Most people rush through Thailand’s ancient capital on a hurried day trip from Bangkok. I spent two nights in Ayutthaya, and I’m glad I did.
It was brutally hot, the kind of heat that saps your energy and reduces you to a slowly moving shadow. Even Ayutthaya’s notoriously territorial dogs were too exhausted to raise a growl. The extra time meant I could take things at a sensible pace, avoiding the worst of the heat, see the temples illuminated at night and visit the night market after the day-trippers had left.
Ayutthaya is a friendly, laid-back city where it’s easy to create your own DIY temple tour. Here’s my tried-and-tested itinerary covering the best Ayutthaya temples, whether you’ve got one day or two.
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Quick Facts About Ayutthaya
Founded in 1350, Ayutthaya was the second capital of the Siamese kingdom and flourished for over 400 years before the Burmese razed it in 1767. The wooden palaces didn’t survive the fires, but the brick-and-stone temples did, leaving the UNESCO-listed ruins you see today.
The most famous sight? The Buddha head entwined in the roots of a banyan tree at Wat Phra Mahathat, often compared to Ta Prohm in Cambodia.
How Many Days Do You Need in Ayutthaya?
One day is doable if you’re pushed for time. You can visit Ayutthaya as a day trip from Bangkok and see the main temples.
Two days (one night) is better. You’ll see the temples without rushing, take a boat trip, visit the night market and experience the city after the day-trippers leave. This is what I did, and I’d recommend it.
Getting to Ayutthaya From Bangkok
I took the train from Hua Lamphong station on the northern edge of Bangkok’s Chinatown. Most long-distance services moved to Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal (formerly known as Bang Sue Grand Station) in 2023, but some Ayutthaya trains still run from Hua Lamphong.
Tickets are cheap, and there’s no need to book in advance. Just turn up and buy a ticket for the next train. The journey takes around 90 minutes for the 80km trip. Check train times here.
From Ayutthaya station (just across the river from the island where the temples are), grab a tuk-tuk. Drivers will be queuing up. Expect to haggle.
Visiting Ayutthaya Temples: What You Need to Know
Temple pass & entrance fees
The major temples in Ayutthaya have a modest entrance fee, usually 80 baht, which you pay at the temple entrance. Active temples are usually free to enter.
If you are visiting several temples, you are better off buying a temple pass, which costs 300 baht in 2026. Pick one up at any of the seven main temples included in the pass:
- Wat Phra Mahathat
- Wat Ratchaburana
- Wat Phra Ram
- Wat Phra Si Sanphet
- Wat Chai Watthanaram
- Wat Mayehong
- Wat Kudi Dao
Getting Between Temples
Four of the seven main temples are located on the island:
- Wat Phra Mahathat
- Wat Ratchaburana
- Wat Phra Ram
- Wat Phra Si Sanphet
Three temples are off the island and need transport:
- Wat Chai Watthanaram
- Wat Maheyong
- Wat Kudi Dao
Transport options:
- Bike – Best way to explore (6-hour guided tour available here)
- Tuk-tuk – For off-island temples or when it’s too hot
- Boat – Perfect for late afternoon temple visits with a cooling breeze
Pick up a free temple map at your hotel or guesthouse or download a map of Ayutthaya Historical Park here.
Dress Code & Practical Tips
Cover shoulders and knees (these are active or former temples)
Wear slip-on shoes (you’ll remove them constantly)
Bring wet wipes for cleaning your feet
Start early to beat the heat and day-trippers
Carry water – it gets brutally hot
My Ayutthaya Itinerary + Map
I spread my temple visits across a day and a half:
MUST-SEE TEMPLES (if time is tight):
- Wat Phra Mahathat★
- Wat Ratchaburana★
- Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bopit★
- Wat Phra Si Sanphet★
- Wat Phanan Choeng★
- Wat Chai Watthanaram★
IF YOU HAVE MORE TIME:
- Wat Phra Ram
- Wat Na Phra Men
- Wat Phuttai Sawan
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.
Day 1: Afternoon Temple Walk
Arrive by lunchtime and spend the afternoon exploring temples on the island.
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.
Red brick spires lean at precarious angles, vegetation pushing through the brickwork. Headless Buddhas scatter the grounds.
The main attraction? The serene Buddha head cradled in the roots of a Bodhi tree.
Wat Ratchaburana
Across the road from Wat Phra Mahathat, this monastery towers above its neighbour.
Built in 1424 by King Boromraja II on the spot where his two brothers killed each other in elephant-back combat (clearing his path to the throne), Wat Ratchaburana’s white towers soar upwards. The restored stuccowork gives you a glimpse of what these temples once looked like.
