Ayutthaya Travel Guides & Itineraries

Wat Mahathat (The Buddha Head in the Tree)

Historically the religious center of the old kingdom. This site is globally famous for a sandstone Buddha head beautifully encased in the roots of a Banyan tree.Tip: Arrive between 8:30 AM and 11:00 AM for the best photogenic morning light and to beat the peak crowds.

Wat Chaiwatthanaram (Riverside Sunset Spot)

An imposing, Khmer-style temple complex stretching along the banks of the Chao Phraya River. It features a grand central tower surrounded by smaller chedis and rowed Buddhas.

Local Secret: This is the premier sunset spot. Many visitors rent traditional Thai costumes from shops outside the gates to take portraits amidst the ruins.

Wat Phra Sri Sanphet

Three magnificent 40-meter-high chedis (stupas) line the rectangular grounds surrounded by brick exterior walls. The extensive grounds are also dotted with the remains of rotting brick pillars and walls, giving you an idea of a time when the Ayutthaya dynasty flourished as a hub.

Wat Lokaya Sutha (The Giant Reclining Buddha)

This monastery is located more than a kilometer behind Wat Suanluang Sopsawan, adjacent to Wat Worachettharam. It can be reached via the road inside the Distillery Plant compound or through the road behind the Phlapphla Trimuk (three-gabled-roof pavilion).

The monastery is situated in the area of the Ancient Palace. Proceed past Wat Woraphot and Wat Worachettharam until you reach the open-air site of a large reclining Buddha image, made of brick and covered with plaster, measuring approximately 42 meters in length. The ruins of large hexagonal pillars near the image are believed to be the remains of the ubosot.

Wat Ratchaburana

Wat Ratchaburana is especially famous for its well-preserved 15th-century central prang. King Borommarachathirat II built the temple in 1424 over the cremation site of his two older brothers. The prang retains much of its original stucco decoration and contains an underground crypt with rare murals from the 15th century.

The crypt once held many votive objects and gold items, several of which are now displayed at the Chao Sam Phraya National Museum after excavations in the mid-20th century and looting in 1957. Visitors often explore Ratchaburana together with nearby Wat Mahathat, climbing the prang’s steep steps or entering the narrow, dim crypt chambers to see the murals.

How to see the ruins of Ayutthaya

Since Ayutthaya is an island city surrounded by rivers, an afternoon boat cruise offers a beautiful viewpoint. Many tours travel around the island and stop directly in front of Wat Chaiwatthanaram, which looks especially impressive as it lights up at dusk.

Explore the Historical Park by Bicycle

The island’s center is mostly flat, making it ideal for cycling. You can easily rent bicycles near the train station and main temples for around 50 THB per day.

Cool Off at Chao Sam Phraya National Museum

For more insight into the sights, visit this museum, which displays genuine gold regalia, jewelry, and treasures recovered from the crypts of Wat Ratchaburana and nearby sites. Its air conditioning also makes it a welcome break during the hottest part of the day.