The Best Things to Do in Ayutthaya, Thailand:

If you are planning to visit Thailand and love history, culture, or temples, then Ayutthaya is definitely a place to add to your itinerary. There is so much to see and do in Ayutthaya and I have listed ten of the best things to do:

1. Explore Wat Chaiwatthanaram

Wat Chaiwatthnaram is a royal temple designed in Khmer style. It was built in 1630 during the Ayutthaya period, by King Prasatthong as a tribute to his late mother. It was used by King Prasatthong and his successors for religious ceremonies and would have at one point been one of the most important temples in all of the city.

The central prang is 35 metres high and truly spectacular to look at. This was my favourite complex in the entire Ayutthaya historic park and you could easily spend an hour here soaking up the magnificence and sheer scale of this temple complex.

• Entry Cost: 50 THB per person
• Location: 8GVR+5PX, Tambon Ban Pom, Amphoe Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Chang Wat Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000, Thailand

2. Visit Chao Sam Phraya National Museum

Chao Sam Phraya National Museum houses many of the treasures that were once stored in famous Ayutthaya temples such as Wat Maha That and Wat Ratchaburana. This museum also features many relics and statues that were found around the park. Here, you can learn a bit more about the famous sites you are visiting!

Explore the museum and learn about some of the history of Ayutthaya Historical Park- it will give you a newfound appreciation for the temples to come. You could spend between 45 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes here, depending on your appetite for museums.

• Entry Cost: 150 THB per person.
• Location: 108 โรจนะ ถนน เทศบาลเมืองอโยธยา Amphoe Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Chang Wat Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000, Thailand

3. Visit Wat Phra Si Sanphet

Wat Phra Si Sanphet is probably the most expansive site in all of Ayutthaya. It was once the holiest, grandest and most beautiful temple complex before the destruction of the city in 1767 by the Burmese. This complex is characterised by its three symmetrical chedis and is simply amazing to walk around.

I would recommend that easily an hour could be spent here. You will also find places selling souvenirs nearby and a bathroom (10 THB fee or 20 THB with toilet paper).

• Entry Cost: 50 THB per person.
• Location: 9H45+963, Tambon Pratuchai, Amphoe Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Chang Wat Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000, Thailand

4. Visit Wat Maha That

This temple complex is home to the famous Buddha head entwined in the roots of a Banyan tree. You’ve probably seen this iconic site in Instagram photos. Make sure you don’t take a photo with your head higher than the Buddha, as this is disrespectful.

Beyond the Buddha’s head, Wat Maha That is an expansive complex featuring many of the recovered Buddha bodies whose heads were stolen by looters and resold in the USA and England.

• Entry Cost: 50 THB per person
• Location: Wat Mahathat, Naresuan Rd, Tambon Tha Wa Su Kri, Amphoe Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Chang Wat Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000, Thailand

5. See Wat Ratchaburana

Wat Ratchaburana is a monastery now known as the “temple of restoration” because of the amazing restoration work undertaken by Fine Arts, Thailand. It was constructed all the way back in 1424 during the reign of King Borommarachathirat II, as a memorial for his two brothers who killed one another in a battle of succession.

Today, you can climb about halfway up the central prang. It is truly an amazing temple to see.

• Entry Cost: 50 THB
• Location: 9H58+FWF, Chikun Alley, Tambon Tha Wa Su Kri, Amphoe Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Chang Wat Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000, Thailand

6. View the Reclining Buddha at Wat Lokkayasutha

The most impressive feature at Wat Lokkayasutha is undoubtedly the ginormous reclining Buddha, reaching 42 metres in length and 8 metres in height. The statue depicts a Buddha lying on his side with his head resting upon a lotus, and depicts Buddha at the time of his death where he enters nirvana.

Beyond the reclining Buddha, there are more temple ruins for you to explore. Though, the destruction by the Burmese in the 1700s is incredibly apparent at this cite. I would recommend spending 30 – 45 minutes here.

• Entry Cost: Free
• Location: 9H43+65G ถนน อู่ทอง Tambon Pratuchai, Amphoe Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Chang Wat Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000, Thailand

7. Go to Wat Phanan Choeng Worawihan

This temple is a refreshing change from all of the ancient ruins, as it has not been destroyed, and appears to have been built long after the Ayutthaya ruins. However, this temple actually existed before Ayutthaya was even founded. Inside this temple sits an impressive gold Buddha.

• Entry Cost: 20 THB
• Location: 8HVH+MG9 ตำบล คลองสวนพลู Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Chang Wat Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000, Thailand

8. Explore the Ayutthaya Night Market

If you find yourself in Ayutthaya after dark, there is honestly not much to do apart from strolling the night market. Markets are always great fun in Thailand and I take my chance to visit one where I can! Head to the night market and grab some cheap dinner, then head to bed after your big day of temple exploring.

• Entry Cost: Free
• Location: 9H49+3HM, Bang Ian Rd, Tha Wasukri, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000, Thailand
• Open Times: Mon-Sun, 5:00 pm-10:00 pm

9. Eat Boat Noodles

These noodles were originally sold by merchants from their ships as a way to make money. Because of the difficulty of dealing with a too-big bowl of noodles on a moving ship, this soup is traditionally served in small bowls/portions.

Boat Noodles are a Thai dish local to the area of Ayutthaya. This noodle soup is made with a rich, strong broth flavoured with dark soy sauce, spices and cow blood. The soup typically contains both pork and beef.

10. Take a River Cruise

Finish up your day with a sunset dinner cruise along the Chao Phraya River in a converted traditional teak rice barge. Here, you can enjoy a traditional Thai menu and see a variety of historic and local sites, including the Phet Fortress and Wat Phananchoeng. There are many cruises to be found online, and you can check out the website of one such place here.

Conclusion

Thank you for reading my list of 10 best things to do in Ayutthaya, Thailand. If you would like a more in-depth guide/further details on Ayutthaya, see: