Thailand is filled with a robust offering of ancient temples and palaces which shed light on its fascinating past. While many of these complexes reside in larger cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai, there is one site which provides an in-depth look into Thailand’s ancient history.
Ayutthaya Historical Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most important historical sites in Thailand. It sheds light on the history of the Ayutthaya Kingdom which prospered for centuries before being destroyed. It’s one of the best places to visit in Thailand if you’re a traveller who enjoys learning about history and walking through the past.
In this guide, we will tell you everything you need to know about visiting Ayutthaya Historical Park. We discuss the history of the ruined city and give advice on how to get there. We highlight the best things to do when visiting Ayutthaya and give some recommendations for where to stay if you’re visiting the park for an extended stay.
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Situated approximately 85 km north of Bangkok, Ayutthaya was once the ancient capital of Thailand during the reign of the Ayutthaya Kingdom. It was founded in 1350 on the confluence of 3 rivers, Chao Phraya, Pa Sak and Lopburi. This gave the city a strategic advantage and made it a thriving hub for trade.
The city prospered for nearly 4 centuries, with foreign travellers establishing settlements around the vast city. Being the seat of power for the kingdom, many palaces and temples were built, many of which have survived to some extent. However, in 1767 the Burmese conquered Ayutthaya and destroyed it leaving many of the structures in ruins and forcing the relocation of the capital city.
You can easily get to Ayutthaya from Bangkok, allowing you to experience more of Thailand’s culture and get out of the city. There is a train which is fairly inexpensive and will take around an hour to an hour and a half. This can be ideal if you are pressed for time, however, we do suggest you give yourself at least half a day to explore the park.
Once you’ve arrived in Ayutthaya you will be in the modern part of the city. From the train station, you can either walk to the park or catch a ferry or tuk-tuk.
You can also opt for a guided tour of Ayutthaya from Bangkok, which will cover all your travel and transfers for a much easier visit. An Ayutthaya tour is a great way to see the top sites in the park and gain more context from your knowledgeable guide.
Ayutthaya Historical Park has a myriad of attractions, which makes it a must-see for anyone visiting Thailand. There are so many ruins to explore and museums to wander, giving you so much opportunity to learn about Thailand’s history and culture. Below, we highlight some of the best things to do in Ayutthaya which are not to be missed on your visit.
Ayutthaya Historical Park has a splendid selection of temples that range from total ruins to somewhat well-preserved structures. The architecture speaks to ancient design motifs common in the region and exploring the different buildings provides a sense of wonder and mysticism as you imagine how they would have functioned in centuries past. While there are many temples in Ayutthaya, we encourage travellers to visit the following ones for the best experience.
One of the most important temples in the Ayutthaya Kingdom was the stunning Wat Mahathat, found in the heart of the complex. It was the royal temple and the centre of Buddhism in the kingdom. While it was a marvel in its prime, the upper part has since collapsed and it remains dilapidated.
However, Wat Mahathat still inspires wonder today. The temple features rows of headless Buddha statues which stand vigil over the ruins. But what is most fascinating about Wat Mahathat is the stone Buddha head which has been entangled in tree roots. It’s an iconic symbol of Ayutthaya and is an enchanting feature that brings life back to the once-grand temple.
Another Ayutthaya temple that can’t be missed is Wat Ratchaburana, which is situated right next to Wat Mahathat. It is believed that this temple was built by King Chao Sam Phraya as a memorial to his 2 brothers who killed each other in battle. Entry to this temple will cost around 50 Baht (£1.14) so it won’t eat into your budget.
The most striking feature of Wat Ratchaburana is its impressively preserved prang (tower) which dominates the park. Within this structure, many artefacts were recovered by archaeologists and can be viewed in the Chao Sam Phraya National Museum onsite.
The temple was originally built on the banks of a canal and accessed by boat, which added to its spiritual significance. This has since been filled in so you need only walk to the temple. Other elements of the grounds include several chedis and a monastery which follows Khmer design motifs, with an eastern alignment to face the rising sun.
Aside from being a religious centre, Ayutthaya was also a royal residence and visitors have the opportunity to explore these grand palaces and see what life would have been like for Siam nobles in the past. To help you plan your visit, we’ve highlighted some of the most impressive palaces in Ayutthaya for your consideration.
Starting off with the showstopper of Ayutthaya, The Ancient Palace is an immense royal complex featuring throne halls and temples. Much of it has been lost to time so only the base and foundations remain today. Research on the site shows that it once held many significant buildings as well as planned gardens for the royal family.
