The Complete Ayutthaya Itinerary: 11 Outstanding Ayutthaya Temples to Visit

Are you visiting Thailand and a fan of ancient ruins and want to visit a UNESCO world heritage site? Then you’ll love the ruins of Ayutthaya!

The ancient capital of Siam is packed with awe-inspiring temples and monuments, waiting to be explored. In this guide, I give you an easy-to-follow Ayutthaya itinerary, perfect for first-time visitors to the archaeological site.

You’ll be able to see all the highlights in one day in Ayutthaya as an easy day trip from Bangkok. So grab a comfy pair of shoes and let’s go explore the Ayutthaya temples, Thailand.

What Are the Ruins of Ayutthaya? A Brief History of Ayutthaya Ruins

Although Ayutthaya was on my Thailand bucket list, I was focused on the islands on that trip. I simply ran out of time during my first visit to the country so I made a point of coming back to visit the UNESCO site one day.

And yes! It was worth the wait. And I highly recommend adding it to your own Thailand adventure.

Ayutthaya is as stunning, if not more, in reality than it looks in all the photos I’d seen of it. I was also pleasantly surprised to find that it was a lot bigger than I first thought.

The ancient city of Ayutthaya is situated on an island between three rivers connecting to the sea. It’s the second former capital of the Kingdom of Siam (Sukhothai was the original Siamese Capital).

Founded in about 1350, Ayutthaya was one of the most prosperous trading ports in the Kingdom. An invasion by the Burmese in 1767 destroyed the majority of the city, leaving the once spectacular city of Ayutthaya in ruins.

The Ayutthaya ruins now make up an archaeological park called, ‘The Ayutthaya Historical Park’. Here, the crumbling ruins have been excavated, preserved or reconstructed. When you visit Ayutthaya you’ll see a mixture of palaces and monasteries as well as Buddhist temples and statues.

For a ton more information about this amazing archaeological site, check out the official UNESCO Historic City of Ayutthaya page.

How Do You Pronounce Ayutthaya?

Getting Thai words, let alone the word Ayutthaya to roll off my tongue naturally took some practice. For whatever reason, my mouth just couldn’t work out how to pronounce Ayutthaya.

If you’re having the same problem as I was, then the easiest way I found how to say Ayutthaya is as if you were saying ‘eye-yout-hiya’.

Top Things to See at Ayutthaya Temples Thailand

• Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon
• Wat Phanan Choeng
• Wat Mahathat
• Wat Ratchaburana
• Wat Phra Si Sanphet
• Wat Phra Ram
• Wat Lokaya Sutharam
• Wat Chaiwatthanaram
• Wat Phutthaisawan
• Wat Na Phra Men
• Wat Phu Khao Thong

Ayutthaya Itinerary – Know Before You Go

The ruins of Ayutthaya are one of the best things to do in Bangkok if you have a day spare on your itinerary.

If you’re planning to visit Ayutthaya, or you’re reading this article because you’ve already booked it and looking up what to see, there are a few useful things to know before you go.

For starters, parts of the park are spread out, so you’ll want to think about how you’re going to get around. Also, there are certain rules you’ll need to follow in terms of dress code to enter the ruin sites. This section also talks about what to pack in your day bag and other useful tips for planning your trip.

You can download a map of the temples included in this itinerary, along with a checklist and information sheet.

How to Get To Ayutthaya

The distance from Ayutthaya to Bangkok is approximately 80 km. It’s to the north of the Thai capital, Bangkok.

The easiest way to get here is by taking the Bangkok to Ayutthaya train. The train departs from Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong station. There are various services available throughout the day running at frequent intervals.

I took the local train. If you do the same, don’t expect anything flash – no air con, relatively hard seats, etc. But for the equivalent of just a few dollars, the 2-and-a-bit-hour journey, on the Ayutthaya from Bangkok train is worth it.

You’ll not only get a taste of local life but also experience local vendors hopping on and off at each station to sell all types of wares on the trains. Thai people, strike up conversations and practice their English speaking skills.

