Frequently Asked Questions about traveling to Ayutthaya

FAQ Ayutthaya - Questions and Answers

Here, you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions people have when planning a trip to Ayutthaya. We provide brief responses. To learn more, we invite you to explore all our pages about Ayutthaya to get comprehensive and detailed information.

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• What are the main sites to visit in Ayutthaya?
• How to get to Ayutthaya?
• Where to stay in Ayutthaya?
• How to get around in Ayutthaya?
• What is the best time to visit Ayutthaya?
• How much time do I need to visit Ayutthaya?
• Is Ayutthaya worth visiting compared to Sukhothai?

What are the main sites to visit in Ayutthaya?

Former capital of the Kingdom, Ayutthaya—located 1.5 hours by road or train from Bangkok—is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and features the ruins of ancient temples, the most remarkable of which include:

• Wat Mahathat, with its Buddha head entwined in tree roots
• Wat Phra Si Sanphet, with its three royal chedis symbolizing the former capital
• Wat Chaiwatthanaram, stunning at sunset

But there are also lesser-known temples and other attractions you can explore on the things to see and do in Ayutthaya page.

How to get to Ayutthaya?

To travel to Ayutthaya from Bangkok, you can choose either road or rail. Here are the available transportation options to reach Ayutthaya:

• By train: Departing from Hua Lamphong Station or Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal (1.5 to 2 hours).
• By bus or minivan: From Mo Chit Bus Terminal or the minivan terminal located directly opposite (1.5 hours).
• By boat: There used to be a boat service connecting Ayutthaya to Bangkok, still mentioned in many guidebooks, but it has been discontinued for years. Occasionally—though rarely—some day cruises offer all-inclusive packages from Bangkok to Ayutthaya (round-trip boat ride plus guided visits on site).

You can check schedules, prices, details, and tips on the transportation to Ayutthaya page.

Where to stay in Ayutthaya?

Choose a hotel that isn’t too far from the center, ideally within the area bordered by the river, to avoid having to find a ferry to cross it. Within this zone, you can stay almost anywhere—you’ll be within walking or cycling distance of the main temples to visit. In my opinion, avoid the train station area, as it’s inconvenient: you’ll need to cross the river to reach the heart of the sightseeing district.

You’ll find my recommended hotels in Ayutthaya on the dedicated city page.

How to get around in Ayutthaya?

To explore Ayutthaya, you mainly have two transportation options:

• Tuk-tuk: Drivers offer fixed-rate packages of 200 or 300 THB per hour and will customize a tour route for you.
• Bicycle: You can rent one, or it may be provided free of charge by your hotel or guesthouse.

What is the best time to visit Ayutthaya?

In my opinion, except perhaps September and October when the monsoon is at its peak, there’s no truly inadvisable time to visit Ayutthaya. That said, here’s an overview of weather trends:

• November to February: Dry and pleasant weather.
• March to May: Very hot—best to schedule visits early in the morning.
• June to October: Rainy season, but temples are less crowded.
• September and October: Peak of the rainy season—occasional flooding possible.

How much time do I need to visit Ayutthaya?

While one day is enough to see the highlights of Ayutthaya—and therefore you can visit Ayutthaya as a day trip from Bangkok—to truly enjoy the atmosphere of the city and explore more sites both within and beyond the main historical park, I recommend staying for 2 days and 1 night.

Is Ayutthaya worth visiting compared to Sukhothai?

In my opinion, Sukhothai is more interesting, more beautiful, and more pleasant to explore, thanks to its large, tree-lined historical park closed to regular traffic (except for bicycles, trams, and paid electric tuk-tuks for visitors). However, Ayutthaya is so much easier to reach that if your trip to Thailand is relatively short, it’s better to prioritize Ayutthaya to optimize your itinerary—and especially to minimize time spent traveling.