no alt text

Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 28 December, 2022
Expert travel writer: Chris Schalkx

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.

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.

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

Ayutthaya Historical Park: Small Group Tour Only

Ayutthaya Historical Park: Small Group Tour Only

Bangkok

• Join this cultural day trip to UNESCO World Heritage Site Ayutthaya, once Asia’s most magnificent capital. • Say goodbye to long, stressf...

$52 | Rating 4.59 / 5 [550 ratings]

Website >

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo
Private Ayutthaya Day Tour from Bangkok

Private Ayutthaya Day Tour from Bangkok

Bangkok

Book this private Ayutthaya day tour from Bangkok to enjoy Ayutthaya Historical Park, Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, Wat Yai Chai Mang Khon, Temple o...

$168 | Rating 4.81 / 5 [61 ratings]

Website >

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo
The Ultimate Ancient city of Ayutthaya Private Day Trip

The Ultimate Ancient city of Ayutthaya Private Day Trip

Bangkok

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 bec...

€214 | Rating 4.96 / 5 [115 ratings]

Website >

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo
Half-Day Ayutthaya City Cultural Bike Tour

Half-Day Ayutthaya City Cultural Bike Tour

Bangkok

This half-day Ayutthaya City Culture Bicycle Adventure is a must for every visitor to Ayutthaya with limited time. We cycle around the ancie...

T1,290 | Rating 4.67 / 5 [46 ratings]

Website >

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo

Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

CHANN

Bangkok, Central Thailand, Thailand[66.4 miles]

A lovely riverside retreat, away from the hubbub, to immerse in local life along the river. Most of Bangkok’s postcard sights are a 15-minute boat ride away.

Official star rating:

Bangkok Publishing Residence

Bangkok, Central Thailand, Thailand[66.7 miles]

A charming, family-run boutique stay in Bangkok’s atmospheric Old Town, with all the mod-cons of a well-appointed five star. Min age 15.

Official star rating:

Ad Lib Bangkok

Bangkok, Central Thailand, Thailand[67.8 miles]

A garden-clad oasis in the heart of Bangkok with a lovely rooftop pool, fitness centre and easy access to the Phloen Chit BTS skytrain station.

Official star rating:

Shanghai Mansion

Bangkok, Central Thailand, Thailand[67.8 miles]

Shanghai chic in the heart of Bangkok’s historic Chinatown, close to some of Bangkok’s best street food stalls, makes for an exotic Chinese-infused stay.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Bangkok

Central Thailand, Thailand

From dazzling temples to dizzying nightlife, Thailand’s capital is a dish of delicious contradictions, and one of the world’s most dizzying, fast-paced cities.

Website >
Overview >

Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..

Koh Kret

Bangkok, Central Thailand, Thailand[50.1 miles]

A laid-back island escape in the Chao Phraya River, within day-trip distance from Bangkok’s city centre.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

Website >
Overview >

Round-ups that include this experience