Ayutthaya Historical Park

Historical site

★ 4.9 (19K+ reviews) • 215K+ booked

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

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4.9 /5

19K+ reviews

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rexanderroy *********

10 Sep

My Ayutthaya Tour was a truly memorable experience, made even better by our fantastic guide Jack and our driver Mr. Yay. Jack was incredibly knowledgeable, engaging, and passionate about Thai history and culture. He brought the ancient ruins to life with fascinating stories and insights, making the tour both educational and enjoyable. He was also very attentive, making sure l stayed comfortable, hydrated, and had plenty of great photo opportunities throughout the day. Mr. Yay, our driver, was equally excellent – punctual, professional, and always ready with a smile. The ride was smooth and well-timed, and we appreciated his calm and courteous demeanor. The temples themselves are stunning – rich in history and a must-see for anyone visiting Thailand. Having such a well-organized tour with amazing guides made all the difference. Highly recommended for anyone looking to explore Ayutthaya with expert guidance and stress-free transportation.

Klook User

10 Sep

very educational I appreciate our tour guide Miss Tony. Full of energy!!!

Klook User

9 Sep

We had an amazing time, and major props to our tour guide Ken! He was very knowledgeable and hospitable and kept the group on track to visit all of the sites. Bus accommodations was comfortable and clean.

Klook会員

9 Sep

Tour Guide: Ms. Jenny. To get straight to the point, I'm so glad I joined this tour! I received an email the day before, requesting that I contact the guide via LINE by 6:30 PM. Our hotel was outside the pickup area, but when I asked if they could pick us up at the hotel during our exchange the day before, they happily agreed for an additional fee. Also, during the tour, we had regular toilet breaks [some places don't have toilet paper / charge a fee (it's good to have small change)], and she told us what to expect at each toilet, which made me feel very comfortable. The bus air conditioning was adjustable, so it wasn't too cold. [It's still good to have a jacket.] We were told that we could eat and drink on the bus as long as the food didn't have a strong smell, so I brought some snacks! There's a convenience store at one of the toilet stops where you can also buy things! I won't go into detail about the tour itself because I think it's better to have some surprises, but if you're going to Thailand, I highly recommend joining a tour from this company!

Klook User

9 Sep

This by far is the best tour i’ve experienced eversince traveling in 2016. Our tour guide Nicky was very good at her job and tasks. She shared her knowledge towards Thailand history and culture with energy and enthusiasm. This lady deserves a raise and I’m sure she will become very successful! Thank you Nicky 🤍

Klook User

9 Sep

I joined the pick up tour, everything went well, the tour guide spoke good English, itinerary was followed accurately, I m happy with the package

PAISAN ***************

9 Sep

The staff is great, there's parking available, and the rooms are spacious.

Klook User

9 Sep

The tour guide was really helpful and considerate. He was so concerned about our wellbeing. Sir Visan is kind and knowledgeable with the place, the people and the whole tour experience. thank you so much!

Bang Pa-In Palace

196K+ visitors

Wat Phra Si Sanphet

203K+ visitors

Gong Khong Market

171K+ visitors

Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon

217K+ visitors

Wat Lokayasutha

168K+ visitors

Wat Tha Ka Rong

159K+ visitors

Wat Na Phra Men Rachikaram

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Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit

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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.

Ayutthaya Historical Park