Ayutthaya Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Ayutthaya.
Healthcare System
Ayutthaya has adequate healthcare facilities for most common tourist medical needs, with several hospitals and clinics serving the city. For serious medical emergencies, many travelers opt for transfer to Bangkok's international hospitals, which are approximately 1-1.5 hours away.
Hospitals
Rajburi Hospital and Ayutthaya Hospital are the main facilities serving tourists. Both have emergency departments and can handle common issues like dehydration, minor injuries, infections, and digestive problems. Private clinics are available for non-emergency consultations. Many hotels can arrange medical consultations or hospital visits.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies are widely available throughout Ayutthaya, including several near the historical park area. Many common medications available by prescription in Western countries can be purchased over-the-counter, including antibiotics, though quality varies. Look for boots or Watsons chains for reliable service. Pharmacists often speak some English and can help with minor ailments.
Insurance
Travel insurance is not required but strongly recommended. Medical evacuation to Bangkok or repatriation can be extremely expensive without coverage. Ensure your policy covers motorbike accidents if you plan to rent a scooter, as this is a common exclusion.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring sufficient prescription medications for your entire trip as specific brands may not be available
- Keep a list of your medications (generic names) and any allergies in both English and Thai
- Heat exhaustion and dehydration are common among tourists visiting temple ruins - seek medical attention if symptoms are severe
- For serious medical issues, don't hesitate to request transfer to Bangkok's international hospitals
- Many hotels can arrange doctor house calls for minor illnesses
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Opportunistic theft of bags, phones, and wallets can occur, particularly at crowded temple sites and markets. Theft from unattended bicycles is common.
Traffic in Ayutthaya can be chaotic with mixed vehicle types sharing roads. Motorbike and bicycle accidents are the most common cause of tourist injuries. Roads may lack proper lighting and signage.
Ayutthaya's tropical climate, combined with extensive outdoor temple exploration, puts visitors at risk of heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and severe sunburn. Temperatures often exceed 35°C (95°F).
Street food and local restaurants may cause digestive issues for travelers unaccustomed to local food preparation standards or spice levels.
Stray dogs are present around temple sites and streets. While most are docile, some may be territorial or carry rabies.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Drivers quote inflated prices or agree to one price then demand more at the end. Some drivers take tourists to gem shops, tailors, or massage parlors where they receive commission, wasting your time and pressuring you to buy.
A friendly local approaches near your destination claiming the temple/site is closed for a holiday, ceremony, or cleaning, then offers to take you to other 'better' places or shops where they earn commission.
Rental shops claim pre-existing damage was caused by you and demand excessive compensation, sometimes holding your passport as collateral.
Touts quote one price for elephant rides but add mandatory fees for photos, feeding, or mahout tips that weren't disclosed initially. Some operations engage in unethical animal treatment.
Friendly strangers or tuk-tuk drivers recommend 'special' gem shops with 'tax-free' deals or investment opportunities. Gems are typically fake or severely overpriced.
Individuals approach tourists at temple sites offering guide services, then demand excessive payment afterward or provide poor quality information mixed with shopping stops.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Temple Etiquette and Safety
- Dress modestly: cover shoulders and knees at all temples (carry a sarong or scarf)
- Remove shoes before entering temple buildings (watch your step on hot surfaces)
- Don't climb on Buddha statues or pose disrespectfully - it's illegal and deeply offensive
- Watch for uneven surfaces, crumbling structures, and steep stairs at ancient ruins
- Don't touch monks if you're female; step aside to let monks pass
- Be cautious of monkeys at some temple sites - don't feed them or carry visible food
Transportation Safety
- Always wear a helmet when riding bicycles or motorbikes (rental shops should provide one)
- Check brakes and lights on rental bicycles before leaving the shop
- Ride defensively and assume other drivers don't see you
- Avoid riding after dark due to poor street lighting and increased traffic risks
- Use Grab app for reliable, metered transportation when available
- If hiring a boat tour, ensure life jackets are available and in good condition
- Don't ride motorbikes if you lack experience - Ayutthaya traffic is challenging for beginners
Money and Valuables
- Use ATMs inside banks or shopping centers rather than standalone machines on streets
- Carry only the cash you need for the day; leave excess in hotel safe
- Keep a photocopy of your passport and keep the original in hotel safe
