakor has views of Wat Ratchaburana with mains 45-60 baht.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Things to do
Explore the Ayutthaya Historical Park, including Wat Phra Si Sanphet (50 baht), Wat Mahathat (80 baht), and Wat Ratchaburana (80 baht). Visit the Chao Sam Phraya National Museum (150 baht) to see golden treasures. Take a boat trip on the Chao Phraya River or cycle across the island. The Ayutthaya Floating Market (200 baht) offers a taste of traditional Thai culture.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Stay safe
Be cautious of stray dogs, especially at night; avoid walking alone after dark. Cyclists should watch for motorcyclists and avoid putting valuables in handlebar baskets. Female travelers have reported groping by passing motorcyclists. Check bottled water seals before buying. Hospitals include Ayutthaya Hospital and Navanakorn Hospital.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Respect
Dress modestly when visiting temples: wear long trousers/skirts and cover shoulders. Remove shoes before entering temple buildings. Treat Buddha images with respect; sit on your knees when posing for photos near the Buddha head at Wat Mahathat.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Go next
From Ayutthaya, head south to Bang Pa-In (20 km) for its eccentric palace, north to Lopburi for monkey-filled ruins, or further north to Sukhothai. Trains continue to Chiang Mai (northern line) or Nakhon Ratchasima (northeastern line). Kanchanaburi and the River Kwai are also accessible via Bangkok.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- eat
Ayudhayarome
Riverside restaurant with good selection of well prepared, tasty Thai dishes. Nice view of Chedi Sri Suriyothai. Fantastic service – waitstaff wear earpieces connected to walkie talkies and never let your glass stay empty. Highly recommended.
Recorded price: 100-250 baht
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Baan Kao Nhom - Traditional Thai Sweet Dessert Cafe
Nice little café with traditional sweets, good coffee, shakes. Sweets also as take away in nice packages, e.g. as gifts.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Bang Ian Road Night Market
Daily from 17:00 till late. Market where locals buy food and desserts. Hawkers with sit-down places to eat can be found further inside.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Boat noodles
Original boat noodles were cooked on a boat. It's noodles and soup with meat and vegetables. They are served in a little bowl and most people would eat more than one to relieve their hunger. Besides normal boat noodles, there are three local noodle restaurants offering unusual, but delicious noodles such as cow's internal organ noodles, pork leg noodles, and sliced chicken noodles. You can find these noodles restaurants by using GPS coordinates; 14°21'56.00"N, 100°34'31.90"E, 14°21'37.27"N, 100°33'44.86"E and 14°21'57.62"N, 100°34'16.75"E respectively.
Recorded price: 10 baht/bowl
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Hua Raw Market
This market in a building seems to be open from 11:00 to 16:00, but it sometimes also works as a night market. Ask your guesthouse for the local of night markets, as they might change.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Malakor
Reasonably priced restaurant with great views of Wat Ratchaburana and very good food. Meat in most dishes can be substituted with tofu. Patrons have the choice of eating indoors or on the balcony. Also available is some of Ayutthaya's best coffee.
Recorded price: Most mains 45-60 baht
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Night Market in front of Chankasem
This night market is an excellent place to have dinner outside. Tables along the river offer a breathtaking view of the temple. 50 stalls sell typical Thai food. Some stalls sell desserts, other juices, for cheap prices, so be sure to try a bit of everything. Very popular with the locals.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Phak Hwan - Restaurant near Wat Suram Dararam
Good inexpensive place to eat before or after visiting the Wat. Seating on solid wooden benches and tables between flowers and a small water fountain. Popular with locals and visitors from Bangkok.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Accommodation
Most budget guesthouses on Soi Torgorsor and Soi 2. Dorms from 150 baht, fan rooms from 200 baht.
Culture
Dress modestly at temples: cover shoulders and knees. Remove shoes before entering.
Food
Try boat noodles (10 baht/bowl) and roti sai mai dessert. Night markets offer cheap local eats.
Language
Thai is the primary language. Basic English understood in tourist areas.
Money
Entry fees: single temple tickets 20-80 baht, or combined 220 baht for Fine Arts Department sites. Budget accommodation from 150 baht per night.
Safety
Watch for stray dogs at night. Avoid putting valuables in bike baskets due to snatching. Female travellers should be aware of groping incidents.
Transport
Bike rental around 50 baht/day. Train from Bangkok takes ~1.5 hours. Tuk-tuks available.
Water
Some shops sell bottles that are not completely full; check before buying.