Once outside Bangkok, it’s quite a scenic route through the Thai countryside making several stops along the way in rural towns – if you planning to do slow travel around Thailand then you could continue travelling by train up north – to Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. It eventually stops off at Ayutthaya town, where you’ll be greeted by the standard taxi and tuk-tuk drivers all offering you the ‘best fare’ to take you onwards.

Other ways of getting to Ayutthaya are by boat via the Chao Phraya River, self-drive, or on an organized one day trip to Ayutthaya.

Getting Around Ayutthaya

This article includes enough for a full UNESCO Ayutthaya day trip itinerary, you could even spread it over a couple of days if you want to take it at a more leisurely pace. If you are just planning on visiting a couple of the ruins at Ayutthaya or are staying overnight in the town centre, you’d get away with walking between sites.

However, to see everything I talk about in this article, and to make the most out of what the Ayutthaya temples have to offer, your best options are either cycling, hiring a scooter or a tuk-tuk and driver for the day for a more personalised Ayutthaya temple tour.

You might like this guided tour by bicycle of Ayutthaya

I opted for a mix of two of these options to see the Ayutthaya temples. I used a bicycle to see all the sites which were close to where I was staying and then hired a Tuk Tuk and driver for a half-day, with an early start to get to the sites which were a little way out from the centre for sunrise.

Cycling Around Ayutthaya

Cycling is an ideal way to explore the ruins of Ayutthaya in Thailand on a day trip. With its flat terrain and plenty of places for cyclists to lock their bikes up, it is more efficient than walking and much more pleasant than other forms of transport. The area is well-suited for cycling and visiting the temples.

However, cycling around the ruins during the peak heat of the day can get insanely hot and exhausting. Unless you are a keen cyclist, getting to some of the Ayutthaya ruins outside of the main centre can be hard work.

Hiring a Scooter to See Ayutthaya

It’s relatively inexpensive to hire a moped for a day, just be aware that the prices and quality of scooters vary big time!

A scooter is great for getting out of the town centre to some of the Ayutthaya temples which are a bit further afield. It’s also super convenient to have your own transport if you want to visit any of the temples at sunset or sunrise.

However, the downside is that they aren’t that well maintained, if you’re unlucky, you may have breakdowns. Also, you’ll need to have your driver’s licence to hire one. It’s also worth having travel insurance in case you have an accident.

Hiring a Tuk Tuk to see Ayutthaya

If you’re in a small group, this can work out the cheapest way to see the temples. The biggest benefit of seeing Ayutthaya by tuk-tuk is that it involves no logistics, working out directions, or reading maps while driving (don’t do this!), so you can get to each temple quickly and efficiently. 

It’s also the most expensive option compared to hiring a scooter or a bicycle. Despite the price, I opted for this because I wanted to cram in a lot. Because I wasn’t in a rush, I was also able to bargain for a decent price for a half day.

The price will vary, depending on how good your bartering skills are.

Tickets for Ayutthaya

To enter these ancient ruins in Thailand, tourists need to buy a ticket. You can buy tickets to visit these temples from various places around the city. One of the easiest ways to purchase tickets for Ayutthaya temples is to go directly to the city’s tourist information centre.

They will have an option for an Ayutthaya temple pass which allows you access to lots of sites. Alternatively, each temple has its own ticket booth, so you could just pay the entrance fee as you go.

If you prefer to skip the queues and head straight to the temples, then book your tickets in advance. Also, if you’re limited on time, book an organised tour of Ayutthaya that will include transportation, a guide and entry to multiple temples for one price.

Do You Need a Tour Guide for Ayutthaya?

Not necessarily. You can explore the archaeological site by yourself.

However, a tour guide will show you all the best places in the most efficient way, allow fast-track entry as well as give you much more detailed information about the ruins, plus they will be able to take photos of you.

Best Ayutthaya Tour From Bangkok

One of the most efficient ways to tick everything off your Ayutthaya bucket list is by booking an organised tour.

The tours listed below will arrange everything, from pick up in Bangkok, transfers to Ayutthaya Historical park and between the sites, as well as entry to the famous ruins. These are perfect if you want the legwork done for you.

