Are you wondering how many days you need to make the most of your trip? You’re in the right place! How many days in Ayutthaya is the ultimate itinerary guide for those of you planning a trip to the ancient city.
For hundreds of years, it was the capital of the Siam Kingdom before its downfall in the later part of the 18th century. It’s full of ancient ruins and temples to explore, archaeological artefacts, and a long history that is fascinating to learn about. In fact, there are over 400 sites scattered throughout the city!
Jack and I visited the city on a whim during our 6-week Thai adventure, not sure what to expect. We were left astonished at the historical site and really enjoyed the few days we had exploring the temples and imagining what they would have looked like. It’s unlikely you’ll be able to visit them all; however, using my guide on how many days in Ayutthaya, you’ll see all our favourites!
Discover how many days in Ayutthaya you need to Make Your Trip Epic!
In this post, I’ll answer your question about how many days in Ayutthaya you need to make the most of your trip. I’ll also cover topics including:
- A full itinerary including stops at the main attractions and a few lesser-known temples, which we loved!
- I’ll explain why we think Ayutthaya is worth visiting and why we loved it.
- I’m going to provide suggestions on where to stay and eat to give you some ideas during your trip.
- I’ll also provide essential travel tips and answer some common questions in regard to how many days in Ayutthaya you’ll need to have an epic holiday!
🌟 Guess what ->> As travel experts, our experiences have led us to be great at planning travel itineraries, so much so that I offer a bespoke travel itinerary service to all my readers. Interested? See what it’s all about here on my custom itinerary page.
How Many Days Do You Need In Ayutthaya?
If you want to truly immerse yourself in Ayutthaya’s beauty and charm, I would recommend staying for at least two full days, plus the morning of the third day. This will give you enough time to explore the city’s many historical temples and sites at a leisurely pace!
You’ll also have time to visit other attractions, such as the museum -Chao Sam Phraya National Museum – and a chance to try the delicious street food from the local night market!
⭐ Pro tip >> So, how many days do you need in Ayutthaya? 2 full days and a morning. Three nights at least, or four nights to maximise your early morning start.
Ayutthaya’s relaxed and laid-back atmosphere is perfect for simply taking a break away from Bangkok’s chaos and enjoying the ancient ruins. Trust me, you won’t regret spending a few nights in this amazing destination, it really is incredible!
Is Ayutthaya Worth Visiting?
Absolutely! If you’re a fan of history and temple ruins, then Ayutthaya is definitely worth visiting. It’s a city filled with impressive ancient ruins, temples and royal palaces that will transport you back in time. We were so impressed by Ayuthaya’s Temples that it’s a place we recommend to anyone interested in visiting Thailand.
It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage site!
Walking around the Historical Park and exploring the temples and trying to grasp what they would have originally looked like was truly a fun and educational experience. And, I really do feel that visiting Ayutthaya will give you a deeper appreciation of Thailand’s rich cultural heritage.
Additionally, Ayutthaya’s relaxed vibe, friendly locals, and delicious street food make it a great destination for any of you looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the big city.
❤️ Who will like Ayutthaya? Whether you’re a history buff or simply looking for a peaceful getaway, Ayutthaya is definitely worth spending a few days in. So, if you have the chance to visit Ayutthaya, say yes! You’re gonna love it too.
How Many Days In Ayutthaya: Day 1 Itinerary
Hopefully, you’ve taken my advice on board and you’re now planning two full days to explore Ayutthaya, here’s a suggested itinerary that will allow you to see the city’s most impressive temples and historical sites!
⭐ Pro tip >> Rent a bicycle on your first day to make exploring the Historic Park even more fun! You’ll be able to pick one up for as little as 50 THB.
✔️ Don’t Get Confused: The ancient city of Ayutthaya was built on an island with many temples on the island in an area known as the Historical Park. Outside the islands, there are also many popular temples and ruins to explore.
Morning
Activity: Ayutthaya Historical Park – On The Island.
Time: 4 hours
Cost: 220 THB (Temple Pass) / or 50THB per Temple.
