Wat Phra Si Sanphet
Old royal palace grounds, west of the centre
The three bell-shaped chedis of the kings' private temple are the most famous view of Ayutthaya.
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Ayutthaya, Thailand
Ayutthaya Historical Park
The ruins of the old Siamese capital, a UNESCO World Heritage Site: brick prangs, chedis and Buddha images across the island city.
Favourite places
Viharn Phra Mongkhon Bophit
Next to Wat Phra Si Sanphet
A rebuilt hall housing one of the largest bronze seated Buddha images in Thailand, still an active place of worship.
Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)Wat Mahathat
Naresuan Road, centre of the island
The ruined religious centre of the kingdom, home of the Buddha head held in the roots of a tree.
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Opposite Wat Mahathat
A tall, well-preserved prang with a crypt you can climb into to see faded murals.
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Beside Bueng Phra Ram lake
A large prang overlooking a park and lake in the middle of the island, built on the cremation site of the city's founder, King U Thong.
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Local food
Boat noodles (kuay teow reua)
Ayutthaya, Thailand
Small bowls of rich, dark noodle soup with pork or beef, once sold from boats on the canals. Ayutthaya is known for them, and people usually order several bowls each.
Roti sai mai
Ayutthaya, Thailand
Ayutthaya's signature sweet: thin, soft roti wrappers rolled around fine threads of coloured spun sugar. Sold in bags from stalls on U Thong Road and around town to take home.
Grilled river prawns (goong mae nam pao)
Ayutthaya, Thailand
Giant freshwater prawns grilled over charcoal and served with a spicy seafood dip. The riverside restaurants around Ayutthaya are known for them.
Where to eat
Bang Lan night market
Bang Lan Road, middle of the island
An evening food market near the main temples with grilled meats, noodles, Thai desserts and fruit. An easy place to try several local dishes after a day of ruins.
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East side of the island, by the Pa Sak River
Ayutthaya's busy daytime market near the ferry from the railway station, with noodle shops, snacks and fruit stalls.
Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)Riverside restaurants on U Thong Road
Around the edge of the island
U Thong Road follows the rivers around the island, and several open-air restaurants along it serve river prawns and Thai dishes with water views.
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Where to stay
The old island (around Naresuan Road)
Ayutthaya, Thailand
Stay inside the ring of rivers and you can cycle to the main ruins in minutes. Guesthouses and small hotels cluster near the Historical Park and the night market.
Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)Riverside near the railway station
Ayutthaya, Thailand
Across the Pa Sak River from the island, close to the trains from Bangkok. Riverside guesthouses here are a short ferry or bridge ride from the old town.
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Culture
Even in ruins these are sacred places: dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered), do not climb on Buddha images or ruined walls, and never pose in a way that puts your head above a Buddha image or turns your back to it for a selfie. Headless Buddha images are a reminder of the sack of 1767 and of later looting — treat them with the same respect as a whole image.
History
Ayutthaya was the capital of Siam from 1350 until the Burmese army destroyed it in 1767. The Historical Park protects the ruins of its royal palace and great temples, listed by UNESCO in 1991 as the Historic City of Ayutthaya.
Tour plans
The old capital in a day
1 dayStep 1: Morning on the island
Cycle to Wat Mahathat and Wat Ratchaburana while it is cool.
Step 2: Royal palace area
Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Viharn Phra Mongkhon Bophit and Wat Lokayasutharam.
Step 3: Midday break
Boat noodles for lunch, then the Chao Sam Phraya National Museum.
Step 4: Sunset
Wat Chaiwatthanaram across the river, or an evening boat tour round the island.
Map
Travel information
Best time to visit
November to February, early morning.
How to get there
Trains from Bangkok take 1.5–2 hours; minivans run from Mo Chit. Rent a bicycle or tuk-tuk on the island.
Getting around
The old city sits on an island formed by three rivers, and the main ruins are spread out across it. A rented bicycle is the classic way to see them — the island is flat, but the sun is strong, so start early. Tuk-tuks can be hired by the hour for a temple circuit; agree the route and time before you set off. Sights off the island, such as Wat Chaiwatthanaram and Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, are easier by tuk-tuk or on an evening boat tour around the island.
Travel tips
Buy a combined ticket for the main temples. Bring water and a hat — there is little shade.