What to Wear at Ayutthaya

Although this is a ruin site, it still holds religious importance to Buddhists. Therefore to visit some of the temples you will need to have your knees and shoulders covered. This goes for guys and girls. If you’re doing more travel around Thailand, then you’ll learn that these rules are pretty much standard for most religious sites you’ll visit.

The easiest way to be prepared for this is to carry either a large sarong, a baggy shirt or anything that you can temporarily put over your regular clothes while you are inside the ruins.

Things to Take Pack for Ayutthaya

When you visit Ayutthaya, there are a few essentials that I highly recommend packing. Bear in mind that the archaeological site is large and fairly open.

• Water, and lots of it. Take a large water bottle. There are shops and vendors all over the place. You can not drink tap water in Thailand, so use a water filtration bottle to save from buying disposable plastic bottles each time.

• Sun cream, hat and sunglasses. The archaeological site has minimal shade. So you’ll be out in the sun for the whole day.

• Wear decent shoes. I’m always quite amused watching (in particular) fashionistas arriving in their ridiculous heels and stumbling about to get photos for the ‘gram. The ground is uneven and crumbling – it’s an archaeological site! so just leave the strappy sandals and stilettos at home. Tennis shoes and sneakers are fine.

• Take insect repellant. As pretty as the location is, green stuff + water = loads of bugs! So options are to either cover up to keep the critters at bay or use a strong bug repellent. 

• Bring snacks – There are only limited places to get food inside the ruins, so pack plenty of snacks if you are planning on visiting for the whole day.

A Food to Try in Ayutthaya

If you’ve been to southeast Asia for a while, you’ll know the food is delicious. Something traditional to Ayutthaya is the roti sai mai. If you have a sweet tooth, then I recommend trying one. 

You’ll find them sold by street vendors. They are colourful candyfloss wrapped inside a roti, a bit like a crepe or pancake. Full of sugar, probably next to no nutritional value, but deliciously satisfying.

Ayutthaya One Day Itinerary – The Best Ayutthaya Temples to Visit

Whether you choose to tour Ayutthaya independently, as part of a group tour, or hire a driver for the day to tailor your visit, you’re going to adore the temples on this list. Read on to discover the best temples Ayutthaya has to offer.

I’ve listed these temples in the most efficient order to see them. If you have more than one day in Ayutthaya, then chop and change this route. You can download this route map for Ayutthaya here for offline viewing.

Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon

The One With The Giant Stupa Surrounded By Buddha’s

Start the day outside of the central island and on the other side of the river. Here you’ll find Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon. The main attraction here is the massive Stupa which dominates this site.

This ancient temple was built by King U-Thong in 1357 and is home to a huge seated Buddha statue that stands at around 8 meters tall. The surrounding area of this temple has been well-preserved and features several

As far as ruins go, this one is in pretty good nick, you can even climb up the Stupa and go inside, or walk around the perimeter and take in the panoramic views of Ayutthaya city.

The base of the Stupa is surrounded by human-sized Buddha statues, some draped in robes and some with flower or incense offerings. While you’re here, don’t forget to wander around to the back of this temple, where you’ll find pretty gardens and more Buddhas. There is also a small reclining Buddha statue around the back of this temple and through the gardens.

Best Things To See At Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon

• Climb the giant stupa
• Relax in the well-manicured gardens

Useful Info About Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon

Opening Times: Daily from 8.00 am until 5.00 pm

Address: 0 Khlong Suan Phlu, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000

Wat Phanan Choeng

‘The one with the giant gold Buddha’

Wat Phanan Choeng is one of the most important temples in Ayutthaya and it is home to a 19-meter-tall Buddha image. This huge statue was built during the reign of King Ramesuan – over 600 years ago! The temple itself was originally constructed by King U-Thong, who founded the old capital city of Siam.

Wat Phanan Choeng is a bit further away from the centre island but it’s a great place for a quick stop between Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon and Wat Mahathat.

This temple is still in use today, so there are monks and worshippers around. There are several halls, statues and stupas to explore here, but the highlight of your visit has to be the impressive sitting Buddha.

