10 Unmissable Ayutthaya Temples: An Ayutthaya Itinerary + Map

Make sure that you don’t miss these ten Ayutthaya temples with this Ayutthaya itinerary.  

Ayutthaya was hot. Brutally hot. The sort of heat that rapidly sapped your energy, reducing you to a damp, slowly moving shadow of your usual self.

Even the locals were also wilting. This included Ayutthaya’s notoriously territorial dogs who were too hot to raise a sleepy eyelid, let alone a cautionary growl.

Most people visit Thailand’s ancient capital as a hurried day trip from Bangkok. With the mercury hitting the mid-30s, for this reason alone I was glad that I had decided to stay in Ayutthaya for two nights and see what the city had to offer at a more relaxed pace.

It was the right decision.

Ayutthaya is a friendly, laid-back city and It’s very easy to put together a DIY tour. And doing it your own way gives you the opportunity to soak up the atmosphere of the city when the day-trippers have got back on their coaches.

You can also see the temples illuminated at night, fit in a massage and visit Ayutthaya’s great night market.

To help you make the most of your time exploring Thailand’s ancient roots here’s a tried and tested itinerary to allow you to visit the best Ayutthaya temples.

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How to Get from Bangkok to Ayutthaya Temples

Although you can catch a bus to Ayutthaya, the easiest way is to travel by train from Hua Lamphong station, on the northern edge of Bangkok’s Chinatown area and accessible from the city’s metro system. Trains are frequent and cheap.

The future of Hua Lamphong has been under threat for some years. Thus far, strong opposition has prevented services from moving to the shiny new Bang Sue Grand Station. However, the feeling is that it is just a matter of time before Hua Lamphong shuts its doors to rail passengers.

Although ticket prices vary according to the type of train, they are very cheap (in 2019, my one-way third-class ticket cost a mere 15 THB). There is no need to book a ticket in advance; just turn up at the station and buy a ticket for the next train at the counter.

If you would like to check the times in advance, here is the train timetable for services between Bangkok and Ayutthaya.  

Travelling by train from Bangkok to Ayutthaya

Although Ayutthaya is only 80km or so from Bangkok, the train journey takes 1 hr and 30 minutes.

For the first 40 minutes, the train chugs its way through Bangkok’s seemingly endless suburbs, negotiating countless level crossings. Then, passing Don Mueang Airport, the train picks up speed and the capital’s concrete suburbs and freeways give way to lush vegetation and paddy fields.

Air-conditioning in the carriage is of the natural type: blasts of hot air gusting through open windows. Ineffectual ceiling fans struggle to move the warm air around further. Seats are of the hard, good-for-your-posture variety.

At frequent intervals, food and drink vendors wander through the carriage offering water, cola, fruit juice and clear plastic bags filled with juicy pineapple chunks.

Travelling by bus or minivan from Bangkok to Ayutthaya

Alternatively, you can travel from Bangkok to Ayutthaya’s temples by bus or minivan.

Regular air-conditioned buses depart from Mor Chit terminal at Kamphaang Phet 2 Road in Bangkok. Because these buses make many stops the journey time is in excess of two hours.

A better option is the minivans that depart from Khao San Road. The journey time is roughly one hour.

You can check prices and timetables here.

How to Get to Ayutthaya Temples from the Train Station

Ayutthaya is built on an island and the train station sits just across the river from this island.

Your best bet is to get a tuk-tuk from the station. There will be tuk-tuk drivers queuing up for your custom. Expect to haggle.

The alternative is to catch the ferry that takes you across the river for a few baht and then walk. However, in the heat of the day, I do not recommend this.  

Ayutthaya Itinerary & Temples: Map

To help you on your way, here’s a map with the temples included in this Ayutthaya itinerary. Day one temples are indicated in red; day two temples are in purple.

For an interactive map, click here or on the image itself.

