Home › Destinations › Ayutthaya
Ayutthaya, ประเทศไทย - Things to Do in Ayutthaya

Things to Do in guide to Ayutthaya

travel to Ayutthaya, ประเทศไทย - Complete Travel Guide

discover Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of Siam, stands as one of Thailand's most significant historical destinations and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located just 80 kilometers north of Bangkok, this former royal city was once one of the world's largest urban areas and the heart of a powerful kingdom that ruled for over 400 years until its destruction by the Burmese in 1767. Today, the experience Ayutthaya Historical Park preserves the haunting ruins of magnificent temples, royal palaces, and monasteries that showcase the architectural brilliance of ancient Thai civilization. The city offers visitors a captivating journey through time, where crumbling prangs (tower-like spires) and headless Buddha statues tell stories of both glory and devastation. Beyond its archaeological treasures, modern guide to Ayutthaya provides authentic Thai experiences with floating markets, traditional boat rides along ancient waterways, and local cuisine that has remained unchanged for generations. The compact size of the historical park makes it perfect for exploring by bicycle, while the surrounding areas offer insights into contemporary Thai life along the confluence of three rivers.

Top Things to Do in guide to Ayutthaya

Explore things to do in Ayutthaya Historical Park

Discover the UNESCO World Heritage ruins spanning over 289 hectares, including iconic sites like Wat Mahathat with its famous Buddha head entwined in tree roots, and Wat Phra Si Sanphet with its three distinctive chedis. The park contains over 60 temple ruins and archaeological sites that showcase the architectural evolution of the guide to Ayutthaya Kingdom from 1351 to 1767.

Booking Tip: Entry costs 50 baht per major temple site or 220 baht for a day pass covering six main temples. Visit early morning (8-10 AM) or late afternoon (4-6 PM) to avoid heat and crowds. Rent a bicycle (50-100 baht/day) from guesthouses or near the train station for easy navigation.

Take a Scenic Boat Tour

Cruise along the Chao Phraya, Lopburi, and Pa Sak rivers that encircle experience Ayutthaya island, offering unique perspectives of temple ruins and traditional Thai life along the waterways. Many tours include stops at riverside temples and local communities, providing insights into how the ancient capital utilized its strategic river location.

Booking Tip: Longtail boat tours cost 800-1,500 baht for 1-2 hours depending on route and group size. Book through your hotel or at Chao Phrom Market pier. Sunset tours offer the best photography opportunities and cooler temperatures. Negotiate prices for private boats or join group tours for budget options.

Experience Bang Pa-In Royal Palace

Visit this eclectic summer palace complex built by King Chulalongkorn, featuring a fascinating mix of Thai, Chinese, and European architectural styles set in beautifully manicured gardens. The palace showcases the modernization of Thailand during the late 19th century, with highlights including the Chinese-style Wehart Chamrun Palace and the Victorian-era Warophat Phiman Hall.

Booking Tip: Entry fee is 100 baht with an additional 30 baht for the trolley service around the large grounds. Open daily 8 AM-4 PM, located 20 km south of discover Ayutthaya. Combine with temple visits for a full day trip, and dress modestly as it's still an active royal residence.

Cycle Through Ancient Ruins

Rent a bicycle and explore the historical park at your own pace, following designated cycling routes that connect major temple complexes and hidden archaeological sites. This eco-friendly approach allows for spontaneous discoveries and intimate encounters with the ruins while providing exercise and fresh air.

Booking Tip: Bicycle rentals cost 50-100 baht per day from numerous shops near the train station and main tourist areas. Start early morning to avoid afternoon heat, bring water and sun protection. Many rental shops provide basic maps, but download offline maps for better navigation between distant ruins.

Visit travel to Ayutthaya Floating Market

Experience authentic Thai market culture at this traditional floating market, where vendors sell fresh produce, local snacks, and handicrafts from boats along the canal. The market offers opportunities to sample regional specialties like boat noodles, mango sticky rice, and traditional Thai desserts while observing local commerce traditions.

