Ayutthaya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991, was the capital of the Kingdom of Siam for over 400 years before being destroyed by the Burmese in 1767. Today the sprawling ruins of the Ayutthaya Historical Park draw visitors from around the world. The park covers the island city and surrounding areas, with dozens of temple ruins, palaces, and monasteries scattered across the landscape. You can easily spend a full day exploring the highlights, though even a half-day visit will give you a strong sense of the city’s former grandeur.
The single most iconic sight in Ayutthaya is the Buddha head entwined in the roots of a banyan tree at Wat Mahathat. This hauntingly beautiful image has become the symbol of the city. The rest of Wat Mahathat is equally impressive, with rows of headless Buddha statues and crumbling prangs (towers) that hint at the temple’s former magnificence. Nearby, Wat Ratchaburana features well-preserved prangs and underground crypts with original murals that are among the oldest surviving paintings in Thailand. Both temples are in the central zone of the historical park and can be visited together.
Wat Phra Si Sanphet is perhaps the most significant temple on the island. Located within the former Royal Palace grounds, its three towering chedis (stupas) are Ayutthaya’s most recognizable silhouette. This was the grandest temple of the Ayutthaya period and was never assigned to a monastic community, serving instead as a royal chapel similar to the role Wat Phra Kaew plays in Bangkok today. Right next to it, the Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit houses one of the largest bronze Buddha images in Thailand and is still an active place of worship.
Across the river to the southwest, Wat Chaiwatthanaram is widely considered the most photogenic temple in Ayutthaya. Its Khmer-style central prang surrounded by smaller towers was built in 1630 and is especially stunning at sunset when the warm light hits the dark stone. The temple underwent significant restoration and now charges a separate admission fee. It is slightly removed from the main cluster of ruins, so plan your transport accordingly.
Most of the major temples charge an individual entrance fee of 50 THB per site (roughly 1.50 USD). If you plan to visit several, the Ayutthaya Historical Park pass is excellent value at 220 THB, covering six key ruins including Wat Mahathat, Wat Ratchaburana, Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Wat Chaiwatthanaram, Wat Maheyong, and Wat Phra Ram. Beyond the temples, the Chao Sam Phraya National Museum and the Ayutthaya Historical Study Centre provide context about the kingdom’s history, trade networks, and daily life. The floating market and elephant camps are also promoted to tourists, though these are modern tourist attractions rather than historical sites.