Visiting Ayutthaya Temples: Essential Information

Ayutthaya temple pass

If you are planning to visit the city’s main six temples, buy a pass to gain admission to all of these temples. The temples included in this pass are as follows:

• Wat Phra Mahathat
• Wat Ratchaburana
• Wat Phra Ram
• Wat Phra Si Sanphet
• Wat Chai Watthanaram
• Wat Mayehong

Depending on the source, there will be variations in the spelling of these temples, but you should be able to figure it out.

Dress code for visiting the temples in Ayutthaya

As these are current or former temples, dress respectfully. For women, this means no short shorts or skirts and covering your shoulders.

As you will need to remove your shoes to enter the temples, it makes sense to wear shoes that you can slip on and off easily and bring some wet wipes to clean your feet.

Ayutthaya Itinerary: Day 1 – Afternoon

If you aim to arrive in Ayutthaya by lunchtime, you will have the rest of the day to explore its temples.

My advice is to pick accommodation within easy walking distance of Ayutthaya’s Historical Park, as this is where Ayutthaya’s main temples are located.

Wat Phra Mahathat

Wat Phra Mahathat is the superstar of Ayutthaya’s temples, its overgrown, faded splendour the epitome of the ancient capital’s former grandeur. Built to house the remains of the Buddha, Wat Phra Mahathat is achingly beautiful in a romantic, crumbling way.

There are dozens of red brick spires, leaning at precarious angles, vegetation sprouting through the brickwork. Scattered throughout the complex are countless headless Buddhas, seemingly discarded. 

Don’t miss the serene Buddha head cradled in the loving embrace of the roots of a Bodhi tree, reminiscent of Ta Promh in Cambodia.

Wat Ratchaburana

On the opposite side of the road to Wat Phra Mahathat is the towering monastery of Wat Ratchaburana.

This was built in 1424 by King Boromraja II on the ground where his two elder brothers, Ai and Yi, were killed in elephant-back combat. This left the way open for Boromraja to succeed to the throne.

By way of contrast to the red brick of Wat Phra Mahathat, Wat Ratchaburana’s white towers soar upwards, their restored stuccowork providing a glimpse of the temple’s former splendour.

Ayutthaya Itinerary: Day 2 – Morning

Day two of your Ayutthaya itinerary picks up where you left off the previous evening, continuing your visit to the temples in Ayutthaya’s Historical Park.

I recommend making an early start to see the sights before the heat of the afternoon, and to get a head-start on the day trippers from Bangkok.  

Wat Phra Ram

Built in the late 14^th Century on the site of Ramathibodi’s cremation, Wat Phra Ram is slightly underwhelming. However, there are occasional glimpses of its past grandeur through the remaining stuccowork on the prang (temple spire).

Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bopit

Cross over the road from Wat Phra Ram to visit Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bopit.

This modern complex was built in 1956 to house one of Thailand’s largest Buddhas with assistance from the Burmese to atone for flattening Ayutthaya two hundred years earlier. Standing a proud 12.45 m high, this bronze Buddha with its flashing mother-of-pearl eyes is encircled by smaller Buddhas lightly cased in gold leaf, which flutters and sparkles in the breeze.

Wat Phra Si Sanphet

Adjacent to Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bopit is Wat Phra Si Sanphet, which was built in 1448 as a private chapel.

The site is well-preserved and the three grey chedis, constructed to house the ashes of kings, are an iconic image of Ayutthaya.

From Wat Phra Si Sanphet, take a tuk-tuk to visit the next two temples. After a bit of haggling, this cost me 300 baht with waiting time and a return trip back to my guesthouse.

Wat Na Phra Men

Used by the Burmese as their main base during their siege of Ayutthaya, Wat Na Phra Men is the only temple that survived the devastation of 1767. However, because of frequent refurbishment, it looks disappointingly new.

Wat Tha Ka Rong

Now for something completely different: Buddha goes to Las Vegas!

This temple is blingtastic and a complete contrast to the graceful Ayutthaya temples of the previous day. I half expected to see slot machines around the next corner.

Wat Tha Ka Rong’s sprawling complex features motion-activated skeletons and mannequins greeting you with a wai and asking for a donation.

