TH · Ayutthaya · 14.35°N 100.58°E

ayutthaya

Old Siamese capital of crumbling temples and the Buddha head in tree roots.

Best time
November to February is cooler and drier. March to May is very hot, and the rainy season can bring floods around September and October.
How long
A day trip, or 2 days, 1 night
Getting there
Fly from KL to Bangkok (about 2 hours). Don Mueang is the closer airport, about an hour's drive away. Trains from Bangkok take about 1.5–2 hours.
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TH · Ayutthayaayutthaya14.35°N 100.58°Egowherelah.com
Dear group chat,Old Siamese capital of crumbling temples and the Buddha head in tree roots.— gowherelahTo: whoever’s drivingAyutthayaTH, Ayutthaya
KLayutthaya
≈ 1,252 km from KL, as the crow flies
Thailand - Ayutthaya

Photo: Visions of Domino · CC BY 2.0

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Photos: Wikimedia Commons, credited on each.

Siam's royal capital for over 400 years, until the Burmese army sacked it in 1767. The ruined temples and palaces are now a UNESCO World Heritage site, spread across an island ringed by three rivers, and an easy trip north of Bangkok.

Makan

  1. Boat noodlesSmall bowls of rich, dark noodle soup, traditionally sold from boats on the canals.Map ↗
  2. Roti sai maiThin roti wrapped around strands of candy floss. The town's best-known snack.Map ↗
  3. Grilled river prawnsGiant freshwater prawns, grilled and served at the riverside restaurants.Map ↗

Things to do

  1. Wat MahathatHome of the stone Buddha head wrapped in tree roots, plus rows of headless statues.Map ↗
  2. Wat Phra Si SanphetThree tall bell-shaped chedis in what were once the royal palace grounds.Map ↗
  3. Wat ChaiwatthanaramA Khmer-style temple on the riverbank. Come for sunset.Map ↗
  4. Wat Yai Chai MongkhonA tall chedi and rows of Buddha statues in saffron robes, still a working temple.Map ↗
  5. Bang Pa-In PalaceA royal summer palace south of town, with European, Chinese and Thai-style buildings.Map ↗

Good to know

  • Cover shoulders and knees at the temples.
  • At Wat Mahathat, keep your head lower than the Buddha head when taking photos. Signs ask you to crouch or kneel.
  • The sites are spread out, so hire a bicycle or a tuk-tuk for the day.

Last checked October 2026. Things change, so check opening times, fees and transport before you go.