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Ayutthaya Historical Park

★ 4.9 (22K+ reviews) • 242K+ booked
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Ayutthaya Historical Park Reviews

4.9 /5
22K+ reviews
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Kei ******
10 Mar
Our small group was very satisfied with our tour. We had the pleasure of having Phi Billy as our driver/guide/photographer - very knowledgeable, cheerful, helpful and always made sure we took great photos. It is advisable to take the private instead of joiner tours as you can arrange small changes in the itenerary with your guide. The tour is in the afternoon so it was very hot but the transport vehicle was very comfortable and air conditioning was cool. The best part of the tour was meeting a real live elephant up close and taking pictures aboard a boat with a Wat and sunset in the background. It was truly an experience for us.
2+
Klook会員
10 Mar
This was a very enjoyable and fulfilling tour! Although it was an early start, I was able to communicate with PEP via LINE the day before, which made the meeting point smooth and easy. All the places we visited on the tour were far from Bangkok city, and it would be difficult to visit them all in one day on your own, so I highly recommend this tour. Lunch at the floating market was included in the tour price! It takes about two and a half hours to get from the floating market to Ayutthaya, but if you nap, you'll arrive in no time. PEP was very helpful, always informing us about the location and cleanliness of restrooms at each stop. The explanations about the historical sites were also very informative. The elephant ride in Ayutthaya was an additional 500 baht per person, and about half of the tour participants opted for it. PEP also took photos for us at each location, so we have great memories captured in pictures!
2+
Klook User
10 Mar
Nicky was great. At some point I felt bad of how much she had to manage and talk us through when sharing all the information. And her ability to swap between languages was amazing. So nice and so funny. We saw a lot throughout the day but Nicky kept us energized!
SOMA *****
10 Mar
It was simply perfect. The destinations, the tour guide, and the timing were all flawless, making it a truly wonderful tour. I was especially surprised that we returned almost exactly on schedule, as I had anticipated significant delays, given that we were abroad. My only minor complaint is that although we opted for hotel pickup, our hotel was quite far, making it difficult to get to the meeting point ourselves in the morning. I would recommend booking the tour with a local meeting point instead of hotel pickup, as a taxi ride would likely only cost around 500 yen.
2+
Klook会員
9 Mar
The meeting point was easy to find, and it was great to efficiently visit all the places I wanted to see in one day. Traveling on the same bus was also very convenient as I could leave my luggage there. I highly recommend this for first-time travelers. Our guide, Chai, was also very entertaining, making it a truly enjoyable trip.
1+
Klook User
9 Mar
Great tour in Ayutthaya. Our tour guide Nicky stayed funny, energetic, and engaging the whole time. She explained the history in a clear and interesting way. Her kindness and sincerity stood out. She helped with photos, shared useful tips, and kept the group comfortable. The experience felt smooth, fun, and memorable. Highly recommend her tour.
박 **
9 Mar
I really enjoyed the tour. The program was well-organized, time flew by, and there were many fun activities. The guide was also kind and explained everything very well.
SAEGUSA ****
9 Mar
I participated in this tour on the fourth day of my five-day trip to Bangkok. Even though I was traveling alone, the guide was very attentive, and I was able to connect with other participants, so I never felt lonely. The guide also explained the historical background of the ruins, which I, as someone who enjoys such things, found very satisfying. I thought that if I had taken this tour on my first or second day in Bangkok, I might have enjoyed visiting the temples in the city even more. It was also great that the guide took photos for me, helping me create lasting memories. Additionally, I appreciated that this tour started early in the morning and concluded around 3-4 PM. This allowed me to buy souvenirs and get a massage after the tour. It was a hot day, so I was grateful that they provided water and cold towels. I would definitely recommend this tour to others!