Make sure you get an early start so you can fit in a visit to all the main temples on the island. They open at 8:00 am and are likely to close between 17:00 pm and 18:00 pm.
⭐ Pro tip >> I haven’t utilised the Temple Pass in this Itinerary as I think it flows better without doing so. However, it includes six temples: Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Wat Phra Mahathat, Wat Ratchaburana, Wat Phra Ram, Wat Chai Watthanaram & Wat Mayehong.
If you want to use the Temple Pass, I suggest visiting Wat Mayehong first thing and then making your way back to the island visiting the temples noted below in the morning itinerary and then heading to Wat Chai Watthanaram for sunset.
You will make a saving of around $2.50/£2.00 per person.
Ayutthaya temples included in your morning itinerary:
📍Wat Phra Si Sanphet. Famous for its three large chedis, this was one of our favourites and also one of the larger temples. It’s located within the grounds of the former royal palace.
📍Wat Phra Ram. Known for its impressive towering prangs and its peaceful atmosphere.
📍Wat Mahathat. If you’re looking for the famous Buddha head entwined in the roots of a tree, this is the temple you’re searching for!
📍Wat Ratchaburana. The final temple to explore for your morning in Ayutthaya is this 14th-century ruin known for its impressive chedi and stunning murals.
📍Lunch Time? We ate at the local restaurant opposite Wat Ratchaburana called: Jieb Tom Lueat Mu. Noticeable by the round concrete seating and white tiled tables. To be honest, we weren’t sure what we were ordering at the time…
It serves a one-meal-for-all, but you can add on extra bits. In the end, we were given a small broth and a plate of rice, pork, greens and a boiled egg. We added steamed dumplings too… It was delicious and affordable. Exactly what we were after!
Afternoon
Activity: Ayutthaya Active Temples and Reclining Buddha
Time: 3 hours
Cost: 20 THB – Wat Na Phra Meru
After lunch why not head back over to the Historical Park and wander around heading to the reclining Buddha, which is said to be one of the largest in Thailand! Afterwards, you can visit two active temples and appreciate the intricate detail and design.
Ayutthaya temples included in your afternoon itinerary:
📍 Wat Lokaya Sutharam. This is the reclining Buddha statue, you’ll notice it is covered in gold leaf which is a Thai tradition to honour Buddha’s teachings!
📍 Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit. Known for its large bronze (gilded) Buddha image, named Phra Mongkhon Bophit, which is close to 17 meters high.
📍 Wat Na Phra Meru. An active temple which escaped destruction by the Burmese during the ransacking of the city in the 18th century!
The final temple for the day is Wat Na Phra Meru which is off the island, but not too far away from where you’ll be. You’ll need to head north from Wat Lokaya Sutharam and walk for about 20 mins.
It closes at 5:00 pm so make sure you leave yourself enough time to reach it.
Evening
Activity: Ayutthaya Night Market: Bang Ian Rd
Time: 1.5 hours
Cost: 20 – 30 THB per dish.
End your first day with a relaxing stroll back through Ayutthaya Historical Park, where you can see the ruins of several temples illuminated at night.
You can also visit the Ayutthaya Night Market and pick up some grub. When we were there there wasn’t much seating so we ended up taking our spoils back to the hotel and ate there.
✔️ I loved the Pad Kra Pao! It’s usually made with minced chicken or pork that is stir-fried with basil and chillies. I mean, it’s hot, so beware!
How Many Days In Ayutthaya: Day 2 Itinerary
Day 2 and it’s another early start but this time we are going off the island to explore the temple ruins. Most surround the island on the banks of the Chao Phraya River.
⭐ Pro tip >> Today is a great day to jump in a tuk tuk to explore the temples outside the island. You can arrange one for the whole day or per trip, or on an hourly basis. Be sure to negotiate but we paid around 300 THB per hour… was that a good deal? I’m still not sure!
Morning
Activity: Ayutthat Temples & Ruins – Outside The Island.
Time: 4 hours
Cost: See Below
We head east off the island to visit the temples in that area. I would suggest visiting them in the order I’ve noted below so that you can maximise your morning time. Temples open at 8:00 am!