Booking Tip: Open weekends and holidays 9 AM-4 PM, entry is free but boat rides cost 200-300 baht per person. Located about 10 km from the city center, accessible by songthaew (shared taxi) for 20-30 baht. Bring cash for purchases and try the famous visit Ayutthaya-style boat noodles.

Getting There

explore Ayutthaya is easily accessible from Bangkok by multiple transportation options. The most scenic route is by train from Bangkok's Hualamphong Station, taking 1.5-2 hours and costing only 15-20 baht for third-class seats. Minivans depart frequently from Bangkok's Victory Monument and Mo Chit bus stations, taking 1-1.5 hours for 60-80 baht. For more comfort, private cars or taxis cost 1,500-2,000 baht one-way, while organized day tours from Bangkok typically include transportation, guide, and entrance fees for 1,500-3,000 baht per person.

Getting Around

The compact travel to Ayutthaya Historical Park is best explored by bicycle, with rental shops throughout the city charging 50-100 baht per day. Tuk-tuks are available for temple-hopping at 200-400 baht per hour, while motorbike taxis offer quick point-to-point transportation for 20-40 baht per ride. Songthaews (shared pickup trucks) serve as local buses for 10-20 baht to reach outer attractions like Bang Pa-In Palace. Many visitors enjoy combining cycling with longtail boat rides to access riverside temples and get different perspectives of the ruins.

Where to Stay

Near explore Ayutthaya Train Station
experience Ayutthaya Historical Park Area
Riverside Hotels along Chao Phraya
U Thong Road District
Rojana Road Area
Bang Pa-In District

Food & Dining

experience Ayutthaya's culinary scene centers around traditional Thai dishes with local specialties that reflect its historical importance as a trading hub. The famous experience Ayutthaya-style boat noodles feature rich, aromatic broth served in small bowls, while roti sai mai (cotton candy wrapped in thin pancakes) originated here as a royal dessert. Night markets along U Thong Road offer affordable street food including grilled river prawns, som tam (papaya salad), and mango sticky rice. For sit-down dining, riverside restaurants serve fresh seafood and traditional Thai curries with views of illuminated temple ruins, while floating market vendors provide authentic local snacks and tropical fruits during weekend visits.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Thailand

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

Khao-Sō-i Soi Convent Silom

4.8 /5
(3862 reviews)

Moom Muum Park Soi 11

4.8 /5
(2415 reviews)

The Family

4.8 /5
(2317 reviews) 1

Try Me Thai & Vegetarian Restaurant

4.8 /5
(2081 reviews) 1

Suda - Thai & Vegetarian Restaurant

4.9 /5
(1416 reviews)

THE SIXTH 6th

4.7 /5
(1356 reviews) 2

Looking for specific cuisines?

Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

The ideal time to visit explore Ayutthaya is during the cool, dry season from November to February when temperatures range from 20-30°C (68-86°F) and rainfall is minimal. This period offers comfortable conditions for outdoor exploration and cycling, though it's also the busiest tourist season. March to May brings intense heat with temperatures reaching 40°C (104°F), making early morning and late afternoon visits essential. The rainy season from June to October sees fewer crowds and lush greenery, but afternoon downpours can disrupt outdoor activities, though the dramatic skies often create spectacular photography opportunities among the ancient ruins.

Insider Tips

Visit Wat Mahathat early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting on the famous Buddha head in tree roots, and avoid crowds of tour groups that arrive mid-morning
Bring a portable phone charger and download offline maps, as Wi-Fi can be spotty around remote temple ruins and cycling between sites drains battery quickly
Try the local specialty 'things to do in Ayutthaya boat noodles' at Malai Market rather than tourist restaurants - locals eat them in sets of 4-6 small bowls for a complete meal at a fraction of the cost

Explore Activities in guide to Ayutthaya