Passports and Photographs contains affiliate links. When you click on an affilitate link and make a purchase, I will earn a small commission. There is no additional cost to you. See my Privacy Policy for more information.

Ayutthaya was once the capital of the Kingdom of Siam, now Thailand, and is a must-visit destination for anyone visiting. There is a treasure trove of ancient temples in Ayutthaya, many of them crumbling in ruins, that are all part of the story of Thailand’s past.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a photography lover, or just like exploring other cultures, visiting Ayutthaya covers every single one of those reasons. With over 400 temples in Ayutthaya, both old and new, you could spend a year exploring them. But, lucky for you I’ve narrowed the list down to 9 AMAZING temples in Ayutthaya you have to visit.

About Ayutthaya

Founded in 1350, Ayutthaya was the capital of the Kingdom of Siam for over 400 years. The city is strategically located at the confluence of three rivers which helped it flourish as a major center of trade attracting merchants from Europe, China, India, and the Middle East.

While the official founding is in 1350 by King Ramathibodi I, there is some evidence that Ayutthaya may have already been occupied as early as 850 AD by the Khmers, an ethnic group in what is now Cambodia responsible for Angkor Wat.

Ayutthaya grew into one of the wealthiest and most powerful cities in Southeast Asia. At one time it’s population reached nearly 1,000,000 people and it was one of the world’s largest cities.

In 1767, the city of Ayutthaya was invaded and destroyed by the Burmese army leading to its downfall. Palaces and temples of Ayutthaya were looted and burned leading to it’s abondonment. The Thai monarchy moved the capital to Thonburi and then to Bangkok in 1782.

Today, the ruins of Ayutthaya are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Six of the best temples in Ayutthaya lie within the Ayutthaya Historical Park making it easy to get from one to another. Visiting the Ayutthaya temples is a great way to learn about Thailand’s history and the once thriving kingdom.

Visiting the Temples in Ayutthaya

The city of Ayutthaya is only about 80km from Bangkok making it easy to reach. It’s possible to visit Ayutthaya as a day trip either on your own or with a tour. Personally, I suggest staying in Ayutthaya for 1-2 nights so you can see more of the city beyond the Ayutthaya Temples.

If you choose to visit Ayutthaya on your own, a good place to start is the Ayutthaya Tourist Centre. There are exhibitions showing how the ancient city once thrived and while you’re there you can pick up a free map of the city.

HOURSLOCATIONCOST
9-5 EverydayPratu Chai Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000100 Baht

How to Visit the Ayutthaya Temples

When you’re visiting these 9 temples in Ayutthaya, I suggest starting with the 6 that are located within the Ayutthaya Historical Park. These will be the easiest ones to reach and getting from one to another within the park will be quick. The Ayutthaya Historical Park is located in the center of the map below.

A Google map of 9 temples in Ayutthaya Thailand

There are a few different ways to get around from temple to temple and thankfully they are all inexpensive. Obviously if you’re visiting Ayutthaya on a tour, they will take care of all the transportation. If you’re visiting on your own you can rent a scooter or hire a tuk-tuk for the day.

Scooter rentals run around $10 for the day and includes a helmet. You won’t need to worry about shifting gears or anything. Just turn it on and go. We rented a scooter from a shop right across from the train station. This is especially convenient if you’re arriving by train. Just walk across the street and get your scooter.

If you don’t feel comfortable driving a scooter you can hire a tuk-tuk driver to take you around Ayutthaya. Hiring a driver will cost about $5 an hour but you can (and should) negotiate the price with the driver. If you want to hire one for half the day or full day you should be able to get a price lower than the $5 an hour.

What’s nice about hiring a driver is you don’t have to worry about knowing the directions. Have your list of places ready so you can tell the driver exactly where to go next. They should know exactly where they are all located.

Ayutthaya Temples Entrance Fees

Entrance to the temples in Ayutthaya are not expensive at all. Most are either 20 baht or 50 baht, which is either 60 cents or $1.50. Some of the temples are free.

You can also purchase an entrance ticket at the Ayutthaya Historical Center that will get you into 6 temples for 220 baht (about $6.50) saving you 80 baht or about $2. Just make sure that you check the temples it’s good for and that you want to visit those particular temples before buying.

Best Temples in Ayutthaya

The order of temples below is listed in a way to get you from one place to the next without having to do too much backtracking. That way you don’t waste any time at all getting around.

Plan to start your day early before the crowds and the heat get to be too much.

1. Wat Phra Mahathat

One of Ayutthaya’s most iconic and popular temples is the one with the Buddha head in the Banyon tree roots. There’s no definitive explanation of how the Buddha head ended up there, but it’s believed that it got left behind when the Burmese attacked and looted the city. The tree roots just grew around it over time.