⭐ Pro tip >> Round the back of Wat Suwandararam there is a cemetery which was really interesting to walk around. The gate was open when we visited, hopefully, it will be for you too!
Ayutthaya temples included in your Morning itinerary:
📍Wat Suwandararam. Known for its striking, golden-roofed ubosot, it’s also an active monastery so be sure to cover your knees and shoulders.
📍 Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon. Rows of Buddhas line the well-maintained temple grounds, there is a reclining Buddha here too.
📍 Wat Maheyong. Known for its unique architecture and beautiful artwork. One of the main attractions is the stunning mural paintings that depict the story of Ramayana.
✔️ Wat Suwandararam is free to enter. You can leave a small donation.
✔️ Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon costs 20 THB (we loved this one!) and Wat Maheyong is 50 THB, however, the latter is included in the Temple Pass.
✔️ There are also a couple of other smaller temples, notably Wat Ayothaya and Wat Kudi Dao close by Wat Maheyong that you might be interested in checking out too.
📍 Lunch Time? Take a break from temple hopping and enjoy a delicious lunch at the Ayutthaya Floating Market. Sample some of the tasty Thai snacks and dishes while enjoying the scenic views of the Chao Phraya River!
Ayutthaya Floating Market is a fun place to head for lunch. You’ll find the traditional selection of meals cooked on boats served to customers sitting on the decks but there are also craft shops and a fair-like vibe.
Afternoon
Activity: Ayutthaya Temples – Outside The Island
Time: 3 hours
Cost: See Below
After lunch, we continue exploring the temples outside the island. There are only a few main attractions left which you should be able to cover this afternoon.
✅ Wat Chaiwatthanaram is one of the most beautiful and well-preserved temples in Ayutthaya. This temple is particularly impressive at sunset, so plan to stay here until the evening to watch the sunset over the ruins.
Ayutthaya temples included in your Afternoon itinerary:
📍Wat Phanan Choeng. It’s an esteemed temple that dates back to the 14th century. The temple houses a stunning, gold-plated Buddha statue that is over 19 meters tall.
📍Wat Phutthaisawan. It’s a charming temple featuring stunning rows of gold Buddhas, beautiful gardens and a lack of crowds!
📍Wat Chaiwatthanaram. Built in the Khmer style, this temple is located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River and offers stunning views.
✔️ Wat Phanan Choeng costs 20 THB to enter. Although we didn’t actually get to visit this temple it is said to be a nice one to stop by.
✔️ Wat Phutthaisawan was free to enter. We enjoyed visiting this temple and think it shouldn’t be missed; it’s a little more rustic than the others.
✔️ Wat Chaiwatthanaram costs 50 THB to enter although this is also included in the Temple Pass.
Evening
Activity: Ayutthaya Night Market / Restaurant Of Your Choice.
Time: 1.5 hours
Cost: n/a
We will usually choose a night market over a restaurant, especially when the food is as delicious as it is in Thailand. However, you might decide you want to try something different or end your last night in Ayutthaya in style.
There are a few good places, for one, you could head to Kaowlaor for a delicious Thai dinner by the river. It’s not too far from Wat Chaiwatthanaram so makes for a good choice after you’re done at the temple!
How Many Days In Ayutthaya: Day 3 Itinerary
There are a few places to visit this morning if you have the time however I would say pop into the Chao Sam Phraya National Museum. Afterwards, take a final stroll around the city and soak up the unique atmosphere of Ayutthaya before heading back to Bangkok or your next destination.
Morning
Activity: Chao Sam Phraya National Museum
Time: 1.5 hours
Cost: 150 THB
The museum is open from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm from Wednesday to Sunday. It’s closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, as well as on national holidays.
It’s a small museum which shouldn’t take too long to walk around. There are couple of other buildings included in the complex as well but we weren’t overly impressed by them.
The main museum was interesting and had many artefacts salvaged from the temples and surrounding archaeological digs. There are numerous Buddha images, ancient coinage, jewellery and art forms to enjoy.
If you still have time, take a short trip to Bang Pa-In Palace, a beautiful summer palace located about 20 km south of Ayutthaya. Although we didn’t visit we’ve heard the palace’s impressive gardens, elegant buildings, and ornate temples make for an enjoyable attraction.
