Ancient Ayutthaya
Cycle through the haunting ruins of the ancient capital, destroyed by the Burmese in 1767.
Chapter 1 of Southeast Asia Grand Journey · Thailand
The stops
- Adventure · Price: low Ayutthaya Temple Ruins Wine The ancient capital destroyed by the Burmese in 1767. UNESCO-listed ruins of temples and palaces scattered across an island. Cycle through history and toast to empires that fell.
- Adventure · Price: low Ayutthaya Floating Market Wine A floating market built for tourists but with genuine charm. Boat vendors, traditional houses, and surprisingly decent wine among the Thai snacks. Kitsch but fun.
Plan the trip
Getting there and around
- Car required
- No
- Nearest airport
- Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) - then train or bus to Ayutthaya
- Drinking and driving
- Bicycle during day. Ayutthaya is small - walk or tuk-tuk at night. No wild nightlife.
- Other airports
-
- Don Mueang (DMK) - slightly closer for budget flights
- Without a car
- Bicycle is essential once in Ayutthaya - the ruins are spread over a large area. Train from Bangkok is cheap and scenic. Tuk-tuks available for those who don't cycle.
Where to stay
- Base yourself in
- Ayutthaya island (central)
- Why there
- Stay on the island surrounded by rivers - walking/cycling distance to everything. One night is enough.
- Booking tip
- Walk-in OK most times. Sala Ayutthaya books out - reserve 1 week ahead.
- Nightly range
- $8-80/night
- Peak season
- Ayutthaya is a day-trip for most - overnight is rarely crowded.
Recommended stays
- Shoestring
- Tony's Place $8 - backpacker legend, bike rental, helpful owner
- Wanderer
- Classic Kameo Hotel $40 - modern, pool, central
- Flashpacker
- Sala Ayutthaya $150 - stunning riverside boutique, UNESCO views from room
What it costs
- Includes
- Basic accommodation, bicycle, temple entries, food
- Wine prices
- BYOW from Bangkok. Ayutthaya has 7-Eleven basics but limited wine selection. Pack a picnic for sunset at the ruins.
- Meals
- Street food: $1-2. Local restaurants: $2-5. Floating market food: $3-5
- Per person
- $20-40/day
- Ways to spend less
-
- 220 THB all-zones temple pass saves money vs individual entries
- 3rd class train is fine - bring snacks and enjoy the ride
- Pack lunch from 7-Eleven for temple picnic - restaurants near ruins are tourist-priced
- Ayutthaya is a perfect Bangkok day-trip to save hotel costs
- Transport
- Train from Bangkok: $0.50-2. Bicycle: $1.50/day. Tuk-tuk tours: $10-15.
Booking and timing
- Lead time
- Same day for most. Sala Ayutthaya: 1 week.
- Visas
- 30-day visa-free. Ayutthaya is a 1-2 day side trip.
- Walk-ins accepted
- Yes
- Peak season
- Loy Krathong (November) and Songkran (April) are busy. Weekends busier than weekdays.
- Rainy season
- May-October: hot and humid. Morning visits before the heat. Temples have some shade but cycling in rain is miserable.
Where to eat
- Wine bars
-
- Limited - BYOW from Bangkok. Sala Ayutthaya restaurant has wine list.
- Street food
-
- Night market near train station
- Boat noodles at floating market
- Restaurants
-
- Baan Kun Pra - riverside setting, decent Thai
- Baan Mai Rim Nam - river views
If your time is short
- Do not miss
-
- Buddha head in tree roots at Wat Mahathat
- Wat Chai Watthanaram at sunset
- If you only have one day
- Wat Mahathat (Buddha head) at 7AM -> Wat Phra Si Sanphet -> Wat Chai Watthanaram at sunset
- If it rains
- Chao Sam Phraya National Museum is covered. Wait out rain in a riverside restaurant.
- Skip if time is short
-
- Floating market (touristy)
- Most minor temples - focus on the big 3-4
Mistakes to avoid
-
- Don't go midday (11-14:00) - brutal heat with no shade
- Don't take a standing head photo at Buddha head - kneel below it (respectful)
- Don't cycle without sunscreen - the ruins have no cover
- Don't miss sunset at Wat Chai Watthanaram - it's the best temple for photos
- Don't expect much nightlife - Ayutthaya is quiet after dark
Worth stopping for
-
- Buddha head in roots: Arrive 7AM for soft light and no crowds. Kneel below it for the shot.
- Wat Chai Watthanaram: Sunset from across the river (hire a boat) or from the east side looking west
- Wat Phra Si Sanphet: The three chedis are iconic - morning light, shoot from the east side
- Bring wide angle for temple complexes, longer lens for Buddha details