The Buddha head entwinted in tree roots at the Wat Phra Mahathat temple in Ayutthaya

In 1374, King Borommarachathirat I built a temple near the palace and his successor and nephew Ramesuan expanded ths site in 1384. The Central Prang at Wat Phra Mahathat was once one of the tallest structures in Ayutthaya but is now partially collapsed.

HOURSADDRESSCOST
8-5 EverydayNaresuan Rd, Tha Wasukri, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya50 Baht – $1.50

2. Wat Ratchaburana

One of Ayutthaya’s most well-preserved and historically significant temples was built in the early 15th century by King Borommarachathirat II. It was built as a memorial to his two older brothers who died fighting for control of the throne.

Wat Ratchaburana once housed significant artifacts and Buddhist relics which are now on display at the Chao Sam Phraya National Museum in Ayutthaya. Like most of the ancient temples in Ayutthaya, Wat Ratchaburana was heavily damaged in 1767 when the Burmese invaded.

HOURSADDRESSCOST
8-6:30 EverydayTambon Tha Wa Su Kri, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya50 Baht – $1.50

3. Wat Phra Ram

Located in the Ayutthaya Historical Park, Wat Phra Ram was built in 1369 by King Ramesuan on the cremation site of his father, King Ramathibodi I, the founder of Ayutthaya.

There is a towering Khmer-style prang surrounded by mythological figures and small chedis. It’s been renovated and expanded by subsequent rulers in the 15th and 18th centuries but was damaged by the Burmese invasion in 1767. The prang is well-preserved and you can even go inside of it.

HOURSADDRESSCOST
8:30-5 EverydayPhra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Ayutthaya, Thailand50 Baht – $1.50

4. Wat Phra Si Sanphet

One of the most important and holiest temples in the Ayutthaya Kingdom was Wat Phra Si Sanphet. Built on the Royal Palace grounds and destroyed by Burma in 1767, it was at one time one of the most beautiful temples in Ayutthaya.

In 1350 King Ramathibodi I (aka U-thong) ordered the construction of a royal palace and it was where he established Ayutthaya as the capital. In 1448 King Borommatrailokkanat built a new palace to the north and the grounds of the old palace became a holy site.

The temple was destroyed by Burma in 1767 but the three impressive Chedis at Wat Phra Si Sanphet have been restored.

The three chedis that have been restored at the Wat Phra Si Sanphet temple in Ayutthaya with blue skies and small clouds and green grass
HOURSADDRESSCOST
8-4:30 EverydayPratu Chai Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya20 Baht – .60 cents

5. Wat Lokaya Sutha

Wat Lokaya Sutha, also known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, is believed to have been built sometime in the 14th century. The Reclining Buddha is 42m long and one of the largest reclining Buddha’s in Thailand.

The Reclining Buddha at the Wat Lokaya Sutha Temple is 42 meters long in Ayutthaya Thailand

The Buddha’s right arm supports his head, symbolizing serenity and entering Nirvana. It’s a smaller temple but a must-visit site in Ayutthaya.

HOURSADDRESSCOST
9-6 Everyday199/29 U Thong Road Pratu Chai Phra Nakhon Si AyutthayaFree

6. Wat Chaiwatthanaram

Built in 1630 by King Prasart Thong as a tribute to his late mother, Wat Chaiwatthanaram is one of the most visited temples in Ayutthaya. It’s design was inspired by the Angkor Wat Temple in Cambodia with a central prang that is 35 meters high and smaller prangs surrounding it.

It once served as a royal temple for important ceremonies but was abandoned after the Burmese invasion in 1767. It has been partially restored and is one of Ayutthaya’s most photogenic temples.

On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday the temple is open at night from 6-10pm.

HOURSADDRESSCOST
8-5 EverydayMu 9 Ban Pom Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya50 Baht – $1.50

7. Wat Phutthaisawan

Located on the bank of Chao Phraya River, Wat Phutthaisawan was an important royal monastery when King U-thong, the first king of the Ayutthaya Kingdom, ruled. This is where he stayed before the official founding.

After a plague hit the area in 1353, it was abandoned and a new royal palace was set up at Wat Phra Sri Sanphet. It survived the Burmese attack in 1767 so it is in pretty good shape.

HOURSADDRESSCOST
8:30-4:30 EverydayU Thong Road Phra Nakhon Si AyutthayaFree

8. Wat Phanan Choeng Worawihan

One of Ayutthaya’s oldest and most sacred temples, it’s best known for its Giant Seated Buddha. Wat Phanan Choeng Worawihan was founded in 1324 before the establishment of Ayutthaya making it one of the oldest temples in the region.

The temple was built to honor a Chinese princess who was set to marry an Ayutthayan King but drowned in the river. The temple has both Thai and Chinese influenced architecture and is an important place of worship for both Thai and Chinese Buddhists.

