Is Ayutthaya Worth Visiting? 6 Reasons to visit Ayutthaya

Is Ayutthaya worth visiting? We share the reasons to visit the ancient capital, as well as the things to do here and how to get to Ayutthaya.

Also know as the Ayutthaya Historical Park, this is one of the most historical archaeological sites in Thailand and a great day trip from Bangkok. 

Originally the capital of Thailand (then Ayutthaya Kingdom), this was most prosperous from 1351 to 1767. However, in 1767, it was taken over by the Burmese army and destroyed. Now, you can visit the abandoned ruins on a trip from the now capital of Thailand; Bangkok.

Is Ayutthaya worth visiting?

The History

Ayutthaya was the capital of Thailand for over 400 years, meaning this ancient capital played a huge, important role in the country’s history. Once a place of beautiful temples and Buddhas, the ruins remain, making up a fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

The Ruins

The ruins are the main reason to visit Ayutthaya these days. There are various ruins of temples that you can see and explore, with some of the most iconic being:

Wat Phra Si Sanphet: The grandest and most significant temple, which was once the Royal Chapel.

Wat Mahathat: Known for the iconic Buddha head entwined in tree roots.

Wat Chaiwatthanaram: A picturesque Khmer-style temple along the riverside. 

Many tours from Bangkok include a visit to these famous ruins but if you are self-driving, we do recommend you get here early to avoid the tour groups. 

The Culture

If you are still wondering is Ayutthaya worth visiting, then let me know about the culture. There are some interesting museums and festivals that happen here, so plan to spend more than just a day in the ancient capital.

Begin with visiting the Chao Sam Phraya National Museum and Ayutthaya Historical Study Center, to learn about the city’s rich history. 

The Ayutthaya World Heritage Fair is a beautiful time to visit, featuring a light show! Taking place during the second half of December, the event includes midnight temple visits, markets, ancient cannon demonstrations, and charity events. 

The Beauty

One of the best reasons to visit Ayutthaya is for the beautiful location it is in. San along three rivers, the city is surrounded by beautiful landscapes to appreciate. 

You can take a boat ride along the rivers nearby but we recommend, if you have the time, booking a night at one of the boutique hotels and taking in the beautiful scenery from your balcony each morning. 

You could also choose to take a bike tour of the historical park to appreciate the lush greenery and fresh air here. 

The Night Market

Thailand is full of great markets and of course, there are plenty of fantastic Bangkok night markets to enjoy. However, Ayutthaya offers a great night market too!

Enjoy the lively atmosphere as you sample some traditional Thai dishes like grilled seafood, pad Thai, boat noodles and my favorite; MANGO STICKY RICE!

You can also browse handmade crafts and traditional Thai clothing whilst appreciating the music and cultural shows. 

The location

Getting to Ayutthaya is an easy trip to plan, which is another reason it is worth visiting. You can catch a train from Bangkok, with trains from Don Mueang taking around 45 minutes and costing just $2. 

It is possible to take a taxi or private transfer to the city but expect to pay between $25 – $70 depending on the driver; you can try to book ahead of time with Grab to save money. 

Minivan tours are available from various locations in the city, including Khao San Road and Ekkamai Bus Station, whilst some tours even include pick ups from your accommodation.