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Ayutthaya Historical Park

  • Bangkok, Central Thailand, Thailand

  • Bucket List Experience

Last updated: 25 June, 2023

Before Bangkok – or Krung Thep – became Thailand’s (then Siam) capital in 1782, Ayutthaya was the Kingdom’s centre of power. As one of the world’s most cosmopolitan cities of that time, it drew in merchants from all corners of the globe and grew into a vast empire of grand palaces and gilded temples. That abruptly ended when the Burmese ransacked the city in 1767 and reduced its splendours to rubble.

Today, it stands as a ruined shell of its former past, littered with bricks, dilapidated shrines and crumbling Buddha statues consumed by nature. But wander around these ruins, and you’ll only need a pinch of imagination to envision just how splendid this city once was.

While you’re there

Besides its crumbling temples, Ayutthaya is also a hotbed for contemporary architecture. Many design hotels and restaurants line its riverbanks, with Sala Ayutthaya and Baan Pom Phet as some of its smartest spots for lunch or coffee after sightseeing.

Logistics

Price from: £3
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 13+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

Dozens of tour operators arrange day trips from Bangkok, either by minivan or by riverboat (the latter is usually offered as a scenic way to return to Bangkok). Public minivans connect both cities throughout the day, and several trains leave from Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong station in the morning.

Most of the ancient temples are located within the Ayutthaya Historical Park. To get around, you can hire bicycles for about 100 THB a day. As a less sweat-inducing alternative, a tuk-tuk driver can whisk you between temples for around 1000 THB a day, depending on your bargaining skills.

Given Ayutthaya’s fascinating history, this is one of those places where a good guide can make all the difference. Book ahead with a tour operator or arrange one on-the-spot at the park’s headquarters.

When to do it

The site is open all year round, though you should avoid the hottest months (April and May) if you can – there’s little shade to be found.

Who to go with: organised tours

13

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

UNESCO's Ayutthaya Historical Park Full Day: Small Group Tour

  • Bangkok

UNESCO's Ayutthaya Historical Park Full Day: Small Group Tour

Viator

• Join this cultural day trip to UNESCO World Heritage Site Ayutthaya, once Asia’s most magnificent capital. • Say goodbye to long, stressful bus journeys on this convenient small-group guided tour. • See Bang Pa-In Royal Palace, the summer home of Thai kings, and explore the ruins of ancient Ayutthaya. • Visit iconic sites, including Wat Mahathat, Bang Pa-In Royal Palace, Wat Chaiwatthanaram, and Wat Yai Chai Mongkol • Learn about Thai Buddhism as you tour Ayutthaya’s ancient temples (wats) • Experience unique itineraries crafted alongside famous travel bloggers and local guides • Hop aboard two-way transfers from Bangkok hotels within selected areas or National Stadium Station. • Enjoy a TripGuru Signature experience: curated, solo travel-friendly, and in small groups. • Last-minute booking is available for the meeting point option

Price $52

Min age 0

Rating 4.61 / 5 [818 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Full-Day Private Ayutthaya and Bang Pa-In Summer Palace from Bangkok

  • Bangkok

Full-Day Private Ayutthaya and Bang Pa-In Summer Palace from Bangkok

Viator

Visit the old capital and ancient home of the Siamese kings on a full-day, private tour starting from your hotel in Bangkok. A personal guide introduces you to the ancient capital of Siam, now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site and Bang Pa In, the summer palace. All entrance fees and lunch are covered included and after the tour a transfer back to your hotel.

Price THB 4,400

Min age 0

Rating 4.81 / 5 [275 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Private Excursion to Ayutthaya, UNESCO World Heritage site with Boat Tour

  • Bangkok

Private Excursion to Ayutthaya, UNESCO World Heritage site with Boat Tour

Viator

This private tour from Bangkok features the best of Ayutthaya attractions with an emphasis on the local culture, history and Thai arts with expert local guides who provide the exceptional insight and connection to the local people and culture. Tour include pick up from hotel in Bangkok at 08:00 or​ 09:00​ a.m. and drop off service. Explore the famous historical temples which built since the late 14th century, including Wat Yai Chai Mongkol, Wat Mahathat and Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, the ancient palace and chapel and Wiharn Mongkolbophit (Assembly hall). Optional lunch at the local restaurant. Taste the famous dessert of Ayutthaya "Roti Saimai" and shopping at the local market. Enjoy your private small boat tour, view the famous historical sites including historical temples. Return to your hotel in Bangkok by private air​ conditioned​ vehicle. Important note : * Please advise the full names of all travelers as passport at time of booking (in case of Insurance).

Price THB 4,900

Min age 0

Rating 4.98 / 5 [194 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Ayutthaya Afternoon Tours & Glittering Sunset Boat from Bangkok

  • Bangkok

Ayutthaya Afternoon Tours & Glittering Sunset Boat from Bangkok

Viator

Wake up late and Explore the World Heritage Site of Ayutthaya for an afternoon guided Tours at the ancient capital of Siam. Enjoy an amazing River Boat Ride on this Ayutthaya tour. Escape the scorching sun and enjoy a tour at the best time of the city. - Join this cultural day trip to UNESCO World Heritage Site Ayutthaya, once Asia’s most magnificent capital with the River Boat Experience. - Say goodbye to long, stressful Train or Van journeys on this convenient small-bus- group guided tour. - Visit iconic sites, including Wat Mahathat, Wat Chaiwatthanaram, and Wat Yai Chai Mongkol - Learn about Thai Buddhism as you tour Ayutthaya’s ancient temples (wats) - Experience unique itineraries crafted alongside famous travel bloggers and local guides - Hop aboard two-way transfers from Bangkok hotels within selected areas or at Our Meeting Point at Hilton Garden Inn Bangkok Silom or Novotel Hotel Ploenchit

Price THB 1,885

Min age 0

Rating 4.45 / 5 [174 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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The Ultimate Ancient city of Ayutthaya Private Day Trip

  • Bangkok

The Ultimate Ancient city of Ayutthaya Private Day Trip

Viator

What if there was a way to experience Ancient city of Ayutthaya away from the big tourist busses and audio guides? Well, you are in luck because this is the private day trip you are looking for! Meet your local guide in Bangkok and embark on a Ancient city of Ayutthaya journey where you'll get to discover this unique attraction. Yes, get ready to experience Ayutthaya's Ancient City from an authentic perspective with its highlights, the ins and outs, stories and cultural facts. And don't forget to check out Wat Pra Srisanpetch temple, a must-see while exploring with your local guide. Withlocals The Ultimate Ancient city of Ayutthaya Private Day Trip™ is one of Withlocals' signature tours available in major cities worldwide. We work with passionate local guides who earn a fair fee. We support local economies by only offering local products and prevent overtourism with only small non-intrusive groups. Our tours are carbon neutral and away from the standard tourist routes.

Price €214

Min age 0

Rating 4.96 / 5 [121 ratings]

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Destination guides

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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Bangkok

  • Central Thailand, Thailand

Man walking through golden Buddha road

Destination guide

From dazzling temples to dizzying nightlife, Thailand’s capital is a dish of delicious contradictions that beffudles the senses. One of the world’s most dizzying, fast-paced cities, home to the glittering Grand Palace.

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