When was Ayutthaya the capital of Siam?

Ayutthaya served as the capital from 1351 until it was destroyed by a Burmese army in 1767, after which the capital moved south to Thonburi and then Bangkok.

Is one day enough for Ayutthaya?

A long day trip covers the main temples on the island, but an overnight stay allows quieter sunset and sunrise visits, plus a side trip to Bang Pa-In or Bang Sai.

Is Wat Mahathat the temple with the Buddha head in the tree?

Yes, the sandstone Buddha head entangled in bodhi-tree roots is in the grounds of Wat Mahathat, one of the most-visited ruined temples in the historical park.

Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province Guide — UNESCO Historical Park & Royal Palaces

About Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province

Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, usually shortened to Ayutthaya, surrounds the former Siamese capital that ruled much of mainland Southeast Asia from 1351 until its sack by Burmese forces in 1767. The old city sits on an island formed by the Chao Phraya, Pa Sak, and Lopburi rivers, and its temple ruins, royal palaces, and crumbling brick prangs make up the UNESCO-listed Ayutthaya Historical Park. The famous Buddha head wrapped in the roots of a bodhi tree at Wat Mahathat is one of Thailand's most recognisable images.

Key facts

Population: 819,088 (2020)
Area: 2,557 km²
Density: 320 / km²
Districts: 16
Capital: Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya
ISO code: TH-14

UNESCO World Heritage

Ayutthaya Historical Park — inscribed 1991

All 16 districts

Ban Phraek · Bang Ban · Bang Pa-in · Bang Pahan · Bang Sai · Bang Sai · Lat Bua Luang · Maha Rat · Nakhon Luang · Phachi · Phak Hai · Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya · Sena · Tha Ruea · Uthai · Wang Noi

Top Highlights

UNESCO-listed Ayutthaya Historical Park with temple ruins and royal palaces
Wat Mahathat and the iconic Buddha head entwined in bodhi-tree roots
Bang Pa-In Royal Palace, a blend of Thai, Chinese, and European architecture
Easy day-trip distance from Bangkok via train, river boat, or road

Getting There

Ayutthaya is about 80 km north of Bangkok and reachable in 90 minutes by car, train from Krung Thep Aphiwat or Hua Lamphong, minivan, or scenic Chao Phraya River cruise.

Inside Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya

UNESCO World Heritage

Ayutthaya Historical Park— inscribed 1991

Districts (16)

Ban Phraek ·Bang Ban ·Bang Pa-in ·Bang Pahan ·Bang Sai ·Bang Sai ·Lat Bua Luang ·Maha Rat ·Nakhon Luang ·Phachi ·Phak Hai ·Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya ·Sena ·Tha Ruea ·Uthai ·Wang Noi

Mapped in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya

517 places of interest recorded in OpenStreetMap. Coverage is contributed by volunteers and varies by area, so treat these as a guide to what is mapped rather than a complete inventory.

305Historic sites
157Temples
25Markets
20Museums
6Attractions
4Family attractions

Named examples

Frequently Asked Questions

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Sources

Facts on this page last checked 1 August 2026.

1.Q476222 — population, area, districts, coordinates — Wikidata (Wikidata), retrieved 1 August 2026
2.Background reading — Wikipedia (Wikipedia), retrieved 1 August 2026Linked for context; no text is reproduced from it.
3.Official provincial website — Provincial administration (Official source), retrieved 1 August 2026

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