Ayutthaya Historical Park
The ruins of the Siamese capital: brick stupas, headless Buddhas and the famous head in the tree roots at Wat Mahathat.
Ayutthaya Historical Park is the ruined capital of the Siamese kingdom that ruled from 1351 to 1767, 80km north of Bangkok. Individual temples cost 50 baht or a 220 baht pass covers six. A full day, ideally with a guide and a car, covers the main sites.
Open Ayutthaya Historical Park in Google Maps14.3567, 100.5680
THB 50 per temple or THB 220 for six, valid 30 days
Entry fee checked against operator or park publication, October 2026. Hours can change without notice — confirm on the day.
The ruins of the Siamese capital: brick stupas, headless Buddhas and the famous head in the tree roots at Wat Mahathat.
At its height in the 17th century Ayutthaya was one of the largest cities in the world, with perhaps a million inhabitants and diplomatic quarters for the Dutch, French, Portuguese and Japanese. The Burmese army burned it in 1767 and the capital moved to Bangkok. What remains is brick: prangs, chedis and the foundations of a city that was mostly wood.
It is the most important historical site in Thailand and it is best by bicycle, early, before the tour buses. Sunset at Wat Chaiwatthanaram is the finish.
What you’ll actually see
- Wat Mahathat and the Buddha head wrapped in bodhi tree roots
- Wat Phra Si Sanphet's three restored chedis, the symbol on the province seal
- Wat Ratchaburana's crypt, with 15th-century murals inside
- The reclining Buddha at Wat Lokayasutharam, 42 metres long and open to the sky
How to visit it well
- Rent a bike at the park entrance — the ruins are spread out.
- Wat Mahathat's Buddha head is the most crowded spot; go there first.
- Stay for sunset at Wat Chaiwatthanaram across the river.
Mistakes worth avoiding
- Doing it as a day trip by train and walking — the sites are spread over 3km and it is hot
- Coming between 11am and 2pm; there is almost no shade
- Sitting or standing above the Buddha head for a photo — it is a serious offence
Is it worth it?
Worth a full day and better with a guide, who will explain what you are looking at. It is the best ruin field in Thailand after Sukhothai and far easier to reach from Bangkok. Start at 8am, use a car between sites, and eat at the riverside market.
Common questions
Train from Hua Lamphong or Bang Sue takes 1.5 hours and costs 20–350 baht. Minivans from Mo Chit take 1.5 hours. A private car with driver is around 2,500 baht for the day.
50 baht per temple for foreigners, or a 220 baht pass covering six sites. Wat Mahathat and Wat Phra Si Sanphet are the two not to miss.
Yes, if you want to understand what you are seeing. Ruins without context are just brick. A licensed guide is around 1,500–2,000 baht for the day.
Yes — Bang Pa-In is 20km south on the way back to Bangkok and fits naturally at the end of the day.
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Last updated: October 2026 · Prices and hours checked by Tom Whitfield