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What to know about Ayutthaya Historical Park

Located just north of Bangkok, Ayutthaya Historical Park is a must-visit destination for travelers interested in Ayutthaya temple history, royal heritage, and centuries-old architecture. Once the thriving capital of the Kingdom of Siam from 1350 to 1767, Ayutthaya was strategically built on an island at the confluence of three rivers – the Pa Sak River, Chao Phraya River, and Lopburi River, forming natural defenses and a hub for international trade. Today, the park preserves the ruins of majestic temples, palaces, and Buddha statues, giving visitors a glimpse into Thailand's glorious past. In 1991, the Historic City of Ayutthaya was officially declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, cementing its importance as a cultural and historical treasure.
Pratu Chai Sub-district, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000, Thailand

Top Attractions in Ayutthaya Historical Park

Wat Chaiwatthanaram

Located on the banks of the Pa Sak River, this temple is one of Ayutthaya's architectural masterpieces. With its central chedi surrounded by eight smaller stupas, Wat Chaiwatthanaram showcases the grandeur of the old city and offers spectacular sunset views.

Wat Mahathat

Home to the famous Buddha head entwined in tree roots, Wat Mahathat is one of the most iconic temples for foreigners and locals alike. Its prang (tower) represents early examples of Ayutthaya-style architecture.

Wat Phra Si Sanphet

Once the royal temple within the royal palace, this temple was central to Ayutthaya's ceremonial life. The site served as a sacred place for the royal family and reflects the foundations of royal power in Siam.

Wat Ratchaburana

Built in 1424 by King Borommarachathirat II, Wat Ratchaburana houses a crypt with treasures including gold, jewelry, and a bronze Buddha, discovered centuries later.

Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon

Established by King Ramathibodi I in 1357, this temple features a long row of seated Buddha statues. During the Siamese-Burmese wars, it also functioned as a military base for King Naresuan.

Visiting Ayutthaya Historical Park: Traveler Information

Opening Hours and Entrance Fee

Ayutthaya Historical Park hours vary depending on the temple, but most sites are open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Entrance fees for individual temples typically range from 50 to 100 THB, though some sites may offer discounts for groups or children.

Getting There

  • By Train: Ayutthaya has a convenient train station just outside the city, making it easy to reach from Bangkok.

  • By Ferry: Travelers can enjoy a scenic journey along the Pa Sak River and Chao Phraya River via local ferries.

  • By Car or Bus: Regular buses from Bangkok connect to Ayutthaya in roughly 1.5 hours.

Accommodation

There are plenty of hotels near the park, ranging from budget guesthouses to luxury riverside resorts, allowing visitors to explore the ruins at a relaxed pace.

Tips for your Ayutthaya Historical Park Visit

  • Plan your visit around sunrise or sunset for the best photography opportunities.

  • Join guided tours to understand the complex history behind each temple and palace.

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as exploring the park requires a lot of walking.

  • If traveling from Bangkok, consider a day trip or an overnight stay to fully explore the old city.

History of Ayutthaya Historical Park

A Thriving Siamese Capital

Founded in 1350 by King Ramathibodi I (Rama I), Ayutthaya became the center of political and economic power for over four centuries as the heart of the Ayutthaya Kingdom. The city was famous for its royal residences, including the Front Palace and multiple palaces along the riverbanks, which were intricately designed with foundations reflecting both Khmer and Sukhothai influences. As part of the royal complex, Wat Phra Si Sanphet became the kingdom's most sacred temple, hosting royal ceremonies and housing the ashes of past kings.

Ayutthaya's old city was a cosmopolitan hub, attracting merchants from China, India, Persia, the Middle East, and Europe. Foreigners visiting the city were fascinated by its grand temples, lavish palaces, and vibrant trade networks.

Recognizing the site's historical significance, the Fine Arts Department registered the Historic City Of Ayutthaya as an ancient monument and began conservation efforts after getting approval from the Thai government. National laws such as the Ancient Monuments Act, City Planning Act, and National Museums Act protect Ayutthaya's historical sites

Destruction and Decline of Ayutthaya

In 1767, a devastating Burmese army invasion led to the city's destruction. Most temples, palaces, and cultural treasures were burned, and the kingdom fell. Today, the ruins serve as a solemn reminder of centuries of history and the rise and fall of the Siamese empire.

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