Ayutthaya Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience Ayutthaya and its ancient temples. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• UNESCO’s Ayutthaya Historical Park: Full-Day Tour from Bangkok
• Ayutthaya Sunset or Sunshine Tour with Heritage 100’s Years Boat
• Private Excursion to Ayutthaya, UNESCO World Heritage Site with Boat Tour
• Private Excursion to Floating Market and Ayutthaya World Heritage
• Ayutthaya Famous Temples Tour with Heritage 100’s Years Boat

Although it’s free to visit, there is a 50 baht fee to enter historic sites like Wat Mahathat, Wat Rachaburana, Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Wat Phra Ram, Wat Chaiwatthanaram, and Wat Maheyong. If you don’t want to pay 50 baht for each site, you can purchase a combo ticket that includes all six sites for 220 baht. Guided tours from Bangkok start at US$26, while private tours start at US$97.

Yes, Ayutthaya Historical Park is worth visiting, especially if you’re a history buff. The former capital of Thailand is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring over 400 temples, monasteries, and palaces. While some buildings have been well preserved, others are now ruins that have been reclaimed by nature. Fortunately, it only adds to the appeal of the 14th-century archeological site.

Yes, there are guided tours—most depart from Bangkok and include convenient round-trip transfers. Many tours include a 1-hour boat trip around the temples of Ayutthaya Historical Park and the city, while others combine it with a morning visit to the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market.

Yes, riding a bike is a popular way of exploring Ayutthaya Historical Park, as it allows you to cover more temples in less time. There are guided bike tours of the complex available, or you can hire a bicycle from one of the city’s many rental stores.

The must-see temples and ruins are Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, one of the best-preserved structures; Wat Phra Mahathat, where tree roots have famously grown around the head of Buddha; and Wat Phanan Choeng, home to one of Thailand’s oldest Buddhist statues.

Ayutthaya is hot and humid year-round, but the heat reaches its peak between March and May before the rainy season from July–October. Remember, these ancient Buddhist temples are not air conditioned, so dress accordingly without being disrespectful. The best time of year to visit for pleasant weather is November or February, either side of the Christmas crowds. Arrive as close to its morning opening time as you can.

It’s easy to get to Ayutthaya from Bangkok using public transport. You can catch the train from Hua Lamphong railway station, which takes 1.5–2.5 hours, depending on the service. You can also take one of the minibuses from Bangkok Northern bus terminal, which typically depart every 30 minutes or when full.