9 Epic Things To Do in Ayutthaya Thailand
Ayutthaya is one of the most jaw-dropping destinations in Thailand. But most people rush around it on a day trip, missing the best spots.
Number 9: Explore Ayutthaya by Tuk Tuk
Most people don’t realize this, but one of the best things you can do in Ayutthaya is explore it by tuk-tuk.
Unlike many historic cities where everything is concentrated in one area, Ayutthaya’s temples and landmarks are spread out across a surprisingly large area. That means you’ll need to cover quite a bit of ground if you want to see the highlights in a single day.
Hiring a local tuk-tuk driver is not only the easiest way to get around, it’s also one of the most fun. Many drivers know the city incredibly well and can take you to all of the major attractions, as well as a few lesser-known spots that many visitors miss.
But I would try and arrange this in advance by taking a tuk-tuk tour, so that you know what you’re paying for in advance. Also, Ayutthaya gets incredibly hot during the day, so there isn’t much shade around the temple ruins. Being able to jump back into a tuk-tuk between stops gives you a chance to cool down and recharge before heading off to the next site. For me, it’s the best way to cover all of Ayutthaya’s historic sites in one day.
Number 8: Visit the Reclining Buddha
One of the first major stops on most Ayutthaya itineraries is the Reclining Buddha.
Stretching over 40 m long, this is one of the largest Buddha images in the city and one of Ayutthaya’s most impressive sites. Unlike most of the other ruins that you’ll visit, the Buddha has been restored and remains an active place of worship.
What I love most about this spot is the contrast. Everything around the Buddha has been completely destroyed, yet somehow the Buddha has remained. It’s a relatively quick stop, but standing beside a statue of this scale really helps to appreciate just how grand the ancient capital once was.
Number 7: See Wat Phra Si Sanphet
If there’s one image that truly captures the grandeur of Ayutthaya, though, it’s Wat Phra Si Sanphet.
This was one of the most important temples in the entire Siamese kingdom and formed part of the royal palace complex at the heart of the ancient capital. At its peak, this was the spiritual and political center of one of the most powerful cities in the world.
The most striking feature is the three enormous chedis that still stand proudly today. These iconic structures house the ashes of Ayutthaya’s kings and have become one of the symbols of the city itself. Despite being hundreds of years old, they’re still well-preserved.
Unlike some of the smaller temple sites around Ayutthaya, this is a large complex that’s worth taking your time to explore. I would set aside around 30 to 45 minutes to walk through the grounds, admire the ruins, and imagine what it must have been like in its heyday.
Number 6: Browse the Local Market
Right next to Wat Phra Si Sanphet is one of the most fascinating markets in Thailand, making a perfect stop after visiting the temple ruins.
What I like about this market is that it feels much more local than many of the tourist markets that you’ll find in other places in Thailand. Instead of endless rows of elephant pants and generic souvenirs, you’ll find plenty of Ayutthaya specialties that are actually connected to the city’s history and culture.
If you want a bite to eat, one of the best things to try is Roti Sai Mai, Ayutthaya’s signature dessert. It looks a bit like colorful cotton candy floss wrapped inside a thin pancake and it’s become one of the city’s iconic snacks. It’s actually made out of pandan leaves and it’s absolutely delicious.
You’ll also find traditional Thai outfits from the Ayutthaya period, handmade crafts, and even sword replicas inspired by Ayutthaya’s warrior past. And even if you’re not planning on buying anything, it’s worth taking a stroll through just to escape the sun for a bit.
Number 5: See the Buddha Head at Wat Mahathat
One of the most famous landmarks in all of Thailand can be found here right in Ayutthaya. Hidden amongst the ruins of Wat Mahathat is the iconic Buddha head entwined within the roots of the banyan tree.
Over the centuries, the tree has slowly grown around the sandstone head, creating one of the most recognizable and eeriest images in the country. We don’t know exactly how it ended up here, but the head of the Buddha was decapitated during the invasion of Ayutthaya by the neighboring Burmese army in the 1700s. And as it fell off, it was abandoned and it naturally was reclaimed by the tree roots that grew around it.
This is one of the most photographed areas in the whole of Ayutthaya, so I aimed to get here early before the crowds.
But here’s the biggest mistake that I think most people make when visiting Ayutthaya. They take the two-hour drive from Bangkok, spend a few hours rushing between the temples, and then immediately head back into the Bangkok traffic.
The reality is that there’s far more to see and do here than most people realize. And Ayutthaya becomes a completely different place once the day trippers leave. On my most recent trip, I spent two nights in Ayutthaya and it completely changed how I see the city.
Number 4: Stay at Sala Ayutthaya
If you’re going to stay here, why not choose somewhere that truly feels like Ayutthaya’s ancient past? Sala Ayutthaya is a hotel that blends modern luxury with the atmosphere of the ancient capital.
The hotel sits directly opposite Wat Phutthaisawan, which is one of the oldest temples in the city. Even from my room, I had a balcony looking straight across the river towards the temple. That meant I didn’t even have to go and explore the temples, I could just watch it light up through the day and night.
What I loved was how the design is inspired by Ayutthaya’s history here. Elements like the exposed brickwork and architecture take inspiration from the ancient city, which is contrasted by the more modern and luxurious pool area where you can relax after a day exploring the ruins.
But even if you don’t stay here, it’s still worth a visit. The restaurant and the riverside area are where you can experience the views of the temples for yourself. And it’s worth grabbing a drink here after exploring the temples. And if you have time in your itinerary to spend a night or two, it will really allow you to embrace the slow travel atmosphere of the lost city.
Number 3: Eat Giant River Prawns
Again, if you do stay overnight, make sure you try Ayutthaya’s most famous dish, giant river prawns.
Thanks to the network of rivers surrounding the city, Ayutthaya has become famous throughout Thailand for these enormous freshwater prawns. They’re grilled over charcoal and served with a rich smoky flavor and incredibly sweet meat.
You’ll find riverside restaurants serving them all across the city, but for me, this is one of the dishes you have to try while you’re here. It’s one of the most iconic food experiences in central Thailand.
Number 2: Relax by the River
Another thing I loved about Ayutthaya was simply spending time by that river.
There are plenty of beautiful cafes and restaurants dotted along the waterfront, making it a great place to take a break. But my favorite experience was heading to the river bar in the evening, ordering some cocktails and watching the boats drift past as the sun set over the water.
This, combined with some delicious Thai food, was the perfect way to unwind after a day of sightseeing.
Number 1: Take a Sunset River Cruise
But for me, the absolute number one experience in Ayutthaya is taking a sunset river cruise.
We boarded a beautiful traditional teak wood boat directly from Sala Ayutthaya, our hotel, and to our surprise, we had the entire boat to ourselves.
As we drifted along the river, we passed modern temples, local communities, wooden riverside houses, and quieter corners of the city that most visitors never get to see.
What really struck me was how much Ayutthaya’s history is connected to the river. At its peak, this was one of the world’s greatest river cities, and seeing it from the water gives you a completely different perspective.
The highlight came towards the end of the cruise when we arrived at Wat Chaiwatthanaram just as the sun was beginning to set. Watching the ancient temple from the river at sunset is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
DONE