HOURSADDRESSCOST
8-5 EverydayKamang Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 1300020 Baht – .60 cents

9. Wat Yai Chai Mongkon

This Buddhist temple and monastery was originally named Wat Pakaew and is one of the best preserved temples in Ayutthaya. It was constructed in 1357 by King U-Thong for Buddhist monks from Sri Lanka.

The name was changed to Yai Chai Mongkon which means “Great Monastery of Auspicious Victory” after King Naresuan’s victory over Burma in 1592.

There is a Giant Chedi that is 62 meters tall and surrounding the chedi are rows of seated Buddha Statues.

HOURSADDRESSCOST
8-6 EverydayKhlong Suan Phlu Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 1300020 Baht – .60 cents

Getting to Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya is about 80km from Bangkok and can be reached by train, bus, taxi, tour, or by renting a car and driving there. I’ve written about all the different ways to get to Ayutthaya. It’s not difficult at all and worth the trip to visit the amazing temples in Ayutthaya.

Where to stay in Ayutthaya

There are a range of hotels and hostels in Ayutthaya to fit any budget. You can find places to stay in Ayutthaya through Booking (my favorite site for booking hotels).

Tips For Visiting the Temples of Ayutthaya

Thailand is located in Southeast Asia and has a tropical climate. It gets HOT there! It’s really important to pay attention to how you’re feeling when you’re exploring the temples in Ayutthaya.

Tip 1: Bring Water

Bring LOTS of water with you. You’ll find water available for purchase everywhere, including at some of the entrances to the temples or even inside the temple grounds. I recommend drinking at least one bottle of water for every temple you visit. Trust me, you’ll want to do this.

You can easily get overheated or even have a heat stroke in Thailand. If you start to notice yourself no longer sweating or even getting chills, that is a sign of heat stroke and you need to immediately drink as much water as possible. Sit in the shade and rest up and drink water. I experienced this in Bangkok and it’s not fun. Luckily after 3 bottles of water and 30 minutes in the shade I felt back to normal.

Tip 2: Wear a Hat and Sunscreen

Wearing a hat and sunscreen will help keep you cooler and from getting sunburned. The combination of sun and heat is very strong in Thailand so you want to protect yourself. Do not underestimate it. You do not want to have to spend your time in Ayutthaya stuck in your room because of a bad sunburn.

Tip 3: Shoes

You’ll be doing a lot of walking and climbing up steep stairs so be sure to have good shoes with you. A lot of the walkways are uneven and you may find some of the stairs on the temples are shorter than what you’re used to so you’ll want to have good shoes.

Tip 4: Money

Carry some Thai Baht with you for the temples. Some are only about 60 cents to get in and you’ll need change for that. You’ll also need change for buying water so just be sure to keep some on you.

Tip 5: Clothing

Like many religious sites throughout Asia, such as in Vietnam and Cambodia, there is a dress code for entering temples. It’s very important to be respectful of the Thai Buddhist customs and follow the rules. You won’t be allowed entry if you don’t.

Women need to have their shoulders and knees covered. You can still wear shorts and tank tops because it will be very hot, even in the winter, but you need to bring something to cover up with when you go in the temples. You’ll find lightweight wraps for sale everywhere and can cover up before entering and then remove it when you leave.

Men also cannot wear sleeveless shirts or tank tops and while they can wear shorts, they need to be longer shorts that reach the knees. We found that for men they weren’t always as strict about the shorts length but don’t test it. Just wear longer shorts or lightweight pants when you visit.

When you enter a temple you’ll need to remove your hat and sunglasses as well as shoes. I didn’t find that we had to remove the shoes at places where the temples were older or on the paths of the outdoor temples. But, the temples that have buildings that you enter will make you take them off. So wear shoes that are easily removable such as slip-on shoes or sandals.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Ayutthaya Thailand?

When to visit Thailand really depends on what you prioritize. If you want to visit when the weather is at its best then visit from November to February. But, if you want to visit when things are cheaper, that would be during the HOT season from March to May. If you REALLY want to save money then visit during the rainy season from June to October.

How many days do I need in Ayutthaya?

I think 1-2 nights in Ayutthaya is best.

Do I need a tour guide to visit the Ayutthaya Temples?

No, you can easily visit the temples on your own. All you need is directions and a way of getting around Ayutthaya.

Final Thoughts

Visiting the temples of Ayutthaya feels like stepping back in time. Walking through the ancient ruins with massive Buddha statues and towering prangs and chedis really gives you a sense of how amazing this former capital once was.

You cannot miss the famous Buddha head wrapped in tree roots at Wat Mahathat or climbing the chedi at Wat Yai Chai Monghkhon for the awesome views. It’s such a cool and unique place making Ayutthaya worth a visit.

Similar Posts