Things to Do in Ayutthaya in November
November weather, activities, events & insider tips
November Weather in Ayutthaya
Is November Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect temple-touring weather - mornings are genuinely pleasant at 24-26°C (75-79°F) before the midday heat kicks in, meaning you can actually enjoy cycling between ruins without melting. The rainy season has wrapped up, so temple grounds are green but not muddy.
- Loy Krathong timing - November typically catches this magical festival when locals float krathongs on the rivers around the ancient city. The historical park becomes absolutely stunning with candlelit floats drifting past illuminated ruins. It's the one time of year when the temple complexes feel genuinely alive rather than museum-like.
- Shoulder season pricing and crowds - you're between the October tail-end of monsoon and the December-February peak tourist crush. Guesthouses in the old city run about 30-40% cheaper than high season, and you'll have Wat Mahathat and Wat Chaiwatthanaram nearly to yourself at sunrise. Tour groups haven't descended yet.
- River levels are ideal - the Chao Phraya and Pa Sak rivers are still high from the rainy season but receding, which means boat tours actually work well and riverside restaurants have that pleasant waterfront ambiance without flood concerns. The Bang Pa-In Palace gardens look particularly lush right now.
Considerations
- Midday heat is still brutal - that 32°C (90°F) doesn't sound terrible until you factor in 70% humidity and zero shade at most temple ruins. Between 11am-3pm, you'll be questioning your life choices if you're cycling around exposed sites. The heat feels heavier than dry season because moisture lingers.
- Unpredictable afternoon showers - those 10 rainy days are misleading because they're typically short 20-40 minute downpours that hit around 3-5pm. Not enough to ruin your day, but enough to drench you if you're caught between temples on a bicycle. The historical park has almost no covered areas.
- Festival accommodation spikes - if Loy Krathong falls during your dates, expect guesthouses to triple their rates for those 2-3 nights and book out weeks ahead. The rest of November is quiet, but those festival nights get genuinely expensive and crowded with Bangkok weekenders.
Best Activities in November
Sunrise Temple Cycling Routes
November mornings are legitimately the best time all year for cycling the historical park loop. You'll start at 6am when it's still 24°C (75°F) and comfortable, hit the major ruins as golden light breaks over the prangs, and finish by 10am before the heat becomes oppressive. The 21 km (13 mile) outer loop or shorter 6 km (3.7 mile) inner circuit both work beautifully. Bicycle rentals cluster around the old city guesthouses.
Chao Phraya River Sunset Cruises
The river is still pleasantly high in November, and sunset cruises around the island city offer relief from the daytime heat while catching temples lit up against the evening sky. Water levels make it possible to navigate channels that dry up later in cool season. The breeze on the water actually makes 28°C (82°F) feel comfortable. Most cruises run 5:30-7:30pm, perfectly timed for the golden hour over Wat Phutthaisawan and Wat Chaiwatthanaram.
Bang Pa-In Palace Garden Walks
The royal summer palace 20 km (12.4 miles) south of Ayutthaya looks spectacular in November when post-monsoon greenery is at peak lushness but paths are dry. The mix of Thai, Chinese, and European architecture set in manicured gardens works better in November's variable weather than December's crowds. Go early morning or late afternoon to avoid midday sun on the exposed lawns. The palace grounds stay open until 5pm.
Evening Food Market Exploration
November evenings cool down to a genuinely pleasant 26-28°C (79-82°F), making the night markets around Chao Phrom Market and U Thong Road actually enjoyable rather than sweat-inducing. This is when locals eat out, and the seasonal produce includes excellent mangoes and early-season strawberries from nearby farms. The markets run 5pm-10pm with peak activity 6:30-8:30pm. Street food prices stay reasonable at 40-80 baht per dish.
Wat Mahathat Photography Sessions
The famous Buddha head in tree roots at Wat Mahathat photographs beautifully in November's softer light, and you'll actually get clear shots without crowds during weekday mornings 7-9am. The variable cloud cover creates interesting lighting conditions that harsh dry season sun doesn't offer. The entire historical park has that post-rain freshness where laterite bricks look deeper red and vegetation frames ruins nicely. Bring a wide-angle lens for the prangs.
Traditional Thai Massage After Temple Touring
After cycling 15-20 km (9-12 miles) around temple ruins in November heat, a proper two-hour traditional Thai massage makes perfect sense. The old city has excellent massage shops where therapists actually know what they're doing, not tourist trap quick rubs. November's moderate tourist numbers mean you can usually walk in without appointments. Sessions run late afternoon and evening when you're genuinely sore from the day's activities.
November Events & Festivals
Loy Krathong Festival
The full moon night of the 12th lunar month typically falls in November, when Thais float decorative krathongs on rivers to pay respects to the water goddess. In Ayutthaya, the historical park becomes magical with thousands of candlelit floats drifting past illuminated temple ruins. Locals gather at riverside spots like Wat Phanan Choeng and along the Chao Phraya near Wat Chaiwatthanaram. You'll see elaborate krathongs made from banana leaves, flowers, and incense. The atmosphere is genuinely special rather than touristy, though Bangkok weekenders do show up in numbers.
Ayutthaya World Heritage Fair
When the fair runs in November, the historical park hosts evening cultural performances, traditional craft demonstrations, and food stalls showcasing royal Ayutthaya cuisine. It's essentially a celebration of the city's UNESCO status with light and sound shows at major temple sites. The fair tends to coincide with Loy Krathong timing, creating a multi-day festival atmosphere. You'll see classical Thai dance performances against the backdrop of Wat Mahathat and traditional music ensembles. Entry to special evening events typically costs 100-200 baht.