Otherwise, head back to the historical park and spend some more time exploring the temples and ruins that you may have missed on the previous days.
How many days in the Ayutthaya itinerary finished! Whoo.
Exploring Ayutthaya’s Temples
Exploring Ayutthaya’s temples is an absolute must-do activity for anyone visiting the city. The ancient temples are rich in history and culture, and each one has a unique story to tell. Walking around the sites is simply an awe-inspiring spectacle that will leave you in marvel.
👉 Related Post: From the grandeur of Wat Phra Si Sanphet to the stunning murals of Wat Phra Mahathat, there’s no shortage of fascinating sights to discover in Ayutthaya’s temple ruins. Discover the top 13 Ayutthaya temples and guide here!
✔️ Best Sunrise Temple: Head to the Historical Park early and you’ll catch the sunrise over Wat Phra Si Sanphet. I’ve read that there is a hidden entrance on the northern side of the wall that is likely to be open as the temple doesn’t technically open until 8:00 am. You might be able to sneak inside for your perfect shot!
✔️ Best Sunset Temple: The most stunning and famous temple to head to for sunset is Wat Chaiwatthanaram. Be sure not to miss the sun as it goes down over these spectacular and well-maintained ruins.
Where To Stay In Ayutthaya
Discover the best areas to stay and where we think are the best hotels during your visit to Ayutthaya are. I’ve given three choices depending on your budget, the first one is where stayed and we absolutely loved it!
You’ll also be happy to know that because Thailand is generally considered a cheap country to visit, you’ll be able to find really great affordable accommodation!
Budget Suggestion: Zleepinezz Hoste
Zleepinezz Hostel is a great budget hostel located in the heart of Ayutthaya. It’s where we stayed! All of the rooms have air conditioning and WiFi included. The breakfast was one of the best we had in Thailand, a mix of Thai and continental.
Mid-Range Suggestion: Tamarind Guesthouse
Tamarind Guesthouse looks like a great mid-budget choice. It’s in a fantastic location and appears to be like a treehouse! Guests are saying the rooms are spacious and clean, with daily room service. There is also a small tea and coffee station with tea, coffee, bananas and cookies free to take for everyone and one can use the fridge!
Luxury Suggestion: Baan Pomphet
Baan Pomphet seems stunning with a fresh art Deco twist! It’s on the river and guests are saying the rooms were clean, pretty, and cosy with great use of space. The breakfast is included in the price for two people and is said to the amazing. Service and customer care are also said to be very good and beyond expected!
Where To Eat In Ayutthaya
Like true backpackers we generally ate at the local restaurants and admittedly, we took full advantage of the night market during dinner time!
If you’re looking for delicious food in Ayutthaya, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are a few recommendations of places we enjoyed the most and a couple of others that have had great reviews.
Ayutthaya Night Market
For a truly authentic Ayutthaya dining experience, head to the night market, which is located near the city centre. Here you’ll find dozens of food stalls selling everything from grilled meat skewers and crispy fried chicken to fresh fruit smoothies and sweet Thai desserts.
⭐ Pro tip >> Some of the must-try dishes at the Ayutthaya Night Market include som tam (spicy papaya salad), moo ping (grilled pork skewers), and kanom krok (coconut milk pancakes).
Kaowlaor
This popular restaurant serves up authentic Thai cuisine in a beautiful restaurant, well-decorated with good taste. The garden by the river provided impressive views while the menu features many seafood dishes bursting with flavour. Yum, yum, yum.
Pranf View Ayutthaya
This is a nice family-owned cafe right opposite the Historic Park so you can take photos from your seat if you wish! It’s a great location to grab refreshments with artistically designed food and drink. It’s a fresh, clean and trendy place in Ayutthaya!
Roti Road Ayutthaya
This cosy eatery is famous for its freshly-made roti, a popular Thai dessert made from fried dough and served with sweet toppings like condensed milk and bananas. In addition to roti, they serve a range of delicious Thai dishes, including curries, stir-fries, and soups. Did I mention it won the Bib Gourmand from Michelin Guide, Thailand?
