Things to Do in Ayutthaya

About Ayutthaya

Where the ghosts of ancient kings still whisper through crumbling temple spires and sacred Buddha statues emerge like silent guardians from the earth, Ayutthaya exists as Thailand's most hauntingly beautiful testament to impermanence. Once the glittering capital of Siam, this UNESCO World Heritage site spreads across an island embraced by three converging rivers, where centuries-old prangs pierce tropical skies and vine-wrapped ruins tell stories of unimaginable grandeur brought low by time and conflict. Here, the weight of 400 years of royal history settles into your bones as you wander through temple complexes where golden spires once touched the heavens, and the famous Buddha head cradled in banyan roots serves as a meditation on resilience and renewal. The city breathes with a different rhythm than bustling Bangkok—slower, more contemplative, where bicycle bells chime against ancient stones and the Chao Phraya River reflects both modern longtail boats and timeless silhouettes of reconstructed palaces, creating a dreamscape where past and present dance in eternal harmony.

Travel Tips

Transportation: Rent bicycles for 50-80 baht daily to explore temples comfortably. Alternatively, hire tuk-tuks for 200-400 baht per hour or join organized tours. Trains from Bangkok's Hua Lamphong Station take 90 minutes (20 baht) and arrive at Ayutthaya Station, walking distance from historical sites.

Money: Bring cash as many temples charge 50-80 baht entrance fees and small vendors don't accept cards. ATMs are readily available near the train station and main roads. Budget 1,000-1,500 baht per person for a full day including transport, meals, and entrance fees.

Cultural Respect: Never pose with Buddha statues by sitting on them or pointing feet toward them. Dress modestly with covered shoulders and knees. Remove shoes before entering active temple halls. Speak quietly and avoid pointing at religious imagery. Photography restrictions apply in some sacred areas.

Food Safety: Try local specialties like boat noodles and roti sai mai (cotton candy crepes) from busy stalls with high turnover. Avoid ice in drinks from street vendors. Bottled water costs 10-15 baht. Riverside restaurants offer safe dining with scenic views for 150-300 baht per meal.

When to Visit

November through February offers ideal conditions with temperatures ranging 20-30°C (68-86°F) and minimal rainfall under 50mm monthly, though accommodation prices peak 40-60% higher during this tourist season. March through May brings scorching heat up to 40°C (104°F) but fewer crowds and 25-35% lower prices, making early mornings and late afternoons perfect for temple exploring. The rainy season (June-October) sees heavy downpours averaging 150-250mm monthly, particularly intense July-September, but creates dramatically moody temple photography opportunities and rock-bottom prices 50-70% below peak season. Key festivals include Songkran water festival (April 13-15) with temple ceremonies and street celebrations, and Loy Krathong (November full moon) when thousands of floating lanterns illuminate the rivers around the ruins. Cultural enthusiasts should visit during cooler months for comfortable walking, while budget travelers benefit from monsoon season's dramatic skies and empty temples. Photography enthusiasts often prefer the golden light and fewer tourists of shoulder months (March-April, October-November). Weekend crowds from Bangkok intensify year-round, making weekday visits consistently more peaceful regardless of season.