- Be discreet when handling money; don't flash large amounts of cash
- Notify your bank of travel dates to avoid card blocks
- Carry small bills (20, 50, 100 baht) as many vendors can't break large notes
- Keep emergency cash separate from your main wallet
Health and Hygiene
- Drink only bottled or boiled water; avoid ice in drinks unless at upscale establishments
- Carry hand sanitizer and use it before eating, especially at street food stalls
- Apply mosquito repellent (DEET 30%+) during dawn and dusk to prevent dengue fever
- Bring a basic first aid kit with bandages, antiseptic, anti-diarrheal medication, and pain relievers
- Wash hands frequently, especially after handling money or touching temple surfaces
- Consider typhoid and hepatitis A vaccinations before traveling
- Avoid touching your face, especially eyes and mouth, when exploring dusty temple sites
Communication
- Download offline maps (Google Maps allows offline area downloads) before arriving
- Learn basic Thai phrases: 'hello' (sawasdee), 'thank you' (khob khun), 'how much' (tao rai)
- Carry your hotel's business card in Thai to show taxi/tuk-tuk drivers
- Save emergency numbers in your phone before you need them
- Consider purchasing a local SIM card for data access (available at 7-Eleven stores)
- Screenshot or print important addresses and directions in Thai
- Use translation apps (Google Translate has camera function for signs)
Accommodation Security
- Use hotel safes for passport, extra cash, and valuable electronics
- Check that room locks and windows are secure upon check-in
- Don't open your door without verifying who is there (use peephole or ask for ID)
- Keep your room number private; don't say it aloud in public areas
- Take a photo of your room number and hotel exterior to help you find your way back
- Store a backup credit card and cash separately from your main wallet in room safe
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Ayutthaya is generally safe for women travelers, including solo female visitors. Thai culture is respectful, and violent crime against tourists is rare. Women should exercise the same precautions they would in any tourist destination, being particularly aware in crowded areas and after dark. Harassment is uncommon but can occur, usually in the form of persistent vendors or tuk-tuk drivers rather than threatening behavior.
- Dress modestly, especially at temples - this shows respect and reduces unwanted attention (shoulders and knees covered)
- Avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas after dark; use tuk-tuks or Grab for nighttime transport
- Be firm but polite when declining offers from vendors or tuk-tuk drivers; don't feel obligated to be overly friendly
- When riding bicycles, wear shorts or pants rather than skirts for comfort and modesty
- Book accommodation in well-reviewed areas; read recent female traveler reviews for safety insights
- Trust your instincts - if a situation feels uncomfortable, remove yourself politely but quickly
- Consider joining group tours for temple visits if you prefer company
- Be aware that some Thai men may be overly friendly or curious, but this is usually harmless; maintain boundaries firmly
- Avoid accepting drinks from strangers and keep your drink in sight at bars or restaurants
- Female monks do not exist in Thai Theravada Buddhism; women should not touch monks or hand items directly to them
- Carry a charged phone and power bank at all times
- Connect with other travelers at your guesthouse for companionship during temple visits if desired
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Homosexuality is legal in Thailand, and the country is generally considered one of the most LGBTQ-friendly in Asia. Same-sex marriage legislation is progressing through parliament. There are no laws criminalizing LGBTQ+ individuals.
- Public displays of affection are generally frowned upon for all couples, regardless of sexual orientation
- You're unlikely to encounter LGBTQ+-specific venues in Ayutthaya; Bangkok (1-1.5 hours away) has a vibrant scene
- Most hotels will have no issues with same-sex couples sharing rooms; book with international hotel chains if concerned
- Transgender individuals (kathoey/ladyboy) are visible and generally accepted in Thai society
- Exercise the same discretion you would in any moderately conservative area
- Staff at tourist-oriented businesses are accustomed to international visitors and are professional
- Thailand's culture emphasizes politeness and non-confrontation, so outright discrimination is rare
- Be respectful of religious sites and traditional cultural norms while visiting temples
- Check LGBTQ+ travel forums for current experiences and recommendations from recent visitors
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is essential for visiting Ayutthaya due to the risk of motorbike/bicycle accidents (the most common cause of tourist injuries), potential medical evacuation costs to Bangkok, and the tropical climate's health challenges. Medical costs can escalate quickly, and evacuation or repatriation without insurance can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Thailand does not require insurance for entry, but the peace of mind and financial protection make it indispensable.
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