Ayutthaya was the capital of the Kingdom of Siam for 417 years (1351–1767) and at its height was one of the largest cities in the world, with a population estimated at one million and an imperial grandeur that astonished European visitors. Its destruction by the Burmese army in 1767 left a ghostly landscape of decapitated Buddha images, crumbling chedis, and broken temple walls that have been gradually excavated and preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The historical park occupies the island formed by the confluence of the Chao Phraya, Pa Sak, and Lopburi rivers — the same strategic position that made Ayutthaya the dominant trading power of Southeast Asia for centuries. Within the park, over 400 temples are documented; the most accessible and photogenic are concentrated in the western and central sections of the island.
Key sites include Wat Mahathat — famous for the Buddha head entwined in tree roots, now one of Thailand's most iconic images; Wat Phra Si Sanphet, the royal temple with three perfectly proportioned chedis; Wat Chaiwatthanaram, the riverside photogenic ruin; and Wat Ratchaburana, with accessible underground crypts containing original murals. The city is best explored by bicycle, hired from guesthouses for 50–80 THB per day.
Highlights
- Buddha head entwined in Bodhi tree roots at Wat Mahathat
- Three royal chedis at Wat Phra Si Sanphet — classic Ayutthaya silhouette
- Riverside Wat Chaiwatthanaram — outstanding sunset photography location
- Underground crypts at Wat Ratchaburana with original 15th-century murals
- UNESCO World Heritage designation since 1991
- Explorable by bicycle — the entire island is flat and bikeable
How to Get There
From Bangkok Hua Lamphong or Bang Sue station, trains to Ayutthaya run frequently (1.5 hours, 15–40 THB). The station is on the island's east bank — a 5-minute ferry crossing (5 THB) or short walk to the main ruins area. Buses from Mo Chit take 1.5–2 hours (60 THB). Day tours from Bangkok are widely available.
Visitor Tips
Rent a bicycle (50–80 THB/day) from guesthouses near the train station — the island is flat and all major sites are within 5 km of each other.
The Buddha head entwined in tree roots at Wat Mahathat requires sitting or kneeling at the same level as the image for photography — standing above it is considered disrespectful.
Wat Chaiwatthanaram at sunset (late afternoon) is spectacular — position yourself on the river bank opposite for the best light.
Hire a longtail boat to circle the island and visit riverbank temples by water — 1-hour trip for 600–800 THB.
The combination entrance ticket covers the major government-managed temples; some temples managed by monks have separate fees.
Dress Code Required
Frequently Asked Questions
Was this page helpful?
Senior Travel Writer · Bangkok · 12+ years in Thailand
James has lived in Bangkok since 2014 and has visited all 77 Thai provinces. He specialises in destination guides, itinerary planning, and transport logistics. Before moving to Thailand, he worked as a travel journalist in Hong Kong and Singapore. He speaks conversational Thai and is a certified PADI divemaster.
Our editorial standards