Welcome to Ayuthaya
Enigmatic temple ruins are strewn across Ayuthaya (อยุธยา), whispering of its glory days as a royal capital. Once replete with gilded temples and treasure-laden palaces, it was the capital of Siam from 1350 until 1767, when the city was brutally sacked by the Burmese. Only ruins remain from this period of thriving trade and art, but dozens of crumbling temples evoke Ayuthaya's past grandeur. Standing among towering stupas, it's easy to imagine how they looked in their prime.
Top experiences in Ayuthaya
Amazing hotels and hostels
We've pre-picked the best hotels, hostels and bed and breakfasts to make your stay as enjoyable as possible.
Recent articles
Travel guides
Starting at $38.99
Ayuthaya activities
Private Ayutthaya and Bang Pa-In Summer Palace from Bangkok
In the morning, at 9am you meet your host for the day at your hotel. We will depart to Ayuthaya, it takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes to reach the former Thai capital. Witness the glory of the ancient capital through its temple and palace ruins. First you will visit Wat Phu Khao Thong, or the “Monastery of the Golden Mount”, which is located just outside Ayuthaya. Then you will proceed to the ancient palace and Wat Phra Si Sanphet. You will also visit Viharn Phra Mongkol Bopit, one of the largest bronze Buddha’s in Thailand.Lunch will be served at a local restaurant. Afterwards you will visit Wat Lokaya Sutha. This temple enshrines a large reclining Buddha image. Our last visit will be the Bang Pa-In Summer Palace, built during the Ayutthaya era. The palace showcases an eclectic collection of buildings that blend European, Khmer, Thai and Chinese architectural styles. It’s the favorite summer palace of the King. At the end of the afternoon, we transfer you back to your hotel in Bangkok. You will get back around 4-5pm.
Private Tour: Best of Bangkok in A Day
Take off to Wat Trimit, a famous for its Sukhothai era Buddha image made of solid gold, three meters high and weighing five and a half tons before proceeding to explore the Chinese community in Bangkok at China Town, known by Thai people as Yaowarat. Be amazed by the 1.43 km long street of Yaowarat’s gold shops, old markets, and Chinese restaurants. Then continue to Bangkok’s biggest wholesale Flower Market at Pak Klong Talad. Beautiful variety of local and imported cut flowers, leaves, orchids, tropical plants are on offer from early morning till late night. The most interesting are also fresh flower arrangements for all purposes such as flower garlands, wedding bouquets, wreaths etc. Then proceed to Wat Po, which is one of the most important temples of Bangkok with its very impressive huge reclining Buddha image in bronze built in Ayuthaya period (1350-1767). Further to visit the Grand Palace, Bangkok’s major landmark, which was built in 1782 by King Rama I. Each building of the complex is a work of arts including the royal chapel of Temple of the Emerald Buddha - which houses Thailand’s most revered Buddha Image. Only visitors in proper attire are allowed for the entry. Then transfer to the nearby pier to board on a motorized long-tailed boat to enjoy the scenery along the river banks and small canals of the Chao Phraya River, which once gave the name “ Venice of the East” to Bangkok. During the boat trip, a stop is made at the royal temple Wat Arun or the Temple of Dawn, the major riverside landmark of Bangkok with a magnificent pagoda that soars some 280 feet into the sky. Embark the boat and transfer by car back to the hotel.
Bangkok to Jim Thompson House, Suan Pakkad Palace Private Tour
Your tour will begin with a hotel pickup by your English speaking guide at 9 am. From there, your first stop will be at the Jim Thompson House. This legendary Thai-style house was founded by James H.W. Thompson, a successful entrepreneur that was pivotal in redeveloping the silk industry of Thailand. See the beautiful exterior as you approach, built from teak wood with Thai architectural style and surrounded by lush green trees. An accompanying pond and beautiful garden make this house a serene sight against the nearby jungle landscape. You will also see Jim Thomson's collection of fine arts and antiques on display, such as Buddhist sculptures, traditional Thai paintings, Burmese art, Sukhothai/Suwankalok pieces, and Benjaong artwork. Next, we'll proceed to Suan Pakkad Palace Museum or the "Palace of the Lettuce Garden" opened to public in 1959. This locale is a former royal residence consisting of eight traditional Thai teak wood houses as well as an elegant garden. The palace contains a collection of fine arts as well as a number of ancient artifacts. The Lacquer Pavillion, originally built in Ayuthaya during the mid-17th century, was dismantled and rebuilt at the palace compound here. Gaze upon a collection of Ban Chiang artifacts, dating back to 3600 BC, portraying Thailand's ancient cultural heritage with its pottery, iron/bronze tools, and glass ornaments. Next is the Marsi Gallery which exhibits a number of contemporary artworks. Inside the palace you will also be able to view the Royal Barge named "Koo Kung Bayam". At approximately 1 pm, you'll arrive back at your hotel in Bangkok City where the tour will conclude.