Resources For Thailand
Is it your first time visiting Thailand? We’ve written lots of useful posts to help you plan your trip. You can check them all out on our Thailand Page here, but below are some of our most popular articles:
- Here’s why Thailand is a superb place to visit and why it is also super affordable!
- Other historical sites such as Chiang Mai, Kanchanaburi and the infamous Hell Fire Pass might also be of interest.
- We also enjoyed strolling around Phuket Town for a few days.
- Erawan Waterfalls are perfect for a hit of nature.
- Another place we absolutely loved in Thailand was staying on the floating bungalows at Khao Sok National Park.
- If you’re heading south, be sure to go island hopping and visit the small island of Koh Mook.
- For the best excursions, check out Phuket for ATV rides and snorkelling adventures and head north for some mountain trekking!
How To Get To Ayutthaya
We were working our way south from Chang Mai and made a stop in Ayutthaya on our way to Bangkok via the sleeper train. There are many ways of getting to Ayutthaya from all over the country including trains, buses, guided tours and private tours from Bangkok or self-driving.
Bangkok
👉 If you’re starting from Bangkok, the easiest way is to catch a train from the Hua Lamphong Railway Station. The journey takes around 1.5-2 hours and costs as little as 20 THB for a third-class seat or up to 345 THB for a first-class seat.
👉 It’s also possible to visit Ayutthaya on tour, however, these are generally day trips from Bangkok. I personally don’t think it gives you enough time to appreciate the city.
👉 Another way is to hire a private driver. You can easily arrange a driver to take you from Bangkok to Ayutthaya, you could even have one waiting for you at the airport if you’re heading straight there! Otherwise, they will pick you up from your hotel. Check prices for a private transfer here.
Chiang Mai
👉 If you’re coming from the north the best way is on the sleeper trains. They are great fun and a fantastic Thai experience that everyone should try at least once! We went 2nd class which was fine for us. You’ll get your own bunk, pillow and blanket and curtain for privacy.
Regardless of where you’re coming from, be sure to book your train tickets in advance if you’re travelling during the peak season to secure a seat and avoid any last-minute hassles. Once you arrive at Ayutthaya Station, you can easily take a tuk-tuk to take you to your hotel.
The Best Ways Of Getting Around
Navigating Ayutthaya is pretty easy, with several transport options available to get you around the city. Here are some of the best ways to get around Ayutthaya:
Tuk-tuk
The most popular option is to take a tuk-tuk or taxi, which is ideal if you prefer a more local and convenient mode of transportation. Tuk-tuks are readily available in Ayutthaya and are a fun and unique way to get around. Taxis are also an option and can be arranged through your hotel or by flagging one down on the street.
⭐ Pro tip >> You can usually arrange a tour with the tuk-tuk driver too! Be sure to negotiate a price before you get in and be completely in agreeance with which temples you will be visiting.
Scooter
Renting a scooter is a great option if you prefer to have more freedom to explore the city on your own. Rentals are affordable and widely available, and Ayutthaya’s relatively flat terrain makes it an easy place to navigate by scooter.
Bicycle
For a more eco-friendly and leisurely option, renting a bicycle is a great way to explore Ayutthaya’s temples and surrounding countryside. Many guesthouses and rental shops offer bicycles for as little as 50 baht per day.
🌟 My top pick >> If you don’t fancy going at it alone, you could easily jump on a guided tour. Check out Half-Day Ayutthaya City Cultural Bike Tour!
Walking
If you’re not short on time or prefer to explore at a slower pace, walking is a great option. Ayutthaya’s compact size and flat terrain make it an easy city to navigate on foot, and you’ll have plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the sights and sounds of the city along the way.
Guided Tour
Finally, some of you might prefer to take a guided tour, which is a great option for those who want to learn more about the history and cultural significance of each temple.
Guided tours typically include transportation between the temples and can be arranged through your hotel or a local tour operator, but they can also be booked online.
Check out these top-rated tours in Ayutthaya:
✅ Ayutthaya. UNESCO World Heritage, Private Tour.
