By Kylian Dev
Wat Mahathat
The famous carved Buddha head entwined in the sacred roots of a Bodhi tree.
Destination guide · Central
Ayutthaya: the 10 best things to do, where to stay and budget
Once the thriving Siamese metropolis sacked in 1767, Ayutthaya's island is ringed by three rivers. Its prang towers and silent monasteries speak of an extraordinary past grandeur.
- Best: November to February
- €25 - 45 / day
In short
Ayutthaya (Central) — Ruins of the old Siamese empire along the water. Best time to go: November to February; average temperatures 30°C. Budget: about €25 - 45 / day. Weather: 30°C • Sunny weather and mild nights
RegionCentral
TypeCity & culture
Best seasonNovember to February
Avg. temperature30°C
Budget / day€25 - 45 / day
Thai nameพระนครศรีอยุธยา
Must-sees
Top 10 things to do in Ayutthaya
Ruins of the old Siamese empire along the water
Wat Chaiwatthanaram
A set of monumental Khmer-style spires lining the bank of the Chao Phraya.
Giant prawn market
Taste succulent river prawns served with seafood dipping sauce.
More things to do in Ayutthaya
- 4
Wat Phra Si Sanphet
TempleAbout 1 hThe three restored chedis of the former royal temple are the emblem of Ayutthaya. Next door, Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit shelters one of Thailand's largest bronze Buddhas.
- 5
Wat Lokayasutharam
TempleAbout 1 hA 37-metre reclining Buddha in the open air, often draped in an orange cloth. Free and easy to combine with the other temples.
- 6
A boat trip around the island
Activity2 to 3 hThe old city is an island surrounded by rivers. A late-afternoon boat tour stops at riverside temples such as Wat Chaiwatthanaram at sunset.
- 7
Cycling between the ruins
ActivityHalf dayThe ruins are spread out: a bike rented near the train station is the best way to link them, with a map and plenty of water.
- 8
The Chao Sam Phraya Museum
CultureAbout 1 hThe gold treasures found in the crypts of Wat Ratchaburana and Wat Mahathat are on show here. It helps to understand what the ruins looked like.
- 9
Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon
TempleAbout 1 hA large chedi you can climb, and a row of seated Buddhas in saffron robes. Slightly outside the centre, it is one of the most photogenic temples.
- 10
Roti sai mai
FoodAbout 1 hAyutthaya's sweet speciality: thin crepes wrapped around threads of coloured spun sugar. Sold everywhere near the hospital, on U-Thong Road.
Great forTemples & Culture
Weather
When to go to Ayutthaya?
30°C • Sunny weather and mild nights. Month-by-month outlook:
- JanIdeal
- FebIdeal
- MarFair
- AprFair
- MayFair
- JunRain / monsoon
- JulRain / monsoon
- AugRain / monsoon
- SepRain / monsoon
- OctRain / monsoon
- NovIdeal
- DecIdeal
IdealFairRain / monsoon
Budget
Budget in Ayutthaya: how much per day?
Plan on roughly €25 - 45 / day per person, excluding international flights.
Budget
25–45 € / day
Indicative split of a typical day (estimate)
Accommodation
~14 €
Food
~9 €
Activities
~7 €
Local transport
~5 €
Transport
How to get to Ayutthaya
Transport tip
Take the popular 3rd-class train from Krung Thep Aphiwat central station (20 baht).
From Bangkok → Ayutthaya
Road
~67 km · ~1 h by road
Nearest destinations
Ayutthaya → Bangkok
Road
~67 km · ~1 h by road
Ayutthaya → Khao Yai
Road
~87 km · ~1.5 h by road
Ayutthaya → Kanchanaburi & Erawan
Road
~118 km · ~2 h by road
Where is Ayutthaya?
Accommodation
Where to stay in Ayutthaya
The best-known areas to base yourself:
Historic island
Staying on the island among the ruins lets you visit early in the morning.
Riverside
Guesthouses and hotels along the rivers ringing the island.
See hotels in AyutthayaPartner
Full guide: where to stay in AyutthayaFood
What to eat in Ayutthaya
Giant freshwater prawns grilled over wood fire
Roti Sai Mai (thin crepe wrapped around pandan candy floss)
Boat noodles in a rich, spiced broth
Can’t decide?
Ayutthaya or…? Compare
Budget, weather, vibe and activities side by side.
Combine with
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions about Ayutthaya
What are the best things to do in Ayutthaya?
The must-sees are Wat Mahathat, Wat Chaiwatthanaram, Giant prawn market. Also worth your time: Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Wat Lokayasutharam, A boat trip around the island, Cycling between the ruins.
How many days should I spend in Ayutthaya?
Allow at least 2 to 3 days to see the highlights of Ayutthaya, more if you combine it with nearby destinations.
Build an itinerary with AyutthayaWhat is the best time to visit Ayutthaya?
The best season is November to February. 30°C • Sunny weather and mild nights. Where possible, avoid the monsoon months shown in the calendar above.
Thailand weather month by monthWhat daily budget should I plan for Ayutthaya?
Plan on roughly €25 - 45 / day per person (Budget), excluding international flights. Use the budget calculator to fine-tune it to your travel style.
Estimate my budget for AyutthayaHow do I get to Ayutthaya?
Take the popular 3rd-class train from Krung Thep Aphiwat central station (20 baht). From Bangkok, Ayutthaya is about 67 km away as the crow flies.
Getting around Thailand: buses, trains, ferriesWhich area should I stay in, in Ayutthaya?
The most popular areas are Historic island, Riverside. The choice mostly depends on the vibe you want: lively, family-friendly or quiet.
Full guide: where to stay in AyutthayaPlan your trip