The capital of Siam
More than 400 years, until its destruction in the 18th century.
Day trips to Ayutthaya from Bangkok
The historic capital of Siam, a World Heritage Site, seven versions of the same day, from 1,008 THB.
Check availability and pricePrices
From 1,008 THB, when booked in advance.
Important information:
- The three versions aren't tiers of the same day. "Temples" at 1,008, "River cruise" at 1,500 and "Animals and costume" at 1,490 are Three different days At roughly the same price. Choose based on what interests you, not the price.
- Ayutthaya is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it's the historic capital of Siam. Most of its sites are open-air ruins — a hat, water and comfortable shoes.
- Some temples have a dress code: Shoulders and knees covered.
- Departure times, the pickup point and the duration of each version — we'll confirm them with you at booking.
- Those who also want the The floating market and the train market On the same day, there's a version at 2,800 that combines all three, and it appears on the floating market page.
What's in Ayutthaya
The capital of Siam, and what remains of it
Ayutthaya was the capital of Siam for more than four hundred years, until it was destroyed in war in the 18th century. What remains is a field of temples, chedis and ruins, and it A UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The most recognizable site is a stone Buddha head caught among the roots of a fig tree, and it grew with them over hundreds of years.
Bang Pa-In It's the royal summer palace along the way, and it appears in the long version. It isn't a ruin — it's a functioning palace with gardens.
World heritage
A UNESCO site. Most of the sites are open-air ruins.
A river cruise
In some versions, getting there itself is part of the day.
Bang Pa-In Palace
The royal summer palace, in the long version.
Three different days, not three tiers
and that's the difference that's easiest to miss
1,008: temples. A classic tour of the historic site. For those who come for Ayutthaya itself.
1,490: animals and Thai costume. This isn't a temple tour. The day is built around meeting animals and photos in traditional costume. Suitable for families and those looking for an experience rather than history.
1,500: a river cruise. Here, getting there is the experience: a cruise on the Chao Phraya, with Ayutthaya at the end.
All three at roughly the same price, and all three are a different day. Anyone who chooses by the number may end up at costumes when they wanted ruins.
The longer, more expensive versions
When is it worth paying more
1,680, the historic city and the lion park. the combination that keeps kids going through a whole day, when temples alone are a bit dry for them.
2,924, with Bang Pa-In Palace and a cruise. The fullest day that isn't private: ruins, a functioning palace and a river.
5,000, private, with the giant Buddha. A car to yourselves and your own pace. Write to us how many you are and we will come back with the final price Before you book.
Ayutthaya, a capital that was burned and never rebuilt
and why that's what makes it what it is
Ayutthaya was The capital of Siam for 417 years, from 1350 to 1767. At its peak it was considered one of the largest cities in the world, and its port received merchants from Portugal, Holland, France, Persia and China.
In the year In 1767 the city was conquered and burned, and the capital was moved south, first to Thonburi and then to Bangkok. Ayutthaya was never rebuilt, and the ruins remained in place.
This is what sets it apart from Bangkok's temples: here there's no shiny gold and colorful roofs, but rather Red bricks, worn chedis and headless Buddha statues, the heads were looted or destroyed. The site was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The city is located about80 kilometers north of Bangkok, an hour to an hour and a half's drive. It's built on an island surrounded by three rivers.
The central temples
and what's special about each one
Wat Phra Si Sanphet
Ayutthaya's three most recognizable chedis, inside the former royal palace complex. This is the image that represents the city.
Wat Mahathat
Here you will find The Buddha head entwined in fig-tree roots, Ayutthaya's most famous image.
Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon
a tall chedi you can climb, and a long row of Buddha statues wrapped in yellow cloth. Still an active temple.
Wat Chaiwatthanaram
A complex on the riverbank in adobe style. The best place for sunset in Ayutthaya.
Sri Ayutthaya Lion Park
An open safari with giraffes, lions and birds. An attraction separate from the temples, and some tours include it.
A river cruise
Some tours return to Bangkok by cruise, or circle the island by boat. A completely different angle on the city.
What to wear and what to know in advance
A religious site, and a site exposed to the sun
The temples are religious sites even when they're ruins. Clothing covering shoulders and knees is required, for men and women alike, and at some active temples shoes must also be removed at the hall entrance.
It's not allowed to bring Thai costumes from home for some of the sites. There are organized rental services there, and bringing a private costume may result in a fine.
The site Almost completely exposed to the sun. There's no shade among the ruins, and the red bricks store heat. A hat, water and closed shoes aren't a recommendation but a necessity.
Early morning and sunset are the most comfortable times, and they're also the best light for photography. At midday it's harsh.
Admission fees are charged separately at each temple, and are usually not included in the tour.
Gallery
Photo gallery
Frequently asked questions
What to know before you book
What is Ayutthaya?
The capital of Siam for 417 years, from 1350 to 1767. It was conquered and burned, and never rebuilt — the ruins remained in place and the site was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
How far is it from Bangkok?
About 80 kilometers north, an hour to an hour and a half's drive.
What's the difference from Bangkok's temples?
In Ayutthaya there's no gold and colorful roofs, but rather red bricks, worn chedis and headless Buddha statues. It's a ruins site, not a functioning temple.
What is the dress code?
Shoulders and knees covered, for men and women. At some active temples, shoes must also be removed at the hall entrance.
When's the best time to visit?
Early morning or sunset. The site is almost entirely exposed to the sun and is very harsh at midday.
Are the entry fees included?
Usually not. Admission fees are charged separately at each temple.
How much does a day trip to Ayutthaya cost?
Seven versions: ฿1,008 for the must-see temples, ฿1,169 with cultural activity and a cruise, ฿1,490 for animals and costume, ฿1,500 for a river cruise, ฿1,680 with the lion park, ฿2,924 with Bang Pa-In Palace, and ฿5,000 for the private version.
What is the difference between the versions?
They aren't tiers of the same day. "Temples," "River cruise" and "Animals and costume" cost roughly the same and are three completely different days. Choose based on content, not price.
What is Ayutthaya?
The historic capital of Siam for more than 400 years, until it was destroyed in the 18th century. What remains is a field of temples and ruins, and it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Suitable for children?
The ฿1,680 version combines the Sri Ayutthaya Lion Park, and that's what keeps kids going through a whole day. Temples alone can be dry for them.
Can you also see the floating market on the same day?
Yes, there's a version at ฿2,800 that combines the floating market, the train market and Ayutthaya. It appears on the floating market page.
Is the price in the private version per person?
Tell us how many of you there are and we will get back to you with the final price. In the private versions the price is usually per vehicle, which changes the maths a lot for a group.
Is there a dress code?
At some temples, yes: shoulders and knees covered. Most of the site is open-air ruins, so a hat and water are also recommended.
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