✅ Ayutthaya. City and Historical Park Bike Tour
✅ Ayutthaya. 3-Hour Sunset Ride Bike Excursion
✅ Bangkok. Private Excursion to Floating Market and Ayutthaya World Heritage Site
✔️ No matter which mode of transport you choose, stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and take breaks as needed to avoid exhaustion in Ayutthaya’s hot and humid climate. Check out more Ayutthaya travel tips below!
Travel Tips For Ayutthaya Itinerary
Here are five essential travel tips for visiting Ayutthaya:
👉 Take A River Cruise
A relaxing river cruise is a great way to see Ayutthaya’s temples from a different perspective while enjoying the breeze and taking a break from walking.
👉 Wear Comfortable Shoes
With so many temples and ruins to explore, you’ll be doing a lot of walking. Comfortable shoes will make all the difference in keeping you energized and comfortable.
👉 Dress Appropriately
As Ayutthaya is a religious site, it’s important to dress respectfully. This means covering your shoulders and knees and avoiding tight or revealing clothing.
👉 Bring Sunscreen / Hat
The weather in Ayutthaya can be hot and sunny, so it’s essential to protect yourself from the sun’s rays with sunscreen and a hat.
👉 Try The Street Food
Ayutthaya is famous for its delicious street food, so be sure to try some of the local specialities like boat noodles, crispy pancakes, and mango sticky rice.
👉 International Bank: WISE
If you haven’t heard of Wise, you will love this. The WISE BANK ACCOUNT is an international bank which allows you to have accounts in different currencies all in one place – so no foreign exchange fees!
How Many Days In Ayutthaya FAQs
What Is Special About Ayutthaya?
Ayutthaya is a special destination that combines history, culture, and adventure. Its stunning ruins of temples and palaces provide an awe-inspiring experience, while also offering a glimpse into the past.
Why Is Ayutthaya A Tourist Attraction In Thailand?
Ayutthaya is an absolute must-visit when you’re in Thailand! It’s a historical city that used to be the capital of the Thai Kingdom and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With ancient temples and palaces to explore, delicious street food to try and only a short drive from Bangkok, Ayutthaya is a perfect destination for history buffs and adventure seekers alike.
Is One Day Enough For Ayutthaya?
While it’s definitely possible to visit Ayutthaya in one day, in my opinion, it’s not quite enough time to explore everything this ancient city has to offer. With so many historical temples and ruins to see, as well as delicious street food and local markets to explore, you really need at least a couple of days to fully appreciate Ayutthaya’s charm and beauty. However, if you’re short on time, a day trip is still a great way to experience this amazing destination.
How Can I See Ayutthaya In One Day?
There are two options for visiting Aytthaya in one day: Day tours from Bangkok which is a really popular option or hopping on a train to Ayutthaya and exploring yourselves.
If you choose to go alone, here’s a possible itinerary that will allow you to see the highlights of this ancient city in one day:
- Take a tuk-tuk tour or rent a bike to get around the park quickly and easily.
- Start your day early and visit the Ayutthaya Historical Park, which is home to many of the city’s most famous temples and palaces, these include:
- Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Wat Phra Ram, Wat Mahathat, Wat Ratchaburana, Wat Phra Si Sanphet.
- Have lunch at one of the local markets or street food stalls to try some of the delicious local cuisines.
- Visit Wat Chaiwatthanaram, which is one of Ayutthaya’s most impressive temples, and watch the sunset over the Chao Phraya River.
- Head back to Bangkok in the evening, feeling fulfilled and enriched by your experience in Ayutthaya.
Conclusion: How Many Days In Auytthaya
What can I say? Ayutthaya is a must-visit destination for those who love history, temple ruins, and a glimpse into ancient Thai culture.
From exploring the numerous temples and ruins to experiencing the delicious local cuisine and taking part in the vibrant night market scene, Ayutthaya has plenty to offer everyone and we loved it!
With the right travel tips and a well-planned itinerary, you can make the most of your time in this fascinating city and create unforgettable memories. And, although I strongly recommend you visit for a few days, ultimately how many days you spend in Ayutthaya is up to you!
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