Day 2 Morning: Island Temples
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. Start early to beat the heat and the Bangkok day-trippers.
Wat Phra Ram
Built in the late 14th century on Ramathibodi’s cremation site, this temple is slightly underwhelming but worth a quick visit for the remaining stuccowork on the prang (temple spire).
Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bopit
Cross the road from Wat Phra Ram to visit Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bopit.
This modern complex (built in 1956) houses one of Thailand’s largest bronze Buddhas at 12.45m high. The mother-of-pearl eyes flash as you approach. The Burmese helped fund construction to atone for destroying Ayutthaya two centuries earlier.
Wat Phra Si Sanphet
Built in 1448 as a private chapel adjacent to Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bopit, this site is excellently preserved. The three grey chedis (built to house royal ashes) are an iconic Ayutthaya image, and probably the most photographed spot after the Buddha head.
From Wat Phra Si Sanphet, take a tuk-tuk to visit the next temple
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.
Day 2 Afternoon: Boat tour to riverside temples
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!
I arranged this through my guesthouse, and it 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 (before Ayutthaya was founded), this temple houses Thailand’s largest ancient Buddha image at 18 metres high. Legend says tears flowed from its eyes when the Burmese destroyed the city.
Don’t miss the beautiful murals in the two smaller chambers in front of the main hall.
Wat Phuttai Sawan
One of Ayutthaya’s first temples, the monastery was built in 1353 alongside the royal residence. Look for the reclining Buddha visible through the ruined window frames.
Wat Chai Watthanaram
Built in 1640 by King Pra-Sat Thong as a memorial to his mother, this is one of Thailand’s most important monuments and a must-see on any Ayutthaya itinerary.
A 35-metre central prang is flanked by smaller prangs, surrounded by eight merus (crematorium structures). Look for remnants of paintings on interior walls and fragments of Buddha statues.
Watching the sunset behind Wat Chai Watthanaram was the perfect end to my Ayutthaya temple tour.
What I Missed (For Next Time)
Wat Lokayasutharam – Famous for its 42-metre reclining Buddha, one of Ayutthaya’s most photographed sights. I ran out of time, but it’s definitely on my list for next visit.
One More Temple (If You Like Things a Bit Different)
Between the main island temples and the boat tour, my tuk-tuk driver took me to Wat Tha Ka Rong. This was… unexpected.
Wat Tha Ka Rong
Now for something completely different: Buddha goes to Las Vegas!
This temple is a total contrast to the graceful historical sites. I half expected to see slot machines around the next corner.
The sprawling complex features motion-activated skeletons and mannequins greeting you with a wai and asking for a donation. It’s kitsch, it’s weird, and it’s utterly memorable.
Not essential for your Ayutthaya itinerary, but if you’ve got extra time and fancy seeing something completely off the beaten track, it’s worth a quick visit for the sheer novelty.
Organised Day Tours from Bangkok
Visiting independently is straightforward, but if you’re short on time or prefer a guide, several companies run excellent day trips.
I book through GetYourGuide as they have a good choice and generous cancellation policies (usually free cancellation within 24 hours).
Recommended tours:
- Ayutthaya full-day trip with lunch – Four temples plus lunch at a local restaurant
- Ayutthaya & floating market tour – Combines temples with Ayothaya floating market and long-tail boat ride
Where to Stay
Ayutthaya is not exactly a destination for flashpackers. You won’t find luxury hotels or fine dining. But that doesn’t matter.
I stayed at Prom Tong Mansion, which was exceptional. Ten minutes’ walk from the night market, it’s run by Jeeda, who made my stay memorable. When I left, she gave me a small souvenir and Oreos for the journey.
Other well-reviewed options:
- Q Zone Boutique House – Air-conditioned rooms near Historical Park, on-site restaurant, free bikes
- Pan Din Boutique – Highly rated budget option less than a mile from Historical Park
Final Thoughts
Ayutthaya is a superb addition to any Thailand itinerary. The UNESCO-listed temples give you a window into the country’s former capital, the city itself is friendly and relaxed, and it’s an easy journey from Bangkok.
Whether you visit for a day or stay overnight as I did, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation of Thailand’s rich history and some incredible photos.
Finally, if you’ve enjoyed this article, check out my DIY tour of Bangkok’s temples.
About Bridget
Bridget Coleman has been a passionate traveller for more than 30 years. She has visited 70+ countries, most as a solo traveller.
Articles on this site reflect her first-hand experiences.
To get in touch, email her at hello@theflashpacker.net or follow her on social media.