Best Things To See At Wat Phanan Choeng

• Visit the 19 meters tall gold-plated Buddha statue
• Explore the numerous stupas and halls

Useful Info About Wat Phanan Choeng

Opening Times: Daily from 8.00 am until 5.00 pm

Address: 105 Moo 8, Khlong Suan Phlu, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000

Wat Mahathat

“The one with the iconic Buddha head entwined in the tree”

Head over to the most iconic Temples of Ayutthaya. This temple is one of the oldest sites within the archaeological park, and one of the most important temples in the region. It was once a vast royal temple of the Ayutthaya Kingdom.

The building of this impressive complex started around 1374 and was extensively added to over the centuries to what now are sprawling foundations and crumbling walls.

This ruin resides right in the heart of the old Ayutthaya city, so because of the Buddha head in the tree and its location, this is a firm favourite with tourists and probably at the top of everyone’s Ayutthaya Bucket list. 

Wat Phra Mahathat is home to a vast array of ruins that tell stories of Ayutthaya’s past. After visiting the famous Buddha head, make sure to explore the massive stupa, if you feel the need, then sit and meditate in its serene atmosphere.

Rules for Viewing the Buddha Head

Visiting the most famous temple in Ayutthaya comes with some rules. The area with the famed Buddha head is cordoned off with a guard watching over it. There is a small wooden platform in front of it for viewing.

I ended up getting told off here…twice! The first was for standing up to move away from the cushioned platform in front of the Buddha. When I stood up, the level of my head was higher than that of the Buddha (the Buddha’s head is pretty close to the ground anyway!) I got told I had to crouch down and crawl about instead.

My second wrongdoing. You can not turn your back to a Buddha – I know this is a general rule inside the temples I visited in Bangkok and elsewhere in Asia, but didn’t realise the rules applied here – they do.

So a word to the wise – unless you want to upset the guard, make sure you crouch down and don’t turn your back.

Best Things To See At Wat MahaThat

• The Iconic Buddha Head Entwined in the Tree
• Massive Stupa
• Ancient Chedi, Bells and Wells
• Remnants of Monuments Such as Walls, Pillars & Statues

Useful Info About Wat Mahathat

OpeningTimes: Daily from 6.00 am until 5.00 pm

Address: Wat Mahathat, Naresuan Rd, Tha Wasukri, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000

Wat Ratchaburana

“The one with the pretty pagoda”

Wat Ratchaburana is a historic temple located in the former royal palace grounds of Ayutthaya, Thailand.

It was built in 1424 by two brothers, Chaiyasittha and Yodharat. The temple is home to several ancient statues and sculptures that date as far back as the 15th century.

Best Things To See At Wat Ratchaburana

• The Distinctive Five-Tiered Pagoda
• Two Ancient Statues of Standing and Sitting Buddha
• Climb the Three Stairways that Lead to the Main Hal

Useful Info About Wat Ratchaburana

Opening Times: Daily from 8.00 am until 5.00 pm

Address: 377 Rat Burana 21 Alley, Khwaeng Bang Pakok, Khet Rat Burana, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10140

Wat Phra Si Sanphet

The One With The Three Giant Chedis

This is the oldest temple of Ayutthaya. The stunning structure of Wat Phra Si Sanphet was built in 1350 and served as a royal palace for many years. It’s now home to a golden Buddha and various other smaller statues that are sure to impress.

These remains once made up part of the Royal Palace. Wat Phra Si Sanphet was once the holiest temple on the site of the old Royal Palace.

This expansive site will lead you around crumbling walls, chedis, pagodas, stupas, walkways and seated Buddhas. Inside each of the three giant Stupas lies the remains of a King; King Borommatrailokanat, King Borommarachathirat III, and King Ramathibodi II.

It’s an impressive site/sight (it’s both!) and you could whittle away hours here exploring everything. If you’ve visited the temples in Bangkok, this site might look familiar. It served as a model for Wat Phra Kaew in the modern-day capital.

