Things to Do in Ayutthaya in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
Shoulder Season · Good Value
December Weather in Ayutthaya
Long-run averages for December
88°F (31°C)
High Temp
72°F (22°C)
Low Temp
0.5 inches (13 mm)
Rainfall
59%
Humidity
1
Rainy Days
8
Sunny-Day UV
⚠ Very high UV on sunny days: use sunscreen and seek shade at midday
Making the most of December in Ayutthaya? Browse tours and activities in Ayutthaya on GetYourGuide.
Is December Right for You?
Weigh the advantages and considerations before booking
Advantages
- + December delivers the year's finest weather. Days stay dry and bright, the air crisp by Thai standards. Cool enough that temple hopping never becomes a sauna slog.
- + Dry skies stretch golden hour into forever. Wat Mahathat's brick stupas glow from within. Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon's leaning prang catches fire around 4 PM.
- + December sits in a quiet window. Loy Krathong crowds have gone. New Year's hordes have not yet arrived. The city breathes. Guesthouse terraces have seats.
- + Riverboat tours run cooler on the water. Low levels expose ancient walls and foundations. These vanish entirely during September floods.
Considerations
- − Peak crowds plague Bangkok, not here. Still, December brings more visitors. They hit Wat Phra Si Sanphet hard. They queue for the Buddha head in Bodhi roots at Wat Mahathat. Mid-morning waves roll in.
- − Prices peak this month. Rates climb. Boutique riverfront hotels fill weeks, sometimes months, ahead. Book early.
- − Comfortable days demand a trade. Nights turn surprisingly cool. Sunset boat tours chill you. Outdoor dining requires a layer. Temperatures dip to low 70s Fahrenheit, low 20s Celsius. Pack for more than tropical heat.
Settled on December? Compare hotel prices in Ayutthaya for your dates on Trip.com.
Best Activities in December
Top things to do during your visit
Ayutthaya in December has a distinct and welcome change of pace from the rest of the year. The air is dry. It carries a faint, clean coolness in the morning, a sharp contrast to the heavy humidity that defines other months. The sun is bright but not oppressive, casting long, clear shadows across the ruins. This is the month when Ayutthaya reveals itself fully, the brickwork of ancient temples standing stark against a pale blue sky, free from the haze of rain. You'll hear the steady, dry rustle of leaves in the breeze and see the Chao Phraya River flowing calmly, its banks quieter than during the monsoon season. Locals take advantage of this agreeable weather. More people are seen cycling between sites or enjoying late-afternoon strolls as the temperature becomes most comfortable. With only a trace of rainfall on average, December is reliably dry. That makes it a practical choice for those planning extensive exploration of the open-air historical park. When considering day trips from Bangkok, December is an optimal period. The journey north is straightforward, and the conditions in Ayutthaya itself are good for spending full days outdoors. The average high of 88 degrees Fahrenheit is manageable, compared to the scorching heat of April, and the evenings cool to a pleasant 72 degrees. This climate allows you to comfortably visit multiple temple complexes in a single outing without the fatigue brought on by extreme heat or sudden downpours. You can taste smoky grilled river prawns from a streetside vendor and feel the rough, sun-warmed laterite of a centuries-old chedi under your palms. For travelers seeking to understand the scale and atmosphere of this former Siamese capital, a visit in December provides clarity and ease of movement that other seasons cannot guarantee.
From Bangkok: Ayutthaya Temples Guided Tour with Lunch
culturalThis guided tour departs Bangkok and delivers a curated introduction to Ayutthaya's essential temple ruins, including Wat Mahathat and its famous Buddha head entwined in tree roots, and Wat Phra Si Sanphet with its three well-known bell-shaped chedi. A provided lunch typically features classic central Thai dishes, allowing you to refuel before continuing to explore. The structure is good for first-time visitors who want context without the logistical hassle.
It efficiently frames the monumental history of Ayutthaya through its most photographed and significant sites, with expert narration that brings the stone ruins to life.
Insider tip: Ask your guide to point out the less-obvious bas-relief carvings and architectural details on the prangs, which often hold symbolic meaning missed by independent visitors.
This month: The dry, clear weather of December enhances visibility for photography and makes walking between the exposed ruins more comfortable throughout the entire day.
From Bangkok: Ayutthaya & Ayothaya Floating Market Day Trip
day_tripThis day trip combines the temple ruins of Ayutthaya with the busy, watery commerce of the Ayothaya Floating Market, where wooden boats laden with tropical fruits and sizzling noodle dishes ply the canals. You will see vendors in traditional hats paddling slowly, hear the constant chatter of bargaining and the sizzle of hot oil, and smell the mingling aromas of coconut milk, fresh herbs, and charcoal smoke.
It contrasts the silent, monumental past of Ayutthaya with the lively, edible present of Thai canal culture in a single, easy journey.
Insider tip: At the floating market, seek out the smaller canal-side kitchens for a bowl of kuay teow reua, or boat noodles, which are richer and more authentic than many of the tourist-focused snacks.
Private Tour to Railway Market, Floating Market And Ayutthaya
private_tourA private tour offering an ambitious circuit from Bangkok that includes the unique Maeklong Railway Market, a busy floating market, and the historic ruins of Ayutthaya. You will feel the rush of air as a train squeezes through the market stalls, hear the cacophony of a waterborne marketplace, and then experience the profound quiet among Ayutthaya's decapitated Buddha images.
This is a complete, private exploration of three distinctly Thai sensory experiences, dangerous commerce, floating life, and sacred history, tailored to your pace.
Insider tip: Request your driver to adjust the itinerary to spend the hottest midday hours in the air-conditioned vehicle traveling between locations, saving your exploration of the open-air ruins for the cooler late afternoon light.
