Ayutthaya
The capital of Siam for 417 years, sacked in 1767 and left as a field of brick stupas and headless Buddhas. Ayutthaya is an hour and a half from Bangkok and the best day trip in the country.
The historical park
The ruins are spread over a large island; a bicycle is the right way to do it. Wat Mahathat's Buddha head in the tree roots, Wat Chaiwatthanaram at sunset and Wat Phra Si Sanphet are the three not to miss.
Getting there
Third-class train from Hua Lamphong takes 90 minutes and costs almost nothing — it is half the experience. We usually drive back in the evening so you are not tied to the timetable.
Things to see in Ayutthaya
UNESCO site
Ayutthaya Historical Park
The ruins of the Siamese capital: brick stupas, headless Buddhas and the famous head in the tree roots at Wat Ma…
Palace
Bang Pa-In Royal Palace
A riverside summer palace of Thai pavilions, Chinese towers and a European-style hall, all arranged around a lak…
Temple
Wat Chaiwatthanaram
A Khmer-style temple on the west bank of the Chao Phraya, best seen at sunset from across the river.…
Tours that include Ayutthaya
Bestseller
4.9 (145)
Thailand Highlights
Bangkok · Ayutthaya · Chiang Mai · Phuket
Private
4.9 (80)
Best of Thailand
Bangkok · Ayutthaya · Sukhothai · Chiang Mai
Private
4.9 (100)
Thailand Grand Tour
Bangkok · Kanchanaburi · Ayutthaya · Sukhothai
Private
4.9 (155)
Ayutthaya by Vintage Rail
Ayutthaya
Experiences here
Add Ayutthaya to a longer trip
Most travellers combine it with two or three other places. Tell us your dates and we will suggest the route.