Best Things To See At Wat Phra Si Sanphet

• The three giant chedis
• Expansive ruins, wander among the columns and crumbling walls

Useful Info About Wat Phra Si Sanphet

Opening Hours: Daily from 8.00 am until 4.00 pm

Address: 9H45+963, Tambon Pratuchai, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000

Wat Phra Ram

Wat Phra Ram dates back to 1369 and was once the royal palace of King Uthong, the first King of Ayutthaya before it became a temple.

The site offers an abundance of fascinating ruins and artefacts. Among the ruins are two large, intricately decorated gates, enormous Buddha statues, a giant bell covered in gold-plated leaves, an ancient palace building and even an elephant sculpture!

The temple is also home to plenty of large exotic trees, so it’s a little more shaded here compared to other sites. They tower high above the surrounding structures.

Best Things To See At Wat Phra Ram

• Two Large Intricately Decorated Gates
• Giant Bell Covered In Gold-Plated Leaves
• Ancient Palace Building

Useful Info About Wat Phra Ram

Opening Hours: Daily from 8.00 am until 5.00 pm

Address: Na Phra Ram Rd, Khlong Suan Plu, Tha Wasukri, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya

Wat Lokaya Sutharam

 The One With The Giant Reclining Buddha

Situated in the northwest of the Ayutthaya temple complex, you’ll find the iconic gigantic reclining Buddha. Built in 1452 the Reclining Buddha at Wat Lokaya Sutharam measures 8 metres in height and 37 metres in length.

Unlike the giant reclining Buddha at Wat Pho in Bangkok which is housed inside a temple, this one is outdoors. If you check out the surrounding area, you’ll see loads of foundations of a larger building, yes, this Buddha once upon a time did reside inside a temple. However, the building was destroyed by the Burmese.

Often you’ll find this giant Buddha with a gold sarong draped over it with offerings dotted around the base from local worshippers.

Best Things To See At Wat Lokaya Sutharam

• The giant reclining Buddha

Useful Info About Wat Lokaya Sutharam

Opening Times: Daily from 8.00 am until 4.30 pm

Address: 9H43+65G Tambon Pratuchai, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000

Wat Chaiwattanaram

The One With Loads Of Headless Buddha

Built in 1630 this is one of the most recent complexes to be built in Ayutthaya. The ruins of Wat Chaiwattanaram consist of 8 Chedi surrounding a central structure – a 35-metre-high Prang.

If you’ve ever been to Angkor Watt in Cambodia, then you’ll recognise this Khmer style temple. This spectacular temple is laid out on sprawling grounds. Climb up the grand staircase to get an amazing view of the entire complex. The temple is situated right next to the river so if you have the time, take a boat to view it from a different perspective. 

This Ayutthaya ruin is surrounded by loads of human-sized headless or body-less Buddhas. All that remains of the statues are usually just a pair of crossed legs and a hand. Inside the Prangs, check out some of the detailing in the carvings on the larger (and more complete) Buddha statues. 

Despite most of the Buddhas being in pieces, the small remaining details on some of the carvings show this temple would once have been stunning!

Best Things To See At Wat Chaiwatthanaram

• The 35-metre-high central Prang
• Wander the alcoves filled with hundreds of Buddha statues

Useful Info About Wat Chaiwatthanaram

Opening Times: Daily from 8.30 am until 5.00 pm

Address: 8GVR+5PX, Tambon Ban Pom, Amphoe Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Chang Wat Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000

Wat Phutthaisawan

The One With The Smaller (But Prettier) Reclining Buddha

What the reclining Buddha at Wat Lokaya Sutharam has in size, the one here, at Wat Phutthaisawan makes up for in charm. This wasn’t originally on my Ayutthaya itinerary, but my Ayutthaya guide suggested it to me – one of the best things about hiring a driver for the day, is that they will take you to lesser visited sites.

Given the two, this was my favourite one. For starters, the first thing you’ll see at this site is the giant white Prang dominating the skyline.

This is still an active monastery so most likely you will see monks praying or walking about the surrounding vicinity. Wander to the far end of the complex and out through the gardens, this is where you’ll find the reclining Buddha. What I loved about this reclining Buddha, is that half of the walls surrounding it are still intact, unlike the reclining Buddha at Wat Lokaya Sutharam. 