The remaining architecture consists of the throne halls which draw the eye with their ornate designs and intricate carvings. It is believed that many of the structures were originally made out of wood which typically doesn’t preserve well. To enter the palace complex there is a fee of 30 Baht (£0.68) and will give you access to the entire site.
Another impressive palace at Ayutthaya is the Chankasem Palace, often referred to as the Moon Palace. It suffered significant damage during the Burmese invasion but has since been renovated and turned into the Chankasem National Museum, where visitors can learn more about the royal family. It is located on the western bank of the canal just outside of the historical park.
Chankasem Palace was a significant site as it was the setting for important rituals and ceremonies. Despite its ruin, there are still ancient structures that can be explored like the palace wall and gate, as well as the pavilion which is designed in a unique tetrahedron style. There is an admission fee of 100 Baht (£2.28) for foreigners, but the exquisite displays and restorations are worth the slightly higher price.
Aside from the Chankasem National Museum, there are a handful of other exhibition spaces which showcase the heritage and artefacts from Ayutthaya and provide more context about the park’s significance. The museums are not found within the park grounds, but hopping between them as you explore the ruins is a great way to gain more insight and feel connected to the historic site.
The main museum that sheds light on Ayutthaya is Chao Sam Phraya National Museum. It houses many of the artefacts that were recovered from the Ayutthaya temples and palaces, including Buddha statues, ceramics, jewellery and royal regalia. It’s one of the best things to do in Ayutthaya for visitors who want to gain a deeper understanding of this historical period in Thailand.
While not technically related to Ayutthaya, there is a fabulous museum just outside the grounds called the Million Toy Museum. It’s a unique exhibition space spread over 2 floors which contains a vast collection of antique and modern toys. It’s an excellent place to visit in Ayutthaya if you want to break up your historical visit and offers a charming experience that will delight anyone who is young at heart.
You will not require tickets to enter the park however, some of the buildings and temples do require an entrance fee which can range from 30 to 100 Baht. However, many of the temples are entirely free to enter, meaning you can have a very affordable day trip to Ayutthaya.
We’ve mentioned that you can explore Ayutthaya on a private tour and this is often the best way to see the site. Your tour will take you to the top attractions in the park and your guide will be able to provide more detailed insight into the history and context of the ruins. You will also be able to explore the modern city and its highlights such as Chao Phrom Market and the Japanese Town.
If you want to get the most out of your visit to the park, you can opt to stay in Ayutthaya overnight or extend your stay to experience a different part of Thailand. There are a variety of accommodation options in Ayutthaya which are suitable for a variety of travellers, from budget-friendly hostels to lavish boutique hotels.
For budget travellers who want to stay in Ayutthaya have a variety of options, we suggest a few nights at Nakara Hostel Ayutthaya, a charming hostel with shared dorms, free wifi and concierge services. With rates starting at £20 per night, it’s a great option for those visiting Thailand on a budget. It is around 2.5km from the historical park so you will need to use public transport to access the ruins.
Travellers who would rather have private rooms and more extensive facilities may be more comfortable at P.U Inn Resort, a fabulous hotel featuring colourful decor, shuttle services and massage treatments. This hotel is much more central, being only a 10-minute walk from Wat Mahathat, and with rates starting at £37 per evening, it’s a great option for travellers who don’t want to spend too much.
If you want to visit Ayutthaya and stay in a lavish accommodation, your best choice is Ayutthaya Retreat. This stylish hotel features Thai-style rooms, complete with a balcony and terrace. There are a variety of amenities like a pool, spa treatments and a restaurant serving locally sourced produce.
It is 2.1km from Ayutthaya Historical Park but includes a tour desk and bicycle rental which will make reaching the park very easy. Rates start from £51 per night and it’s an excellent choice for travellers looking for a little bit of luxury when they visit Ayutthaya.
Ayutthaya Historical Park is an exceptional tourist attraction in Thailand that draws attention to the country’s captivating history. Though the site mainly consists of ruins, visitors are able to walk through the past and see remnants of a once-great kingdom. The temples offer insight into the religious practises of the Ayutthaya Kingdom and the palace complexes bring to life the daily routines of the royals that resided there.
It’s one of the best places to visit in Thailand for travellers who want to escape the bustling streets of Bangkok and immerse themselves in culture. It is relatively inexpensive and can be visited independently or on a guided tour. It’s a great day trip for travellers who want to break up their Thailand visit and you won’t soon forget the marvels that await in Ayutthaya.
Thinking about heading off to Thailand on your next adventure? Check out our other travel guides like Where to Stay in Bangkok and What to Do for 3 Days in Chiang Mai.
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