My Ayutthaya Travel Guide

Updated: June 14, 2026 • By Bangkok John

Buddha head wrapped in tree roots at Wat Mahathat, Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya was the capital of Siam from 1351 until the Burmese sack of 1767, and the ruins of the old city are now a UNESCO World Heritage site 90 minutes north of Bangkok. It’s the standard Bangkok day trip and for good reason – the ruined temples are atmospheric, the scale is human, and the journey by train is one of the more pleasant short rail rides in Asia.

The day-trip version is fine and most people do it that way. The overnight version is better. The boutique hotels around the historical park let you start at 7am before the buses arrive and end at sunset when the colors hit.

My 2026 Ayutthaya Travel Guide

Skip to our Ayutthaya FAQ

Ayutthaya Basics

Where to stay in Ayutthaya (coming soon)
Best time to visit Ayutthaya (coming soon)
Getting to Ayutthaya from Bangkok (coming soon)

Ayutthaya Hotels

Best Hotels in Ayutthaya (coming soon)
Best Boutique Stays in Ayutthaya (coming soon)

Ayutthaya Activities and Attractions

Best Ayutthaya temple ruins (coming soon)
Bicycle routes through the historical park (coming soon)
Wat Mahathat (the Buddha head in the tree) (coming soon)
Best Ayutthaya restaurants (coming soon)

Ayutthaya Travel Planning

Frequently asked questions

Is Ayutthaya worth an overnight or just a day trip?

Most people do it as a day trip. I'd do an overnight – the ruins are at their best at sunrise and sunset, and the day-tripper buses are gone by 5pm. Stay one night at one of the small boutique hotels and you get the place at its most atmospheric.

How do I get to Ayutthaya?

Train from Bangkok's Hua Lamphong (90 minutes, cheap, scenic) or van/private car (about an hour). Most tours include transit. Avoid the river-boat tours – they're long and the boat-day pace eats most of your time on the ground.

How do I get around once I'm there?

Rent a bicycle for the day – the historical park is mostly flat and the bicycle pace is right for stopping at multiple ruins. Tuk-tuk by the hour also works, especially in hot months.

Keep reading

My Bangkok Travel Guide – Where to stay, what to eat, how to get around, and what to actually do. The full Bangkok hub.
My Sukhothai Travel Guide – The 13th-century capital. Quieter than Ayutthaya, prettier than most people expect, and worth the longer trip north.
My Kanchanaburi Travel Guide – The Bridge over the River Kwai, Erawan Falls, and the most under-rated day trip from Bangkok.
All Thailand Destinations – Every Thailand destination on the site, grouped by region. The full list of where to go and where to read more.

About Bangkok John

Bangkok John was started in 2020 when I posted my first hotel review. The site now publishes regularly updated guides to Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Koh Samui, Krabi, Hua Hin, and all of Thailand.

I'm a Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite member and an Emirates Skywards Gold member, so I lean toward Marriott properties when the choice is close. I pay for my own rooms.

Questions? Email me at hello@bangkokjohn.com.