The walls are in fairly good condition, but they are incomplete and there is no roof. There are, however, still windows, where you can peek through at the reclining Buddha. Seeing the Buddha draped in gold, framed by the old and crumbling temple walls was picture-perfect.

You’ll see the smaller reclining Buddha along with several other smaller and seated Buddhas through the windows. It frames the scene perfectly.

Don’t believe me, then be sure to visit it and find out for yourself.

Best Things To See At Wat Phutthaisawan

• Wander around the modern-day temples, you will often see Buddhists praying here – be respectful
• Find your way around the back of the temple grounds where the reclining Buddha is located

Useful Info About Wat Phutthaisawan

Opening Times: Daily from 8.00 am until 5.30 pm

Address: 8HQ2+CGF 8 15 Soi 4, Samphao Lom, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000

Wat Na Phra Men

Wat Na Phra Men is one of the oldest temples in the city and dates back to 1388. This temple still features some of its original stunning architecture and elaborate sculptures. The entrance gate is crafted with intricate statues of gods and goddesses, while inside the complex you can find a large number of impressive and well-preserved stone sculptures.

The main attraction here is the 15th-century bronze Buddha statue, which is encased in a glass dome. It stands majestically on an altar surrounded by several smaller images of Buddhist figures. The grounds are also home to some other interesting sculptures, including a Buddha reclining on a Naga serpent and a standing Buddha with an urn.

Best Things To See At Wat Na Phra Men

• Visit the 15th-century bronze Buddha statue and admire its intricate details
• Take in the grandeur of the temple grounds, featuring some impressive stupas and sculptures

Useful Info About Wat Na Phra Men

Opening Times: Daily from 8.00 am until 5.30 pm

Address: 20/14 Wiset Chai Chan Road, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000

Wat Phu Khao Thog

“The one to visit at sunset”

If you’ve managed so far on foot or by bicycle, then I suggest you hire a tuk-tuk, driver or take a taxi for this one. Wat Phu Khao Thog is also known as Chedi Phu Khao Thong. It’s located approximately 5 km to the northwest of the old centre of Ayutthaya.

Until recently Chedi Phu Khao Thong was a dull grey colour, it’s been given a makeover and now gleams white. Although impressive in size, it gets overlooked in comparison to the other temples in Ayutthaya.

Its recent facelift and lick of white paint now mean that the temple gleams like a bright white beacon against its backdrop. Climb up to the top of this Chedi for fantastic views of both sunrise and sunset.

Best Things To See At Wat Phu Khao Thog

• The best temple to go to watch the sunrise or sunset

Useful Info About Wat Phu Khao Thog

Opening Hours: Daily from 7.00 am until 5.00 pm

Address: 9G9Q+JWG หมู่ที่ 2 153 Phu Khao Thong, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000

Visiting the Ayutthaya Ruins in Thailand FAQs

I’ve gone into tons of details in this travel guide about all the things you should see on your Ayutthaya Bangkok trip. This section goes into the questions that come up about the practicalities of visiting, and other travel tips.

Where to Stay In Ayutthaya

Boutique Accommodation – Pan Din Boutique Guest House

Budget Accommodation – Zleepinezz Hostel

When Are You Going to Visit the Ayutthaya Temples, Thailand?

The ancient ruins of Ayutthaya are a must-visit destination for anyone looking to explore the temples of Thailand. From Wat Mahathat’s famous Buddha head in the tree to the stunning views from Chedi Phukhao Thong, there’s something special at every turn.

This Ayutthaya itinerary takes you to all the best places, as well as some more off-the-beaten-track locations. This itinerary can be done in one full-on Ayutthaya day trip from Bangkok, or spread out for a more leisurely pace, and make this into an Ayutthaya 2 day itinerary instead.

Visiting Thailand? Then you might be interested in these articles…

• The Ultimate 10 Day Thailand Itinerary
• The Best 4 Day Bangkok Itinerary
• Self-Guided Bangkok Temple Tour
• Stunning Murals & Beautiful Street Art in Phuket Old Town, Thailand