Thailand · Region
Ayutthaya
Ayutthaya was the glittering second capital of Siam for over 400 years until its destruction by Burmese forces in 1767, and its brick-and-stucco temple ruins — now a UNESCO World Heritage Site — still rise dramatically from the flat river plain where three rivers meet. Wandering among the headless Buddhas and crumbling prang towers of Wat Mahathat and Wat Phra Si Sanphet gives a rare, tangible sense of a lost royal city rather than a reconstructed one.
Top attractions
attraction Ayutthaya Historical Park: Travel Guide
Ayutthaya Historical Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site of ruined temples and palace platforms spread across the old royal island, about 80km north of Bangkok.
attraction Bueng Phra Ram Park: Ayutthaya Travel Guide (4.4★)
Bueng Phra Ram Park is the big public lake and green space right in the middle of Ayutthaya's historic island, wedged between Wat Phra Ram and Wat Mahathat — free to enter, open-air, and best walked or picnicked through in the cool early morning or just before sunset. 4.4★ (2,003 reviews) — what visitors say, hours, and tips.
attraction Wat Phra Si Sanphet: Ayutthaya Travel Guide (4.7★)
Wat Phra Si Sanphet is the three-chedi silhouette you've likely already seen in every Ayutthaya photo — the ceremonial heart of the old royal palace, now a wide field of brick ruins on the edge of Ayutthaya's historic island. 4.7★ (13,669 reviews) — what visitors say, hours, and tips.
attraction Wat Mahathat: Ayutthaya Travel Guide
Wat Mahathat, in the heart of Ayutthaya's historic island, is famous for the sandstone Buddha head cradled in tree roots near the temple's east side — arguably the single most photographed sight in the city.
Top-rated things to do in Ayutthaya
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Frequently asked questions about Ayutthaya
How do I get to Ayutthaya?
Most travellers reach Ayutthaya by train from Bangkok's Krung Thep Aphiwat (or the older Hua Lamphong) station, a scenic ~1–2 hour ride that terminates at Ayutthaya's own riverside railway station just east of the old city island; direct buses and minivans from Bangkok's Mo Chit terminal are a common alternative. Don Mueang Airport (DMK) is the closest major airport and lies on the same rail line, making it possible to connect straight onto an Ayutthaya-bound train.
How many days should I spend in Ayutthaya?
A single day trip is enough to cycle or tuk-tuk between the headline temple ruins, but staying ~2 days allows a more relaxed pace with a sunset boat tour of the old city's riverside monasteries.
What is Ayutthaya known for?
Ayutthaya was the glittering second capital of Siam for over 400 years until its destruction by Burmese forces in 1767, and its brick-and-stucco temple ruins — now a UNESCO World Heritage Site — still rise dramatically from the flat river plain where three rivers meet. Wandering among the headless Buddhas and crumbling prang towers of Wat Mahathat and Wat Phra Si Sanphet gives a rare, tangible sense of a lost royal city rather than a reconstructed one.