Ayutthaya — UNESCO World Heritage★★★
The former capital of the Kingdom of Siam (1351–1767) was in its heyday one of the largest and most cosmopolitan cities in the world. Up to a million people lived here when London was still a village. Traders from China, Japan, India, Persia, Portugal, and the Netherlands had their own quarters. 400 temples shone in gold, three palaces towered over the city, and an intricate canal system connected everything.
1767 marked the end: Burmese troops besieged the city for months, looted the temples, and burned everything down. What remains are the majestic ruins, which have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991 — headless Buddha statues, crumbling prangs (towers), and the famous Buddha head in the tree roots of Wat Mahathat.
Ayutthaya is located on an island surrounded by three rivers — the Chao Phraya, the Pa Sak, and the Lopburi. The historic old town is compact enough for a long day, but ideally, two days to also see the temples outside the island.
💡 Tipp
Rent a bicycle (50–80 THB/day, approx. €1.30–2) directly at the train station or from guesthouses. The old town is flat, and the temples are 1–3 km apart — the perfect distance by bike. Alternatively: Tuk-Tuk for 3 hours approx. 800 THB (approx. €21) for the highlights.
The Main Temples
★★★ Wat Mahathat
The most famous temple in Ayutthaya — not for its architecture, but for the iconic Buddha head in the roots of a Bodhi tree. The head was enveloped by the growing roots after the Burmese destruction in 1767 and now sits at perfect eye level — as if nature itself created a sculpture. Please kneel when taking photos so that your head is not higher than the Buddha's.
The rest of the site is a vast field of ruined chedis and headless Buddha statues — atmospheric and melancholic at the same time.
50 THB (approx. €1.30). Daily 8 am–6 pm.
★★★ Wat Phra Si Sanphet
The three iconic bell-shaped chedis are the landmark of Ayutthaya — you see them on every postcard and travel guide cover. This was the royal temple within the palace grounds, comparable to Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok. The three chedis (built 1448–1530) once contained the ashes of three kings. In the evening light, when the red bricks glow golden, this is the most photogenic spot in the city.
50 THB (approx. €1.30). Daily 8 am–6 pm.
★★★ Wat Ratchaburana
Directly opposite Wat Mahathat — and architecturally more impressive. The massive central prang (Khmer tower) is still remarkably intact and can be climbed via a steep staircase. Inside are rare original frescoes from the 15th century — some of the oldest surviving murals in Thailand. Depictions of lotus flowers, celestial beings, and everyday scenes.
50 THB (approx. €1.30). Daily 8 am–6 pm.
★★ Wat Chaiwatthanaram
On the west bank of the Chao Phraya, outside the old town island — and the most photogenic temple at sunset. The symmetrical Khmer-style complex (built 1630) with a 35 m high central prang and eight surrounding prangs resembles a mini-Angkor Wat. King Prasat Thong had it built after his victory over the Khmer.
50 THB (approx. €1.30). Daily 8 am–6 pm. Come at sunset!
★★ Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon
Southeast of the old town: a still-active monastery with a massive 72 m high chedi from the 14th century — the largest in Ayutthaya. You can climb the chedi for a panoramic view. On the temple grounds stands a 7 m long reclining Buddha, surrounded by monks in orange robes.
20 THB (approx. €0.50). Daily 8 am–5 pm.
★ Wat Lokaya Sutha
A huge reclining Buddha (37 m long, 8 m high) in the open air, without a surrounding building. Minimalistic and impressive — the sheer size only becomes apparent up close. Freely accessible, around the clock.
Eating & Accommodation
€ Food
Roti Sai Mai (Street stall on U-Thong Rd)
Ayutthaya's most famous specialty: paper-thin Roti crepes filled with cotton candy threads. Sweet, crispy, a unique snack. 10 THB per piece (approx. €0.25). Also try the savory version with egg.
Hua Raw Night Market · By the riverside
Evening street food market with a view of the water. Pad Thai from 40 THB (approx. €1), grilled river fish from 80 THB (approx. €2), fresh mangoes with sticky rice 60 THB (approx. €1.60).
Lung Lek · U-Thong Rd
Legendary boat noodles (Kuaytiaw Ruea) — small bowls with intense broth, pork, and herbs. 15 THB per bowl (approx. €0.40), order 3–5 pieces. Lunchtime only.
€ – €€ Accommodation
Baan Are Gong Riverside
Charming wooden houses by the riverside with hammocks on the veranda. Double rooms from 600 THB (approx. €16). Bicycle rental included.
Classic Kameo Hotel
Modern mid-range hotel with a pool, near the old town. Double rooms from 1,200 THB (approx. €32) including breakfast.
iuDia On The River
Boutique hotel in a renovated teak house right on the Chao Phraya. Stylish rooms, river view, infinity pool. Double rooms from 2,800 THB (approx. €74).
💡 Tipp
The boat noodles at Lung Lek are an Ayutthaya institution. The bowls are tiny (100 ml) but incredibly flavorful — order at least 4 and stack them. That's the traditional way.
Arrival & Practical Information
From Bangkok to Ayutthaya
- Train (recommended): From Bangkok Hua Lamphong or Bang Sue Grand Station. 1.5–2 hours. 3rd class: 20 THB (approx. €0.50, no air conditioning), 2nd class: 65 THB (approx. €1.70, with air conditioning). Trains every 30–60 minutes. The station is east of the river island — short ferry crossing (5 THB) to the old town.
- Minivan: From Victory Monument or Mo Chit. 1–1.5 hours. 70 THB (approx. €1.80). Direct, but less charming.
- Riverboat: Day trip boats from Bangkok (500–1,500 THB/approx. €13–40). Slow but atmospheric — you travel upstream on the Chao Phraya.
- Car: 80 km via Highway 1 (Phahonyothin). Toll approx. 100 THB. Parking at the temples 20–50 THB.
On Site
Bicycle is the best means of transport (50–80 THB/day). Tuk-Tuk for a 3-hour tour: 800–1,000 THB (approx. €21–26). Longtail boat around the island: from 1,000 THB/boat (approx. €26, up to 8 people).
Achtung
In the rainy season (September–November), Ayutthaya can be flooded — the old town is on a river island. In 2011, half the city was underwater. Check the situation before your visit and wear waterproof shoes in the rain.