Ancient Capital, Timeless Journey
Discover Ayutthaya: The Heart of Old Siam
Explore Thailand’s former capital, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with temple ruins, river views, local life, and unforgettable food.
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Jump straight to what matters most for your trip.
The Story of Ayutthaya
Why the ruins matter: a concise timeline of rise, global connections, fall, and renewal.
Read The Story of Ayutthaya
Temples & Sights
Interactive catalogue of temples, palaces & ruins, museums, and sacred sites.
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Suggested Itineraries
Half-Day to Two-Day routes for first‑timers, families, and photographers.
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Plan Your Visit
Transport, stays, things to do, food, and coffee spots in one place.
Plan Your Visit
Pictures of Ayutthaya
Curated photo & video gallery for inspiration.
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Why Visit Ayutthaya?
Ayutthaya is Thailand’s former capital (1351–1767) and was one of Southeast Asia’s great cosmopolitan cities. Its historic core, now the Ayutthaya Historical Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to the ruins of royal palaces and temples.
About 80 km north of Bangkok (around 1–1.5 hours by train, car, or boat), it’s easy to reach yet feels a world apart. Spend a day biking between temples, circling the island by river, and trying the street food Ayutthaya is famous for giant river prawns, boat noodles, and flossy roti sai mai.
In short: Ayutthaya blends Thai history, culture, and great food in one compact, rewarding trip, a day trip that offers an immersive window into Thailand’s historic and cultural past.
The Story of Ayutthaya
From its founding in 1351, Ayutthaya rose to become Siam’s capital and a cosmopolitan crossroads. Merchants and envoys from Persia, Portugal, Japan, and China crowded its wharves as gilded palaces and temples signaled royal power.
Centuries of expansion and diplomacy gave way to siege and devastation in 1767, when the city fell and the court moved south to the city that we now know as Bangkok.
Today, the ruins of temples, stupas, and palaces form the Ayutthaya Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Start with this story to understand the rise, golden age, fall, and renewal before you walk among the ruins.
Activities and Experiences
Tuk Tuk Tours
Ride quiet lanes among ruins with a local guide and see more in less time.
Boat Cruises
Circle the island on the river and view riverside temples as the light changes.
Day Tour From Bangkok
Join cooking, crafts, or cultural workshops to connect with local life.