Bangkok: Ayutthaya, Railway & Floating Markets Full-Day Tour
day_tripThis full-day tour from Bangkok is a popular choice for its efficient combination of the Maeklong Railway Market, a floating market experience, and the key ruins of Ayutthaya. You will witness the startling sight of market awnings being pulled back just seconds before a train rumbles through, taste sweet coconut pancakes from a canal boat, and later touch the intricate stucco work on a temple wall.
It packs three well-known Thai day-trip scenes into one well-organized schedule, maximizing variety for travelers with limited time.
Insider tip: At the railway market, position yourself near the back of the crowd for a less obstructed and safer view of the train's passage, and be ready to smell the distinct scent of fresh seafood and diesel.
Private Tour to Ayutthaya, World Heritage Site with Boat Tour
cruiseA private tour focused exclusively on Ayutthaya, featuring a guided exploration of the UNESCO World Heritage site complemented by a serene boat tour along the city's encircling rivers. From the water, you will see temple silhouettes from unique angles, hear the gentle lap of water against the hull, and feel a cool breeze that isn't always present among the inland ruins.
The boat tour provides an important historical perspective, revealing how Ayutthaya's rivers shaped its defense and commerce, an aspect impossible to grasp fully from land.
Insider tip: On the boat portion, ask your guide to identify the specific temple ruins that line the banks and share stories of the royal barges that once traveled these same routes.
Thailand's Tour: Kanchanaburi, River Kwai, Markets, Lopburi, Ayutthaya - 3 Days
guided_experienceThis three-day guided experience extends beyond Ayutthaya to include the poignant history of the Bridge on the River Kwai in Kanchanaburi, the chaotic monkey-filled ruins of Lopburi, and several market visits. You will feel the weight of history at the war cemeteries, hear the chatter of macaques scaling ancient Khmer prangs, and spend multiple nights in local accommodations outside the standard tourist circuit.
It is an in-depth immersion into the heart of central Thailand's history, from ancient kingdoms to World War II, designed for those who want to move beyond a simple day trip.
Insider tip: Pack layers for the evenings in Kanchanaburi, as the river valley can feel noticeably cooler than Ayutthaya after sunset, and be prepared for the potent smell of the monkey territories in Lopburi.
Where to Stay in Ayutthaya in December
Hand-picked hotels across price tiers for December travellers.
Public Holidays in December
Dates that affect opening hours, transport and crowds
HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great's Birthday; National Day; National Father's Day
Observed nationwide as a public holiday. Date calculated from the national holiday calendar.
HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great's Birthday (in lieu); National Day (in lieu); National Father's Day
Observed nationwide as a public holiday. Granted in lieu when the holiday falls at a weekend. Date calculated from the national holiday calendar.
Constitution Day
Observed nationwide as a public holiday. Date calculated from the national holiday calendar.
New Year's Eve
Observed nationwide as a public holiday. Date calculated from the national holiday calendar.
HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great's Birthday; National Day; National Father's Day
Observed nationwide as a public holiday. Date calculated from the national holiday calendar.
HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great's Birthday (in lieu); National Day (in lieu); National Father's Day
Observed nationwide as a public holiday. Granted in lieu when the holiday falls at a weekend. Date calculated from the national holiday calendar.
Constitution Day
Observed nationwide as a public holiday. Date calculated from the national holiday calendar.
New Year's Eve
Observed nationwide as a public holiday. Date calculated from the national holiday calendar.
HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great's Birthday; National Day; National Father's Day
Observed nationwide as a public holiday. Date calculated from the national holiday calendar.
Constitution Day
Observed nationwide as a public holiday. Date calculated from the national holiday calendar.
Constitution Day
Observed nationwide as a public holiday. Granted in lieu when the holiday falls at a weekend. Date calculated from the national holiday calendar.
New Year's Eve
Observed nationwide as a public holiday. Date calculated from the national holiday calendar.
Packing Checklist
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View Ayutthaya Packing List →Essential Tips
Insider knowledge and common pitfalls to avoid
Insider Knowledge
Target the main ruins during late afternoon. Begin photographing at 3:30 PM. Day trip buses from Bangkok typically depart by that hour. The low sun throws dramatic shadows across the weathered brickwork. Check your exposure carefully.
Avoid elephant ride camps near the ruins entirely. The ethical concerns remain substantial. Most seasoned travelers and residents consider these operations a tourist trap. Save your cash for an extended river tour. Purchase a superior meal instead. You will feel better.
Seek a local breakfast at the morning market near the Hua Ro Pier. Arrive before 8 AM. You will discover khanom jeen (fermented rice noodles with curry) and fresh soy milk that stays warm. Vendors serve it in plastic bags with a straw. This flavor profile beats hotel buffets. Do not miss it.
Purchase your combined ticket for the Historical Park at your first major ruin (like Wat Mahathat). This pass covers multiple sites and eliminates queueing at each entrance. Keep it dry and flat inside your bag. Store it safely.
Avoid These Mistakes
Do not attempt to see all major ruins during a frantic day trip from Bangkok. Ayutthaya reveals its true magic through slower pacing. Reserve an overnight stay. Explore early each morning before the heat and crowds arrive. Patience pays off.
Do not underestimate the scale of the Historical Park. Walking between all sites remains impossible. The distances are simply too great. Rent a bicycle or hire a tuk-tuk for the day. This option is expected and highly affordable. Move smartly.
Avoid restaurants that cater exclusively to tourists near the ruins. The most memorable dishes live elsewhere. Seek out boat noodles or grilled river fish at local markets. Visit humble shops where menus appear only in Thai. Walk further. The flavor rewards you.
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