Bangkok International Airport Private Transfer to Ayuthaya Hotels
Our private transfer service from Bangkok’s international airport to Ayuthaya is the perfect start to your holiday in Thailand, avoiding queuing up for local taxis or finding a limousine service during peak hours. Guaranteed to be smoothly driven after your arrival at either the international or domestic terminal at Suvarnabhumi Airport. Our vehicles are perfectly maintained, fully insured, air-conditioned and our drivers have years of experience in bringing you safely to your hotel or resort. Our representative will wait for you at the arrival hall, holding a sign with your name for proper identification and will guide you to the already waiting car / mini-van. Depending on traffic conditions, please take into consideration that transfer between both points take approximately 2 hours.
River to Ruins visiting the River Kwai and Ayuthaya ancient city
Day 1: Bangkok – Kanchanaburi (L/D) With an early morning departure, you will travel 120 kilometres to Damnern Saduak where boat people sell their wares from boat to boat or boat to shore. You will be amazed at the variety of goods and products that are to be purchased – you may even try your bargaining skills. We proceed to Kanchanaburi for lunch and continue to visit the Thailand-Burma Railway Museum, an interactive museum, information and research facility dedicated to presenting the history of the Thailand-Burma Railway. The fully air-conditioned center offers the visitor an educational and moving experience. Continue to the War Cemetery, final resting place for over 6,000 allied prisoners of war, and the world famous Bridge over the River Kwai. After take a long tail boat ride along the river to your resort in the jungle. Day 2: Kanchanaburi – Ayuthaya (B/L) Breakfast at the resort followed by check out and departure by boat transfer to the pier where we will continue by road to the Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum, the museum explains to visitors the story of why and how the railway was built and attempts to convey the hardships and suffering endured by POW who were forced to work in extremely harsh conditions. After visit the Saiyoke Waterfall before boarding a train on the historic Death Railway Train. We then depart Kanchanaburi for the ancient capital of the former kingdom of Siam, Ayuthaya where you will overnight. Day 3: Ayuthaya – Bangkok (B/L) Among the “must see” attractions in Thailand is a visit to Ayutthaya, the former capital of Thailand. The Thai capital for 417 years, Ayutthaya is one of Thailand's major tourist attractions. Many ancient ruins and art works can be seen in the city, which was founded in 1350 by King U-Thong. 33 kings of 5 dynasties ruled the kingdom until it was destroyed by the Burmese in 1767. During this day trip you will visit the principal sights: Wat Sri Sanphet - this important and outstanding monastery was used as a residential palace in the reign of King Ramathibodi I. Wat Phananchoeng: This monastery existed before Ayuttaya was founded as the capital. The principal 19 metres high Buddha image is made of stucco and is the most revered by the inhabitants of Ayutthaya. Wat Yai Chaimongkhol: The chedi at this monastery is among the largest in Ayuttaya and was built by King Naresuan (1590-1605). There are many Buddha images and a beautiful garden behind this chedi. This tour also includes a trip to Bang-Pa-In, the former Royal Summer Residence, which represents a fine example of Thai architecture. After board a river cruise as we return to Bangkok by way of the Chao Phraya River, enjoy lunch on board and the scenes along the river as you travel downstream.
Thailand Hike, Bike & Kayak
Perfect for those who believe the best way to appreciate paradise is by jumping right into it. This adventure will have you hiking through forests and rice paddies, cycling through provincial villages, and experiencing Thailand's intriguing combination of culture and the great outdoors. Kayak the turquoise waters of the Andaman and discover coral coves and white-sand beaches. With the services of a Chief Experience Officer (CEO) and your accommodation and transport taken care of, this trip offers great value as it introduces the main sights of Thailand while offering up plenty of flexibility so you can experience an adventure you'll never forget.