It was now lunchtime and very hot! I took advantage of access to the swimming pool at the sister guesthouse and treated myself to a Thai massage. Suitably chilled, I was now ready to continue temple hopping.

Ayutthaya Itinerary: Day 2 – Afternoon Boat Tour

A late-afternoon boat trip is a perfect way to visit Ayutthaya’s riverside temples in a relaxed way. You also get to see more of the city and benefit from a cooling breeze. Just avoid sitting towards the rear of the boat unless you have ear defenders!

Arranged through my guesthouse, this two-hour boat trip cost 220 baht which included a tuk-tuk transfer from my guesthouse but excluded temple admission fees and return transfer.  

Wat Phanan Choeng

Built in 1324, Wat Phanan Choeng predates the founding of Ayutthaya and is famed for its 18-meter-high golden Buddha, Thailand’s largest ancient image. Legend has it that tears flowed from its eyes when Ayutthaya was ravaged by the Burmese.

Don’t leave Wat Phanan Choeng before checking out the beautiful murals adorning the walls of the two smaller chambers in front of the main one housing the Buddha image.

Wat Phuttai Sawan

Built in 1353, this monastery was built alongside the royal residence and was one of the first temples built in Ayutthaya.

Wat Chai Watthanaram

Wat Chai Watthanaram was built in 1640 by King Pra-Sat Thong as a memorial to his mother. Considered one of Thailand’s most significant monuments, is magnificently restored and a must-see on any Ayutthaya itinerary.

A 35-meter central prang is flanked by four smaller prangs, which are in turn surrounded by eight merus, structures used as crematoria. Look out for remnants of the paintings that decorated the interior walls of the merus. Fragments of the Buddha statues that graced these merus can also still be seen.

Watching the sun set behind Wat Chai Watthanaram was a fitting end to my Ayutthaya itinerary.

Organised Day Tours to Ayutthaya

Although it’s relatively straightforward to visit Ayutthaya’s temples independently from Bangkok, if you are short on time or just prefer to have someone do the organising for you, a number of tour companies operate day excursions.

When I’m away, my platform of choice to book day tours is GetYourGuide as it usually has a wide choice and has generous cancellation terms (usually free to cancel within 24 hours of your scheduled excursion).

Here are a few tours that should fit the bill.

Ayutthaya full-day trip from Bangkok with cruise and lunch

Travel to Ayutthaya from Bangkok by air-conditioned van or bus and benefit from the services of a guide. All entrance fees, lunch and a river cruise are included in this very affordable excursion.

>>> CLICK HERE TO BOOK

Ayutthaya full-day trip from Bangkok with lunch

This option is cheaper still but does not include a river cruise.

>>> CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE

Ayutthaya & Ayothaya floating market day trip

Combine a visit to Ayutthaya’s temples with the Ayothaya floating market. Includes a long-tail boat ride.

>>> CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE

Where to Stay in Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya is not exactly a destination for flashpackers. You won’t find much in the way of top-end hotels or fine dining.

But that doesn’t matter. I stayed in one of my favourite places in many years of travelling and dined out well at the night market. 

I stayed at the Prom Tong Mansion which was exceptional. It has an excellent location – a ten-minute walk from the main night market – and Jeeda, who runs the guesthouse on behalf of her family, could not do enough for me. When I was leaving, she sent me on my way with a small souvenir and some Oreos for the journey.

>>> FIND OUT MORE

Here are a few other places to stay in Ayutthaya that I have found to suit other tastes:

Q Zone Boutique House

This air-conditioned hotel is close to the temples at Ayutthaya Historical Park and has garnered great reviews. There’s an on-site restaurant and free bikes are available.

>>> CHECK RATES & BOOK

Pan Din Boutique

Another highly rated budget option close less than a mile from Ayutthaya Historical Park

>>> CHECK RATES & BOOK

>>> None of these places take your fancy? Find other great accommodation choices in Ayutthaya.

Where to Eat in Ayutthaya

I ate at the main night market which was cheap and very tasty.

Malakor was recommended to me but I didn’t get an opportunity to try it.

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